F1/Round 21: Preview & Starting Grid For 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Race starts at 8:30 pm in Jeddah/1:30 am (Monday) in Malaysia

This weekend, for the 21
st
 round of the 2021 championship, Formula 1 goes to Saudi Arabia for the country’s first F1 event at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The circuit, newly created, is a street circuit situated 30 kms outside the historic city of Jeddah, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. It is the second venue to join the calendar this year, following Qatar a fortnight ago.

While this is the first time an F1 race is being held, Saudi Arabia is no stranger to international top-level motorsports and, in recent years, has hosted rounds of the Formula E series and the Dakar Rally. Saudi Arabia also joins three other countries in the Middle East – Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE – to host F1 rounds.

Second longest circuit

The streets have been specially prepared to meet FIA’s strict standards for a Formula 1 circuit, with 34 tonnes of new asphalt and 550,00 tonnes of cement used. At 6.175 kms, it is the second longest circuit in the 2021 calendar, just 800 metres longer than the circuit at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be the fifth track to run a F1 race at night. The total number of lights is estimated at over 600 to achieve lighting levels have to be 1,500 lux, and there is more than 20 kms of electric cabling.

There are 27 turns around the track with one (Turn 13) banked at 12 degrees. That’s three degrees steeper than Indianapolis’ banked corners and 7 degrees less than those at Zandvoort. This will add stress for the drivers who will experience a high
g
-load (around 4.9 lateral
g
) as they circulate for 50 laps.

As the track is totally new, the top speed that the cars will reach is not known but simulations put it as 322 km/h, with an  average speed as high as 252.8 km/h. On this basis, Jeddah has billed its circuit as the ‘fastest street circuit in the world’.

The waterfront location presents similar challenges to Abu Dhabi, blowing sand onto the track and experiencing wind shifts from daytime to the evening. Because of the long track length, energy management is very difficult, which puts more focus on the performance of the MGU-H and hybrid systems.

Hard work for tyres

The circuit has more corners than any other track on the calendar, which will keep the tyres working hard. As it’s never been used before, drivers can expect a slippery and ‘green’ track at the start of the weekend. “Jeddah is probably the biggest unknown we face all year, as with the track being completed very close to the race. As a result, we can only rely on simulations from F1 and the teams, along with other information we’ve collected, to come up with our nomination of tyres to supply,” said Mario Isola, Head of F1 and Car Racing at Pirelli. “This street circuit looks set to be quite different to anything else, and the high speeds with fast corners will obviously play a big part in the way that the tyres behave.

Blind corners, unforgiving track

Many parts of the circuit are quite narrow and unforgiving, with the walls close to the side of the track. “Blind corners are obviously an issue whenever someone is cooling down and you are on a push lap because of the huge speed difference so we all need to be super focused even when we are not pushing. The track leaves very little margin for mistakes and Charles Leclerc was unfortunate to crash,” said Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

“It is unforgiving; there is no room for any mistakes. The most challenging part is getting into the right rhythm with all the blind corners there are. But as soon as you do, it’s even more exciting to drive,” added Leclerc.

With the exceptionally high speeds, stopping power will be of great importance and the expert at Brembo have classified 2 braking sections as ‘very demanding’ on the brakes; 2 are of ‘medium difficulty’; and the other 3 are ‘light’. The hardest on the brake system is the last corner because the racing cars come to it after braking for the last time on turn 22 (they don’t have to brake in the other 4 corners). As they come onto Turn 27, the cars will be at around 317 km/h when the brakes will need to be used for 2.6 seconds. This is the time needed to slow down to 110 km/h. In the meantime, they cover a distance of 127 metres and the drivers experience 4.3
g
 of deceleration.

Can Verstappen be champion?

Following
Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Qatar
, Max Verstappen’s lead had been cut to just 8 points. The Red Bull Racing driver still has a chance to take the 2021 title and he must outscore Hamilton by 18 points. This requires the Mercedes-AMG driver to finish 6
th
 or lower. Clocking the fastest lap with its precious point – and holding it till the end – will also be an important factor. If he finishes second with the fastest lap and Hamilton is down in 10
th
 place at the end of the race, then the Dutchman can be confirmed as 2021 champion.

In the Constructors Championship, the gap is narrow – just 5 points – so the drivers of each team will be working hard to collect as many points as possible. Ferrari looks set to take third overall this year, with McLaren in fourth.

Guanyu Zhou – first Chinese driver in F1, to race with Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN team in 2022


Man Charged With Drinking And Driving After Striking Two Cops

Drinking and driving is a serious offence as you are putting your life as well as other road users life on the line. The limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. A 30-year-old man was charged for drinking and driving as he had gone way over the limit at 167mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but pleaded not guilty.

The accused, Jazvinjit Singh, on March 17, drove in front of the Police Air Wing Unit Training Base guard post off Jalan Angsana while intoxicated at 12:10am. According to the report, he had hit a guardrail nearby the base.

When two junior police officers were investigating the scene, Jazvinjit hit the both of them. He was charged under Section 45A (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 which carries a jail term of not more than two years, and a fine of between RM10,000 and RM30,000, and disqualification from holding a driving licence for not less than two years from the date of conviction, if found guilty.

The court set the bail to RM7,000 and set April 3 for mention.


Isuzu D-Max Base Variants Now Get High-Spec Features

The Isuzu
D-Max
 pickup truck line now includes reverse cameras as standard equipment, making driving and owning one safer and more convenient. With the addition of this function, parking will no longer be difficult, especially when hauling large loads, which the D-Max is more than capable of doing.

While the top-of-the-line X-Terrain and high-spec Premium variations have benefited from this function since their launch, the entry-level Standard 1.9-litre versions now have it in response to trader requests for the parking aid’s secure use in theirs.

As of right now, Isuzu is the only producer of double-cab pickup trucks in Malaysia to have reverse cameras as standard equipment in all of its variants. The 1.9-litre Standard model’s new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit is connected to the reverse camera, which is mounted close to the tailgate handle. The device also has Bluetooth connectivity, enabling music streaming when connected to modern smartphones.

The 1.9-litre Standard models will now have two built-in USB Type A and Type C connectors up front, giving passengers extra charging options.

The body-coloured door and tailgate handles, which were originally silver in colour, will serve as the outward differentiator for the new 1.9-litre Standard versions.

The improved Isuzu D-Max 1.9-liter Standard model has a slight price increase of RM1,500.00 over the outgoing iteration and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. In Peninsular Malaysia, prices begin at RM 105,599.20 on the road without insurance.


Chery launches new Tiggo 8 Pro SUV in South Africa with warranty for 1 million kms

Chery was the first carmaker to begin exporting passenger vehicles from China and not surprisingly, it has remained the country’s top passenger car exporter for 19 consecutive years. Its vehicles are now sold in more than 80 countries and regions, and it has also set up 10 factories outside China.

Like the early years of the Japanese brands venturing overseas, the quality and reliability of cars from China has also been raised by customers. There’s certainly no doubt that since the auto industry in China began accelerating its activities and development from the 1980s, the products have constantly improved with new technologies and more advanced manufacturing processes.

To show its confidence in the reliability of its latest products, Chery has launched the new Tiggo 8 Pro in South Africa with an engine warranty that is 10 years long or up to 1 million kms (whichever comes first). This warranty complements the vehicle warranty which is 5 years or a maximum of 150,000 kms and this warranty is transferable (if still valid when the vehicle is sold to another person).

The 1 million km engine warranty is impressive but not new as Hyundai has been offering a warranty of a million miles (1.6 million kms) in America for some time. Like Chery’s warranty, it is only for the powertrain but is for up to 20 years.

Long warranties are reassuring for owners and may seem to be a long-term risk for carmakers that offer them. However, it should be noted that such warranties usually apply only to the first owner and subsequent owners will not enjoy the same length coverage. In markets like the USA, ownership of a car is for a few years and then the owner gets a new one, so in reality, the risk to the carmaker is not much different from that of warranties of 5 years.

Anyway, it’s still a good way to convince customers who wonder about quality, which was one of the reasons why Hyundai offered it in America. Back in the 1980s, when the brand first entered the market, its products had poor quality and damaged the image. The Koreans worked hard to improve quality and when they were confident they could offer better products, they backed up their claims with longer warranties.

The engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol unit, one of Chery’s powerplants which has won awards in China for its high efficiency. The TGDI engine produces 197 ps/290 Nm.

The new Tiggo 8 Pro is a flagship of the range and South Africa is the first country on the continent to get it. It uses ‘Movement Design’, Chery’s next-generation design language which has a galaxy-inspired 3-dimensional grille flanked by automatic matrix-LED headlamps with dual daytime running lamps, establishing a strong visual signature. Satin chrome is used for the lower air intake (which doubles as a skidplate), foglamps, grille, window frames and lower doors.

Inside, all major controls have been digitised in 3 separate screens – a horizontal 12.3-inch instrument panel, an 8-inch climate control screen, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen ‘floating’ in the centre of the dashboard. The centre screen, which also displays the rearview image from a camera, operates the infotainment system which is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto ready.

The fully automatic climate control system has dual-zone circulation and, in consideration of increased concerns about air quality today, there is an N95-grade air purifying system as standard. For the Executive variant, rear occupants receive more cool air with an additional air-conditioning system for the rearmost seats. All variants offer wireless charging, intelligent voice control and eight surround speakers by Sony. Leather upholstery is standard, with the driver’s seat having 6-way power-adjustment.

According to Chery Malaysia, the Tiggo range will be offered in Malaysia soon. There are also plans to do local assembly with a partner that has not been revealed. Chery first appeared in Malaysia in the early 2000s with the QQ minicar and then assembled a few models at the former Oriental Assemblers plant in Johor (now owned by Berjaya).

When Chery first came to Malaysia in the early 2000s, it offered models such as the QQ minicar (blue and green cars) and the A160, as well as the first generation of the Tiggo. 20 years later, the carmaker has greatly advanced its design and engineering capabilities and now offers models like the new OMODA 5 (below) which will soon be available in Malaysia along with the new Tiggo.

Chery Automobile to enter US market using newly-created VANTAS brand name


UMW Toyota Motor Announces Special Service Campaign for Lexus NX, RX & Corolla Altis

UMW Toyota Motor
 Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of
Toyota
 and
Lexus
 vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a
Special Service Campaign
 (SSC) to inspect, and if required, replace the
airbag

sensor
 of certain units of the
Toyota Corolla Altis
,
Lexus NX
&
Lexus RX
 model.

This SSC was announced following the move by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to start a
global
 Special Service Campaign regarding an Airbag Sensor which was announced on 31
st
 January. Based on information received from TMC, the number affected are
2,800
 units of
Toyota Corolla Altis, and
around
500
 units of
Lexus NX
 and
Lexus RX
. These cars were manufactured from
June 2015 to January 2016
 and distributed by UMWT and Lexus Malaysia.

The defect relates to manufacturing issues as there are possibilities that the insulation of Integrated Circuit (IC) chips in affected Pressure sensors and G sensors could peel off over time, creating an open circuit in the IC chip.  If this were to occur, the airbag warning light will illuminate. Further, the side/curtain airbags and/or front airbags can become deactivated and will not deploy when required to. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash.

TMC is currently working on obtaining the necessary parts for the SSC and when the parts are available, UMWT will notify affected owners to request them to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota or Lexus authorized service centre to make the necessary replacements. The work should take about 30 minutes to 4 hours (depending on model) and while it can all costs involved for the replacement will be borne by UMWT.

Owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at
1800-8-TOYOTA
 (869682).  For Lexus owners, customers can contact Lexus authorised dealers nationwide or contact its Freephone;
1800 88 53987
 (1-800-88-LEXUS) or visit
lexus.com.my
.

Toyota owners can also visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage through this link:
toyota.com.my
 to check whether their vehicle is involved, through Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker.  Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.


New BMW i7 electric luxury flagship in final stages of testing, will launch later in 2022

It may seem like a fun job being a test-driver in a car company, driving prototypes of new models long before they are revealed to the world. While there may be some element of enjoyment at certain times, the work of a test-driver is largely planned and precisely run to verify performance as well as test many different parts and systems in a variety of conditions.

Every new vehicle must go through such demanding test programs and depending on the model, it might be in different parts of the world. The BMW i7, for example, is now entering its final phase of development work and is being tested in extreme road and weather conditions. It will be launched later this year, along with the new 7-Series.

During so-called hot-region testing on tracks and public roads all over the world, the development engineers primarily verify the performance and reliability of the electric motors, the all-wheel drive and the high-voltage battery when being exposed to maximum stress from high temperatures, unpaved roads, dust and large differences in altitude. They will travel over gravel tracks into deserts, into the mountains and on a whole series of highly dynamic routes, besides BMW’s own test courses.

The endurance test in the hot regions of various countries and continents serves in particular to test and safeguard all components of the electric drive system. The components of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the i7 demonstrate their unrestricted functionality – even under the most adverse conditions when being used continuously in extremely high outside temperatures, permanent sunlight and dry conditions.

Within a firmly defined test programme for the prototypes, loads are simulated that correspond to the challenges faced by a series-production vehicle during a complete product life-cycle. Supported by sensitive on-board measurement technology, experienced test engineers register every reaction of the electric motors, the high-voltage battery, drive control and the integrated cooling system as well as the charging technology and energy management to weather and road-related influences.

The testing programme, which covers tens of thousands of kilometres, includes long-distance and high-speed driving as well as stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures. In addition, test sections with particularly large differences in altitude were selected at the hot-region test sites. In this way the temperature behaviour of the electric motors and the torque control of the all-electric BMW xDrive can be analysed during a particularly dynamic and long-lasting uphill drive.

To further increase the load on the drive system, the test programme also includes mountain driving in trailer mode. At the same time, the high-voltage battery shows how it able to continuously deliver peak power to supply the e-motors. As an extreme scenario and a particular challenge for energy management and power electronics, the test also involves driving downhill with a high-voltage storage system that is already fully charged at the start and can therefore no longer absorb any recuperation energy.

The gruelling hot-region test procedure is also used to put the performance of the air-conditioning and other on-board electronics, as well as the temperature resistance of the materials used in the interior, to a particularly tough test. This is all to ensure that the world’s only purely electrically powered luxury sedan will delivers reliable performance in any situation, anywhere in the world.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range


BMW introduce new BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet

BMW has given us a glimpse of the new 2-Series Coupe and Cabriolet ahead of their official launch in July this year. The automaker has sold about 150,000 such cars of the same name plate around the world but the demand is highest in the US, UK and Germany.

The new 2 Series features subtle design changes on the outside but an all-new interior with different upholstery choices. Now, the bi-LED headlights are fitted to both models as standard, but can also be specified in adaptive full-LED ones as an option. The twin headlights has a hexagonal look giving rise to a more futuristic appearance, The kidney grille is larger, the outer air intakes are now also larger and the rear features new single-piece LED taillights as standard.

Step inside the cabin, and you are immediately greeted by a new instrument display that features a black-panel design. There’s now one new leather and two new cloth upholstery options to choose from, which complement the aluminium or fine wood trim strips and high-gloss black panels with chrome accents.

BMW says that the interior feels more spacious and less cluttered due to certain tweaks that they’ve made to the design and layout. It’s more prominent features are the contrast stitching as well as the high-gloss black surfacing for the centre stack and the chrome elements for the control panels in the doors.

Located at the top of the centre stack is the high-resolution 8.8 inch touchscreen infotainment system that has the latest iDrive operating system as standard, optional navigation system, support for Apple Carplay, voice control system and a touch controller interface.

For convenience there’s a charging tray that allows you to charge your compatible smartphone wirelessly and the in-car Wifi hotspot provides high speed mobile internet for up to 10 devices. You can also insert a SIM card to expand the vehicle’s connectivity services which include Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) with hazard preview, On-Street Parking Information and access to the vehicle via Remote Services. There’s even support for Microsoft Office 365, which will allow occupants to use a secure server for their emails, calendars, contact details and the car’s built-in Microsoft Exchange function.

The new 2 Series can be ordered with 16, 17 or 18-inch light-alloy wheels and the exterior body coloyr can be ordered in two new colours which are Mediterranean Blue, Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange. The M Performance vehicles, M240i and M240 xDrive get a bit extra kit than the standard cars.

BMW is offering the two series with a number of engine options that include three, four and six-cylinder powerplants with power outputs ranging from 136bhp to 340bhp. These engines can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. And like the other cars in the line-up, the Coupe and Cabriolet have safety tech that include Active Cruise Control, a Driving Assistant, Lane Departure Warning system and City Collision Mitigation.

The 2 Series will officially be shipped out to dealerships around the world later in the year but expect more information and pictures as the launch date draws nearer.


First units of new Mitsubishi XPANDER roll out from plant in Pekan, Pahang

Those who have booked a
Mitsubishi XPANDER
 can expect their new 7-seater crossover soon. The first units have been completed and will soon be leaving the plant at HICOM Automotive Manufacturers Sdn Bhd in Pekan, Pahang.  Malaysia is the third country to locally-assemble the XPANDER, following Indonesia and Vietnam.

The plant location would be familiar to Mitsubishi Motors as the Pajero (and earlier models of Mitsubishi pick-ups and vans) used to be assembled there in the 1990s. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has its own dedicated area for assembling the XPANDER at a rate of 6,000 units annually.

MMM invested in setting up an all-new Body Shop, Painting Jigs and Tester Line at the plant. The Paint Shop is said to be one of the most advanced in ASEAN. Complete immersion and coverage with protective primer paint is achieved during the Electro-Deposition (ED) process with the 360-degree rotation of the vehicle in the tank. Conventional ED processes usually just dip the body at one orientation.

Robots are used for consistent application of multiple coats of paint to ensure a high quality finish. To ensure that the XPANDERs assembled in Malaysia meet the high standards set by Mitsubishi Motors, there are auditors from the Japanese manufacturer who constantly carry out checks.

“We ensure all our customers that each unit of the XPANDER undergoes extensive quality control tests before it is shipped out. Every inch is checked by human-eyes and cutting-edge technology,” said the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.

Mr. Shinnishi said that the XPANDER is being assembled locally to achieve a more competitive and attractive price, with better specifications providing customers more convenience and comfort. “The XPANDER is a significant model for MMM and we are confident that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians,” he added.

Since its launch in Indonesia, some 270,000 units of the XPANDER (including the XPANDER Cross variant) have been sold across ASEAN. It will be in showrooms next month and come with a 1.5-litre MIVEC engine. Pricing has not been revealed but is expected to be under RM100,000. Visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
 to locate a showroom to view and test-drive the XPANDER and other Mitsubishi models.

Besides the XPANDER, MMM also assembles two SUV models in Malaysia – the Outlander and ASX – at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur. Its most popular model, the Triton, is imported from Thailand in CBU form.

More details of new Mitsubishi XPANDER revealed before launch next month


The Alpine A4810 Project by IED

Alpine, a brand within the Renault Group, has many talented designers who regularly come out with new models. The designers have a deep understanding of the DNA and traditional characteristics of the brand that was founded in 1955. Occasionally, Alpine also looks outside the company for new ideas and collaborating with IED (Istituto Europeo di Design), the well known design school in Italy, they have been presented with a supercar concept by 28 Masters students studying Transportation Design. The student-led project came up with a hydrogen-powered, 2-seater supercar, based on a brief from the Alpine design team.

High performance, low environmental impact

Alpine challenged the students to design a ‘super berlinette’ for 2035. The supercar was to be a high-performing vehicle both in terms of performance and environmental impact. After the brief was given last year, students worked individually to come up with their own interpretation and present it to the brand.

Alpine then selected a combination of the two main ideas. Based on the two selected proposals, the young designers created the ‘A4810 Project by IED’. During the design phase, the students sought to combine vision and innovation, without losing sight of the traditional roots of the Alpine brand.

Berlinetta of the future

The A4810 Project by IED explores the experimental combination of the shape of a berlinette with a hydrogen powertrain. While the engine and fuel tanks are built like those on a typical hypercar, the subtraction process is proof of strong innovation. The design alternates between empty and full spaces, giving the vehicle a lightweight look and aerodynamic features inspired by Formula 1 models.

The A4810, which provides a glimpse into the future supercars, embraces next-generation technologies while and is also environmentally friendly. It enables Alpine to broaden its horizons to new generations of designers and drivers, and raise awareness of the innovative project presented by talented students.

The French spirit has been skillfully preserved; while avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary formal elements, the young designers focussed on the overlapping layers and sculptural aspects of the car’s silhouette. The bi-tone colours, matte black, and carbonfibre highlights create a bold contrast with each part of the car, making them stand out according to their function – aerodynamic, mechanical, or merely formal.

Multinational team of students

The team of students from European countries as well as the USA, India, Taiwan, China, Mali and the Dominican Republic used digital tools for their design work. By incorporating hydrogen power supply, it means that they developed a full-fledged concept that is almost ready to take to the roads of a much more sustainable future – without atmosphere-damaging emissions.

Furthermore, they chose a name that conveyed the brand’s legacy. In fact, ‘4810’ is the height (in metres) of the Mont Blanc – the highest and most emblematic peak in the Alps that sits at the border between Italy and France, like a bridge connecting IED and Alpine. The brand, Alpine, is named after the very same mountains and evokes the joy of driving along their winding roads.

“Collaboration with IED and its students has been a great experience. It was a ‘filter’ for us to see the brand through the eyes of the younger generation, but it was also an opportunity to share our passion and know-how, and give them sound advice for a successful career in automotive design,” said Antony Villain, Alpine Design Director.


Ford makes drifting a Focus RS easier with electronic kit

Ford has developed a new technology that will enable Focus RS owners to have more fun with their hot hatches in a way that wasn’t possible before. It’s called the Drift Stick and is basically a rally-inspired electronic handbrake, developed and designed specifically for this car and was approved by rally and stunt driver Ken Bock.

The car already had a feature called Drift Mode, where the electronics would allow the Focus RS’ rear wheels to break traction to perform a controlled slide around a turn. Now, Drift Stick will make this maneuver far easier, which was the point of its inception.

Referred internally as Project Wicked Stick, its development was led by Ford Performance program manager John Wicks. This kit is basically an aluminium lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission.

Tugging on it, opens up the rear-drive unit’s clutches of the AWD system, and then hydraulic pressure is applied to lock the rear wheels to induce a drift. This results in clutch-free tails-sliding action, which is similar to maneuvers executed by rally drivers around sharp turns.

“The passionate engineers at Ford Performance are also enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “Everyone here is encouraged to think outside the box, so project ‘Wicked Stick’ was born.”

“Our engineers will leverage the learnings from its development for many future products for Ford Performance and, ultimately, take back even more of an innovative spirit when they rejoin our mainstream engineering teams,” he added.

Ken Block, who is known for his eccentric and creative stunts performed in his viral Gymkhana videos, contributed to the project and was responsible for the final sign-off. He is a seasoned veteran of using the hydraulic handbrake in rally cars, to execute the same maneuvers.

Incorporating the hydraulic handbrake into the current Focus RS wasn’t considered because substantial modifications would need to be done to the car. These changes couldn’t be easily reversed should an owner want the car returned to its original configuration.

Using electronic technology to accomplish the same goal, was considered a more sensible choice. The following are the benefits that this system offers:

Instantaneous engagement and release – just five to six pounds of pressure is required to operate the Ford Performance Drift Stick – significantly less than a hydraulic handbrake – for easy, precise use

Installation and removal is easy, as there is no welding, hole drilling or calipers as necessary in a hydraulic kit

It also connects to the onboard diagnostics port on the car, allowing it to function as a professional calibration tool

The Drift Stick is available as a kit for Focus RS owners in the US and Canada, which includes the Drift Stick lever, mounts and circuit board with professional calibration functionality. Owners won’t void the factory warranty by choosing to get this installed in their vehicles.


Polestar presents high-performance EV of the future – the Precept Concept

Polestar began as a racing team in 1996 and after showing what it could do to Volvos, the Swedish carmaker decided to commission the company to develop performance variants. The potential of such enhanced models led Volvo to acquire the company in 2015 and have a sub-brand which focussed on performance.

Two years later, Polestar’s mission changed as it was tasked to focus on electric cars. Volvo and its owner, the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, provided 640 million euros (about RM2.94 billion) to support the initial phase of product, brand and industrial development.

As a fully consolidated Volvo Cars subsidiary, it would become a stand-alone electrified performance car company. Since then, besides being an advanced technology affiliate for the Volvo Car Group, Polestar has also started to build cars at a
new factory in China
.

Vision of future direction

Obviously a very forward-looking company, Polestar is looking ahead and its vision of the brand’s future direction is revealed in the Precept concept. A precept is a manifesto of things to come, a declaration. Hence the name chosen emphasises the car’s role in setting out Polestar’s intent as the contemporary electric performance brand.

“Precept is a declaration, a vision of what Polestar stands for and what makes the brand relevant,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar. “The car is a response to the clear challenges our society and industry face. This is not a dream of a distant future; Polestar Precept previews future vehicles and shows how we will apply innovation to minimise our environmental impact.”

Minimalistic athleticism and restrained surfacing are evident in the aerodynamic sculpted form of the Precept with proportions that define its presence. A 3.1-metre wheelbase which accommodates a large battery pack gives the 4-door Grand Tourer a very low and sleek silhouette with an emphasis on legroom and headroom in the rear.

No grille needed

Not requiring a grille for cooling, the front end incorporates the Polestar SmartZone, representing a shift from ‘breathing’ to ‘seeing’. The area which once channelled air to radiators and the internal combustion engine now houses technology for safety sensors and driver assistance functions.

Purposefully gathered behind a transparent panel dedicated to intelligent hardware are two radar sensors and a high definition camera. The LiDAR pod, mounted atop the glass roof, is given optimal visibility as a next step towards increased driving assistance. The Thor’s Hammer LED headlight signature evolves with separated elements, taking on a dynamic, more robotic and brand-defining interpretation.

The Precept features an integrated front wing above the SmartZone which accelerates airflow over the long bonnet. This allows air to attach itself to the surface earlier, which improves aerodynamic efficiency and thus improves the car’s range.

At the rear, the wide light-blade spans the entire width of the car, extending into vertical aero-wings – another aerodynamic feature and a nod to lightweight design.

Conventional side mirrors are replaced by camera-based units, each of which extends outwards on an aerodynamic arm. Inside, the traditional rear-view mirror is replaced with a digital screen, the image collected by a wide-angle camera mounted at the rear of the car.

The absence of a conventional rear window means that the Precept’s single-volume glass roof extends behind the rear seats and the tailgate itself is designed with a larger opening and higher-mounted hinges improving access.

Best available technologies

Polestar continues to believe in collaborating with experts to accelerate development and provide customers with the best available technologies. The Precept’s interior is defined by sustainability and offered opportunity to work with new materials and processes. Similarly, the evolution of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) builds on current partnerships which maximise the integration of expertise.

Sustainable new interior materials balance modern high-tech luxury with reduced environmental impact. For instance, flax-based composites for interior panels and seatbacks offer significant improvements over conventional materials, including up to 50% saving in weight and up to 80% reduction of plastic waste.

The seat surfaces are 3D-knitted from recycled PET bottles, while the bolsters and headrests are made from recycled cork vinyl and the carpets from reclaimed fishing nets. These elements, combined with digital artistry, define a new premium luxury that surpasses the conventions of leather, wood and chrome.

Android-powered connectivity

The next generation HMI, powered by Android, builds on Polestar’s close collaboration with Google. An enlarged, portrait-oriented 15-inch centre touch screen complements a 12.5-inch driver display, and the two are linked by an illuminated blade that encompasses the entire interior. In this execution, the unique Polestar emblem floats holographically inside a solid piece of Swedish crystal between the rear seat headrests.

Supporting the advancement of a personalised and dynamic digital interface, the instrument panel also hosts an array of smart sensors. Eye tracking will allow the car to monitor the driver’s gaze and adjust the content of the various screens accordingly. Proximity sensors also enhance the usability of the centre display when driving.

Polestar 1 production underway in Chengdu, China


Automaker previews new ownership and sharing services

LYNK & Co a newly formed car company has previewed two new models at the ongoing Shanghai Motorshow. Unlike most automakers, this company will offer its cars with a lifetime warranty and free data traffic for connectivity.

Speaking of the offer, Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of LYNK & CO, said: “Now with two cars in the LYNK & CO family, just five months in to our company’s life, the promises we made of having a range of vehicles ready, high quality, unrivaled technology and connectivity as standard, and a unique brand identity, are being proven. On top of this we now add a lifetime warranty on every car, and free data traffic for connectivity, to further underline our determination to challenge the traditional business model of the car industry.”

The company is looking to streamline the task of shopping and purchasing a car. it will offer online sales and home delivery services and a subscription model as well. They are planning to make it as simple as picking what you like from a smartphone app. Taking this approach a step further, LYNK & Co will also feature a a car sharing function where owners will be able to rent out their vehicles.

The automaker will have transparent fixed pricing to make purchasing and renting a whole lot easier. The exact details on how this will actually work is rather scarce at the moment, but should make for an interesting take on the ride sharing services concept.

This service is slated for launch in China this year and with it, the company hopes to bring a unique connected mobility experience with the option to share your car, all in a simple yet complete user experience. On April 19th, at the motorshow, the company will showcase a production ready version of the 01 car and a concept version of its 03 model as well. The exact details will be revealed by Peter Horbury, Excecutive Vice President Design at Geely Auto Group, which leads us to believe that LYNK & Co may actually have Chinese backing with their new business approach.


REVIEWED: VW Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line [+Videos]

The cursor blinks
. It awaits manual input because for now at least, thoughts can’t be translated automatically into words. I have a feeling however, it will be thus soon. Anyway, even if it could right now, I doubt anything I’m thinking about the
VW Golf 1.4 TSi R-Line
 would be considered coherent at the moment, and the funny thing is, this was one of the
easiest
 cars from VW that I’ve encountered in recent memory. Allow me to explain…

If you were to trace the lineage of the Golf, back to when it all started in the mid-70’s, it was never intended as a performance car, at all. Iterations of the Golf like the GTi and R were of course the ‘hot’ models in the stable, but in my opinion the regular Golf – like this 1.4 TSi for example – were very much the second ‘people’s car’ from VW, after the
Beetle
, and thus anyone expecting
GTi
 or
R
 type performance from this car, just because it’s a
Golf
, are in for surprise. And to me, it was a pleasant one…

Fast-forward more than four decades later and the vanilla-Golf is indeed still staying true to its manifesto, and while the
150Ps
 may not sound like much, it’s the
250Nm
 of torque that deserves some mention. It comes in at a low 1,500rpm to 3,500rpm, making it quite excellent for smooth and rapid acceleration as well as roll-on acceleration between 80 – 120kmh, commonly known as the ‘danger zone’ seeing as how that’s the area of speed for overtaking. Here’s how it works…

Again though, this is nowhere near the kind of acceleration and power you’d get from its aforementioned performance siblings, instead it’s smoother and a lot more linear as opposed to
fireballs-out-the-flanks
 frantic. It imparts a more civilized way of driving, and it’s something that’s a lot easier to get used to. Believe me on this, after owning a Golf 1.4 TSi for 30 minutes, you’ll feel it’s been part of your life for years. It’s just that accommodating.
Or is it?

Perhaps VW knew this full well, that maybe 90% of those buying this car would use it as a family car, daily-driver and occasional out-of-towner, because they seem to have dialed-in a lot of NVH suppression in this car – in addition to 7-airbags and a host of active and passive safety systems – so apart from superb build-quality, the ride is also amazingly quiet on the inside, and it’s only when you mash the accelerator pedal to the carpet that you can just about hear the intake roar emanating from the engine bay. It’s quite an addictive sound I tell you, and it should please that remaining 10%.

Almost didn’t see that “Mode” button till it was too late! It’s perfectly hidden from the driver’s view when the shifter is in ‘D’

I guess VW also realized that, well, for the aforementioned 10%, a Golf should also be
fun
, so they equipped this 1.4 TSi with a couple of naughty bits, in the form of
‘drive modes’
. Yes, at the touch of a button (suspiciously located hidden from view behind the gear-lever next to the auto engine start/stop override button) ‘Sport’ mode ups the revs, delays the 7-speed DSG shifts and milks that 1.4 TSi engine to an inch of its life. It’s a profound transformation, and while (again) nowhere near its siblings, it still allows this car to be quite a bit of fun, for that occasional solo Sunday drive with the lads.

Born in 1974, and 44 years on, the effervescent Golf is still as fun has it’s always been and always should be. The perfect daily-commuter that won’t burn a hole in your bank account (annual road tax is just RM70!), shod with a wonderful TSi engine that’s both frugal and efficient, yet tractable and energetic, there’s a lot to like about this car, and if you’d like to see the full spec list, click this:
VW Golf 1.4 TSi R-Line

Oh yeah, before I forget, here’s that cool
digital-analogue
 instrument cluster I was talking about in the video. It’s quite brilliant actually. And do note, I’d done almost 200km and still had a range of another 390km to go before filling-up. What a car,
what a car.
 I just thought that and it appeared on my screen all by itself.
Honest
. –
Chris Wee.

VW Golf 1.4 TSi R-Line Photo Gallery…


Mitsubishi Motors to revive Ralliart

Mitsubishi fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as news of the return of the Ralliart performance brand of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be making a return. This is based on a single slide shown with the presentation of the FY2020 Financial Results that MMC made public. No details are shown at all other than one image of a Triton kicking up dust and the other showing the Ralliart logo and wording which says ‘Ralliart Parts’.

So we don’t know what exactly MMC has in mind with this revival and how Ralliart will be used. Other carmakers have invested more in performance sub-brands in recent times – eg Toyota with GR, Hyundai with Hyundai N and of course, Mercedes with Mercedes-AMG and BMW with BMW M. These brands have been used for high-performance products with the division upgrading performance of some models as well as providing accessories.

MMC may well be thinking of the same thing, especially since Ralliart is still a strong brand and although its activities were scaled down considerably 11 years ago, there were some licensees outside Japan that continued to sell Ralliart items.

Andrew Cowan, the rally driver who started the company that developed Mitsubishi rallycars from the 1980s before it was acquired by MMC in 2002.

The story of Ralliart did not actually start in MMC but in Europe. In the 1970s, Andrew Cowan, who drove Mitsubishi cars in many rallies (as well as cars of other brands) worked closely with the factory. The close relationship and his successes saw the establishment of the predecessor of the Ralliart organization in 1983. It was then known as Andrew Cowan Motor Sports (ACMS) and it provided services for MMC’s motorsports activities, especially in the World Rally Championship as well as the Dakar Rally.

Cowan (who passed away in 2019) also drove although as time went on, he spent more time managing the organization and providing his experience in vehicle preparation. It’s not clear when the Ralliart name started to appear although it was on Mitsubishi vehicles that participated in the early years of the Paris-Dakar Rally.

During the era of the Group B super rallycars, ACMS was responsible for developing a prototype Starion with 4-wheel drive (it entered a round of the Rally of Malaysia) and later on, operating under the name of ‘Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe’, it was responsible for the World Rally Championship (WRC) cars of drivers like Tommi Makinen.

By the 1990s, the Ralliart name was strongly associated with Mitsubishi Motors and appeared on rallycars in international events. MMC made the decision in 2002 to acquire ACMS and make it a subsidiary of the company to be directly involved in motorsports and related businesses.

Unfortunately, MMC went through difficult times in later years and had to reorganize itself, which led to the Ralliart division having to cease its operations. Though it did not promote the brand anymore, the Ralliart name continued to be seen as it had always been associated with a performance image.

Ralliart items have always been popular with motorsports fans. Pictured is the Ralliart merchandise area at the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia booth in the 2006 KL International Motorshow.

Although MMC ceased having its Ralliart division 11 years ago, the name has continued to be used by Mitsubishi distributors even as recently as 2019 when the new Triton was launched in Malaysia.

The revival of Ralliart may provide MMC with an opportunity to retain a sporty side although it has plans to get more seriously into electrification. It could provide expertise for performance variants (although the Mitsubishi range is rather thin now), even with electric vehicles. In fact, the company entered specialized electric vehicles in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and was placed among the top finishers in class.

Will the Triton get Ralliart treatment when the business starts up again?

Visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
 to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and services in Malaysia, and the locations of authorised dealerships.


Bacalar Car Zero in final phases of testing by Bentley Mulliner

The first member of the Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt portfolio –
 the Bacalar
 – is now undergoing final test, development and durability work ahead of the start of build next year of 12 pre-sold customer cars. The on-car validation programmes have been condensed into an extremely busy schedule covering 20 weeks, which started this month.

So far, the car – designated Bacalar Car Zero – has completed wind tunnel-based aerodynamic assessment, high speed stability and top speed testing, handling and dynamics evaluations, appraisal of noise and vibration, and careful thermal measurements. It now enters a period of ongoing customer-focused mileage accumulation and durability work, before a phase of climate cycle testing up to 80°C and an intensive electrical system validation.

The purpose-built engineering prototype and the first barchetta-style Bentley of the modern era is already accumulating mileage and passing crucial quality tests at a variety of locations around Europe.

All of this work is vital to sign-off the new and bespoke nature of the Bacalar. It incorporates a total of more than 750 new components, all of which have to pass Bentley’s exceptionally stringent quality, functionality and durability standards. More than 40 of those parts are crafted in carbonfibre, while a complement of nearly 100 are produced using rapid additive manufacture techniques.

“Very much like Blower Car Zero that we unveiled earlier, Bacalar Car Zero is the crucial prototype that we’re using to sign-off the design, engineering and craftsmanship of this ground-breaking part of Bentley Mulliner’s future. The Bacalar is a thoroughly modern iteration of the coachbuilt Bentleys of the past – extremely rare, entirely handcrafted, totally bespoke to each customer and exquisite in its details. The whole team behind the car is thrilled to see the prototype shrugging off every test we throw at it, and we’re really looking forward to starting the build of the 12 customer cars,” said Bentley’s Director of Mulliner, Paul Williams.

Each of the 12 cars (already sold) will be uniquely personalised to the requirements of the customer.

Just 12 examples of this striking, limited edition model are being created, guaranteeing rarity and  exclusivity. The Bacalar looks to the future of bespoke luxury motoring as each model will be handcrafted according to the individual customer’s personal tastes.

This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.

Bentley Mulliner will personalise a car in any way specified by the customer… even with this rainbow finish.

The Bacalar brought to life by Bentley Mulliner is a roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork. Embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar will be truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and the individual customer.

The Bacalar features an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6-litre, W12 TSI engine. Claimed to be the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 ps/900 Nm, delivered to the wheels through an advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System. The system allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.

The Bacalar shares no body panel with any other car in the Bentley model line-up and derives inspiration from the dramatic EXP 100 GT concept car conceived to mark the company’s centenary last year. Indeed, it only shares one exterior component with a Continental GT – the door handle, simply because it contains the keyless entry system.

EXP 100 GT concept

The rear clamshell, wings and top deck of the Bacalar are crafted from carbonfibre, while the doors are lightweight aluminium. Combined with the use of three-dimensional printing, it has allowed designers to create an even more distinctive car.

The exterior look of each model is completed in collaboration with individual customers, who have been able to further personalise their car, choosing from rare paint options, exterior treatments and design themes. The Bacalar represents a return to the exciting early years of Bentley, allowing owners to help shape the car of their dreams.

Only 12 people will get to own this super exclusive Bentley Bacalar (w/VIDEO)


GM’s Factory ZERO starts production of only electric vehicles

Roger Smith, the former General Motors Chairman and CEO from 1981 to 1990, introduced huge amounts of technology into the company in the 1980s to gain what he believed would be an advantage in vehicle production. He fantasized about a ‘factory of the future’ which would work 24 hours non-stop without needing lights as there would be no human workers. Everything would be automated so no worries about unions and strikes.

But total automation and high-tech have not proven to be the way to become an efficient and productive carmaker. In later years, after Smith had retired and GM formed a joint-venture with Toyota to operate a factory in California making cars of both brands, it would be discovered that the Japanese ‘secret weapon’ was not some advanced manufacturing equipment but something more human like training and having the right culture.

Three decades later, the new General Motors has created another high-tech factory though ‘future’ is no longer mentioned. It is actually the old Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant which received a massive US$2.2 billion investment to be fully renovated for building a new generation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The signboard on the 110-year old General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck factory being taken down in September 2020 as work was underway to renovate it into Factory ZERO to build only electric vehicles.

The various meanings of ZERO

Recently opened, the factory is known as Factory ZERO and while ‘zero’ is today associated with ‘zero emissions’ from vehicles, the name also reflects the significant role the facility plays in advancing GM’s vision of a world with zero crashes and zero congestion. It will make models such as the
GMC HUMMER EV Pickup
 and
HUMMER EV SUV
, Chevrolet Silverado EV and
Cruise Origin
, an all-electric, self-driving, shared vehicle.

All Factory ZERO EVs will be built on
GM’s Ultium Platform
 which is the core technology for the company’s EV product strategy. The Ultium Platform encompasses a common vehicle architecture and propulsion components like battery cells, modules, packs, drive units, EV motors and integrated power electronics, and is fundamental at plants where EVs are produced.

GM’s Ultium platform which will be used for the EV models of its different brands.

The GMC HUMMER EV SUV is one of the models to be built at Factory ZERO and will go on sale in 2023.

Through the Ultium Platform, GM can realize a strategic value chain shift across its network of vehicle assembly plants as the company is able to commonize and streamline machinery, tooling and assembly processes. This gives the company flexibility which huge corporations sometimes lose, and enables lower capital investments and greater efficiencies as additional assembly plant transformations occur.

GM’s competitive advantage

GM retooled Factory ZERO for BEV production for two-thirds the capital required to build a greenfield (brand new) plant, making the facility a model for future GM facility renovations. Some of the approaches taken during construction include reuse or recycling of almost every material that came out of the old facility during conversion. This included crushed concrete from the floor, which was repurposed for temporary roads around the facility. Storm water will be recycled and of course, solar power will contribute to the electrical needs.

As the company continues its transition into an all-electric future, GM will avoid up to US$15 billion in capital costs by 2030 through the renovation of existing manufacturing facilities versus ground-up construction. The figure grows to US$20 billion to US$30 billion at 100% transition of all manufacturing facilities to support EV production. That capital can be redeployed more strategically for additional customer-facing products, services and technologies.

“To meet our ambitious EV transition, GM’s North American EV vehicle assembly capacity will reach 20% by 2025, and then 50% by 2030,” said Gerald Johnson, GM’s Executive Vice-President of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability.

Shortened launch time

Using virtual tools and working in parallel with production engineering teams, GM cut the manufacturing launch time in half – from two years to less than one – also gaining a competitive advantage. By comparison, a brand new factory, with planning and construction, could take up to 4 years from site selection to vehicle production.

Along with the capital advantages, GM’s commitment to renovating its existing network of manufacturing facilities during the EV transition also saves time. An accelerated launch and production start allow the company to get new-generation EVs to customers sooner. The first vehicles from Factory ZERO will be delivered to customers by the end of this year.

GM estimates that 80% of the assembly process for an EV is the same as that for conventional vehicles. This is another driver of speed for GM. The company has refined and perfected its own standardized manufacturing processes over many decades, and will launch its expanding portfolio of BEVs faster, with superior quality and a lower cost.

People still matter in manufacturing

Roger Smith imagined a factory with robots and almost no human workers but Factory ZERO, when fully operational, will employ more than 2,200 people. “Our people are GM’s true competitive advantage — an advantage you simply can’t buy or quickly build,” said Johnson, echoing what Japanese carmakers have often said.

As a BEV factory, Factory ZERO plays a direct role in GM’s commitment to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035 and become carbon-neutral in its global products and operations by 2040. The company has already made a commitment to invest US$35 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles, with plans to introduce more than 30 BEV models by 2025.

Factory ZERO was officially opened by US President, Joseph Biden, recently.

GM looking forward to all-electric future with Ultium batteries


Toyota To Release 10 New EV Models By 2026

Toyota has announced that it plans to step up in the EV market with the introduction of 10 new EV models by 2026.

Vice President of Toyota Motor, Hiroki Nakajima, announced that by 2026, Toyota plans to release 10 new EV models which would amount to about 1.5 million vehicles in sales annually.

Newly elected Koji Sato, the President and CEO of Toyota Motor is concerned about the unimpressive performance in Toyota’s sales of EV and pledged to pursue electrification “in a practical manner,” matching the carmaker’s product line up to the demands of particular regions.

“We will accelerate our challenge for the future with a new management style, in which the team works organically and simultaneously,” Sato said.

 “We will thoroughly implement electrification that can be done right now and we will move forward in a practical manner with electrification to cut CO2,” he added.

Toyota intends to manufacture a three-row electric sport utility vehicle in the United States. In order to reach an annual U.S. output capacity of 200,000 vehicles as early as 2026, it will modernise a key factory in the American state of Kentucky. Also, it plans to construct additional American based battery production facilities.

With rivals like
Tesla
 and
BYD
 threatening to dominate the EV world, the newly reorganized management of Toyota has the pressing duty of boosting research and development to keep up with the competition.

Sato explained that there is much room for improvement and the experience gained from the development of the
Toyota bZ4X
 led to more information and knowledge about this technology on enhancing performance, drivability, and battery management, as well as on the need to rethink the business structure.

“We will focus on the areas we’ve identified and improve them as we move toward the era of mass production of EVs,” he added.

Toyota’s executive vice president of the business planning sector, Yoichi Miyazaki, also noted that the company was moving in the right direction towards its goal of selling 3.5 million EVs by 2030.

Miyazaki admitted that the demand for EVs is “starting to expand” in the developing world, especially Asia, and said that Toyota will “steadily meet” this demand with a variety of alternatives such as pickup trucks and compact vehicles.

Sato said this initiative will start with their luxury brand, Lexus, as it launched its battery-powered model, the
Lexus RZ
, globally in March 2023.

Toyota has put Lexus on a pedestal towards electrification as the brand sold roughly around 290,000 vehicles in North America in 2022.

Lexus Electrified concept designed to outperform the Tesla Model S Plaid

“I was involved in carmaking for many years and learned the joy of carmaking. I want to be a company president that continues to make cars,” said Sato.

We definitely hope to see Toyota play a major role in the EV market giving us more options to choose from.


Volkswagen Tiguan shorlisted for Car of the Year Award

As many of you may already know, the new Tiguan was recently launched in Malaysia, you can find the full article
here
. Today’s news is once again related to the Tiguan, but this time, this particular VW is one of the three finalists which are in the running to win the  “World Car of the Year” award.

The Tiguan is one the German automaker’s most important models currently in its portfolio. Launched in 2007, the name plate has gone on to represent a vehicle that is well regarded around the world. The latest generation Tiguan is available to purchase in 170 different markets and to this day, 3.5 million Tiguans have been sold.

VW has been able to give the Tiguan mild-mannered off-road capabilities while still retaining decent comfort levels and solid German build quality. And whether that’s enough to win the “World Car of the Year” in 2017 remains to be seen, but if you are interested to know more about the VW Tiguan, visit the manufacturer’s local website for further details.


F1: Australian GP to be replaced by Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix in November

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted motorsports events around the world last year, including the Formula 1 World Championship. After the opening round in Australia was cancelled literally at the ‘eleventh hour’, other venues also decided that the situation was worsening and they could not be sure their event could be safely held, or that the authorities would not close off the borders (as what happened in Malaysia and many other countries).

It was only in the middle of the year that the calendar could be revised to have 17 rounds, with 4 races taking place in the months of November and December. The compressed schedule was gruelling for the teams but at least they did not have to do the 22 races that had been planned at the beginning of the 2020 season.

2021 calendar revised a few times

The 2021 calendar has likewise been revised a few times as some countries had changed quarantine conditions making it difficult for teams to travel to them, especially from Europe. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix was one of them and was initially postponed to November and then cancelled. Bahrain got to run the first race of the season.

The rounds in China, Singapore and Japan were also cancelled and in their search for new circuits, the organisers decided to bring back Portugal and Turkey, which have had F1 events before. The championship will also see another new circuit which replaces the cancelled Australian round. This is the Losail International Circuit in Qatar which will run Round 20 on November 21. With the Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix, as the event will be known, the original number of 22 races can be fulfilled.

The circuit near Qatar’s capital has held MotoGP races since it was opened 7 years ago.

MotoGP circuit since 2004

The 7-year old FIA-certified Losail International Circuit is not new to the motorsports world and has been a MotoGP venue since 2004. It will now add Formula 1 to its list, which will be held at the 5.4-km long track until 2032 (except for 2022 as it coincides with Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup).

It is not known yet whether the race will be run at night, although the Middle East races are usually at night when it is cooler. The circuit is capable of having a night race as it has the required illumination provided by some 3,600 lights. The race is expected to be 57 laps.

“We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix. The huge effort from all the teams, F1 and the FIA has made it possible to deliver a 22-race calendar something that is very impressive during a challenging year and something we can all be proud of,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

Human rights controversy

The choice of Qatar is not without controversy as some groups point out that the Middle Eastern country has a poor record with regard to human rights. The Formula 1 organisation has not refuted this but says: “We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on rights clear to all our partners and host countries who commit to respect our responsibilities in the way their events are hosted and delivered.”

“Sports like Formula 1 are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement. For decades, Formula 1 has worked hard be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits,” its statement added.

Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team are in the lead after 15 rounds of the 22-round championship.

Click here for race reports and results of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship


Latest Isuzu D-MAX keeps winning new buyers, especially with the flagship X-Terrain variant

Since its global debut, the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-MAX has impressed buyers and critics alike, attracting new users who have appreciate its impressive level of sophistication, comfort and capability.

Launched in Malaysia last April
, the new D-MAX has expanded the brand’s appeal and reach. “Through the strong and bold design of the new model, excellent safety features and impressive comfort and premium SUV-like refinement, the D-MAX – especially the
flagship X-Terrain variant
 – has raised the bar to be one of the most desirable pick-up trucks on the market today,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo.

Most popular in Klang Valley/Kota Kinabalu

Despite the acute shortage of D-MAX supply due to the global semi-conductor shortage, 713 owners took delivery of their new X-Terrain, making it the 2nd-most popular model in Isuzu Malaysia’s line-up. The versatile and highly capable 1.9-litre 4×4 Premium model also found 842 customers, especially in the Klang Valley and Kota Kinabalu. In fact, these two areas took more than half of the nationwide total volume.

The new X-Terrain variant has been regarded as a revolutionary truck, having redefined the landscape of the pick-up truck industry. It introduces new and higher levels of comfort, refinement and safety. Yet there is no compromise on Isuzu’s long-established qualities of versatility and overall dependability.

5 titles in less than a year

In less than a year in the Malaysian market, the new D-Max X-Terrain has received no less than 5 ‘Pick-up Truck of the Year’ titles. These have come from media titles such as
Carplus, Carlist, DSF.my, Rider ATH
 and
Wapcar
, which picked the Isuzu as the worthy title-holder for its impressive ability to bring the pick-up truck experience to a whole new level.

“There were just so many ‘wow’ factors in the new Isuzu D-MAX that it was immediately the worthy choice. During our test drive of the Isuzu, we often wondered how a tough and capable vehicle like the D-MAX was able to be transformed from a rough diamond to be a brilliantly-polished gem,” an impressed senior editor said.

8,000 units targeted for 2022

With the momentum of strong demand expected to continue through 2022, Isuzu Malaysia’s priorities will be to address the backlog of supply in order not to disappoint eager customers. “Many customers have been patiently awaiting delivery of their new vehicles. We are hoping that the supply disruptions can be alleviated soon in order for us to fulfill the demand for this new truck,” said Mr. Sogo. “We expect that once supply is regulated, we will be able to double the deliveries and achieve our target of selling 8,000 units this year.”

Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo. with the latest D-MAX.

The latest D-MAX range comes in a variety of variants suited to different requirements and budgets. Those who require a durable and reliable pick-up truck for work can choose the Single Cab variants. There is a wide selection of Double Cab variants powered by the
1.9-turbodiesel litre engine
 or the powerful and capable 3.0-litre powerplant.

To find out more or to have a test-drive, visit any authorised Isuzu dealer in Malaysia. Locations can be found at
pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my
.

Improved in all aspects, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX aims to win more customers (w/VIDEO)


All-new 11th generation Honda Civic due for launch in first quarter of 2022 (w/VIDEO)

Even before the excitement with the
all-new Honda City Hatchback
 has died down, Honda Malaysia is preparing to launch another all-new model – the 11
th
 generation of the Civic. It will be launched in the first quarter of 2022, and those who want to be the first to own one can place a booking now at any authorized Honda dealer nationwide. Prices and variants have not been revealed (although we know there will be an RS variant for the first time), but sales tax will not be charged till after June 30, 2022.

Evolutionary styling changes

The new Civic has undergone an evolutionary styling change that gives it a ‘New Age Identity’. The focus on the new exterior design is to give the driver and occupants a more expansive view from within, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. This has been achieved by expanding the glass area with windscreen pillars repositioned further back.

The Civic RS, flagship of the new range, will come with black finishing for the housings of the door mirrors, Shark Fin antenna, Outer Door Handles, boot spoiler and also the 18-inch alloy wheels. The new lighting units use LEDs and have new designs while the Civic’s styling DNA is reflected in the rear lights.

Longer and wider body

Measuring 4678 mm in length, 1802 mm in width, with a height of 1415 mm and a wheelbase of 2735 mm, the new Civic is larger and wider with the rear track also widened to provide a low and wide stance. The factory in Melaka will use Honda’s advanced manufacturing technique employing Lazer Brazing technology (a Civic-first) which gives a sleeker roofline and strengthens body rigidity.

The familiar and proven VTEC 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be used again. The latest version generates higher power output which is a maximum of 182 ps, with 240 Nm of torque. That’s even more powerful than the 2.4-litre engine that powered the Accord.

5 stars from ASEAN NCAP

ASEAN NCAP has already tested the new Civic and it received a
maximum overall score of 5 stars
. It is the first Honda model to be assessed under the new ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 protocol which includes requirements for protecting motorcyclists.

Honda SENSING will be offered with the Civic RS and the driver assistance package is said to have improved functionality by offering natural and smooth steering operation. The Honda SENSING suite has 9 active safety systems which can help the driver avoid an accident or reduce the effects of one. A new addition is Lead Car Departure Notification System which alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead moves off. There is also a Driver Attention Monitor which will reduce the dangers of a fatigued driver losing attention by alerting the driver if unusual driving behaviour is noticed.

A segment leader

“The Civic has a strong identity and is one of the favourite Honda models for Malaysians who love a car with exceptional styling and powerful performance. Since 2001, we have sold close to 148,000 units of Civic and this legendary model continues to expand its fan base in the country. The iconic 10th Generation Civic, which was launched in 2016, has contributed more than 66,600 units to the total Civic sales and continues to lead in the  C-segment with 71% market share as of October 2021,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Madoka Chujo.

“The 11th Generation Civic, which is a modern interpretation of the classic, offers a piece of the future. It raises the benchmark of a C-segment sedan in every way while maintaining the best of the Civic DNA which is loved by Malaysians. The All-New Civic is truly A Legacy, Reborn!” she added.

To locate an authorised Honda dealership for more information or to make a booking, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

The Civic, launched in 1972, was Honda’s first global model and began life as a compact 3-door hatchback in its first generation.

New Honda Civic gets top safety rating from ASEAN NCAP (w/VIDEO)


GMC and Chip Ganassi Racing to enter Extreme E Championship

GMC (a division of General Motors) will compete in the inaugural Extreme E championship which starts this April. The event will be an ideal showcase for the company which is embarking on electrification with its
all-electric Hummer EV
 which was unveiled last October.

The Extreme E championship is for vehicles powered only by electricity and a specially-developed all-electric inspired by the Hummer EV will be used. Development of the vehicle and the racing team entering it is Chip Ganassi Racing, a team which has won in many iconic races including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I can’t think of a better fit than showcasing the look of GMC’s HUMMER EV in Extreme E with Chip Ganassi Racing,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice-President, Performance and Motorsports. “Both GMC HUMMER EV and the Extreme E series are designed to be revolutionary – to challenge perceptions of electric vehicles and to showcase their true capability.”

Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price, the crew for the GMC-Chip Ganassi Racing entry.

GMC association with Chip Ganassi racing will be for a number of years. This year, the team will have noted off-road racers Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price as drivers in the Extreme E event. The event regulations specify that there must be one male and one female member, and both must also perform driving duties.

The GMC Hummer EV production model which has 1,000 horsepower.

Global championship

The 5 rounds of the Extreme E championship will take place in some of the world’s most remote locations. Each round will take place within an area no larger than 10 square kms. Routes will be designed to incorporate existing obstacles and features with elevation changes and jumps without the need to adapt the natural setting, thereby avoiding negative impact on the environment.

The opening Desert X Prix round takes place in AlUla in the northwest of Saudi Arabia on April 3 – 4. The calendar for the rest of the year is as follows:

Ocean X Prix: Lac Rose, Senegal – May 29-30

Arctic X Prix: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland – August 28-29

Amazon X Prix: Para, Brazil – October 23-24

Glacier X Prix: Patagonia, Argentina – December 11-12

An interesting aspect of the event will be the way the vehicles are ‘refuelled’ as they require electricity. A special hydrogen fuel cell generator has been developed in collaboration with AFC Energy, and this technology will allow Extreme E vehicles to recharge using zero emission energy, with the only by-product being water for utilisation elsewhere after each round.

Hydrogen fuel cell generator will provide electricity to recharge vehicles on-site during the event.

Raising awareness of climate change

One of the main goals shared by Extreme E’s founders, partners and participants is to raise awareness among spectators of the challenges facing society as a whole, such as climate change, humankind’s interaction with the environment and the protection of threatened animal and plant species.

“This new racing format is an opportunity for us to show that our high-performance tyres keep delivering even under extreme conditions. But Extreme E is also a radical new initiative for raising awareness of the challenges facing the modern world. It is this unconventional mix of adrenaline, entertainment and sustainability that makes this series so exciting. That is why we became Founding Partners and sponsors of the series in January and why we are really looking forward to the test phase,” said Sandra Roslan, Extreme E project leader at Continental, one of the founding partners of the event.

Hispano Suiza team unveils all-electric off-roader for Extreme E


Pre-Booking of Honda models can now be done online for just RM99

2020 will be remembered for many things and it has certainly been a year of much change for lives and for businesses. Perhaps it was already coming but e-commerce using online facilities accelerated this year, partly driven by the need to provide contactless communications and interaction. Car companies began ‘opening’ stores online, and provided owners with a new channel to book appointments for servicing and request other services.

Additional Shopping Tools function

Honda Malaysia is among those companies which has been steadily enhancing its online services and today announced a New Car Pre-Booking Online Platform for customers. The additional function is embedded in the Shopping Tools on the company’s official website. Other shopping tools include a loan calculator, models comparison and Honda Insurance Plus.

Just 4 steps needed

Using the function, customers just need to go through 4 simple steps and the booking fee can be as low as RM99 (terms and conditions apply). They can make the pre-booking for any of the models shown on the website as well as select variants, colour and available accessories. When they have made the pre-booking payment, a confirmation email with all the necessary information including details of the dealer handling the transaction will be sent. Within 72 hours, the customer will be contacted by a designated Sales Advisor from the dealer.

Customers who make the pre-booking can also track the status of the booking at any time. The function will be available in the HondaTouch application by early next year.

All the models available from Honda Malaysia can be pre-booked using the new function in the Shopping Tools.

“This New Car Pre-Booking Online Platform is part of Honda Malaysia’s effort to provide greater accessibility to customers to own a Honda car in this digital era via an online car purchase process. It allows Honda customers to stay ahead of the crowd and pre-book their preferred Honda model through a most convenient and user-friendly process which is right at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“Through this online process, we aspire to offer greater convenience and a safe experience for our customers, no matter which part of Malaysia they are at,” he said.

Of course, making bookings can still be done at authorised Honda showrooms but with the Pre-Booking function, you won’t have to rush to a Honda showroom to place a booking if you want to be among the first to own a model about to be launched.

You can access the function directly by
prebook.honda.com.my
. Links are also provided from the various models displayed on the website at
www.honda.com.my
.

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers


Shell Rimula celebrates customers with trip to Barcelona

Shell is well-known to celebrate and rewards their loyal customers with some very nice treats. A group of 14 very lucky Shell Rimula customers from Malaysia might’ve topped the reward scale when they were sent to an all-expense-paid trip to Barcelona, Spain to join the 2019 Shell Rimula Ultimate Stopover.

Attendees from 18 different countries joined in the festivities for five days where they were given a deep insight into the Shell Rimula’s innovation-driven world as well as everything Barcelona had to offer when t comes to arts, culture, cuisine, and most importantly, football.

According to Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager, May Tan, “There is an incredible amount of work being done behind the scenes at our Shell laboratories and it is not always possible to show them to our customers. The annual Shell Rimula Ultimate Stopover provides the perfect setting for our customers to get direct access to our panel of Shell experts and scientists. Our customers are given the opportunity to take a break from their busy daily routines and immerse themselves into the world of Shell Rimula through well-planned activities such as driving, dining, exploring science and networking.”

Steven Wong, one of the lucky Malaysian individuals who joined the 2019 Shell Rimula Ultimate Stopover said, “I was impressed by the technology sessions as they were very informative and useful.  I found the eight steps to lower emissions as suggested by Dr Wolfgang Warnecke, Shell’s Chief Mobility Scientist, relevant and practical as they help reduce fuel consumption.”

As for Victor Ting, a workshop owner from Miri, Sarawak, and also one of the lucky Shell Rimula customers stated “I never thought I could compete with the many established Shell Rimula customers in the B2B segment. My service centre caters to mainly passenger cars. However, I have been recommending the new Shell Rimula Light Duty range to customers who own 4X4 vehicles. User feedback has been extremely positive, and I plan to introduce this new lubricant to more customers.”

New & affordable Shell Helix HX8 0W20 launched – RM199


How one car dealership is adapting its business to the ‘new normal’

Like most businesses around Malaysia, Atiara Johan Sdn Bhd had to suspend all operations from March 18, 2020 in accordance to the government’s Movement Control Order (MCO). The Proton dealership in Puchong, Selangor, was faced with an unusual business challenge where business could not be conducted for many weeks.

“The biggest challenge will be the temporary closure of the showroom and service centre which affects the overall performance for this year. However, I strongly believe that with the excellent products and services provided by Proton, and the strong team we have, we will be able to recover soon,” says Judith Yam, Managing Director of Atiara Johan.

Judith Yam (front left) and her team at Atiara Johan Sdn Bhd.

“Although we were unable to operate during the MCO period, it gave me sufficient amount of time to revise and improvise the sales and marketing strategies. For our sales advisors, they have been utilising social media as one of the platforms to expand their prospects. As for our service team, they have been managing and rescheduling customers’ service appointments and keeping them up to date,” she said.

“We prioritise the well-being of our employees, therefore we stay connected with our employees by communicating frequently through video conferences and messaging apps to make sure everyone is doing well,” Judith revealed.

From messages left on its Facebook page, the Proton dealership obviously has a high standard of customer care.

Judith and her team conduct video conferences frequently to discuss business strategies and formulate marketing ideas. “We are prepared to get the business moving when the MCO is lifted later. The recovery on sales is still very much dependent on the condition of the market. Nevertheless, we will proceed with our revitalisation plan to expand our sales coverage and to attract potential customers by utilising online platforms,” she added.

Staying in touch with customers

Since the implementation of the MCO, Atiara Johan has been communicating with customers via online platforms and messaging apps, as well as keeping their Facebook page updated at all times. “Our customers are able to get the latest information from our Facebook page and we have been communicating with our customers for after sales service and updates on product information via messaging apps.

The 3S dealership has rearranged its furniture in accordance with the Health Ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure social distancing for customers.

Develop a recovery plan

The chain reaction caused by the pandemic is clearly painful for many individuals and businesses. The majority of the businesses are facing the challenge of temporary closure that has led to revenue loss. Thus, Judith advises all business owners to develop a recovery plan and standard operating procedure for future reference.

“It is important to be always prepared, so we need to have a contingency plan in case of unexpected events,” she advised.

Like all Malaysians, Judith and her team are grateful to all frontliners who sacrifice their personal safety to safeguard the country and community. She also hopes all Malaysians will cooperate and obey the MCO regulations until our country is clear from COVID-19.

Click here for other news and articles about Proton
.


Volkswagen’s electric vehicles will use a 1-speed gearbox!

Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform is to be the key element in its future models as electrification increases. The platform, to be used by Volkswagen Group brands such as Audi, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen, has many sophisticated components optimized for electric drive systems.

One of these is the APP310 e-drive unit that will used for the Volkswagen ID.3 due in showrooms from mid-2020. The powerful unit transmits power to the driven wheels using an extremely compact gearbox with a single gear. The mechanism used has only a small number of cogs. It is manufactured by a Volkswagen subsidiary.

Is one gear enough?

But why is a single gear enough for the drive motor? The traction, ie the force that allows movement, and speed of a motor vehicle depend on the rotational speed of its drive system. As the speed of the drive system increases, the force transmitted to the wheels – the torque – can vary.

With a vehicle with a combustion engine, the torque increases along with the engine speed and then falls again. With an electric drive system, however, the maximum torque is available immediately and remains constant over a wide range of speeds. The use of a multi-speed gearbox to achieve the desired speed or the necessary torque along the speed curve is therefore not absolutely necessary.

Volkswagen ID.3, due in showrooms in Europe from mid-2020.

One gear for every situation

That is why a 2-stage 1-speed gearbox is practical for the Volkswagen ID.3. When reversing the car, the direction of the electric drive system is simply reversed. In addition to various other components, power electronics are responsible for this and for the power characteristics of the drive system.

The e-drive weighs just 90 kgs and is compact enough to fit inside a bag.

In order to generate the maximum output of 150 kW, the 90-kg electric drive unit must rotate at high speeds. For a high level of torque, a 10x transmission ratio is used. To save space, the gearbox has a two-stage design with two smaller cogs instead of one big one. As a result, the electric drive motor in the ID.3 provides maximum torque of 310 Nm constantly over a wide range of speeds. The maximum speed of 160 km/h is reached at a maximum of 16,000 rpm.

Precision manufacturing

Because an electric drive system is very quiet, the level of noise in an EV is very important. Even the tiniest sources of noise can be heard. The parts for the 1-speed gearbox must therefore be manufactured with great precision to ensure that they do not cause any additional noise. At the end of the production line, not only the power characteristics of the electric drive system checked but so are the relevant noise levels.

2020 Volkswagen ID.3 makes global debut


Lexus Malaysia invites you to UNWRAP AMAZING this weekend

It’s that time of the year when the festivities to celebrate the end of the year start. If it was a good year for you, then there’s reason to celebrate and if it was not good, there’s also reason to celebrate because it’s going to end, and a new year is just around the corner.

At Lexus showrooms throughout Malaysia, there’s definitely a festive mood with ‘
UNWRAP AMAZING
’, an event to be held from 10 am to 4 pm this weekend (December 7, except Lexus Centre Ipoh which will be on December 14).

A special Christmas doorgift is presented to all visitors to the Lexus Centres and it will certainly set them in the mood to UNWRAP AMAZING. Within the showroom,
 Amazing Experiences
 await them with the liberal use of high-tech digital innovation and technology to elevate all the five senses, creating the unparalleled Lexus experience.

For those who want to understand why Lexus vehicles have been so highly regarded all over the world, the best way to do so will be to go for a test-drive. Whether they have a preference for a SUV, sedan or sporty coupe, there’s a Lexus model available to experience. As a token of appreciation, guests will receive a gift after their test-drive.

All Lexus models have the latest Active Safety technology with the Lexus Safety System, keeping occupants safe on all journeys. There are systems to automatically brake the car in an emergency, alert the driver when the car deviates out of its lane, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and of course, airbags all around the cabin to give added protection during accidents.

At Lexus Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, there will also be additional festive activities. Visitors can join in the Ginger House-Making workshop and enjoy special performances by Wilson Jong & Thomas Phillip Musical at various times of the day.

The renowned standards of Lexus are inspired by the Japanese tradition of
omotenashi
 (hospitality) which every visitor to any Lexus centre will experience, right from the time he or she enters the refined environment of the showroom. Whether going for a test-drive or enjoying a cup of coffee from Café Richard, customers are always at the centre of the Lexus
Amazing Experience
.

While at the showroom, visitors can also find out more about Lexus Malaysia’s Corporate Privilege Programme. The programme is available with the purchase of any new Lexus model, from the luxurious ES to the RX SUV that blends practicality and prestige, to the NX that pushes the boundaries of a crossover. Qualified customers can receive discounts and free service packages along with enjoying a 5-star lifestyle marked by
Amazing Experiences
.

For the locations of Lexus Centres in Malaysia, visit
www.lexus.com.my
.

2019 Lexus ES & RX officially launched in Malaysia – From RM299,888


F1/Round 2: Highlights and Provisional Results of 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The second round of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship has not been smooth running since the weekend began. First there was the missile attack on an oil depot just 11 kms away from the Corniche Circuit and although many drivers were reluctant to continue through the weekend, they were convinced to do so after assurances from the Saudi  Arabian authorities that they would be safe. The Houthis were also said to have assured that they would suspend attacks for 3 days, perhaps understanding a bit about global perception if anything were to happen to F1 participants, even accidentally.

Then there was the nasty accident when Haas F1’s Mick Schumacher hit a wall and had to be hospitalized. Fortunately, he’s okay but he can’t race. And then for Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda (already placed last on the grid as he did not qualify), his race ended before it even started as his car lost power while he was driving it to the start.

[
Click here for revised starting grid positions
]

When the race got underway, Sergio Perez got off the a good start as his Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen raced past Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz leaving the grid. Many were watching Lewis Hamilton who had been in 16th place after qualifying, and then repositioned two places up after McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo was given grid penalities. Hamilton had also made a good start and moved 2 places up in the early stages of the opening lap. Alfa Romeo’s Zhou, however, seemed to slip backwards a place or two at the start, bumping into Ricciardo as well.

On lap 5, the two BWT Alpine drivers began fighting each other to move into sixth place. Fernando Alonso had attempted to get past his team mate who was unwilling to let him through. Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas was closing in and watching the tussle and looking to take advantage of it to get past but Ocon held him back too. That little battle between Ocon and Alonso can’t have pleased the team boss.

The Alpine battle was helpful for Mercedes-AMG’s George Russell who had moved one position up from starting sixth. He was about 12 seconds back from the next car (Sainz) and could concentrate on steadily moving closer with a 10-second gap behind him on lap 12. By then, his team mate Hamilton had moved into 11th place.

Zhou had managed to get up to 13th but on lap 13, he had overtaken Williams’ Alexander Albon whose rear tyres were gone. The pass was done off the track and the Stewards spotted it and gave him a 5-second penalty for that.

Lap 16 saw the first accident as Williams’ Nicholas Latifi went into the barriers near the final corner. This brought out the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) and many drivers took the chance to head to the pits for a tyre-change. Perez too came in, which let Leclerc take over the lead as the VSC was replaced by a real Safety Car to manage the flow while the damaged racing car was removed. At least 3 cars (Hamilton among them) did not come in and they had all started on Hard tyres.

The Safety Car left the track on lap 20 and racing resumed with Leclerc in the lead and Verstappen almost in his slipstream. A frustrated Perez was third, also not far from the front and although he tried, he was unable to stop Sainz from getting past as well and instead watch out for Russell coming up. Incidentally, both Ferraris had switched to Hard tyres when they came in.

Magnussen didn’t give up trying even after Hamilton had passed him and interestingly, both cars were still on their starting Hard tyres after more than 30 laps as they had not gone in during the Safety Car period for a change. Aston Martin’s Nico Hulkenberg, running in 14th, was the only other driver who was still running on starting tyres.

As lap 37 started, Alonso’s car seem to drop back with a noticeable reduction in speed. After having made it past Magnussen, he very quickly slipped back down the field and then radioed that the Alpine had no power. He tried to roll back to the pits but could not and parked so the VSC came out.

Then Ricciardo also reported that his McLaren had lost power and he had to stop right at the pit entrance, blocking it to Hamilton who was planning to come in. Bottas had come in earlier and not departed so he too retired. The VSC was kept active for another few laps as efforts were made to clear the Alpine.

9 laps remained when the VSC went off and Hamilton rushed into the pits to get Medium tyres. When he rejoined, he was just behind Magnussen who was in 11th.

On lap 43, Verstappen went into attack mode and swept past Leclerc, but the Ferrari driver did not give up easily and fought back to regain the lead. Behind, the other Red Bull with the Mexican in it was also duelling with Sainz. Much drama as the race was in its final laps.

There was last-minute drama as Albon and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll came into contact and the yellow flags came out. But it was a close fight as the leaders exchanged positions and Verstappen seemed to hold the lead better. And then it was over – Verstappen got across the finish line half a second ahead to win the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.


Ferrari Museum in Maranello Launch “Driven by Enzo” & “Passion and Legend” Exhibitions

On the 120th anniversary of the founder’s birth, the
 Ferrari Museum
 pays tribute to his passion for cars with the
“Driven by Enzo”
 and
“Passion and Legend”
 exhibitions, which retrace the countless developments in style and technology over the company’s history.

“Driven by Enzo”
 shows off the four-seater models driven personally by Ferrari. As is well known, Enzo Ferrari used to try out every car produced at Maranello himself, but not all of them were for day-to-day driving. On his daily journeys, he particularly loved four-seater cars because of their combination of comfort and sportiness and often ferried around his illustrious visitors in them.

His passion for these cars began with the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 and continued for the rest of his life with the 400 GTi, the 412, and finally the Ferrari 456 GT, a car he personally approved in 1988. Even when he decided to employ a chauffeur in 1969, the latter was often a passenger and travel companion of a man who always felt himself to be a driver.

“Passion and Legend”
 is the extraordinary story of Enzo Ferrari and his company, retraced through cars and images. Ferrari is the transposition into the real world of its founder’s vision and his unconditional love for cars, as we can see in this exhibition of seven decades of the most beautiful cars.

Then we find the 166 Inter of 1948, the first Ferrari mainly for road use, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta “Tdf” of 1956 and again the Dino 246. The exhibition carries on down to the cars of today such as the F12tdf, a special limited series, and the 812 Superfast, the company’s highest performing road car.

With the help of two interactive stations, the exhibitions also allow us to discover the most important 2+2 cars in the company’s history and to take a virtual tour of today’s production facilities. The exhibitions will be at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello until May 2019.