Mercedes-Benz puts a ‘Home Theatre’ in the car cabin

The EQ range of Mercedes-Benz cars is not just about a new range of all-electric vehicles but will also bring much new and more advanced technologies, especially since the platforms can be entirely new and not adapted from conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. This gives designers and engineers a truly ‘clean sheet’ or perhaps ‘hard disk’ from which to develop new models.

A new technology which will be one of the major highlights for the EQS flagship model is the new MBUX Hyperscreen, a visually impressive display panel which extends almost the entire width of the interior. In addition to its sheer size, the large, curved screen panel, running from the left to the right A-pillar, guarantees a ‘wow’ effect.

Adaptable to users

Artificial intelligence (AI) and learn-capable software enables the control and display concept to adapt to its user and make personalized suggestions for a variety of functions from infotainment, to comfort and even vehicle functions. 8 CPU cores, 24-gigabyte RAM and 46.4GB per second RAM memory bandwidth are some of the MBUX technical specifications.

With the new zero-layer feature, the user no longer has to scroll through sub-menus or give voice commands as the most important applications are always available in a situational and contextual way at the top of the driver’s field of vision. This alleviates the driver from needing to make numerous operating steps. The MBUX Hyperscreen not only benefits the driver as it is also an attentive assistant for the front passenger, who has their own display and operating area.

The Hyperscreen is the latest advancement of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) which has greatly simplified the operation of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. It was introduced with the A-Class in 2018, and there are now more than 1.8 million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars on the road equipped with MBUX worldwide. A few months ago, the second generation of this learn-capable system debuted in the new S-Class, and Mercedes is now taking another big step forward in the form of the new EQS and the optionally available MBUX Hyperscreen.

“With our MBUX Hyperscreen, a design vision becomes reality,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group. “We merge technology with design in a fascinating way that offers the customer unprecedented ease of use. We love the simplicity we created with a new level of MBUX.”

“The MBUX Hyperscreen is both the brain and nervous system of the car,” explained Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO. “The MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better and delivers a tailored, personalized infotainment and operating offerings without the occupant needing to click or scroll anywhere.”

Electrifying appearance, emotional visualization

Surrounded by a continuous plastic front frame painted in Silver Shadow, the MBUX Hyperscreen is an example of digital/analogue design fusion. Several displays appear to blend seamlessly, resulting in an impressive, curved screen band, while analogue air vents are integrated into this large digital surface to connect the digital and physical world. The integrated ambient lighting installed in the lower part of the MBUX Hyperscreen makes the display unit appear to float on the instrument panel.

The front passenger also has a personal display and operating area to help make road trips more enjoyable and entertaining. The passenger display allows for individualized content with up to 7 profiles. If the passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative part. In this case, animated stars (ie the Mercedes-Benz pattern) are displayed.

The bright and clear display uses OLED technology for the central and front passenger sections. This technology features individual image pixels that are self-luminous; image pixels, when they are not used, remain switched off, which means that they appear deep black. The active OLED pixels radiate with a high colour brilliance, resulting in high contrast values, regardless of the angle of view and light conditions. All of the graphics are styled in a new blue/orange colour scheme throughout. The classic cockpit display with two circular instruments has been refreshed with an all-new digital look.

Several displays appear to merge seamlessly, resulting in an impressive 141-centimetre wide and curved screen band. The area that passengers can experience is 2,432.11 sq. cm. The large glass cover display is curved three-dimensionally in the molding process at temperatures of approximately 650°C. This process allows a distortion-free view of the display unit across the entire width of the vehicle, irrespective of the display cover radius.

Thanks to its clear design, the MBUX Hyperscreen is intuitive and easy to operate. One example of this is the EV display, important functions of the electric drive such as boost or recuperation are visualized in a new way, with a spatially moving clasp, making it tangible for the user. A lens-shaped object moves between these clamps, which follows gravity and thus is able to impressively depict the g-Force.

Personalized suggestions

Infotainment systems offer numerous and extensive functions, typically with several operating steps often required to control them. In order to reduce these interactive steps even further, with the aid of artificial intelligence, Mercedes-Benz has developed a user interface with context-sensitive awareness.

Mercedes-Benz researched the usage behaviour of the first MBUX generation, and learned that most of the use cases fall in the Navigation, Radio/Media and Phone categories. Therefore, the navigation application is always at the centre of the screen unit with full functionality for ease of use. Over 20 further functions – from the active massage program to a birthday reminder, and suggestions for a to-do list – are automatically offered with the aid of artificial intelligence, if they are relevant to the customer.

“With MBUX, our goal was to create the most desirable automotive infotainment system. We have transferred the bipolarity of our design philosophy Sensual Purity to MBUX – that is, on the one hand the sensual beauty and on the other the ‘wow effect’ of the uniquely intuitive operation. We have invented a new interface that brings design and technology together. The MBUX Hyperscreen was born as a digital piece of art, a futuristic, luxurious sculpture and also a huge technological challenge,” said Wagener.


Bladescan gives Lexus drivers extra advantage at night

Lexus has marked another significant advance in automotive lighting technology with the introduction of a BladeScan-type adaptive headlight system, a world-first. To be offered on coming models starting with the new RX, BladeScan gives both an extended field of forward illumination and more accurate lighting control to support safer driving at night and in poor weather.

The current RX already benefits from automatic or adaptive high-beam LED lighting as part of the Lexus Safety System+ package of active safety features, to maximise headlight illumination without the risk of dazzling other road users.

BladeScan goes further by providing more precise photometric control of the area of illumination in front of the car, with accuracy to within 0.7 degrees compared to around 1.7 degrees for the current technology. This means it can light up areas that would be difficult to see with a conventional high-beam system, such as the road margins, and give earlier illumination of road signs and pedestrians.

Longer range for pedestrian recognition

With BladeScan, pedestrian recognition at night has been improved to 56 metres in front of the RX, compared to 32 metres with the current system. This obviously makes night driving much safer as the driver will also be able to spot pedestrians from a greater distance and drive carefully.

While other manufacturers have increased the number of LEDs in their headlight systems to improve lighting resolution, Lexus’s system uses a more cost-effective array of LEDs. These are contained in a compact module located in the front corner of each headlamp, alongside the familiar triple-eye light arrangement.

Rather than shining light forwards, the LEDs in each BladeScan module cast light diagonally across two blade-shaped mirrors that rotate at high speed. The precise synchronisation of the mirror rotation and the switching on and off of the LEDs creates the shading effect; the light is then reflected into a lens which casts the beam on to the road ahead, without the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic or drivers of vehicles ahead.

The new system is another example of the brand’s reputation for technical innovation. It was the to introduce LED headlights on its LS flagship model in 2007, and the first to produce adaptive high-beam headlights, again initially for the LS, in 2012.

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

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New Honda Civic Hatchback has global debut in America

Almost 50 years ago, when the Honda Civic was born, it was only a hatchback, the sedan coming from the beginning of the 1980s. In Asian markets, the hatchback had a subordinate position to the more popular sedan and due to limited numbers being sold, it disappeared from Malaysia (officially) after a few generations.

In markets like North America, the hatchback was more appreciated and has been accounting for about 20% of Civic sales in the USA. Like the sedan, it evolved through the generations, gaining in size and performance. The 11th generation hatchback variant has now been revealed, joining the
new Civic Sedan
 which was launched some months back, also in the USA.

Comparison between rear ends of the new Civic Hatchback (above) and the Sedan (below).

Same styling elements as latest Sedan

The overall styling follows that of the latest generation with a more dramatic roofline that gives a sleek coupe-like profile. While the front end has a similar form but a different grille (mesh with a slight concave shape) from the sedan, it is at the rear where the big differences are. There are larger side windows and a new small corner window in the C-pillar to enhance rearward visibility,

The roof line flows downwards to a lightweight composite hatch and the overall height of the car has been reduced by 50 mm by moving the hinge mechanism outwards. The design of the rear lights is different from the sedan’s and the third brake light lens spans nearly the entire width of its hatch, visually emphasizing the Hatchback’s wider rear track.

Longer wheelbase but shorter body

Compared to the 10th-generation Civic Hatchback, the windscreen pillars have been moved back by around 50 mm while the wheelbase is 35 mm longer and the rear track is 13 mm wider. However, the rear overhang is less which reduces the overall length by 124 mm but Honda says rear legroom is better in this new variant.

With the large opening at the back, additional attention was given to body rigidity. The Civic Hatchback’s structure has 19% better torsional rigidity versus the previous generation. The stiffer structure, with an aluminium front subframe, benefits ride, handling and refinement, with reductions in noise, vibration and harshness augmented with the extensive use of structural adhesives, spray-in foam in the pillars, and additional sound deadening in the firewall and under the floor.

The suspension is shared with the Sedan but Honda mentions chassis updates such as new low-drag front brake calipers, and low-friction front and rear wheel bearings to reduce rolling resistance.

Naturally-aspirated, turbo and hybrid powertrains

As with the current generation in many markets, there will be a choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including the 1.5-litre turbo unit Malaysians are familiar with. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available and for the US market, the naturally aspirated engine has a 2-litre displacement.  It’s coupled with a revised CVT that has a more robust electric hydraulic pump to reduce the load on the mechanical pump, and a ball-bearing secondary shaft to reduce friction.

The European market will get the Civic Hatchback with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

For the European and probably Japanese market, Honda will also put a e:HEV powertrain in the Civic Hatchback, the hybrid powertrain meeting the objective for all European mainstream models to have electrified powertrains by 2022.

Sedan functionality with hatchback versatility

Much of the interior is the same as the Sedan with the added layout versatility of a Hatchback adding 65% more cargo space. The standard 60:40 split backrests can be quickly folded for expanded capacity and the side-pull cargo cover provides concealment of items in the boot.

Up front, outward visibility is enhanced by the repositioned A-pillars, low bonnet, flat dashboard, low cowl and outside mirrors which are now mounted on the doors. The instrument panel is designed with a minimum of cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions, while the new metal honeycomb instrument panel accent hides the air vents.

Like all Hondas sold today, there is the Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. The latest version installed in the Civic Hatchback uses a new single-camera system providing a longer, wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system is capable of more quickly and accurately identifying pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.

Honda Sensing also includes Traffic Jam Assist, and the new camera-based system improves on existing functionality, such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It also has more linear and natural steering action when using the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Low-Speed Braking Control is supported by and front and rear false-start prevention with the addition of eight sonar sensors.

Unlikely for Malaysia

Malaysia has long been a sedan market and while there were hatchbacks too, most faded away after the 1980s. Today, the lines are blurred between sedans and hatchbacks, the latter once defined by having a blunt rear end. But while Malaysian buyers may appreciate the extra versatility a hatchback offers, many will probably get a SUV instead as it may be perceived to be more suitable in different roles.

Early generations of the Civic Hatchback were sold in Malaysia but it was dropped from the locally-assembled range after the 1990s.

But beyond that point, there is also the question of potential volume and as Honda Malaysia is committed to assembling products locally with high localization of parts as well, the Civic Hatchback may not have the sort of numbers for a business case. It’s not only that the Malaysian market is not as large as Thailand and Indonesia but also that a huge chunk of the market is occupied by just two brands with strong advantages. The remaining part of the market has to be shared by around 20 makes and the ‘slices of the pie’ for each is therefore small and a variant like the Civic Hatchback won’t generate enough volume.

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


Production of Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora has ended

Just before Christmas, production of the Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora sportscars came to an end. Between these 3 model lines and over the course of 26 years, a total of 51,738 cars had left the factory in England. Combined, they represent almost half of the total production of Lotus in its 73-year history. In addition, 9,715 sportscars were built for Lotus’ third-party clients, including GM and Tesla.

From 1996 to 2000, the first-generation Elise and Exige were built in a small assembly hall at the factory, alongside the Lotus Esprit. The current assembly lines, which were installed in 2000, will be dismantled and replaced with all-new state-of-the-art facilities in support of the factory for the new Emira factory. Full Emira production begins in the spring, after the prototype and test phases currently underway are completed, taking Lotus production into a high-tech and semi-automated era, and increasing capacity up to 5,000 units per year on a single shift.

The last examples of the Elise, Exige and Evora models are reserved for Lotus’ growing heritage collection. Joining the collection will be the last Elise, a Sport 240 Final Edition finished in Yellow and the last of 35,124 cars; the last Exige, a Cup 430 Final Edition in Heritage Racing Green – number 10,497; and the last Evora – a GT430 Sport finished in Dark Metallic Grey – the last of a production run of 6,117.

“The impact of these 3 cars has been spectacular over the years, technically, structurally and dynamically. But all technologies and innovations move on and, if you had asked me of my proudest moment 4 years ago, I would have, without hesitation, said the Elise chassis. However, this has been usurped by our new Project LEVA architecture for our new range of electric sportscars, starting with the Type 135 in a few years’ time. This is now the zenith of Lotus architectures as it has moved the technology game so much further. There is a lot to look forward to,”  said Richard Rackham, Head of Vehicle Concepts, who was vehicle architect on the Elise and part of the team that pioneered extruded and bonded aluminium technology in the automotive industry.

The Elise and Exige were built around the Lotus ‘small car platform’, notable for its light weight. On the same platform, and also manufactured by Lotus were the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 (7,200 cars built between 2000 and 2005) and the Tesla Roadster (2,515 cars built between 2007 and 2012). Therefore, including the Lotus 340R, Europa, 2-Eleven and 3-Eleven cars, this brings the total Lotus small car platform production volumes to 56,618 cars.

“These iconic cars have not only played a huge role in Lotus’ 73-year history but have also been ever-present in my daily life. Together with the Lotus design team, I have lived and breathed these cars for over 26 years. We will miss them, but a bit like Christmas, once it’s over, the excitement for the next one starts to build – and that’s what’s happening now at Lotus with the Evija, Emira and forthcoming Type 132. 2022 is going to be a great year as a new Lotus generation swings into action,” said Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes.

Coming in 2022 – the Emira.

Next out of the Lotus stable will be the
Emira
, a brand new mid-engineered sportscar. Unveiled last July and on a world tour ever since, it is confirmed to be the last petrol-powered car from the British carmaker. After the Emira will come the first electric Lotus – the
Evija hypercar
 which will be the most powerful production car in the world – and then the all-electric
Type 132, Lotus’ first SUV
, which will be revealed to the world in early 2022.

Lotus Vision80 plan to transform company on  journey of global expansion


Fuel Price Updates For January 27 – February 2, 2022


Hino, Isuzu and Toyota to form new partnership in Commercial Vehicle Development

Isuzu Motors Limited, Hino Motors, Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation today announced that they will form a new partnership in commercial vehicles with the aim of accelerate societal implementation and dissemination of CASE technologies and services, and to help address various difficulties facing the transportation industry as well as help achieve a carbon-neutral society. ‘CASE’ refers to new areas of
C
onnected vehicles,
A
utonomous/Automated driving,
S
hared, and
E
lectric.

The three companies intend to combine Toyota’s CASE technologies with the commercial vehicle foundations cultivated by Isuzu and Hino. Specifically, they plan to jointly work on the development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), autonomous driving technologies, and electronic platforms centered on the domain of small commercial-purpose trucks.

Wide scope

While working together on BEVs and FCEVs to reduce vehicle costs, the three companies plan to advance infrastructure-coordinated societal implementation, such as by introducing FCEV trucks to hydrogen-based society demonstrations in Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, and accelerate their dissemination initiatives.

In a joint press conference this afternoon, the leaders of Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota said they also plan to link their connected technology platforms to build a platform for commercial vehicles that can help solve customers’ problems. Through this platform, they intend to provide various logistics solutions that not only help improve commercial vehicle transport efficiencies but also contribute to reducing CO
2
emissions.

To promote their partnership, Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota are establishing Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation, a company for planning CASE technologies and services for commercial vehicles based on discussions among its three parent companies.

Going forward, Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota intend to deepen their collaboration while openly considering cooperation with other like-minded partners.

Capital partnership

In conjunction with this new development, Isuzu and Toyota have agreed on a capital partnership. Through acquisition of 39 million shares of Isuzu common stock, Toyota will hold a 4.6% stake in Isuzu, while Isuzu plans to acquire Toyota shares of the same value through a market purchase.

Hino Motors a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation and one of 16 major companies of the Toyota Group. The 78-year old company originally made passenger cars as well but focussed on commercial vehicles after being acquired by Toyota in 1967.


Special Service Campaign for 1,451 Daihatsu vehicles to replace engine connecting rod

Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) has a Special Service Campaign (SSC) for 1,451 vehicles sold in the Malaysian market to carry out the replacement of a connecting rod in the engine. All the vehicles are the Gran Max model with the 1.5-litre 3SZ engine.

The light commercial vehicles were manufactured
between March 7 2018 and April 10 2019
 and distributed by DMSB. Daihatsu Motor initially became aware of a potential quality-related issue after routine examination of engines. It was discovered that the connecting rods in the 3SZ engine had a smooth crack and continued driving may cause stalling, accelerated wear and damage to engine. After  investigation, it was concluded that the problem occurred during forging of connecting rod at the production stage in the PT. Astra Daihatsu Motors factory in Indonesia.

The Daihatsu 3SZ engine of the Gran Max

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified directly and requested to bring their vehicles to any authorised Daihatsu Service Centre for inspection and replacement of the connecting rod. The inspection and replacement process will take approximately 18 hours (subject to the work schedule at the service centre) and there will be no charges to the vehicle owner for parts replacement and labour.

In the event that you may not be the original owner and your contact details are not available to DMSB, you can call the company’s SSC Customer Support Line
 03-5512 341
1 for clarification and assistance.


The 2nd generation Perodua Alza

After 12½ years, the second generation of the Perodua Alza has finally been launched. It’s a long time for a product to be in the market as normal cycles are around 5 years. However, during the lengthy period of production, the small MPV held a share of between 39% to as high as 61% of the MPV market in Malaysia as it was sold at an attractive price point.

Perodua doesn’t commit to a model without good data that indicates its potential, and whether to have a second generation of the Alza was debated for a long time. This was because of the rise of SUVs and carmakers go where the biggest numbers are, especially for a major player like Perodua. Without a substantial volume to enable it to be priced competitively, it would not justify the investment.

First generation of the Alza came out at the end of 2009.

Sharing development and costs

However, being in partnership with Daihatsu also has opportunities to be involved in joint development of models. This is a common practice in the industry as carmakers can share costs, and developing a new model does cost a huge amount of money. In this case, not only could Perodua share costs with Daihatsu but also Toyota for a new model that would come to be called the Xenia with a Daihatsu badge (mainly for Indonesia) and a Veloz with a Toyota badge – and an Alza when sold as a Perodua. And the total volume for the model would also be very much larger, making for good economies of scale.

While the main engineering work, architecture and drivetrains are common, each company has also done its own work on the design to have differentiation. Perodua has been growing its expertise in designing the upper body on its own since the first Myvi, and today, it can do even more. Thus while the new Alza may have similarities on paper to the Toyota and Daihatsu versions, it is also a model on its own.

RM770 million investment

To achieve the differentiation and also make the necessary investments in the factory cost Perodua RM770 million. The project, internally designated ‘D27A’ took about 4 years and in that time, the model was also prepared to have up to 95% of its parts sourced locally. This meant early and close collaboration with many suppliers around the country, including the powertrain factory which is in Negeri Sembilan.

When it comes to pricing its products, it’s always been a challenge for Perodua, being a Malaysian carmaker. Malaysians expect that because it is a ‘national’ carmaker, it should be able to offer cars at low and affordable prices. After all, that was one of the reasons for having the National Car Project and over the years, Perodua has done its best to keep prices down and enabled millions of Malaysians to own a new car.

With the Alza, the model started in 2009 with a price range from RM55,200 to RM68,000 for 3 variants. As the costs were gradually amortised, the company reduced prices in 2014 (instead of making more profit), with the top version costing RM4,500 less. By 2018, the Alza had been in the market almost 9 years and there were newer rivals so Perodua looked for ways to reduce its costs and adjusted the prices downwards slightly. The model would maintain its popularity and almost 400,000 would be sold by the end of production.

As shown on the pricelist above, the prices of the new Alza start at almost the same level (RM62,700) as the top version of the previous generation. But remember that this is 2022, and everything costs more (as any grocery shopper will tell you). The previous Alza had production costs at levels over 10 years ago and the new one starts with a new cost base – plus the fact that it also gets a lot of new technologies. Hopefully, Perodua will do the same thing over time and either maintain prices or even bring them down if possible.

Over 30,000 orders

Bookings have been accepted for the new Alza since June 23 and in 27 days, over 30,000 orders have been received nationwide – its highest ever. That’s an average of over 1,000 orders daily, although many may have quickly put their order in before the expiry of the sales tax exemption at the end of June so they could save some money. Perodua did not say how many bookings were received before June 30, but the government has allowed the sales tax exemption to be given to those customers if they can register their vehicles not later than March 31, 2023.

Perodua is known to usually build up a large volume of stocks before launch so they can quickly start deliveries. With production of the new Alza having started in June and a targeted volume of 3,000 units a month, the already large number of orders means that the waiting period could stretch to 10 months.

Will it be worth the wait? Here’s where we tell you all about the new Alza…

The Alza sits on a DNGA platform which is also used for the Ativa. It’s a platform and architecture that is standardized but also variable in some aspects so that it can be used for different types of models. In this way, many things can be shared to reduce costs while the bodyshell can be different.

A larger MPV

Compared to the previous Alza, the new one is much larger. With an overall length of 4425 mm (+205 mm) and width of 1660 mm (+35 mm), it covers a road area that is 3% larger. Interestingly, though, the wheelbase is still the same at 2750 mm. The larger size is also complemented by additional height and the new Alza’s roofline is 50 mm higher than before.

The ground clearance is interesting as it is more like a passenger car’s. With development of the model taking into consideration the Indonesian market where generous ground clearance is preferred, the 160 mm for the Alza is different from what is usually seen in the popular MPVs which are over 200 mm to cope better with rough roads and floods.

This shows how Perodua has been able to ‘Malaysianise’ its product according to local preferences, a contrast to the earlier years when they had to accept whatever specification was decided upon. In fact, this autonomous approach started with the current Myvi where Perodua was able to convince the Japanese side that the suspension settings need to be different for Malaysian conditions. It was a difficult pitch but proved to be the right one as the ride and handling of the car are appreciated by most drivers.

More expressive design

For styling, the areas which Perodua’s designers have been able to alter are basically at the ‘apertures’ – the openings for the grille, lights, etc. This is where they have given the Alza a different grille theme from the other models. But the many different angles of the surfaces make for a fussy appearance which is more apparent with light colours and less so with the dark colours. It’s probably what the designers call ‘expessiveness’.

The headlights are LED units so they use less energy, last longer and light up faster. Taking the Alza a notch up in its segment are the sequential signal lights at the top of each headlight unit. While they aren’t as fancy as those on some German models, they are nevertheless eye-catching and something special for this class of cars. At the very least, they give a visual signature that will identify the Alza from afar.

New, more efficient engine

The Alza continues with a 1.5-litre powertrain but while the displacement is the same as before, the engine is completely different. The previous engine was a 3SZ-VE with DVVT (Dual Variable Valve Timing) but the one in the new Alza is a 2NR-VE which DVVTi (the ‘i’ meaning ‘intelligence’). Being a newer engine with more recent technologies, the 2NR-VE has higher output of 106 ps/138 Nm, while the previous engine produced 103 ps/137 Nm. The extra power provides better performance as, in spite of its larger size, the new Alza weighs only 10 kgs more.

With the Dual Mode CVT (drivers can also shift manually), the Alza is claimed to be able to go up to 22 kms per litre. That‘s 65% better than before and based on the current fixed price of RON95 petrol, it should cost less than RM40 for a trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.

The driver now has the option of going a bit further with each litre of petrol or having a sportier drive. It’s difficult for engineers to give both so it’s up to the driver who can just press a button to select ECO or POWER mode, and the engine characteristics will be adjusted accordingly. For daily driving, the NORMAL (default) mode would be best as it gives a balance of power and economy.

The engines and transmissions are made at factories in Negeri Sembilan,

Both the engine and the CVT are made at factories in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. Because of their local manufacture, they help push the amount of local content in the Alza to around 95% which is about as high as it gets. The other Perodua models also have a similarly high level of local content.

Versatile layout for up to 7 people

The interior is what a MPV is all about, with its versatility to carry more people or more cargo, or a balance of both. Perodua’s experience in MPVs goes back to the Kenari which was then referred to as a ‘MFV’ or ‘Multi Functional Vehicle’. Since then, it has gained much experience in interior packaging to the extent that when developing the first Myvi, the Perodua team was able to exert enough influence to have the cabin size made larger than what the Japanese were considering.

For the Alza, clever thinking has again gone into how the cabin is laid out as the wheelbase is unchanged from before (but the body is larger). The interior width has been extended by 35 mm while the length is 115 mm more. That means more legroom for the people in the second and third rows, with the second row seats being positioned 90 mm further away from the front seats.

The seats can be folded in various ways individually or together. When there’s a need to carry long items, the ‘Moving Out’ layout can be used where there are just two passengers up front and a very long floor area. In the ‘Jalan Jalan Cari Makan’ layout, all three rows are used for seating and can accommodate 7 people inside. From what we experienced sitting in the third row, it’s reasonably comfortable for adults – which is not always the case in some MPVs and SUVs.

Although the ground clearance is low, the seat height is still at a level where getting in is still easy enough for older people. The doors open very wide for easy access, and a single action tumbles the second row forward for getting into the third row.

Traditional dashboard with modern looks

Up front, the dashboard follows the latest trends of having a large tablet-like display panel in the middle. There’s a big change in the layout where the instrument panel is back to its traditional position ahead of the driver. In the first Alza, it was at the centre, a rather unusual location which was influenced then by studies that showed the further distance of the display to be better for viewing. This goes back to the first Toyota Prius which used such a layout and for a while, some Toyota and Daihatsu models followed it.

But now it seems that idea has faded away and the traditional arrangement is adopted. It certainly looks better as the absence of an instrument panel ahead of the steering wheel was rather odd! Like the Ativa, there are 4 graphic displays to choose from, each one presenting information in a different way.

The central area is dedicated to the infotainment system with a 9-inch panel that also doubles up as a display for the rearview and panoramic cameras. Controls on the panel are touch-sensitive but those for the air-conditioner are physical buttons, which is better. There are also switches on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to make adjustments or change settings without taking the hands off the steering wheel. Incidentally, all variants come with keyless entry and a pushbutton to start/stop the engine.

There’s also a centre console between the front seats now, which gives a more conventional appearance than the previous Alza which had an open space. It used a foot-operated parking brake which allowed space to be freed up. With the new Alza, the footbrake is gone and an electric parking brake is used. As this uses electric signals to activate the brake, there is no need for a long lever and just a small tab is enough. It’s not only space-saving but also requires almost no effort to operate and can be lifted with just a finger.

One thing we like is the location of the door lock switches (separate ones for lock and unlock) in the centre console. This makes it easier for the front passenger (or even the one in the second row) to lock the doors when necessary, instead of having to reach over to the driver’s door (as in many cars). The easier access will encourage locking the doors which will be good for security.

A new comfort feature is the provision of extra air-conditioner vents for the rearmost passengers. Given the length of the cabin, cool air might not reach all the way to the back. So a second blower has been installed on the ceiling, and the fan speed can be adjusted too.

Besides
teh tarik
hooks, what people need in cars today are recharging ports and cupholders. And the Perodua interior designers have made sure that both are provided. There are three USB ports and two power sockets, and lots of cupholders all over the place. Even if you don’t have that many drinks, they are useful for your phone or small items like coins.

The Alza can swallow up a lot of cargo but it depends on how the seats are set. For maximum volume – 498 litres (158 litres more than before) – the third row backrests have to be folded down. But even with the third row in use, there’s still 137 litres of space (54 litres more than before) and additional storage space under the floorboard.

A safer Alza

Entry-level models are usually the last to get advanced safety features that typically start at the top end with the expensive premium models. The cost of new and advanced systems is high initially, so they cannot be offered in low-priced models. Eventually, they do ‘trickle down’ as the costs drop and then become standard. Systems like ABS, airbags, laminated glass and electronic stability control are examples. 20 years ago, you would not have expected to see them as standard in Peroduas.

But these days, it seems that Perodua is not waiting so long as it has been introducing active safety systems which put it in a leadership position in the entry-level class. Having started with the A.S.A. (Advanced Safety Assist) system in the current Myvi which brought, among other things, autonomous braking, the carmaker has progressed to a broader safety package called Perodua Smart Drive Assist for the Alza. This has the latest version of A.S.A plus additional driver-assistance systems as well as passive safety.

The driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control which is a more advanced form of cruise control. When it detects another vehicle ahead while at a set cruising speed, it will automatically slow down (if necessary) to maintain a safe distance. On a long journey, this can reduce fatigue as the car will ‘drive itself’ and slow down when necessary. All the driver has to do is steer and watch the road ahead. And there’s even Lane Departure Prevention which will help prevent the car from wandering into another lane.

Many of the systems rely on a camera installed at the top of the windscreen. It constantly scans the road ahead and there’s a program to recognize shapes and analyse the car’s movements. The hardware and software cost must have come down significantly to enable Perodua to offer this (a benefit of being together with other carmakers to share costs).

A new feature which first appeared in a Rolls-Royce some 20 years ago is the 360-degree panoramic view display. This gives the driver a simulated overhead view of the car, the image formed by stitching together images from four small cameras on the sides and front. The driver can see all side of the car and maneuver it easily in tight spaces. With the rear view, there are also guidelines to help when maneuvering into a parking bay.

With a vehicle like the Alza, which can carry many people, safety is even more important. Apart from the active systems that help the driver avoid an accident (or recover from a dangerous situation), there are also passive safety systems like 6 airbags in every variant. That’s great progress from the days when Perodua began offering airbags (just two) in the Kembara and customers had the option of paying extra for them or choosing a version without them. Now, with the influence of ASEAN NCAP, the carmaker strives to make its cars as safe as possible and the new Alza has already been
awarded the maximum of 5 stars
 by the safety organization.

Incidentally, apart from having ABS, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control as standard for all variants, the new Alza also comes with a rear disc brake for the AV version. Engineers may say that a disc brake is not really necessary at the rear but extra stopping power is always good anyway.

As with other Perodua models, there’s also a range of GearUp accessories which customers can add to their new Alza.

Click here for a copy of the Perodua Alza brochure
.


BIKES: Indian Motorcycles – Own A Piece Of American Heritage For As Low As RM79,000!

Harmony Fabulous Sdn Bhd
, the sole distributor of the legendary American motorcycle brand
Indian
 Motorcycles in Malaysia, has been creating a formidable presence in this side of the world since their appointment to exclusive distributorship in 2011. As America’s first motorcycle company, the Indian Motorcycle brand traces its history from
1901
, when it produced America’s pioneer motorcycle and swiftly rose to become the best-selling motorcycle brand worldwide with the introduction of the first V-twin motorcycle in 1907.

Backed by an illustrious legacy of over 100 years, it is one of the most famous, innovative and versatile bikes in history, reimagined with expert craftsmanship in producing exquisite streamlined machines which elude a timeless classic style. A contemporary yet classic interpretation of one of the motorcycling world’s most famous and coveted bikes, the Indian Scout are legendary bikes known to have conquered the infamous
“Wall of Death”
 and carried the legendary
“Indian Wrecking Crew”
 motorcycle race team to multiple victories. Over the course of 30 years of countless innovations, racing wins, world records and industry firsts, the Scout earned its reputation as a versatile, multifaceted bike that appealed to just about every rider and every riding style, with superior handling, balance, performance and craftsmanship.

Boasting advanced technologies, design and engineering innovations, the Indian Scout offers a breakthrough chassis design featuring a lightweight and rigid cast aluminum frame coupled with a low seat height for exceptional comfort, balance and manoeuvrability. Powered by liquid-cooled
1133cc 100HP V-Twin engine
 with
6 speed
 transmission, the Indian Scout generates a peak torque of
97.7 Nm
 at 6,000 rpm – deeming it a powerful yet approachable beast. Its low seat height, ease of handling and lightweight design makes the Indian Scout appealing to riders of various skill sets and abilities while the high horsepower and superior handling make it a bike that will thrill even the most experienced riders. This iconic cruiser is also equipped with ABS for front and rear wheels, gear primary drive and equipped with a 12.5-litre fuel tank.

Another of Indian Motorcycle’s most iconic style is the Indian Chieftain Limited, which delivers a ride like no other as it is powered by the award-winning Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine delivering 161.6 Nm of torque. It also features ABS brakes, push-button power windshield, cruise control, remote locking hard saddlebags, keyless ignition and internally wired handlebars for the rider’s ultimate comfort. The Chieftain Limited is also fitted with superior functionality such as Ride Command™, an industry-leading infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and premium 100-watt of audio system. Exterior-wise, the Chieftain Limited further features an innovative cast aluminium frame, sleek nineteen-inch contrast-cut wheels and sawed-off open front fender.

From now until 31
st
 August 2018, take advantage of the Merdeka Special tax holiday promotions, where fans of Indian Motorcyle can enjoy extra savings ahead of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) implementation. Enjoy special limited-time-only rates for:

Indian Scout (model year 2016) in Smoke Silver colour:

RM79,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST
(Normal price: RM111,000)

Indian Scout (model year 2017) in Brilliant Blue colour:

RM88,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST (
Normal price: RM111,000)

Indian Scout (model year 2018) in Willow Green colour:

RM99,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST
(Normal price: RM111,000)

Indian Chieftain Limited (model year 2018)
in Thunder Black Pearl Graphics:

RM204,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST
(Normal price: RM233,000)

Every purchase of either the Indian Scout or Indian Chieftain Limited come with a standard two-year warranty package with unlimited mileage, five times free service maintenance worth RM2,500 inclusive of labour charge,  free vouchers worth RM3,000 and an exclusive gift. View the entire Indian Motorcycle range along with accessories and apparel lines at the showroom at Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily.


All-new Volkswagen Nivus to create new segment in Brazil

Brazil, though far from the major centres of the auto industry, is still an important location for some carmakers’ product development activities. The diversity of demographics, terrain and economy provides a rich environment to develop new models, especially for emerging markets.

Pandemic nothwithstanding, Volkswagen is planning the brand’s largest product campaign in South America this year. There will be at least 20 new product launches. One of them will be unveiled tomorrow and it is to be called the Nivus. It is expected to create a new segment in the Brazilian market where it will be sold initially.

The Anchieta plant in Brazil began operations in 1959 and was the first Volkswagen factory outsider Germany. Modernised over the years, it has produced a variety of models for the South American market and will be producing the new Nivus.

The vehicle is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and will be built at the Anchieta plant  using cutting-edge production processes. The new vehicle will also be available in Argentina later this year. Other South American markets will follow in 2021.

With an innovative design that combines SUV elements and coupe lines, it will be amongst the largest models within the small vehicle segment with a luggage compartment capacity of 415 litres. As a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Nivus offers ample vehicle interior space with an elevated seating position.

In the longer term, the Nivus will also go beyond the South American continent and become an international model for the German carmaker. Using the MQB platform means that it will be readily adaptable for production in other markets as well.

Introduced about 8 years ago, the MQB platform which the Nivus will ride on was developed as a flexible platform. It can be used for a wide range of model types cars from superminis class to midsized SUVs.

Historically, Volkswagen has developed some models specially for the Brazilian market, like the Saveiro.

The company has invested some €1.8 billion (about RM8.6 billion) in Brazil up to 2020 and under an organizational realignment made 3 years ago, the region has been given significantly greater independence in product development. Consequently, local management now has much more extensive decision-making flexibility, along with greater entrepreneurial responsibility.

Visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
 to know more about products available in Malaysia and where to experience them.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller


Finally, the Renault Twingo goes fully electric

Given its compact size, the Renault Twingo was destined to one day become an electric vehicle (EV). But 28 years ago, when it was introduced, EV technology was still not advanced and didn’t offer the efficiency and performance that would attract consumers, apart from the fact that the technology was expensive.

After three generations and almost 4 million cars sold in 25 countries, the Twingo now goes fully electric with its latest version – the Twingo Z.E. which will be launched at the Geneva Motorshow next month.

Seventh EV developed by Renault

This is the seventh all-electric vehicle developed by Renault, joining the ZOE, Twizy quadricycle, Kangoo Z.E., Master Z.E., as well as the RSM SM3 Z.E. saloon (sold in South Korea), and the City K-ZE small SUV (sold in China).

Continuing with the 3.61-metre long model’s fun design, attractive personality and exclusive customisation possibilities, the addition of an electric powertrain offers personal mobility with zero emissions. Its electric rear-wheel drive and different driving modes make it fun and enjoyable to drive.

The Twingo Z.E., which weighs 1,112 kgs, has a 60-kW powertrain which generates maximum torque of 160 Nm. This enables a claimed top speed of 135 km/h (0 to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds) which is sufficient for motorway driving.

A ‘B mode’ gives drivers a choice of three levels for the regenerative braking function as soon as they release the accelerator pedal. In the most advanced configuration, the car decelerates significantly, which quickly regenerates the battery, reduces the need for braking and makes city driving easier. Thermal management is provided by a water-cooling system, a first in the Renault Z.E. range.

Up to 215 kms range

Sitting on a platform engineered for EVs, the 22 kWh battery packs has the latest-generation lithium-ion cells developed in partnership with LG Chem. Depending on the cycle used, the range can be from 180 kms to 250 kms, and Renault believes that this means an owner can have a week of city driving without recharging.

An ‘Eco’ mode, activated by pushing a button on the centre console, extends operating range to around 215 kms on mixed journeys by limiting acceleration and top speed on motorways.

Flexible charging system

With its smart Cameloon charger (patented by Renault), the Twingo Z.E. can be charged at home, at work or using the AC power infrastructure up to 22 kW. The technology enables it to adapt to the power available at each charging station and make full use of existing facilities, especially in cities. As a result, Twingo Z.E. benefits from optimum charging time whatever the charging station.

It is claimed to recharge up to 4 times faster than its competitors at stations most commonly found in public areas. Connection to a 22-kW charging station for just thirty minutes increases operating range by around 80 kms. However, from a home 2.3-kW outlet, a fully empty battery back would take at least 13.5 hours to ‘refill’ to 100%.

Compact but spacious within

Roomy and functional as ever, the passenger compartment retains all the customisation options offered on the range with the Z.E. logo identifying the all-electric aspect of Twingo Z.E. The 7-inch colour touchscreen, unique in the segment, offers access to Twingo’s new connectivity features.

With 5 doors, a flat floor and a fully foldable passenger seat, the Twingo Z.E. provides a 2.31-metre loading length. With optimised placement of the battery pack, the size of the boot, closed by a handled tailgate, also remains the same.

With the EASY LINK onboard system, charging time can be scheduled in order to take advantage of off-peak hours. Once on the road, the system displays the car’s range on a map in real time, adds the nearest charging stations on request and updates their availability in real time.

Outside the car, drivers can check the battery level during charging from their MY Renault app and remotely control air conditioning and heating to adjust the temperature of the passenger compartment during charging, without affecting the vehicle’s range. Drivers can also use the EV Route Planner feature to simulate a planned route and identify the necessary charging stations on the way.

TC Euro Cars offers full online purchasing process for Renault vehicles


Malaysian team creates history at Le Mans

The 2019 Road To Le Mans may be over, but it will forever be etched in the minds of an all Malaysian team that took part in this year’s chapter of the legendary race.

Viper Niza Racing made history recently when it became the first all-Malaysian team to take part in the legendary race.
CLICK HERE
 to read more about the team and their step into one of the biggest races in the world.

The team boasts some very experienced Malaysian technicians and race engineers and features former Petronas race driver Dominic Ang and Tech entrepreneur Douglas Khoo as drivers.

You may not have heard about the team, but they managed to not only finish the race, but put in some decent performance as well. But it did not come easy.

To do well at a sprint race takes more than just skill and preparation. It takes loads and loads of luck as well. You can be the most prepared team in the world with a space age budget, but if someone knocks you out at the final lap, then that would be that.

Free Practice 1 was a bittersweet event for the team as it got red flagged just a lap and a half into the session. Dominic was behind the wheel but decided to head back to the pits to hand the car over to Douglas. It was all about learning the circuit during FP1.

FP2 was the next day and also included two qualifying sessions, one each per driver, as well as Race 1.

The team took full advantage of FP2 and managed to improve lap times from the previous day. In fact, Dominic took the car up to 27th position at one point.

Douglas took over next and was well into his fastest lap when he got hit from behind and ended up in the gravel trap. The team ended up qualifying in 44th place.

Race 1 though was off to a dream start with Dominic driving aggressively, taking the team as high up as 19th place. But a slow puncture on the left wheel forced the team down to 38th place, and that is where Race 1 ended.

Race 2 began under cloudy conditions, and this time it was Douglas who took the wheel first. But the team suffered from a string of yellow flags and slow zones, which meant both drivers were not able to string together a sustainable charge. Yet, despite the odds stacked against them, the team finished in 29th place, up nine places from where they had qualified.

“We had a fantastic race at this year’s Road to Le Mans. Of course, the results were not ideal but we did better than where we started so that is always encouraging. I think Dominic drove brilliantly and I enjoyed my drive as well, I never had to concentrate so hard in a race before. Charging down the Mulsanne straight at just below 300km/h without the time to even blink, it was brilliant. But ultimately it is everyone’s teamwork that brought us the results and I am extremely grateful for that. We look forward to racing in Asia again, and are open to future possibilities to race at the Road to Le Mans again,” said Douglas Khoo who is also the Team Principal.

Speaking of the race, Dominic Ang said he was glad to have opportunity to drive at Le Mans, “I am grateful to Douglas for the opportunity. It is a dream come true and I can’t have enough of it.”

A 100% Malaysian Team Set To Create History at Le Mans


PROMO: Naza Automotive Group Announces “Golden Deals” For This Upcoming Chinese New Year 2019!

Out with the old, in with the new!
 As the new zodiac year approaches, those celebrating are busy making preparations and spring cleaning their homes; replacing old belongings with new ones as a symbol of starting the year afresh. In light of the festivities, the
Naza Group
 is offering exciting value-add deals for
Cars
 and
Bikes
 so that customers can take this opportunity to replace their old with the new and usher in the Lunar New Year with good fortune and prosperity!

From now until
5
th
 February 2019
, patrons who visit
Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya
 are entitled to spin
‘The Wheel of Prosperous Rewards’
 with every purchase of a vehicle and stand a chance to win exclusive ownership bonuses for an enhanced driving experience. Prizes include dashboard cameras, car window tint, 10” DVD/CD player, petrol vouchers, ceramic paint protection coating and a mystery gift!

Naza Kia Malaysia
, the official distributor of
Kia
 vehicles in Malaysia, is also offering a limited-time only
5-year warranty with unlimited mileage
 for all Kia models! On top of that, enjoy up to
5 years free maintenance
 service while the promotion lasts from now until
28
th
 February 2019
. But wait! More good fortunes await Kia customers as they have the option to redeem gold valued up to
RM21,000
 or enjoy cash rebates of up to
RM31,000
 with purchase of any Kia vehicle.

Nasim Sdn Bhd
, official distributor of the
Peugeot
 brand is offering free
3-year service
 for the
Peugeot 3008
 SUV for a limited time only from now until
28
th
 February 2019
. With the innovative car bagging the
Malaysia Automotive Institute’s Car Of The Year 2018
 title (below), it will definitely be the topic of conversation at your reunion dinner! Take this opportunity to test drive the 3008 SUV during the
Peugeot Prosperity Drive from 12
th
-13
th
 January 2019
 at all Peugeot outlets nationwide, and better yet – enjoy a special rebate of
RM9,000
 on the spot by purchasing the car!

Recently introduced to Malaysian shores, the
Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer
 is a family-friendly MPV with state-of-the-art safety features, perfect for the journey back to your hometown this Chinese New Year with your family. Available now until
28
th
 February 2019
, customers can enjoy 3 years free service with purchase of the MPV.

DS 5
, the flagship
DS Automobiles
 model embodies French luxury savoir-faire. Discerning customers with a taste for dynamic performance, high refinement and avant-garde styling will find the DS 5 perfect for a sophisticated ride home. Running from now until
28
th
 February 2019
, Naza Euro Motors is offering a low interest rate of only 0.88% in collaboration with Maybank and an additional
5-year free service
 with every purchase of the DS 5.

If you have always wanted to own a
Vespa
, now is the time as customers can enjoy a low interest rate of
6%
 per annum on top of an additional 1-year extended warranty from now until
31
st
 March 2019
, in collaboration with AEON Credit for purchase of any Vespa bike, excluding the Vespa 946. Grab this opportunity to ride the stylish and iconic Italian scooter freely around your hometown and become the talk of the town.

Or if you prefer the aggressive spirit of the
Indian Motorcycle
 bikes:
Harmony Fabulous
, distributor of the legendary American brand is offering
free 3-year service maintenance
and
 2-year warranty
 with unlimited mileage as well as a complementary
RM3,888
 voucher for purchases made during the
 Bobber Bonanza
 campaign. The campaign runs from now until
31
st
 January
 and is applicable to all Indian Motorcycle models displayed.

Ducati Malaysia
 is also offering exclusive deals for selected Ducati models for one weekend only
(26
th
 to 27
th
 January 2019)
. The Ducati models featured in the
“CNY Balik Kampung Special”
 campaign include the
Panigale V4S, Multistrada 1200 Enduro, Scrambler 1100 Sport, Hypermotard 939
and
 959 Panigale Corse
. This is your chance to own a powerful Ducati bike that is perfect for maneuvering through the
‘balik kampung’
 traffic while enjoying rebates of up to
RM8,000
 or receive authentic Ducati merchandise!

The journey back home during the festivities will be a long one with the inevitable heavy traffic leading to the outskirts so might as well make the most out of it and travel in comfort and style!


Mazda’s Next Hybrid Nowhere Near Toyota’s Efficiency

For an automaker like Mazda, you would think that its technology would be amazing. But, when it arrives on sale in global showrooms later this year, the 2024 Mazda
CX-90
 is unlikely to match the efficiency of Toyota’s top hybrid technology in the sector.

The new Mazda SUV’s hybrid technology will only operate at low speeds, according to a senior Mazda engineer, which is projected to result in modest real-world fuel economy improvements. The new CX-90, which goes on sale this August, will offer two in-line six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline or diesel engines. Both of these engines will be mated to eight-speed multi-clutch automatic transmissions and supported by 48-volt “mild” hybrid technology.

Mazda engineer and CX-90 programme manager Mitsuru Wakiie claimed in an interview with Australian media that the mild-hybrid system only operates at speeds of up to 10 km/h and offers the giant SUV’s petrol and diesel engines little to no assistance in stop-start driving circumstances.

“The mild-hybrid system will work when the vehicle is running at a very, very low speed. When the vehicle starts to run up to about 10km/h, that’s when the CX-90 gets mild-hybrid assistance,” said Wakiie.

Toyota hybrid systems, in contrast, can accelerate a car from a complete stop to roughly 40 km/h before the petrol engine kicks in. Because commuter travel normally consumes the most fuel during this phase of the acceleration cycle, Toyota hybrid technology typically reduces fuel consumption by half compared to identical petrol-only vehicles.

It was anticipated that the new Mazda hybrid technology would result in significant fuel savings, but it now seems unlikely. The Mazda CX-90, as is typical with mild-hybrid systems, has a little electric motor that assists the engine but cannot directly drive the wheels.

The engine and electric motor can operate in tandem to power the wheels in Toyota’s “closed-loop” hybrid systems, such as those featured in the Toyota Kluger SUV. This allows the vehicle to travel at higher speeds while using less petrol.

Toyota Kluger

According to Mazda, the diesel-powered CX-90 uses less fuel than the petrol-powered model, consuming only 5.4 litres per 100 km on a combined test cycle.

Despite a beginning price difference of approximately RM75,871 (US pricing) in favour of the Toyota, the hybrid Kluger, which is driven by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a “closed-loop” hybrid system, is reported to have a combined fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km, or roughly 30% less than Mazda’s petrol-powered CX-90.

Although Mazda’s least costly diesel-powered grade costs more than RM80,000 (US pricing) more than the similar Toyota, the Mazda CX-90 diesel models deliver 0.2L/100km fuel savings compared to the Kluger.

Mazda has already revealed that the CX-50, a smaller SUV, will get a closed-loop hybrid powertrain, which is likely to be created by Toyota. It won’t be the first time that Mazda has gotten help from Toyota with its hybrid automobiles.

Utilising the considerable system knowledge of its fellow Japanese automaker, the Mazda 2 Hybrid was unveiled for Europe in December 2021 as a rebadged Toyota Yaris.


FEATURE – The German engine that was born on a Japanese bullet-train

The most common engine layout is the in-line arrangement with the cylinders next to each other in a row. Many people would also be familiar with the vee layout, and Subaru owners would know their engine has a horizontally-opposed arrangement of cylinders. But most motorists would not be familiar with the ‘W’ which is prominently featured in Bugatti and Bentley models.

The initial W engine was conceived in 1997 in an unlikely place far from Germany – a Shinkansen bullet-train running between Tokyo and Nagoya in Japan. Then-Volkswagen CEO, Ferdinand Piech, had been having a conversation with Karl-Heinz Neumann, then head of powertrain development at Volkswagen, and sketched out an idea on an envelope on the fold-out table behind each train seat.

The sketch by Ferdinand Piech on the back of an envelope which gave birth to the W engine.

The idea had been in his head for some time and was something like a modular concept. The 6-cylinder VR6 engine was in wide use by Volkswagen by the mid-1990s; its uniquely offset cylinder banks made it compact enough to fit transversely even in small cars like the Golf. By marrying two of the relatively narrow engines in a further vee, a compact 12-cylinder could be made. The offset cylinders of the merged VR6 engines formed a ‘W’.

But what also emerged during the train ride was even more emblematic of the person who drew it: a massive 18-cylinder engine comprising three VR6 engines, configured in a tilted double-W shape. Springing from the back-of-the-envelope sketch into the real world, the W18 was a naturally aspirated 555 bhp, 6.25-litre powerhouse.

Piech was spearheading a growth movement as CEO of Volkswagen AG in the 1990s. As part of that movement, he was seeking a high-end, luxury brand to bring into the fold. Enter Bugatti which Piech’s son had recently insisted his father purchase a model of a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic for him, so the company was on his mind… and it also happened to be for sale. “An amusing stroke of fate,” he would write later in his autobiography.

In 1998. Volkswagen acquired the French car company which had been founded 89 years earlier. Piech immediately set about his goal of restoring Bugatti’s standing as producer of elite, state-of-the-art cars, and the new W18 engine found just the right place to make its debut.

With the aid of automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Bugatti EB 118 design prototype was developed within a few short months. With its W18 engine mounted up front, the EB 118 debuted at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. Other concepts followed and by 2000, Piech announced that Bugatti would be launching a car that would be ‘the most exciting, innovative, and unprecedented of all time’. It would have 1,000 metric horsepower, break 250 miles per hour (400 km/h), and accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.

Bugatti Veyron showcased the production W engine to the world.

The Veyron, as the supercar would be known, would need to go through some revisions and refinement on the way to becoming a production model. The most dramatic of these was to its engine; a 2001 concept model, the EB 16:4 Veyron, had a W16 engine—essentially, two V8s joined at a 90-degree angle. Thanks to the W16 cylinder banks being separated at a 15-degree angle, the engine was compact enough to allow for the use of 4 turbochargers (the ‘4’ in ‘16:4’). The stats for the production Veyron were as staggering as promised: 8 litres, quad-turbocharged W16 engine with 987 bhp and 1,250 Nm of torque, 0 – 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, and a top speed of more than 400 km/h. Succeeding Veyron models would eclipse even those numbers.

W12 engine in the Bentley Continental GT (above) and Audi A8 (below).

Of course, the W18 and W16 engines weren’t the only Volkswagen efforts to bring W engines to the road. Back in 1997, as Piech was sketching out what would become the W18, he and Giugiaro were also talking about a concept that Piech hoped would become a Volkswagen supercar, featuring a W12 engine. The W12 Syncro debuted the W engine to the world at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, with a W12 Roadster appearing at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show.

The best known W12 concept, however, was the Nardo. Revealed in 2001, the W12 Nardo had a 6-speed manual transmission that sent the 591 bhp from the 6-litre W12 engine to the rear wheels. However, this Volkswagen supercar never materialized in production form although the W engines did appear in some models.

2001 Volkswagen Nardo prototype with W12 engine.

The rare Volkswagen Passat with a W8 engine which was sold in the early 2000s.

From 2001 to 2004, a W8 engine was available as an option in the Passat and this particular variant is rare today, sought after by enthusiasts. The W12 saw production in the Phaeton and Touareg, as well as the Audi A8 and in a new generation of Bentley models from 2003 onwards. Spyker also bought a batch of W engines for use in some of its sportscars.

No replacement for displacement? Isuzu destroys that perception!


F1 / Round 13: 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix Preview

Race starts at 3 pm in Hungary/9 pm in Malaysia

Just days after a dramatic race in France, the 2022 F1 World Championship is at the Hungaroring in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix. This is the 37
th
 time the event has been held and it has been on the calendar every year since being added in 1986. All of the F1 races in Hungary have been held at the Hungaroring; Monza in Italy is the only track with a longer run of consecutive Grands Prix.

It’s therefore a familiar circuit and engineers who have prepared for the hot and dusty environment. The air and track temperatures experienced at the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix are typically some of the highest of the season, with an average air temperature of 30°C and average track temperature of 49°C. In fact, during practice last year, the temperature was seen to reach nearly 60°C.!

But with climate change, unexpected weather can also occur. On the past two occasions,  it’s actually rained just before the race – and this year. rain came down during final practices. Last year, that led to a somewhat surreal re-start following a first corner incident. “We’ve seen some surprises at the Hungaroring before, and that could be the case even more this year,” predicts Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director.

The Hungaroring circuit has 14 turns running around a valley. It is twisty and bumpy, giving a ‘street circuit’ feel like that of Monaco (or rather ‘Monaco without walls’, as some describe it). It was resurfaced several years ago, and most of the bumps were flattened out. However, the track surface is gradually starting to show its age and the irregularities are forming again.

Six of the 14 turns are left-handers and 8 are to the right. Many of these corners are combined, making good directional changes more important. The straights are relatively short and taking the corners at the right speed is crucial. Consequently, the standard setup for Hungary includes maximum downforce.

Due to its nature as a high-downforce track, the Hungaroring has one of the lowest top speeds of the season so far: 308 km/h. The F1 cars only go straight for about 10 seconds during the course of a fast lap, spending the remaining 65 seconds or so cornering. Only 65% of the lap distance of 4.381 kms will be taken at full throttle – one of the lowest ratios in Formula One.

The kerbs in the final corner can be very aggressive, and the same applies to the exit of Turn 11. However, unlike on faster tracks such as Spielberg, the kerbs in Hungary are driven over at lower speeds (but keeping within track limits, of course). The chicane (Turns 7 and 8), on the other hand, can prove problematic, especially in the wet, and take the drivers by surprise.

The twisty track makes it seem like a big go-kart circuit and this affects the average lap speed which is below 205 km/h throughout the race, but can increase to 214 km/h during the qualifying rounds. On each lap at the Hungaroring, the drivers use their brakes 11 times for a total of 14.3 seconds per lap which amounts to 19% of the duration of the race.

The hardest on the brake system is going into Turn 1: to go from 321 km/h to 95 km/h, the drivers have to brake for 2.43 seconds with a load of 142 kgs on the brake pedal, during which they are subjected to 4.6 G deceleration. In that length of time, the F1 cars cover a distance of 118 metres.

“In the past, the Hungaroring has been known as a place where it’s difficult to overtake, but the new package of cars and tyres this year helps drivers get much closer to each other, which is why we have seen some great races with plenty of overtaking so far this season. Hopefully, that’s going to be the case at the Hungaroring as well; a tight and twisty track where the cars are often grouped together,” said Pirelli’s Isola.

Max Verstappen’s victory in France, combined with a disappointing DNF for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and fourth place for Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, gives the defending World Champion a healthy lead in the Drivers’ Championship. He is 63 points ahead of Leclerc and a further 7 points beyond Perez. Red Bull, meanwhile, pull ahead in the Constructors’ Championship and now lead Ferrari 396-314. And the Italian team is now seeing a resurgent Mercedes-AMG just 44 points behind.

A bit of history: the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix was the first race in F1 history to be won by a hybrid car. Back then, using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) was optional and the opening races were won by cars with conventional engines. However, Mercedes-AMG had developed a hybrid system run by McLaren-Mercedes in 2009. So, when Lewis Hamilton won the event that year, it was the first ever victory for a hybrid F1 racing car.

Over its long history, Lewis Hamilton has been the most successful driver at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with 8 victories – twice the number of Michael Schumacher, who is the next driver on the list. McLaren has had 11 victories at the Hungaroring, the most of any team.

Sebastian Vettel has announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of this season. Since entering F1 in 2007, the German driver, now 35 years old, has won 53 races and with 4 world championship titles, he is beaten by only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio. Now with the Aston Martin ARAMCO COGNIZANT Racing Team, Vettel has previously raced with BMW Sauber (2006–2007), Toro Rosso (2007–2008), Red Bull (2009–2014), and Ferrari (2015–2020).


Citroen unveil C5 Aircross at Shanghai

Citroen unveiled its Sporty SUV, the C5 Aircross at the Shanghai Motorshow. The French automaker is starting to focus quite a bit of its attention on the SUV market with the introduction of the futuristic C-Aircross Concept and C3 Aircross.

For the C5 Aircross, Citroen is positioning it as a global vehicle that will take on the German and Japanese heavyweights that have dominated markets around the world. Unlike most contemporary designs, the C5 Aircross features sleek and elegant contours. The front fascia sports a thin and understated louvered grille design that extends from one side of the fender to the other. The Citroen badge has been integrated with the upper grille that also houses the thin two piece LED headlights.

From the sides, the car features a contemporary look, wide wheel arches and wide but sleek A and C-pillars that feature glass paneling, giving the vehicle a more airy look. At the rear, the look is reminiscent of the older VW Toureg. The elongated four panel LED tail lights’s lines flow with the contours of the rear bodywork.  The entire design blends luxury and rugged outdoors ability into a simplified yet elegant package. The C5 Aircross features a 2,730 mm wheelbase and short overhangs that will help it tackle off road obstacles with better maneuverability and precision.

But inside is where things get interesting. Due to the vehicle’s construction and choice of materials, the cabin looks spacious and like the exterior, has an airy effect to it, thanks in part to the large panoramic roof. The dashboard features a horizontal layout to provide for a greater width, the seats are wide and feature comfortable materials which is also true for the wide centre console which has soft and elegant materials that provide a better sense of protection and comfort.

In the centre stack, there’s a 12.3-inch TFT digital cluster and a capacitive 8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that should feature an array of connectivity. The heated front seats have a massaging feature that will help occupants relax as they breath in the clean purified air expelled from the vehicle’s air quality treatment system.

Built on the EMP2 platform, this particular Citroen comes equipped with the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension, which is said to provide exceptional levels of damping and ride comfort. Apart from that, it also comes with a slew of driving aids which include Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function, Grip Control and Hill Assist Descent Control.

Citroen’s C5 Aircross will the first vehicle in its line-up to also feature a PHEV plug-in hybrid variant, which will definitely be to the liking of the environmentally conscious folks. According to the automaker, the vehicle will be launched in China in October of this year followed by Europe at the end of 2018.


Manual Transmissions – New Abarth 124 GT Does It Right!

Manuals. Manual Tranny. Sticks. Stick Shifts. Three Pedals.
 Call them what you will but chances are you’ll be calling them out in futile. As more and more consumers opt for the ubiquitous automatic-transmission, the good ‘ol manual transmission seems to be going the way of the
dodo
 bird… hell, you can even apply for an ‘auto-only’ drivers license now.

Apart from the first and second national car makers, you’d be hard-pressed to find a ‘new’ manual transmission’d car these days, thus along with countless others, I often scour the online classifieds for used ones. Sentras and Corolla SE’s (above) have been piquing my interest lately…

Even Porsche, despite its famed PDK, realised the allure of a manual transmission, and offered it as an option in its
911 Carrera T
 (above) overseas, but of course, it’s unlikely we’ll ever get one here. So it seems, in the new car segment, unless you’re willing to fork out buku-bucks for a Honda Civic Type-R or Toyota GT86 (or this bad boy above), there’s not much to be had.

But all is not lost, because just like its main rival the Mazda MX-5, the Abarth 124 GT (above) does come with a good old-fashioned
 6-speed manual
 transmission! Here’s the story and photos from
AutoExpress
 UK… (click link for full article)

There’s a new range-topping version of the
Abarth 124
. The GT is limited to just 50 units in the UK, and the most striking thing that sets it apart from the regular model is its hard top roof. The new carbon fibre lid weighs just 16kg, and Abarth claims that it adds a little structural rigidity to the open-top chassis – and more body control as a result. It houses a heated glass rear screen too which, being wider than the one you get with the standard fabric hood, makes the GT easier to see out of. The roof is removable, so if you still want to enjoy open air thrills, it’s just a few screws (and a cleared space in the garage) away.

The engine is unchanged from the regular Abarth 124, so there’s
168bhp
 to play with from the a
1.4-litre turbo
 engine. It’s at its best in the mid-range – there isn’t a huge incentive to rev it to the red line as you would in the
Mazda
, and the engine feels tardy when it’s off boost. However, it’ll crack 0-100kmh in under
7-seconds
, and 45mpg real-world fuel economy is entirely achievable. It’s mated to a wonderful six speed gearbox, and pedals which are well positioned for heel-and-toe downshifts. For the full article click
here
.

Abarth 124 GT Photo Gallery

(Photos from
AutoExpress UK
)


30 Lucky BHPetrol customers receive gold bar prizes

30 Malaysians had ‘golden moments’ today as they received gold bars as prizes from Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, the company marketing BHPetrol fuel and lubricants. The 30 men and women were among the 100 winners of the BHPetrol ‘
Fuel-ing Ong
’ contest which was run during the Chinese New Year period earlier in the year.

More than half a million entries from across the country were received during the 3-month period of the contest. Customers at BHPetrol stations were entitled to an entry each time they made a purchased BHPetrol fuels or bought items from the BHPetromart convenience store (minimum RM30). All they had to do was fill out an entry form or it was automatically submitted via the
BHPetrol
e
Card mobile app
.

There were two categories of prizes – 10 gms and 20 gms of 999.9 gold bars. ‘999.9’ means the gold content in each bar is 99.99%, essentially making it pure gold. One gram of gold has the value of RM271 today (May 26, 2022), so it was certainly very good fortune for the winners to spend at a BHPetrol station.

Commenting on the promotion, Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, BHPetrol’s Acting CEO, said that there was increased sales volume at the stations during the period. This trend was also seen in the usage of the BHPetrol eCard which offers rewards to loyal members.

“I would like to congratulate all the lucky winners today and wish to express my gratitude to all customers who have participated in the contest. This is one of our ways to rewards customers who have been supportive of the brand all these years,” said Ir. Azizul, who presented the prizes to the winners.

“It is also part of the company’s ongoing marketing activities to generate interest and awareness of the available offers at our BHPetrol stations which number about 400 nationwide. We will continue to have more exciting promotions and to continue to provide excellent service to all our customers,” he promised.

Motorists also have an opportunity till the end of May 2022 to win prizes in the ‘
BHPetrol Riang Raya Hari Raya
‘ promotion which has a total of RM220,000 worth of prizes.
Click here
 to know more.

This BHPetrol’s 16
th
 year of operations, having started as a Malaysian brand of high quality fuel and lubricants on February 14, 2006. The network of stations has been growing each year and at some 300 of them, there are also
BHPetromart
 convenience stores. These stores provide not only a wide variety of essential products but also useful services to motorists.

BHPetrol fuels
 have long been recognized for their performance and advanced German additive technology. Motorists enjoy better performance and fuel economy when they use BHPetrol regularly. The brand was also the first in Malaysia to introduce the more environment-friendly Euro5 grade of biodiesel in the country.

Besides fuel and lubricants, BHPetrol is also involved in the distribution of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) for domestic and commercial use.

To know more about BHPetrol products and services or to locate a station, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

To download the latest BHPetrol
e
Card mobile app, visit the
Google Play Store
 or
Apple App Store
.


Organisers change plans for 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans – spectators not allowed

Each year, usually around June, thousands of spectators (250,000 in 2019) ring the Circuit de la Sarthe in France to watch the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This year – for the first time since the first race was held in 1923 – there won’t be the carnival atmosphere at the 88
th
 edition of one of the best known events in the motorsport calendar.

Surge in infections force change

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, permission is being given by governments to run races with strict conditions largely aimed at avoiding spread of the coronavirus. Originally, besides being postponed to September 19 and 20, the event was allowed by health officials to have spectators. However, with a recent surge in infections in France, this was changed and no spectators are allowed. Teams and media must also be at a minimum and follow stringent procedures just like Formula 1.

Each year, thousands of spectators watch the 24-hour race from Saturday through the night until Sunday afternoon.

“The 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans will go down in the annals of history as, sadly, the world’s greatest endurance race run this year with no spectators trackside,” said Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO).

Health and safety the priority

He explained that even a limit on the number of spectators could not be considered as health and safety are the highest priority. “Given the constraints involved in organizing a festival-scale event over several days in the current situation, we have opted with the local government authorities to hold the race behind closed doors,” Fillon said.

“Fans will not miss out altogether,” he assured. “They may not be at Le Mans but our media teams and service providers will bring Le Mans to them! Thanks to the new digital platform, they will gain an exclusive insight of what goes on behind the scenes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

A Toyota TS050 Hybrid racing car in one of the past events.

The second last round of the 2019/2020 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will have 62 teams taking part. There will be 4 free practice sessions, qualifying, the Hyperpole session and a warm-up, culminating with the 24-hour endurance race on the 13.6-km course.

Last year, the starting time of the 2020 race was changed to 4 pm on Saturday, one hour later than usual. However, in replanning the whole event program this year, the race itself will start at 2:30 pm on Saturday.

7 races for this season

The championship season began with the 4 Hours of Silverstone in September 2019 and races were run in Japan, China, Bahrain, and the USA (Texas). There was also a second race to be held in the USA at Sebring but this was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Before Le Mans, there will be a 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on August 15. The final round will be the 8 Hours of Bahrain scheduled for November 21.

Looking ahead

The 2020/2021 WEC season will see the brand new Le Mans Hypercar category in place of the LMP1 category. Assuming the pandemic diminishes and countries are less restrictive, there are 8 races (ranging from 6 hours to 24 hours) scheduled to be run in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and the USA. Two new venues –  Monza in Italy and Kyalami in South Africa will be on the calendar.


In 2021, Rolls-Royce delivered the most cars in its 117-year history

5,586 cars in a whole year might not sound like a particularly big number but for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, it’s a number that has never been recorded in the company’s 117-year history. While being at the topmost segment of the market does mean that the number of customers is significantly smaller, it also shows that demand for Rolls-Royce cars has grown in an unprecedented way globally.

2021 was another year of the COVID-19 pandemic and businesses worldwide were impacted, the auto industry not escaping as well. Yet Rolls-Royce was able to deliver 49% more cars than in 2020, with all-time record sales in most regions, including Greater China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, and in multiple countries worldwide.

The phenomenal year was due to have an extremely strong product portfolio, supported by the continuing record demand for Bespoke personalisation. It was also the first full year of availability of the
Ghost
, with the launch of the
Black Badge Ghost
 (pictured above).

The growth was, in fact, driven principally by the Ghost, with demand surging further when the launch of Black Badge Ghost in October. This, together with the continuing demand for the Cullinan SUV and the marque’s pinnacle product, the Phantom, saw order books are full well into the third quarter of 2022. The company’s Provenance (pre-owned) programme also enjoyed exceptional sales results in 2021, achieving an all-time record.

Not surprisingly, almost all customers make use of Bespoke services which remained at record levels. During the year, Rolls-Royce  revealed individual examples such as the
Phantom Oribe co-created with Hermes
, alongside the
Phantom Tempus
, and Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Dawn
 Landspeed Collection cars
. The company signalled its commitment to leading a new contemporary coachbuilding movement with
Rolls‑Royce Coachbuild
 becoming a permanent fixture in its future portfolio and, with it, the unveiling of its latest coachbuilt masterpiece,
the Boat Tail
 (shown below).

Just as Rolls-Royce eventually added an SUV to its range, it will also have a fully electric car in the market as soon as the fourth quarter of 2023. That’s just about 22 months away and as with the Cullinan, the first all-electric Rolls-Royce – the be known as
the Spectre
 – is undergoing the most punishing testing protocol ever conceived for a model of the marque. Prototypes will clock a total of 2.5 million kilometres in all four corners of the world, simulating more than 400 years of use for a Rolls‑Royce.

One of the very few official images of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce, available from the fourth quarter of 2023.

Reflecting on the results, CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos said: “This has been a truly historic year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In the past 12 months, we have recorded our highest-ever annual sales, launched the latest addition to our Black Badge family, stunned the world with our coachbuilding capabilities and made huge strides into our all-electric future.”

“While preparations are made for the marque’s all-electric future, Rolls-Royce continues to meet the surge in demand for its current portfolio through a flexible manufacturing process and the dedication of the over 2,000 people who work at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex and around the world. The Rolls-Royce factory at Goodwood is currently running at near-maximum capacity, on a two-shift pattern to fulfil orders from clients around the world,” he added.

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


Hans Zimmer to create e-sounds for BMW Group vehicles

For decades, engineers have worked hard to bring down noise levels in cars because noise can cause fatigue and if a car is quiet, it is considered as being refined. They still have to work at lowering noise as well as vibrations and harshness (NVH in industry-speak) but with the advent of electrically-powered vehicles, ‘sound’ will be viewed differently.

On the one hand, for safety reasons, governments are asking manufacturers to install devices which can emit sounds to warn pedestrians and other road-users of the electric vehicles approaching them. Since 2009, with the introduction of the MINI E test fleet, acoustic engineers from the BMW Group were already working on artificially generated sound, which was intended to contribute to the better perceptibility of vehicles with much quieter drivetrains. Since the launch of the BMW i3, customers have been able to choose acoustic pedestrian protection as optional equipment.

In crowded urban areas with a lot of pedestrians, the quientness of electric cars means that some warning sound is needed as they move around.

Continued development of warning sounds

The sound of the acoustic pedestrian protection has since been further developed in line with new legislative requirements and is now gradually being rolled out as standard in all plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles from BMW (where required by law). The aim in the development has been to provide the important warning function without disturbing pedestrians.

Now the BMW Group is looking at e-sound for its future electric vehicles and have partnered Hans Zimmer, a noted composer for Hollywood movies, to further develop BMW IconicSounds Electric. The move follows an earlier collaboration which saw Zimmer and BMW Sound Designer Renzo Vitale present their jointly developed e-sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT.

“We have the unique opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a magnificent experience with outstanding sonority. I am really looking forward to the challenge of shaping the sound for future electric BMW’s. Developing the sounds for the BMW Vision M NEXT together with Renzo Vitale was already an inspiring, new experience for me,” said Zimmer.

In production models from 2020

The most recent co-creation is the sound signalling readiness for driving in purely electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This unique sound will be heard in production models of the BMW brand next year. “Sound Design gives us the opportunity to evoke positive emotions in our vehicles. This new start-sound triggers joyful anticipation of the electric drive, when the customer enters his vehicle and presses the Start/Stop button,” explained Vitale.

The silence of driving electrically is often cited as a major advantage of electric mobility. However, as the range of electrified models increases, a gap in the emotionality of the driving experience arises for the driver. Under the brand name “BMW IconicSounds Electric”, a visionary sound offer will be created for future electrified vehicles from BMW.

Enhancement to driving pleasure

“Over the years, the sound of our vehicles has enthused and accompanied millions of people. We are very excited about the exceptional chance of creating the sounds for BMW’s electric mobility together with Hans Zimmer. Thereby we can charge future emotions of our customers worldwide anew and redefine sheer driving pleasure,” said Stefan Ponikva, Vice-President BMW Brand Experience.

As composer and curator of BMW IconicSounds Electric, Zimmer will contribute his expertise to various projects for sound creation for electrified BMW vehicles worldwide. The variety of projects may include sounds for vision vehicles and concepts, production models, composition of sound signs, as well as sound creation for communicative occasions focusing on the acoustic-emotional character of electric mobility.


New BMW / MINI Dealership Opens in Bukit Tinggi, Selangor

Ever since BMW Group Malaysia was established almost 20 years ago, the network of authorised BMW and MINI dealerships has been constantly expanding. With growing demand for the vehicles of the two brands, more dealerships have been opened, especially in fast-growing townships around the country.

Wheelcorp Premium is one of the authorised dealerships which has been associated with the brands for 10 years and has now added a brand new showroom located in Bukit Tinggi, Selangor. The 170,000 sq ft premises will be home to new models from the BMW, BMW i, BMW M and MINI, as well as the BMW Premium Selection of pre-owned products.

The showroom can display up to 13 new products for viewing, as well as 25 units of BMW Premium selection as well as MINI Used Car Next. An integrated service centre provides maintenance services, spare parts and systems and this is supported by a Body & Paint repair facility at the Setia Alam dealership.

The service centre has 20 bays, allowing up to 80 service appointments to be handled per day. A drive-through-operated fast-lane service is available for owner requiring quick on-the-go maintenance and repairs.

As with other BMW and MINI outlets, there are many other services for customers including Insurance renewal and trade-in valuation. Merchandise and accessories for both the brands are also available.

Owners with electrified vehicles can make use of the DC Fast Charging facilities at Wheelcorp Premium Setia Alam with access to public use via the ChargEV App. To date, BMW Group Malaysia provides BMW and MINI EV owners with access to over 610 charging facilities nationwide, powered by industry partners JomCharge, and ChargEV. Over 80 BMW i charging facilities are also available at most authorised BMW and MINI dealerships across the country.

According to the Managing Director of Wheelcorp Premium, Jayden Liew, the dealership differentiates itself from its contemporaries in that it offers first of its kind, elevated experiences to its customers. “Beyond the premium creature comforts that can be expected from a 4S Centre, Wheelcorp Premium elevates its customer experiences with luxurious kitchen innovation experts De Dietrich in its NEXTGen Luxury space, OGAWA in its Relaxation Zone as well as Starbucks in one of its two Isetta Bar lounges,” said Mr. Liew.

Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, said the company is constantly looking in growing its presence in new areas which have tremendous business potential. “Klang, Shah Alam, Kota Kemuning and Setia Alam in the Klang Valley are such areas. Over the next 5 years, we will see the premium segment in these areas grow by over 20% and we need to prime ourselves to meet this growth,” he said.

BMW Group Malaysia Continues To Grow Charging Network For Its EV Customers

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 for more BMW videos at The Piston Show.