LOOKING BACK: OX99-11 – Yamaha’s F1 car for the road

Yamaha is a well known name in the motorcycle world, especially in motorsports. And while most people know the Japanese manufacturer for its motorcycles, it actually has a history of making high-performance engines for other manufacturers. In fact, as far back as 1959, Yamaha engineers carried out basic research in automobile engine development and produced a 1.6-litre DOHC unit of exceptional power output.

It collaborated closely with Toyota on the 2000 GT supercar as well as the development of Toyota’s engines such as the 2T-G, 3S-GTE, 1Z-GTE and many others. One of the notable features of its engines was multivalve technology which Yamaha engineers contended offered the highest potential. This is because of the increased effective intake valve surface area, the possibility of a higher compression ratio due to more compact combustion chambers, and lighter valve mass.

In the late 1980s, Yamaha was also involved in Formula 1, after having established a strong track record in Formula 2 and F3000. In 1988, it teamed up with Zakspeed Formula Racing, to form a Formula One racing team known as the West Zakspeed Yamaha Team. The team entered F1 events with a new car using a Yamaha-developed engine, the OX88. The engine was a 5-valve DOHC V8 that had a displacement of 3489 cc and produced over 600 bhp.

One of the teams which Yamaha provided its engines to in the 1990s.

Aguri Suzuki, who had already made the step up to Formula 1, joined the team and faced high expectations as the second ever Japanese Formula One driver following Satoru Nakajima. The team had a somewhat difficult time at first but in 1990, a compact, lightweight engine to succeed the OX88 was announced: the OX99. It was a 5-valve V-12 with a 3498 cc displacement, and its output was also over 600 bhp.

The OX99 proved to be a more competitive engine and Yamaha provided it to the Brabham, Jordan, Arrows and Tyrrell teams until 1997 when the company stopped its involvement in F1. The best result during the 8 years of taking part in F1 was a second place by Damon Hill, driving for the Arrows, at the 1997 Hungarian GP.

F1 car for road use

Using its experience in F1, Yamaha then started to develop a F1 car for the road which, in concept form, was known as the OX99-11. It had a seating position like a racing car – including a central steering position – but was configured to comply with legal requirements for road use. This meant having wheels enclosed within a wheel well, proper lighting units, reasonable ground clearance, and of course, low noise and emissions. The result was a car that looked like a scaled-down Group C racer.

Just as Honda (coincidentally another top motorcycle maker) made a strong technological statement with its NS-X, so too did Yamaha using the OX99-11 to demonstrate the company’s advanced capabilities in the field of automotive engineering. Yamaha planned to make up to 100 units for sale, with a launch date set in 1994.

At that time, T. Hasegawa, who was a senior Managing Director of Yamaha in 1992 and the man behind the company’s collaboration with Toyota for the 2000 GT  said: “This project is part of Yamaha’s ongoing efforts to use its experience and technology to make exciting and meaningful contributions to the great tradition of motor culture. It represents our attempt to build the ultimate sportscar.”

The idea to make the car had started sometime in 1982 and a prototype was built using a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine for the Japanese F2 series. In order to make it practical for road use, the mid-mounted engine was detuned by changing the cam profiles, putting in a new engine management programme, and using a slightly heavier flywheel. However, the 10-litre dry sump lubrication system was retained to avoid fuel surge problems and it also lowered centre of gravity. Intake air was drawn through a port on the roof.

But in spite of being detuned, the 3.5-litre engine could still deliver 400 bhp and spin up to 10,000 rpm. Yamaha claimed that it had superior driveability and plenty of usable power from 1,200 rpm, fully exploited by the 6-speed transmission.

Underneath the aluminium bodyshell, the structure was the same as a F1 car with the engine and transmission bolted to the rear wall of the monocoque made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and sandwiched aluminium honeycomb material. A roll-cage of CFRP was also installed around and over the cabin for extra protection. The driver sat in a safety tub with a small ‘passenger space’ behind, offset to the left. Entry was by raising the glass canopy hinged on the right side.

In the cockpit

Jet pilots would have felt right at home in the OX99-11 with the way the canopy wrapping around the cockpit. The shift lever was placed on the right panel adjacent to the starter button. But back then, electrical systems were simpler and though there was the button to start the engine, a key had still to be inserted to connect the electrical circuit! Because of the compactness, the steering wheel had to be removed to get out of the car.

Although the cockpit was longer than a F1 car, its width was limited because a large portion of the 120 litres of fuel carried was stored in the box sections on either side of the driver. This further enhanced weight distribution as the main mass was kept in the middle area of the car.

F1 suspension

Much of the suspension design and materials came straight off the F1 shelf; at the front and rear were double wishbones with inboard spring/adjustable damper units operated by pushrods. The suspension arms were long and thin with an aerofoil cross-section. Ground clearance could be varied using the body height mechanism.

The tyres for the OX99-11 were from Goodyear which worked with Yamaha on the project. Specially developed unidirectional Eagle 17-inch Z-rated tyres with an asymmetric pattern were installed, the front ones having a 245/40 and the back ones 315/35. The wheels were made of magnesium alloy and were 9 inches wide in front, 12 inches at the rear.

Super downforce

As to be expected, aerodynamic efficiency was top priority and the designers applied the ‘upside-down aerofoil’ idea exploited by Colin Chapman in his Lotus F1 cars. Thus, the OX99-11 was essentially profiled like an inverted wing, the entire shape generating downforce instead of lift.

The claimed overall coefficient of lift of -63 was believed to be the lowest ever attained for any road-legal car. While not as good as a full-fledged racing car, it was still impressive considering the height of the car which allowed air to ‘leak’ under it.

Each OX99-11 was to be hand-built at Ypsilon Technology, a Yamaha subsidiary established in England in 1990 which was responsible for maintaining and supplying Yamaha racing engines. Unfortunately, Japan’s ‘economic bubble’ burst in the early 1990s and Yamaha did not think that anyone would be interested in a supercar (which might cost as much as US$800,000). In the end, only three prototypes were built before the project was terminated.

DIMENSIONS

Length: 4400 mm

Width: 2000 mm

Height: 1220 mm

Wheelbase: 2650 mm

Tracks: 1615 mm (F) | 1633 mm (R)

Min. ground clearance: 100 mm


Meeting the growing need for skilled and qualified personnel to maintain BMW EVs

With the government encouraging the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), we will be seeing more of these zero emission vehicles in use nationwide. As such, there will be a growing need for qualified personnel in the aftersales industry. However, because of the different nature of EVs, new skills are necessary as skills and experience with combustion engines are not so suitable.

As such, BMW Group Malaysia is cultivating highly skilled experts in the field through its internationally recognised BMW High Voltage Expert Certification programme. Conducted at the BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Malaysia, the programme offers training for the servicing and repair of the most advanced BMW i vehicles worldwide.

To qualify as a BMW High Voltage Expert, the prospect must already be an existing BMW High Voltage Technician, who must first undergo a pre-selection process which includes a knowledge assessment and an interview. The prospect would also need to obtain first aid certification and undergo a full body check-up. Next, they are put through 15 days of intensive training, with the requirement of passing 2 theory exams and four practical exams to proceed to the next stage. This is followed by a final theory exam and practical demonstration under live high voltage to secure the certification which is completed in another 10 days.

More than just selling EVs

BMW Group Malaysia’s initiative in this area is to be expected as the company has been selling an increasing number of EVs and electrified vehicles. And it has not only been selling them but also ensuring that proper supporting services are available for owners.

In addition to creating a bigger EV landscape in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia is also working with partners to broaden the charging network. To ensure a fair and standardised experience for all EV owners in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has released an official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities across the country.

Supporting the electric future

“At the BMW Group, we have always believed that the future is Electric. Since BMW Group Malaysia first introduced BMW i to the country back in 2015, we have envisioned a Malaysia where electric mobility is fully embraced and have been working hard to that end. We understood the obstacles faced by Malaysians in adopting EVs, such as range anxiety, which we have been alleviating by rolling out EV infrastructure across the country. At the same time, service and repair are also important points of consideration, ensuring that BMW i owners have greater peace of mind when it comes to the ownership of their BMW electric vehicles,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

For BMW Group Malaysia, the BMW High Voltage Expert Certification is an important pillar in supporting the development of a mature ecosystem in Malaysia where EVs can thrive. As more BMW i vehicles are being introduced on Malaysian roads, greater accessibility to BMW certified experts ensures that the Premium Electric Ownership Experience is met at the highest standards for all owners of BMW i vehicles.

BMW Group Malaysia provides official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities nationwide


SC20 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse – a road-legal track car

Some customers of Lamborghini are not satisfied buying the production models that are manufactured in a number of units. They want true exclusivity (and can pay for it) with a car that is completely personalized to their wishes. The project to meet such a demand has seen the creation of the SC20, a unique specimen of an open-top track car type-approved for road use.

Second one-off model

The SC20 is the second one-off model engineered by the carmaker’s motorsports department, Lamborghini Squadra Corse. It brought to reality a customer’s dream car and the customer was also involved in the project from the very first drawings by Lamborghini’s designers.

The common goal was to build a unique vehicle, extreme in its design and performance, and able to combine aerodynamic solutions taken from racing Lamborghinis incorporating unprecedented lines and exclusive details.

“Two years after the SC18 Alston, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,” explained Mitja Borkert, Head of Design Lamborghini Centro Stile.

Inspiration from racing Lamborghinis

The carbonfibre body was polished and slicked down by hand by the Lamborghini aerodynamic engineers to deliver optimal airflow for both performance and the cockpit’s occupants, ensuring comfortable open-air driving even at high speeds. The pronounced front splitter is framed by two fins and the air intakes on the bonnet are inspired by those of the Huracan GT3 EVO.

The sculpted body sides reflect the solutions adopted on the Essenza SCV12, and the muscular rear is topped by a large carbonfibre wing that can be set in three different positions: Low, Medium and High Load.

Exclusive details

The SC20 features exclusive details starting from the body colours on a Bianco Fu (white) base, created for the customer, on which the Blu Cepheus (blue) livery stands out. The same shade is found in the interior, alternating with Nero Cosmus (black) and Bianco Leda (white).

The most significant element of the passenger compartment is the visible carbonfibre used for the dashboard cover, rear wall, door panels, centre console and steering wheel trim, in addition to the monocoque. The lightweight material is also used for the shells of the seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather. The door handles on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminium. Lastly, the air vents are created using 3D printing technology at the factory.

“The SC20 is a combination of sophisticated engineering, Italian craftsmanship, sportiness and advanced design. It is also an example of applying our V12 engine and carbonfibre to a radical open-top vehicle that unmistakably carries the Lamborghini DNA,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.

Its engine is based on Lamborghini’s flagship V12 – the 6498 cc 12-cylinder that delivers 770 ps at 8500 rpm and 720 Nm of torque at 6750 rpm. It is managed through the optimized 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox. The power reaches the four wheels through a 4-wheel drive system with a central electronic differential. To give the required grip are Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres are mounted on single-nut aluminium rims, 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear.

“The SC20 is one more technical and styling exercise that associates Squadra Corse experience with Lamborghini design, masterfully interpreted by our Centro Stile based on the customer’s wishes, which was the focus of the project during the entire vehicle development and construction process,” said Giorgio Sanna, Head of Lamborghini Motorsport.

Road-legal Lamborghini Huracan STO draws on motorsport heritage


Haval vehicles are now available in Batam, Indonesia

Chinese automaker, Haval, has extended its market reach to include Batam, Indonesia. The ultimate goal is to make Malaysia its assembling hub, which will enable better support of Haval vehicles in the ASEAN region, which includes Batam. Go Auto, the sole distributor of Haval vehicles locally, are tasked with making the manufacturer’s plans a reality.

Car buyers in Batam will now be able to choose from three different Haval models, the H1, H2 and H8. It is one of the various markets, including Singapore that has seen a significant increase in demand for the Chinese make SUVs. However, the automaker is adamant that the interest in its vehicles are mainly due to the quality of its products rather than pricing.

Speaking of the launch in Batam, Haval’s Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Azam Sulaiman, said, “We have received almost 100 units of bookings for Batam market and we are optimistic that the number will increase after the official launch. We also have demands coming in from Singapore which we think is fascinating. Haval’s arrival in Singapore will be a benchmark for the brand in ASEAN.”

Indonesia is just the latest addition to the string of countries that Haval has made its presence felt, including Cambodia and Brunei with plans of including Vietnam, the Philippines and Myanmar before the end of next year.

If you didn’t already know, Haval, is an abbreviation for “Have All” which the automaker says portrays the essence of the brand – offering affordable vehicles that incorporate the latest technology. Haval is owned by Great Wall Motor Company Limited(GWM) and it is said to be the largest Chinese SUV and Pick-up manufacturer in China. Visit the automaker’s Malaysian website to know more about the Haval brand of vehicles.


Ariel To Produce EV Sportscar With 0 – 100 Km/h Capability of 2 Seconds

Ariel is a small British carmaker that makes the unusual Atom and open-framed Nomad cars since the early 2000s. The Atom began as a student university project which drew enough interest that it became commercialized. It uses a few different engines, including Honda’s VTEC engine, and typically weighs under 650 kgs.

Now the company is also going electric with a new sportscar called the HIPERCAR that has a radical body design with the chassis and subframes made of aluminium and body of carbonfibre to keep weight low. A fully operational prototype of the HIPERCAR (which stands for
Hi
gh
Per
formance
Ca
rbon
R
eduction) has been completed and will form the basis for low volume production.

To be available in 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive variants, power is by inboard Equipmake APM-200 motors (one per wheel) with integral inverters and single-speed step down gearboxes direct to driven wheels. Each individual motor develops 220 kW (295 ps)/450 Nm; in 4-wheel drive, total power is therefore 880 kW (1,180 ps) and in 2-wheel drive form 440 kW (590 ps). Total torque is 1,800 Nm at the motor in the 4-wheel drive and 900 Nm in the 2-wheel drive car.

Ariel claims super quick times, not surprising given the very low weight of the cars. The 800 kW model is expected to go from 0 to 92 km/h in 2.09 seconds and 0 to 160 km/h in 4.4 seconds. With full torque vectoring, these times will be improved so that sub 2-second times to 92 km/h and sub 4-second times to 60 km/h are possible.

Without a range extender, the HIPERCAR is claimed to have a range of around 200 kms. Further range is possible with the inclusion of a Cosworth 35 kW CatGen (Catalytic Generator) turbine range extender to charge the battery on the move. However, refuelling of the range extender periodically will be necessary. The battery pack can also be charged at home or a conventional charging station.

Ariel has not indicated when the development work will be completed but production is likely to only start in 2024. They are accepting orders for the limited number of units that will be built, and each unit will have a very high pricetag since the volume is very low.


Ford and Domino’s team up to test self-driving delivery vehicle

Ford has teamed up with Domino’s, the world renowned pizza maker, to develop autonomous delivery vehicles for the latter’s customers. This effort will enable the Blue Oval to study the role that future delivery pizza delivery vehicles might play in our lives.

Researchers from both companies will also investigate customer reactions to interacting with a self-driving vehicle as part of their delivery experience. They consider this of paramount importance because it will help them better understand customers’ perspectives regarding the future of food delivery with self-driving vehicles.

“As delivery experts, we’ve been watching the development of self-driving vehicles with great interest as we believe transportation is undergoing fundamental, dramatic change,” said Patrick Doyle, Domino’s president and CEO.

“We pride ourselves on being technology leaders and are excited to help lead research into how self-driving vehicles may play a role in the future of pizza delivery. This is the first step in an ongoing process of testing that we plan to undertake with Ford,” he later added.

Like many other mainstream automakers, Ford is still developing its self-driving vehicle business. Collaboration with other companies, will enable it to conduct valuable research that will be crucial to ensuring that the technology is applied in ways that benefit consumers.

The Blue Oval plans on rolling out production ready self-driving vehicles by 2021, and with that it hopes to meet the needs of companies and customers alike. But for Domino’s, currently a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle will be used to deliver pizzas to  randomly-selected Domino’s customers in Ann Arbor, USA.

It wil be manually-driven by a Ford safety engineer and staffed with researchers. Customers who agree to participate will be able to track the delivery vehicle through GPS using an upgraded version of Domino’s Tracker®.

Text messages will be sent to respective customers once the delivery vehicle approaches their location. And will also guide them  to retrieve their pizza using a unique code to unlock the Domino’s Heatwave Compartment™ inside the vehicle.

The Ford Fusion used here was retrofitted with the required hardware by Roush Enterprises which include the pizza container and Domino’s Heatwave Compartment. This vehicle was completed in 2015 and was put through preliminary testing in a simulated urban environment before it was let loose here.

It will be awhile before we start seeing such systems become common place at our local Domino’s outlet, but its comforting to know that Ford already has plans to ensure we get our pizzas on time.


New Citroen Ami city car requires no licence to drive (in France)

The French are known for coming out with quirky looking cars, describing their looks as avant garde styling. They’re also known for making clever little cars that are ideal for urban transport. Now, at the dawn of the company’s 101
st
 year, it is introducing a compact new model that it calls a ‘non-conformist mobility object’.

The new Ami is said to be a breakthrough response to challenges of urban travel and environmental awareness. And in certain countries, a driving licence is not required to use one on public roads. This is because it is a
voiture sans permis
 (car without license) which is a category of small low-speed vehicles in France.

Citroen has designed the Ami just as much for the young teenager without a driving licence, who wants to visit a friend’s house or go to sports or music lessons completely independently, as it is for an older couple who already have a main vehicle but who prefer to favour Ami’s compactness for their short errands.

It can be used for car-sharing or long-term rental from €19.99 (about RM93) per month. If a customer wants to own one, the price starts from €6,000 (about RM28,000).

Car-like in external appearance and minimalist in concept, the Ami 2.41 metres long, 1.39 metres wide and 1.52 metres high) is essentially a more enclosed quadricycle with two seats next to each other.

To keep production costs low, as few unique parts as possible have been used. In fact, the front half uses the same body parts as the back. Front and rear bumpers, bumper undersides and underbody panels are mirrored at the front and rear.

The wide doors that are completely identical on the right and left and open in the opposite direction, rear-hinged on the driver’s side to benefit from better on-board accessibility and traditionally front-hinged on the passenger side. The side windows also follow this principle and like the 2CV, they open by manually tilting upwards. Besides the large amounts of glass all round (including a panoramic roof), the cabin also has a bright-coloured interior theme which gives the feeling of spaciousness.

A small 6 kW (8 hp) electric motor drives the Ami which can reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h. This means it can’t be driven on motorways as there is a minimum vehicle speed requirement of 80 km/h. The 5.5-kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 70 kms, after which 3 hours will be needed to restore a full charge from a conventional 220V power socket.

With the cabin having limited space, the items in the traditional dashboard are kept to a minimum. The instrument panel is basic and compact and information can be supplemented by using a smartphone placed in the middle of the dashboard. It links to the car’s systems via Citroen’s DAT@mi app and can show information such as range, charge status and time remaining for a 100% charge, mileage, maintenance alerts and after-sales appointment scheduling.

Every corner is exploited to its fullest for storage space. In addition to a storage recess at the passenger’s feet, which can fit a cabin-sized suitcase, the designers have also created another storage area at the rear.

EuroNCAP tested a few quadricycles some years back and found that their safety levels were rather low. Citroen doesn’t offer details of the passive safety of the Ami other than to say that it has a ‘level of protection greater than that offered by 2 or 3-wheeled vehicles’ and ‘its optimized footprint gives Ami stability and a great freedom of movement with no risk of fall’.

Easy to customise, the Ami is available in 7 different versions with customisation done through accessories. The accessories kit includes functional decorative items such as a central separation net, a door storage net, mat, storage tray on the top of the dashboard, and small hook for a handbag.

“Disruptive projects are always the best projects. These are usually the ones that really drive the automotive world forward, and it is a tradition at Citroen to want to contribute to changing this automotive landscape. The design of Ami is a product design, not an automotive design,” said Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroen Style.


F1/Round 8: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 Styrian Grand Prix

After the drama-free starting laps in France, this round started off with a chaotic series of events at the first turn as Alfa Romeo ORLEN’s Antonio Giovinazzi spun after coming in contact with Pierre Gasly of Scuderia AlphaTauri. The latter had rear end damage, forcing him to go into the pits and not come back out again.

On lap 7, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was having power loss with his car which lost him a hard-earned position moving up from 13th to 11th and then losing it to Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel.

Debris from the collision between Giovinazzi and Gasly had some of the drivers concerned and asking their engineers to keep watch on the tyre pressures. The nasty experiences in Baku which Pirelli attributed to incorrect pressures was still strong in their minds.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had managed to get a clean start and very quickly opened up the gap with Lewis Hamilton. By the 20th lap, the two drivers were way head of Segrio Perez, Verstappen’s team mate, less than 5 seconds separating them. Valtteri Bottas with 3 seconds behind Perez and biding his time until Verstappen came in for tyres and he would try to move up and stay up.

At the other end of the field, the Haas drivers were jockeying for positions with each other and Williams’ Nicholas Latifi was looking for a way past them.

Verstappen came in on lap 30, spent 2 seconds immobile and then shot off to rejoin still ahead of Hamilton and still having that same gap. His team mate’s pit stop was slightly slower due to some difficulty with a rear wheel. The delay allowed Bottas to claim third and move to retain it.

On lap 33, Verstappen was heard asking his team if there was a brake issue, which his engineer said will be looked into. Meanwhile, George Russell was having power unit problems and was stuck in 18th. 6 laps later, he would be forced to end his race in the pits.

As the second half of the race was underway, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz were the only drivers left who had not changed their tyres. Both could collect points today as they were within the Top 10, and neither wanted to lose that.

Lap 43 saw the last two drivers finally coming in for fresh tyres, both taking on hard compounds. Sainz was able to slot back into seventh but Ricciardo slipped to 15th.

On lap 44, Leclerc pushed past Alfa Romeo ORLEN’s Kimi Raikkonen at the apex of Turn 3 to slot into 12th but while doing so, his car hit the front wing of Raikkonen’s car, though not damaging it excessively.

By lap 49, Perez finally caught up to Bottas and was ready to reclaim his place, The Finn was uncomfortable at the prospect of the duel, having pushed hard which had affected tyre management.

Leclerc was powering up the field and into the points position by lap 51 as he got past his former team mate at Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel. He then powered past Scuderia Alphatauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and then Alpine’s Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton was unable to close the 14-second gap as 10 laps remained and the rain he was hoping for just would not come down even though there was a dark cloud or two in the sky.

Determined to get onto the podium, Perez came in again, this time to change to mediums, and then when off in pursuit of Bottas, setting the fastest lap in the process. It wasn’t good news for Bottas who had been pushing hard and was getting concerned whether he could make it to the end.

Verstappen had such a strong lead that he could cruise to the finish but for Hamilton, it was an unpleasant ending since he had won this race the year before. The battle between Perez and Bottas was tighter as only less than 2 seconds separated them in the closing lap but in the end, the Mercedes-AMG just managed to stay in third long enough, denying Perez of the podium finish.


Compact Honda WR-V Makes Global Debut In Indonesia

A year ago, Honda displayed the SUV RS Concept as a preview of a new compact SUV model to come. It was clear that the carmaker had seen the growth of the compact SUV segment with the entry of models like the
Toyota Raize
/Daihatsu Rocky and in Malaysia, the Perodua equivalent known as the
Ativa
. It wanted a slice of that market and has developed its first small SUV for the ASEAN market.

The model, known as the WR-V, has now made its global debut in Jakarta, Indonesia, which will also be the production hub. Measuring 4060 mm in overall length and 1780 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2485 mm, the WR-V is positioned below the HR-V. It is shorter than the BR-V but has slightly more width to make up.

2021 Honda SUV RS Concept

Speaking at the introduction of the new model, Kotaro Shimizu as President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor said: “The Honda WR-V was designed and developed through research and testing directly carried out in Indonesia to adapt to the needs of consumers and the character of the roads in Indonesia. With various advantages over other models in its class, ranging from sporty design, largest engine performance, highest ground clearance, to advanced safety technology, this model is dedicated to people who have a passion for excellence and will lead them to be winners in their lives.”

Adapted from concept model
The WR-V’s design follows much of that used for the SUV RS Concept though some of the styling elements on the concept model have been omitted. Usually, such omissions are for cost reasons or feedback from the public may indicate that it is not appealing.

Nevertheless, the WR-V still possesses a sporty image, with a front grille that carries a futuristic tesselated design similar to the latest HR-V’s. Flanking it are LED headlights units that are slim, sharp and long. Distinctive daytime running lights provide a visual signature while sequential turn signals add a premium touch.

Seen from the side, the body line extends from the headlights to the rear lights. The handles of the rear side doors are situated up next to the C-pillar, an idea which would be familiar to HR-V owners. Besides giving a cleaner surface, the high location is also fairly convenient (except for small kids) although it needs getting used to. Incidentally, the SUV RS Concept had handles on the rear doors but they looked strange being so near the wheelarches.

Extra ground clearance
SUV and MPV models for the Indonesian market typically have high ground clearance and the WR-V’s is the highest in its class at 220 mm. The extra clearance under the vehicle will help on rough roads and also when crossing flooded stretches – which could become more common with climate change.

Compact cabin
Though the exterior dimensions are compact, the interior designers have intelligently packaged the interior to ensure comfortable space for the occupants. Knee room has been maximised along headroom and legroom and Honda says its dimensions are the largest in its class. The boot can accommodate 380 litres of cargo, expanding as necessary by folding down the rear seats. There are storage spaces around the cabin and no less than 6 water bottle holders.

A combination of leather and fabric is used for seat upholstery and some variants also come with a leather-covered centre console box with armrests. A closed panel structure and generous dampening material have been used to reduce noise penetration and also provide better sealing of the cabin from dust and outside smells.

The cockpit layout has been planned in a way to provide ample space for the driver. He can view all the important information on a 4.2-inch TFT screen as well as a 7-inch colour touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment system has a choice of connectivity options, including Smartphone Connection and Hands-Free Telephony. To power or recharge devices, there’s one 12V socket and two USB ports.

For convenience, the WR-V is also equipped with the Walk-Away Auto Lock which lock the doors automatically a few moments after the driver has walked at least 2 metres or more from the car. The owner can also start the engine from a distance to switch on the air-conditioning and cool down the cabin before entry. Definitely a nice feature to have in our hot climate!

The Honda WR-V is also equipped with features such as Remote Engine Start which functions to start the vehicle engine and air conditioning automatically before entering the vehicle.

Common 1.5-litre engine
As with other Honda models, the capacity of the WR-V’s i-VTEC engine is also 1.5-litres. It produces 121 ps/145 Nm which goes through a CVT to the front wheels. G-design shift technology gives stronger acceleration and, at the same time, increased fuel efficiency of 4%.

Honda SENSING
Honda’s suite of active safety systems known as Honda SENSING is available on the RS variant of the WR-V. Its integrated systems make use of a camera mounted on the top of the windscreen to scan the road ahead and identify potential hazards. Where necessary, the driver will be alerted first and if no action is taken, automatic braking may take place.

Honda SENSING also has a system that will keep the vehicle correctly within its lane. If it starts to move out of the lane, the driver will be warned. If the departure from the lane continues, a gentle force will be applied to direct the vehicle back into the lane. The lane-keeping feature also helps reduce fatigue on long journeys by reducing the driver’s workload (less physical movement of arms).

Although it is known that Honda will discontinue its LaneWatch blindspot system (above) due to high cost, it still seems to offer the innovative feature in ASEAN models. Perhaps this could be because the system in this system looks like a lower cost set-up. It is available in various models and in the WR-V as well. With LaneWatch, the driver has a real-time image of the left side of the vehicle on the display screen.

Besides LaneWatch, the WR-V has a rearview camera that can show a top view, normal view (130°) or wide rear view (180°) when the transmission is in the Reverse position.

In Indonesia, the price range for the WR-V is from Rp. 271,900,000 to Rp. 309,900,000 (about RM83,350 to RM93,850). The pricing is competitive in Indonesia against class rivals but would be tricky in Malaysia with the Ativa having a price advantage.

Nevertheless, Honda Malaysia might feel confident that the brand is strong and there will be people who want only a Honda, even if it costs more. UMW Toyota Motor has seen that with its new
Veloz
; in spite of being RM20,000 more than the virtually similar Perodua Alza. there were already 6,000 people waiting for their Veloz when it was launched.

To know more about Honda models in Malaysia, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

e:HEV – How Honda’s Hybrid Technology Has Evolved In Over 20 Years


Largest Aston Martin centre opens for business in Japan

A new Aston Martin dealership has opened for business in Tokyo, Japan. The 1,000 square meter facility is said to be the largest Aston Martin dealership in the world and is part of the British luxury marque’s £500m (RM 2.8 billion) trade and investment programme in Japan.

Referred to as ‘The House of Aston Martin Aoyama’, this new dealership also serves as the company’s first global brand centre and a place to bring together the art and entertainment of Aston Martin. Located on the Aoyama Dori, this centre covers three floors and includes vehicle displays, a shop and space for relaxing and entertaining visitors.

Regarding the launch of the new facility, Dr. Andy Palmer, President & CEO Aston Martin said, “As the second largest luxury car market worldwide, Japan is key to Aston Martin’s future success. As we map out our global retail presence, we are confident that Aston Martin Tokyo will quickly become our largest dealer by volume in the world.”

Aston Martin hopes that this place not only functions as a place where customers can purchase cars, rather a hub for art, culture, shopping, luxury and ‘elegance’.  It will be the go-to place for inspiration and to learn about Aston Martin’s design philosophies.

Sky Group, which already manages 26 other dealer facilities in Japan, is in-charge of operating Aston Martin’s dealership as well. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as the main source of attraction for those who appreciate fine art, cars and incredibly well designed architecture.


Closer aftersales support for Toyota owners in Klang, Selangor

Toyota owners on the western side of Selangor now have an authorised Toyota outlet near them to aftersales services. The new outlet, located at Pandamaran, is operated by PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd which has been an authorised Toyota dealer since 2015 with a sales outlet located in Bukit Tinggi, Klang.

Over the past four years, as its sales have grown along with its customer base, it has made new investments to expand its facilities to raise the quality of services. This has led to the establishment of the new 2S outlet.

The service centre is equipped with 19 service bays with trained personnel to ensure that customers’ vehicles are promptly attended to. It is also equipped with diagnostic equipment and the necessary Special Service Tools to maintain Toyota vehicles. While waiting for their vehicles to be serviced, customers can relax in the lounge which has amenities for their comfort and convenience.

Business partner since 2015

Commending PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd on their commitment to provide Toyota customers with high quality aftersales services, UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K. said: “PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd has been our business partner since 2015 and has provided good services to customers. We are delighted to see that with the growth in their business, they have made the decision to upgrade their facilities to enhance their aftersales services. This has truly reflects the Toyota “
Customer First
” philosophy where priorities and value-added services are prepared for our customers’ convenience.”

PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd joins the constantly growing network of Toyota dealerships nationwide. To locate a dealership near you, visit
toyota.com.my
.


8,500 Proton X70 delivered in the first 100 days!

It has been just over 100 day since the exciting launch of the highly-regarded Proton X70 here in Malaysia and for the record, PROTON has successfully delivered 8,500 units of their first premium SUV!

The 8,500th unit of the Proton X70 was delivered to Malaysian law firm Lee Allen Hishammuddin & Gledhill (LHAG).

For the record, PROTON’s first premium SUV has indeed broken all previous records in its segment especially in the sheer number of deliveries completed in the first three months.

With a cumulative sales growth rate of 42% for the first two months of 2019, PROTON has the highest sales growth rate among the Top-3 automotive brands in Malaysia ranked by volume.

The main driver for this has been the Proton X70, which was the most popular for January and February (as per official registration figures) and is on track to achieve the accolade for a third consecutive month.

According to Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, “By delivering 8,500 units of the Proton X70 in 100 days, the Company has proven Malaysian car buyers have taken a liking to our first SUV. We continue to be humbled by their support and we are working hard to deliver more units as quickly as possible to reduce the waiting time of our customers.”

Not bad, PROTON. Not bad at all!


HMSB Introduces New Honda HR-V “RS” Variant Coming In Q3!

72,000. That’s how many HR-V’s Honda Malaysia (HMSB) has sold since it was first introduced here in 2015, and it is HMSB’s second best-selling model. They also recently announced that a new variant called the
HR-V
RS
 will be coming soon, but is now available for booking starting
12 July 2018
 at all 95 Honda authorized dealers nationwide, with a targeted Q3 launch date.

“The compact SUV, HR-V was first introduced in 2015 and since its introduction, this Honda model has received overwhelming interest and response from customers. This Honda model retains its No. 1 position for three consecutive years in the compact SUV segment and has sold more than 72,000 units as at June 2018. The HR-V is also Honda’s current second best-selling model, contributing 16% of overall sales as at June 2018.”
 –
HMSB
.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama
 said,
“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to thank Malaysians for their continuous trust and support towards Honda. We have received overwhelming bookings during the zero-rated GST period of June 2018. Due to the surge in bookings, waiting period for certain Honda models is between 3 to 4 months. Rest assured, Honda Malaysia is working hard to deliver the new vehicle to all the owners.”

Mr. Ishiyama further added,
 “We believe that the New HR-V can attract customers who desire for a sportier appearance. The enhancement in terms of exterior, features and also safety has resulted this model to be a complete package for customers”.
The New HR-V is powered by a familiar
1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
 that delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

More on the HR-V RS…

Honda has also added a new variant into its HR-V family – the RS variant which exudes a bold and powerful expression made possible by the overall exterior design. The RS variant appears sportier and attractive with an exciting new exterior featuring, Honda’s Signature design, the ‘Solid Wing Face’ concept and sporting a new set of headlights including the newly designed LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED fog lights and Rear Combi LED guide lights.

Further enhancing its sportiness, the RS variant comes with a New Sporty 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels, Sport Design Front Grille, New Front and Rear Bumper. New detailing such as a dark chrome outer handle, black chrome license garnish, sport black side sill and even mesh fog garnish provides a fresh and vibrant feel to the RS variant. Honda Malaysia has introduced a new colour for the New HR-V, the
Passion Red Pearl
, which is the first in Honda Malaysia’s colour line-up.

The HR-V maintains the effortless Multi-Utility Cargo Space by keeping maximum space utilization in mind. The large trunk space can be adjusted through versatile rear seat configuration modes known as the Utility Mode, Tall Mode and Long Mode. These modes allow the New HR-V users to obtain their desired space for their daily and long distance travel usage.

Safety will always be Honda’s top priority. To further enhance safety in HR-V, the RS variant is fitted with the Honda LaneWatch, a camera system mounted on the passenger side mirror. The passenger side view of the adjacent lanes next to the vehicle including blind spots will be displayed on a display system in the car. This allows a better viewpoint and provides safer driving condition for the driver.

The HR-V comes with standard safety features such as Six Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Additionally, the New HR-V also offers Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera for the convenience of the driver. It’s loved by Malaysians for its spaciousness, user-friendliness, practicality and functionality in its features, offering total comfort for passengers while bringing the Joy of Driving to the drivers. Honda customers can now enjoy more value-added features with this HR-V, appealing to customers with a desire for space during travels, providing convenience and practicality for everyone in the family.

The new HR-V is targeted to be launched in
Q3 of 2018
. To appreciate Malaysian customers for their continuous support, Honda Malaysia will be rewarding all customers who place a booking for the new HR-V with a Petronas Gift Card worth
RM1,000
*.

Customers can also visit any of Honda’s 95 authorised dealers to place a booking for the HR-V from 12 July 2018 onwards. For more information, call Honda’s Toll Free number at
1-800-88-2020
 or log on to

www.honda.com.my

*Customers need to register their new HR-V no later than 31
st
 October 2018 to be entitled for Petronas Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply.


TCEC Introduces New Renault Captur 2018

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, today launched the new
Renault Captur
, Europe’s best-selling crossover, which features a sportier, more assertive exterior with new bi-toned colours and an interior further refined for enhanced quality.

The new Renault Captur builds on the model’s original success, including its striking two-toned finish. In addition to the popular Flame Red (body) / Diamond Black (roof) colour option, the new Captur is now available in three new body colours: Atacama Orange, Ocean Blue and Pearl White body colours, all paired with a Diamond Black roof.

“With its trendy styling and chic new colours, powerful performance and excellent fuel efficiency, plus its continental quality and safety standards, we believe the new Captur will continue have great appeal, especially for those with active urban lifestyles,”
 said
Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.

Pricing for the new Renault Captur remains at
RM109,000
 (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration), with an additional RM900 (excluding GST) for the Flame Red and Pearl White colour options, which includes kicking plates and a trunk tray. Locally assembled at the Tan Chong Group plant at Segambut (below), the new Captur is EEV certified and offers excellent fuel efficiency.

Powered by Renault’s turbocharged
TCe 120
 engine, the new Captur continues to deliver the performance and acceleration of a normally-aspirated 1
.8L engine
. Mated to a
6-speed
 Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission, the spirited crossover is capable of delivering maximum power of
120PS
 at 4,900rpm and peak torque of
190Nm
 from as low as 2,000rpm while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency of up to
5.4L/100km.

In addition to the
“5-in-Captur Aftersales Promise”

(see below kit list) the refreshed Renault Captur also retains its extensive list of equipment and features (below), while
“delivering on excellent driving dynamics, from road holding and agile handling to engine response and driver aids that have helped Captur become the global success that it is.”

List of Renault Captur standard features

Keyless entry and start, with walkaway door lock function

Auto door lock

Auto headlights and rain sensors

Reverse camera

Navigation system

ECO Mode for up to 10% additional fuel savings

A versatile multi-position boot floor

Front door bins that can accommodate 1.5-litre drinks bottles

Four high efficiency airbags – dual frontal and dual head/thorax side

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

ABS with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

What is the 5-in-Captur Aftersales Promise?

The 5-in-Captur aftersales service is continued to offer customers more cost savings and hassle-free servicing over the next five years. The package includes:

Free service and maintenance (parts and labour) for five years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first

A five-year manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage

Complimentary
24 hours roadside assistance*

Pick-up and delivery during scheduled maintenance at Renault service centres

Mobility service of replacement car in the event any part is not available for over 48 hours at authorised service centres, subject to availability

*only available for customers who purchase their insurance under Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream (TCIBS)

For more details on the new Renault Captur, download this:

New Renault Captur Launched in Malaysia

For more information about the new Captur and Renault in Malaysia, visit
www.renault.com.my
 or
www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia
.


JPJ Shares ‘Product Recall’ Information

Image source: Sinar Plus

Every year, automakers will undoubtedly issue a recall, better known as a “Product Recall,” due to a safety problem or fault in a product that could increase the risk to users’ safety.

JPJ is pleased to contribute to the success of the “Product Recall” initiative by making announcements on social media and on the JPJ website. This announcement is meant to get people’s attention, especially the owners of the affected vehicles, so they may get in touch with licensed dealers right now.

The list of vehicles from a wide range of manufacturers included in the “product recall” operation is as follows:

“If your vehicle is involved in the Product Recall activity as above, please contact an authorized dealer representative for an appointment for the component replacement process,” said JPJ.

The initiative implemented by the JPJ is also in line with the wishes of the Director General of the Malaysian Road Transport Department, Ybhg. Dato’ Zailani Hj. Hashim through his speech at the Bilateral Meeting between the Malaysian Road Transport Department and also the Japanese delegation consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism (MLIT),  National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory (NTSEL), and also Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC) on March 1, 2023.

By making the activities known through the official website and the media, he emphasised Benchmarking operations for Product Recall activities as carried out by the Japanese side.

Product recalls are extremely important and if ignored, may put motorists in danger. The initiative that was taken by JPJ to publish this announcement shows how urgent this matter is as it may be a life-and-death situation.

Back in 2018, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke took the initiative by understanding the urgency of a product recall and instructed Road Transport Department (JPJ) offices not to allow the renewal of road tax if a vehicle has not had the affected
Takata
module replaced.


Subaru appoints new Operations Director for UK

Subaru is in the news again, but this time, it isn’t for a car launch or to tout quarterly sales figures. The Japanese automaker has announced the appointment of William Brown to the position of Operations Director.

Brown, will vacate his position as Operations Director of Isuzu UK, to join Subaru, which will include responsibilities for Subaru’s sales strategy as well as the day-to-day operations of the company. Subaru considers Brown a much needed addition due to his experience at his previous job. He helped rebuild the Isuzu brand in the UK and allow for better cohesion between the manufacturer and its dealers.

Speaking of his appointment at Subaru, William Brown, said, “I’m delighted to be appointed Operations Director at Subaru and look forward to bringing my experience with Isuzu to the role and grow the franchise.”

Later, Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director, Subaru UK commented “William brings an exemplary track record to this role from his time in re-building the Isuzu brand. Subaru still has much more to give to us and its dealers, and William is absolutely the man to deliver it.”

Expect more from Subaru as it begin to ramp up operations to secure its position as an established automaker in the United Kingdom.


Clean Sweep Of WEC Titles In Bahrain For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

Besides a dominant 1-2 victory in the 8 Hours of Bahrain, final round of the 2022 World Endurance Championship (WEC), as well as securing a clean sweep of titles, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing also made history by taking a historic Hypercar title double.

Outgoing World Champions Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez took a hard-earned win, their second of the season in their #7 GR010 HYBRID, to confirm the as Hypercar manufacturers’ World Champions.

Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, in the #8 GR010 HYBRID, had started the weekend level on points with their Alpine title rivals. but finished second to become Drivers’ World Champions, adding to their 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours win.

Buemi and Hartley have gained a place in the record books as the first drivers to win 3 titles in the top category of the WEC (previously known as the World Sportscar Championship). Hirakawa, a Le Mans winner in June, capped a remarkable rookie season by becoming Japan’s third WEC champion.

A perfect result in Bahrain was a fitting end to a successful season for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which now has a fifth world title double from 10 years of WEC competition. Adding to this is a fifth consecutive Le Mans win and eighth victory at the Fuji Speedway. For this inaugural Hypercar season, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing spent a total of 58 hours in competition covering 10,620 kms since the first race in Sebring  eight months ago.

The final WEC round
The race began under bright Bahraini sunshine, with air temperatures of 35°C, and the on-track action was equally hot. Buemi led from pole while Maria Lopez tangled with the #36 Alpine, losing third at the start before regaining the place 3 laps later, following a Safety Car deployment.

Buemi held off the challenge of the #93 Peugeot, with Maria Lopez firmly in contention in third. Just 6 seconds covered the top three when the opening pit stops arrived after an hour, during which Maria Lopez was able to leapfrog the #93 for second and closed to the rear of the #8, before Buemi  edged out an advantage.

When a technical problem sidelined the #93 after two hours, a full course yellow period allowed both GR010 HYBRIDs to swap drivers. Hartley took over the #8, with Conway in the #7, and they battled throughout their first stint, separated by less than a second until Conway took the lead early in the fourth hour as the sun set over Bahrain International Circuit.

Conway pushed hard to build a gap and at half distance of the 245-lap race, he led by a few seconds going into the next pit stops, where Kobayashi strapped into the cockpit. A lap later, Hartley’s stint ended and Hirakawa brought the #8 back on track directly behind the #7.

Kobayashi (who is also the team principal) gradually extended his advantage to 15 seconds by the end of the fifth hour, doubling the #7 car’s lead over the next hour before Maria Lopez and Buemi returned to their respective cockpits with less than two hours remaining. Further driver changes with 45 minutes to go left Conway as the one to take the chequered flag for the team, finishing 45.471 seconds clear of Hartley in the #8.

8 major titles in one year
During the 2022 season, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has participated in three FIA series and it has achieved the unique feat of winning every available title – eight in total – in the WEC, World Rally Championship and World Rally Raid Championship.

Besides the WEC, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team has also won titles in the World Rally Championship and World Rally-Raid Championship this year.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s Rovanpera Wins Rally New Zealand To Become Youngest WRC Champ


REVIEWED: Renault Koleos 2.5 4WD SUV – There Should Be More Of These On The Road! [+Video]

No, I’m not kidding, nor am I on drugs; I
really
 liked this SUV from Renault, despite the marques
less-than-perfect
 heritage in the country. It’s an affliction that’s not unique to Renault of course, just about every carmaker represented here has a skeleton or two in their respective closets, but some like
Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Citroen
, etc. have fared worse than others, and that was no fault of the cars actually. They weren’t properly homologated and ‘tropicalised’ for our climate, as I mentioned in my in-car video below…

This is not one of those cars
. Through the Renault-Nissan alliance, at least they got this one right unlike the old
Alfa Romeo Arna
, because the Koleos represents the best of both worlds; Japanese reliability coupled with French
panache
. The aforementioned Arna got that one bass-ackwards, so let’s try and forget that monstrosity shall we?

In the time I had the Renault Koleos, I clocked up more mileage than any test-car I’ve driven this year, as the photos attest, I legged it out of town. On the open highway, the Koleos – despite its CVT – proved to be quite a remarkable cruiser, effortlessly tackling even the more twisty bits once I said
adios
 to the highway.

Power from its 2.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder is rated at
171Ps
 and
226Nm
, and while these may not be huge numbers, the Koleos does put this grunt to good use, especially when it comes to long-haul highway drives, averaging about
8.3L
 for every
100km
, while attaining speeds well in excess of the national highway limit. The feather in its cap though is the
All-Mode 4×4 iTechnology
 drive system.

In normal driving conditions, all the power from the engine goes to the front wheels, however, during times of hard acceleration, or when the on-board computer detects any wheel-slip, it instantly sends power to the back wheels. You can actually monitor this in real-time thanks to a graphic in the instrument cluster that constantly conveys the front and rear torque-split in percentages. But for actual off-road driving, the Koleos comes with a
4×4 Lock

function that instantly enables a 50:50 front/rear torque split. Pretty cool. For the full specifications list, click to download this brochure:
KOLEOS BROCHURE 2018

Now here’s the best part… thanks to the 0% GST implemented on June 1st, and before the SST kicks in later this year, the Renault Koleos is yours for only
RM189,000
! Psst! The Koleos 2WD variants are even
cheaper
. We recently highlighted the new pricing for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, and you can check them right
here
.

The full press release on the Koleos can be downloaded here:
New Koleos, Renault’s Flagship SUV, Now Available In 4WD

If you’re looking for a full-size SUV, you simply have to check this one out. Take it for a test drive, because to me it’s like a hidden gem among a sea of other more popular SUVs, and it really,
really
 deserves its time in the limelight.
I loved it.
 –
Chris Wee.

Renault Koleos 2.5 Photo Gallery…


Mid-cycle upgrades for Toyota Hilux and Fortuner

As the decade of the 2000s began, Toyota started the IMV (
I
nnovative international
M
ulti-purpose
V
ehicle) program to develop a range of dual-purpose products that could be produced efficiently in large volumes at selected locations outside Japan. It was a bold venture, comparable to the development of the Lexus brand and products, as it transferred virtually all product development and manufacturing away from Japan.

The IMV program had 3 models – the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova – and they have all done well around the world in the markets they were targeted at. Two generations have been produced with the second generation which was introduced in 2015 now getting an upgrade at what is considered the midlife of the product cycle. That suggests that the cycle will be 10 years or so, which was the length of the previous generation.

The upgrades, announced for the Hilux and Fortuner, typically refresh the appearances while introducing multiple improvements to engine, driving and towing performance.

Improved engine

The most significant changes are under the skin where new and revised engine components result in noticeable gains to output with sizeable cuts to fuel consumption.

New and uprated components have resulted in an even more robust 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (1GD-FTV), enabling maximum power to rise to 201 bhp/500 Nm, While delivering impressive gains of 27 bhp and 50 Nm, additional measures including improved cooling have enabled fuel consumption to be reduced across the board, particularly in city driving where the improvement is said to be more than 17%.

The Hilux range retains the 2.4-litre turbodiesel and 2.7-litre petrol engines along with the choice of three transmissions, 4×2 and 4×4 drive. Suspension upgrades – including revised shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and improved leafspring design – improved ride comfort, particularly over rough roads and with low loads while maintaining the legendary off-road capabilities.

In the 4×4 models with downhill-assist control, an additional traction control feature when using 2WD mode reroutes torque to assist grip in muddy or grassy conditions on worksites.

Greater towing capability

Towing capacity for the automatic 4×4 Hilux has been upgraded to a maximum of 3500 kgs to match the manual versions. On 4×2 variants, all diesel automatics are now rated at 2800 kgs, an increase of up to 300 kgs. The upgraded Fortuner has a 300 kg increase in the maximum braked towing capacity which takes it to 3,100 kgs.

Legender version of the new Fortuner (for Thai market).

Refreshed looks

For the updated Fortuner, the cosmetic changes are a unique surround for the larger black grille, restyled bumpers with a ‘skid-plate design’ below the front bumper, more prominent foglamp bezels, and slimmer headlamps upgraded to LEDs. New LED taillight clusters are also available in some variants.

The refreshed exterior styling of the Hilux maintains the tough, robust on-road presence of the highly popular pick-up model, in keeping with the global Toyota truck family. It projects a stronger presence with a large trapezoidal grille that dominates the front design and incorporates more pronounced horizontal elements that deliver a wider, more planted look. The grille surrounds differ by variant while there are newly designed headlights which are smaller for a ‘meaner’ look. LED lighting systems are available on some variants.

Inside, both models have been upgraded with the adoption of an 8-inch display for the infotainment system which has enhanced voice recognition and the latest smartphone integration functions. These include including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so smartphone apps can be accessed from the dashboard.

A 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument binnacle incorporates a digital speed readout, among other new functions.

While the primary production hub for the Hilux and Fortuner is at the Toyota factory in Thailand, it is also locally assembled in some countries, Malaysia being one of them. Under normal non-pandemic conditions, there would be some extra time needed before the new models are assembled due to sourcing and preparation of parts from local suppliers for the Malaysian models.

With the interruption by the months-long Movement Control Order that suspended virtually all activities, the schedules would have changed so it’s hard to say when these new models will be in showrooms.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota
.


Toyota outlets to remain closed but support still available during MCO period

With the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the government, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that all authorised Toyota and Lexus dealerships will continue to remain closed.

However, the company reiterated that it continues to be contactable to all customers for any emergencies or enquiries during this period on its existing helplines as well as 5 additional helplines created for this period of time. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO.

Additionally, it was announced that all vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

All service appointments scheduled during this MCO period will be rescheduled after the MCO is lifted and when operations resume. It gives assurance to all customers that support, where necessary, will be provided during this period.


Hyundai Motor shows creative approach to recycling of automotive materials

Motor vehicles can last a long time but at some point, they will be scrapped and depending on what processes are available, the various parts that were assembled together to form the vehicle will be removed and can  be recycled, typically, plastic and metal items as well as batteries and tyres.

With
Re:Style 2020
, Hyundai Motor Company (in the UK) announces the launch of a creative approach to sustainable fashion by upcycling discarded materials from the automotive manufacturing and scrapping process into marketable products in collaboration with leading artists in eco-friendly design.

Other materials can also be recycled

Re:Style 2020
 stems from the recognition that although most of the materials, such as iron and non-ferrous metals, are currently recycled as part of the vehicle scrapping process, there are still some materials such as leather, glass and airbags that end up in landfill. For
Re:Style 2020
 as well as its past iteration in 2019, the company collected various leftover materials with the help of diverse partners and sent them to the collaborating designers.

Building on the success of its predecessor in 2019, the
Re:Style 2020
 capsule fashion collection has been created in partnership with renowned trendy fashion brands Alighieri, E.L.V. DENIM, Public School, pushBUTTON, Richard Quinn and Rosie Assoulin.

Sales on Selfridges online store

In view of the current global pandemic, the collection has been presented online this week via Hyundai’s social media channels, as well as those of Britain’s Selfridges and the participating brands. Featuring a variety of products such as jewelry, jumpsuits, working vests, bags and various other clothing made with discarded materials from the automobile production and scrapping process, the event will kick-start sales on the Selfridges online store.

L.V. Denim’s Jumpsuit from upcycled denim and leather scraps from the car manufacturing process (left), and Public School’s Fuji Technical Vest (right) created out of discarded seatbelt webbings and airbag materials.

pushBUTTON’s Work Vest (left) with pockets using airbag materials that keeps the airbag’s original details, and Rosie Assoulin’s Tote Bag made of seatbelt webbings, carpet fabrics and foam repurposed from discarded automotive materials.

“At Hyundai Motor, we understand that ethical consumption and caring for the environment are increasingly important considerations of our customers in the post COVID-19 world. Through
Re:Style 2020
 we want to offer another way Hyundai Motor can help customers enjoy the sustainable lifestyle they aspire to,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice-President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company.

“By demonstrating that discarded resources can be reimagined into valuable products, Hyundai Motor encourages more industries to see waste as a recreative opportunity and to work collaboratively toward an environmentally accountable and economically efficient future.”

Under its Strategy 2025, Hyundai Motor aims to spearhead a global leadership in zero-emissions and clean mobility by becoming the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025.

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.


Kia Promise extends vehicle warranties until end of June 2020

These are stressful times for many people all over the world with uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. There are concerns about personal health, employment and other issues.

Those who own a Kia vehicle will be pleased to know that the manufacturer of your vehicle wants to do something to help. And the way Kia Motors Corporation will help is to offer the ‘Kia Promise’, a global warranty extension program.

The Kia Promise is designed to support Kia customers whose movements may be limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be offered in 142 countries – including Malaysia – for all vehicles with original Kia warranties that are to expire between February 1 and April 30, 2020.

With the Kia Promise, the warranty of all eligible vehicles will be extended to June 30, 2020. The carmaker believes that more than 500,000 customers worldwide could benefit from this extension.

Kia models purchased from authorised dealerships in Malaysia qualify for the warranty extension.

With many countries and businesses taking precautionary measures to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kia Promise aims to help customers who may be unable to visit a workshop during this time due to regulations restricting movements. The program also helps customers who are not able to bring their car in for servicing.

“By extending Kia’s comprehensive warranty cover to customers who may be affected by the pandemic, Kia Motors hopes they have one less thing to worry about during this time. Our goal is to help to alleviate any concerns our customers have about vehicle maintenance during periods of social distancing,” said Sangdae Kim, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Customer Experience Division at Kia Motors Corporation,

Prioritizing the safety, health and well-being of its customers, business partners and employees, Kia Motors continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments in communities where it does business. The company continuously strives to prevent infections at its facilities while working with government and local authorities, complying with all standards set by those entities.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia


smart #1 Previewed Before Official Public Launch

smart Malaysia has provided a unique behind-the-scenes experience of the highly anticipated smart #1 at its headquaters in Subang Jaya recently.

smart’s first production model in the family of its all-electric vehicles (EVs), the smart #1, was on display at the two-day event. EV aficionados who had been anxiously anticipating this day were the target audience for this event, which was designed to satisfy their enthusiasm and expectation.

Participants at the event, including EV owners and enthusiasts, got the chance to learn more about the design identity, luxury feel, nimble dynamics, and embracing of the cutting-edge technology of the smart #1. Participants had a packed itinerary with opportunities for product discovery, test drives, and networking.

With the debut of smart #1 by the fourth quarter of this year, smart Malaysia, the official importer and distributor of smart cars in Malaysia and Thailand, will introduce EV automotive excellence to the Malaysian market.

smart Malaysia has been meticulously detailing strategies for product development and collaborating closely with partners and suppliers to establish a strategic smart ecosystem for Malaysia ever since the introduction of smart-appointed dealers in May of this year.

To support vehicle management, navigation (charging map and entertainment features) and the smart customer app, the team at smart Malaysia has been collaborating to build local telematics services.

As part of smart’s research and development (R&D) process, the car is currently undergoing extensive road testing, including a 20,000km adaptive test to assess the vehicle’s performance, dependability, and safety in real-world situations with a focus on adapting to the weather and road conditions in Malaysia.

smart also tested display head functionality and local integration under 12,000 different scenarios and test cases.

The smart #1 captures the smart’s mission—to shape a smarter future together—with Mercedes-Benz design and smart engineering.

As a sign of their dedication, smart Malaysia and Hap Seng Smart will exhibit at the upcoming Electric Vehicle Expo (EVx) 2023, which will take place from July 22–23, 2023.


Proton Maintains Positive Upward Trajectory In Growing Market

With the car market continuing its steady recovery, helped by two festive seasons that will occur during the first quarter of the year, sales for Proton have been booming. Compared to the same month in 2022, the February sales volume this year was 52% higher with 14,033 units (domestic and export) delivered.

The volume was 20.1% higher than January while for the first two months of the year, the year-to-date volume has increased to 88% to 25,714 units. Where market share is concerned, it was estimated to be 22.7% as the official market data has not been released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) yet.

With a second consecutive month of sales leadership for B-segment sedans, the Persona is demonstrating its popularity even against newer rivals. As the issue of component shortages disrupting production has diminished, more units have been available for delivery to waiting customers.

With 2,313 units delivered in February, the model broke through the 2,000-unit barrier for a third consecutive month, the first time it has achieved this since doing it for 5 months in a row between June and October 2020.

In 2023, the X50 retains leadership of the B-segment SUV and also remains the most popular SUV in Malaysia. Sales continue rising with 3,247 units delivered in February, an 11% increase over the first two months of the year.

The evergreen Exora MPV is enjoying a resurgence in sales, with a 216% over the same period in 2022. It has long been the C-segment MPV leader as it meets the needs of many Malaysian families in terms of space and versatility.

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Commenting on the strong start to the year, Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, said that it reflects the popularity of the brand’s current model offerings. He added then, just like other brands, much of the volume is currently being driven by fulfilment of tax-exempt bookings but new booking numbers also remain healthy.

“We are hopeful of continuing our sales growth trajectory for the rest of the year. Over the next few months, Proton will also be making several announcements to shape the company’s direction for 2023 and beyond. This will be a busy year as we establish our presence in new segments,
enter the new energy vehicle (NEV) market
 and build our EV credentials when sales of the smart #1 begin,” he said.

Coming soon to start the EV era for Proton

PRO-NET Established To Handle Proton’s New Energy Vehicle Business

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KIA Brand Value Increases Globally In 2017

Kia Motors has been ranked among the highest valued brands in the world once again, according to Interbrand’s 2017
‘Best Global Brands’
 report. The latest study, released recently, confirms Kia’s brand value has grown 6% in the last 12 months, to
US $6.68 billion
.

“Kia’s continued efforts to evolve and redefine itself are critical to the sustained growth in its brand value”
 commented
Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation at Interbrand
.
“The launch of the Stinger (top) – Kia’s new and exciting fastback sports sedan, and the opening of ‘Beat 360’ (above) – a new sensory brand experience center in Seoul, fill me with high expectations of a bright future for the company.”

For the second year running, Kia is named the world’s 69
th

most valuable brand
 in the report, its latest valuation representing a 645% increase in the value of the Kia brand since 2007. Now the 11
th

most valuable
automotive
 brand
, Kia is ranked ahead of dozens of ‘household name’ consumer brands, as well as a host of volume, premium and luxury car manufacturers.

“This welcome rise in Kia’s brand value is a clear reflection of Kia’s continuous dedication to our customers
,”
Charles Suh, Senior Vice President of the Corporate Marketing Division at Kia Motors
 said. “This result provides us with further motivation to continue our mission to become the most desirable automotive brand in the eyes of consumers.”

What is The Power to Surprise?

The sustained growth in the value of the Kia brand is the result of company-wide efforts to cultivate a more emotional attachment between the company’s products and consumers in every market.

Now a byword for quality and reliability in the automotive sector, Kia has achieved the coveted first-place ranking in the
USA’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
 for two years running. Ahead of all other car manufacturers for quality, Kia was also the highest-ranked brand in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study in Germany and UK in 2017.

With such momentum, Kia Motors Corporation recently launched its first-ever premium sports sedan, the Stinger (below) and its new hybrid crossover Niro, which are designed to boost the desirability and dynamism of the Kia brand. Portraying a modern, forward-looking image, Kia’s latest products speak loudly about the company’s efforts to prepare motorists for the future, with advanced powertrains, innovative technologies, and premium quality and design.

Digital technologies are at the heart of Kia’s efforts to engage with consumers in markets all around the world. In Korea, Kia broadcasted the anticipated launching show of its new Stinger model live, giving media and consumers the chance to witness the unveiling of the powerful new car first-hand. In the USA, Kia launched the ‘NiroBot’, a Facebook Messenger service allowing users of the social media platform to ask about the new Niro and get instant ‘live chat’ responses.

Also in China, the brand introduced a ‘Kia Surprising Lab’ YouTube service, featuring the technologies at the heart of its latest cars, the K5, KX5 and KX7, which you can see in the short video clip below. All of these efforts illustrate how Kia utilizes relevant and evolving technologies to enhance digital experience and to stay connected with consumers at all times.

To accompany the ongoing growth in the company’s product line-up, official partnerships with the world’s most high-profile sports events continue to aid the strength of the brand. Sponsorship arrangements with FIFA, UEFA, NBA, LPGA and the Australian Open tennis championship have provided Kia with a wealth of opportunities to engage with young-at-heart consumers around the globe.

Stay tuned for our upcoming feature on why Kia is catching up fast with the more established Japanese brands! –
Chris Wee
.


Spyker C8 Spyder is a pleasantly bizarre car

Doug DeMuro, an avid car journalist and Youtuber, has a penchant for reviewing some of the most interesting vehicles in existence, and this time is no different. Spyker, is a Dutch car maker that specializes in building elegantly bizarre vehicles that stirs the imagination. And the Spyker C8 Spyder is that kind of car.

Everything from the four spoke steering wheel to the needlessly complicated metal-bar styled gear shifter, screams attention. It seems as though the automaker commissioned a 9-year-old to cherry pick the design elements, then made the engineers work against their will to make the vehicle a reality.

Its a sports car in every sense of the word and one that is as exotic as they come. It is powered by an Audi sourced 4.2-litre V8 engine that produces close to 400bhp. The car of its namesake but with a T in its nomenclature, features a turbocharged version of this engine that produces 525bhp. Then, the C8 Double 12S, based on the racing car,it produces a mental 620bhp.

The C8 weighs a mere 1250kg and is capable of exceptional performance. And at 4185mm long and 1880mm wide, it isn’t exactly as large as the competition in its group. Spyker has taken it racing in competitions like the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours Le Mans, FIA GT and GT2 as well as a number of others.

If you don’t have the means to own the car in real life, perhaps enjoying it in the virtual world will offer some consolation. Several iterations of the C8 have been made available in a number of games that include Forza Motorsport 4, Project Gotham Racing 3 and Gran Turismo 6, just to name a few.

Check out the video and let us know what you think of it and whether Spyker should continue to produce more of such vehicles in the new future.


Porsche Asia Pacific Reports Strong Growth In Vehicle Deliveries, Celebrates 70th Anniversary!

With an increase in sales of
6%
 compared to the year before,
Porsche Asia Pacific
, together with its importer partners, has been reaffirming the potential for the Porsche brand in its 13 markets. Singapore claimed the first position among the region’s markets delivering a total of 567 units in the preceding 12 months. Thailand followed closely with 499 units delivered, making it the region’s fastest growing market with an impressive
44%
 growth year-on-year.

The newly introduced Cayenne, which enjoyed an 86% year-on-year increase to 422 units, showed the fastest growth of any model line, whereas the Panamera continued its sales success in 2018 with an increase of 40% to 473 units. With 591 units delivered to customers, the Macan defended its position as the best-selling model. With the new Macan making its debut across the region this year, it is expected to further extend its lead.

Among the two-door sports cars, the demand for 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman remained on a strong level, registering a 3% increase to 357 units, while the iconic 911 enjoyed a 51% increase in deliveries to 304 units in the year of its transition to the 992 generation – a remarkable achievement by any measure.

“2018 was an exceptional year for us”
, said
Arthur Willmann, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific
.
“The strong sales performance across all models and markets underlines the full commitment and dedication of our importer partners across the region, the Porsche Asia Pacific team in Singapore as well as the Porsche headquarters. Together we celebrated 70 years of Porsche at the global Sportscar Together Day, enhanced our product offer in various markets and passed important milestones on the road to E-Performance – gearing up for our first all-electric model, the new Taycan and an even stronger 2019.”

Sportscar Together Day in Bangkok, Thailand

Porsche Asia Pacific celebrated the
70
th
 anniversary of Porsche
 with the
Sportscar Together Day in Bangkok
, Thailand on 14
th
 July 2018 for which they teamed up with Das Treffen, Southeast Asia’s largest Porsche gathering, and AAS Motorsport, the motorsport division of the official Porsche importer in Thailand. Enthusiasts enjoyed more than 300 Porsche vehicles on display throughout the course of a wide-ranging, interactive event day for the whole family and had the possibility to visit the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race held concurrently in Bangsaen.

Porsche Asia Pacific to oversee New Zealand from 2019 onwards

Porsche Asia Pacific also welcomed New Zealand, a well-developed and professional market with a strong Porsche customer base, in its ranks, totalling the markets supported by Porsche Asia Pacific to 13.

Porsche Experience Centre Sepang, Malaysia

Rounding off the calendar, the
Porsche Experience Centre Sepang
 enjoyed its most successful year to date with an unprecedented number of track days as well as a record number of more than
650
 participants and more than 800 visitors, making the facility the main hub for the
Porsche Experience in Southeast Asia
.

With the E-Performance Nights it was also the first Porsche Experience Centre to debut a nearly 24 hour operation, offering customers and media the flair of a 24 hour race and guided night time driving on an illuminated FIA-certified race track.


Kia customises design of new Sportage SUV for European market

The Kia Sportage was one of the Korean carmaker’s early SUV models, developed using the  platform from a Mazda van. It entered the market in 1993 and over almost 3 decades since then, it has evolved from a basic small SUV to a modern and larger crossover. For all the generations, Kia has had just one design for global markets but soon, there will be a model developed specifically for Europe.

The dedicated model reflects the importance of the European markets to Kia, where sales have been strong. While the
latest global version
 has significantly increased in size, the European version also spiritually succeeds the fourth generation as the fifth generation of the brand’s most popular SUV.

New design language

These are the first official sketches released by Kia Europe show Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. Its design builds on the theme ‘Bold for Nature’ and pays homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity whilst connecting with the brand’s new design direction.

The sketches suggest a sporty, assertive  SUV with a daring and intricate front-end design. A closer look shows a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. A fresh interpretation of Kia’s iconic floating signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille combines with distinctive boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps) and Matrix LED headlamps.

The European version of the new Sportage differs main at the rear where there is a different angle for the roof pillars compared to the global model (shown below).

In profile, a muscular swooping fastback rear creates a strong and distinctive road presence. The interior design of the new Sportage is also said to push styling boundaries, setting the tone for the next-generation Sportage line-up.

New architecture

State-of-the-art connectivity tech, responsive and highly efficient advanced powertrains and the very latest passive, active and ADAS safety features can be expected. Developed on a new architecture, the Sportage has also been tuned to offer optimal drive and handling characteristics for European roads.

Representing another first for the Sportage range, the sketches show a black roof that helps to further accentuate the sporting profile of the all-new SUV, while also highlighting a dynamic C-pillar design treatment. A unique black bumper design is used at the rear end.

Fifth generation Kia Sportage revealed – to be locally-assembled in 2022?


Mercedes-Benz X-Class to bridge gap between luxury SUV and utilitarian workhorse

Mercedes-Benz’s new pick-up truck is meant to offer the best of both worlds by combining the rugged ‘go-anywhere’ capabilities with luxuries better suited for more upmarket sedans. Called the X-Class, this pick-up is based on the Nissan Navara, which means it shares pretty much the same wheelbase and similar dimensions with its Japanese sibling.

Much to our dismay, the production version of the X-Class bares very little resemblance to the ludicrously outlandish concept vehicle that was revealed not long ago. The contours are far more conservative this time around, the lines and curves mimic that of the M-Class vehicles, which isn’t a bad thing. Around the back, things are pretty docile too, however depending on the trim level that is chosen, the X-Class will come with number of exterior add-ons that will that make it look a little more special.

Overall, the German automaker has done a fantastic job at concealing what is essentially a Navara pick-up by conferring their own design language onto that of the Japanese stalwart. And it will be available in three different variants which are the Pure, Progressive and Power.

The Pure variant is being marketed as a workhorse that will spend most of its days hauling cargo and getting the dirty jobs done while offering a comfortable ride and decent interior. Then there’s the Progressive, which is aimed at buyers who want a rugged outdoors vehicle that still has decent styling and creature comforts that are required by business people.

Lastly, the Power variant is the most expensive of the lot and comes loaded with the best kit that is available. It still has the same rugged off-road capabilities but sports more grown up looks – both inside and out. Merc hopes that this variant will attract the execs who want both style and 4×4 abilities.

The X-Class is being offered with two engine choices, a petrol and a diesel one with a displacement of 2.3-litres. However, power outputs of these engines vary depending on the state of tune with the lowest being 163bhp and the most powerful of the lot having 190bhp.

A more powerful V6 diesel will be released next year and it will deliver 258bhp and a colossal 550Nm of torque. Depending on the model, you will also get paddle shifters, engine stop/start function, as well as drive programs that alter engine behavior based on Which you choose: Comfort, ECO, Sport, Manual and Off-road.

These engine can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed (7G-Tronic Plus) automatic transmission. Buyers can even opt to have either all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive configuration. Basically, its a vehicle that has been designed to appeal to a variety of needs and wants especially to those who want a luxury pick-up truck rather than a humble workhorse.

The suspension features MacPherson struts upfront and multi-link rear as well as a 1,632mm front and 1,625mm rear track, which is much wider than what its competitors are able to offer. At 3,150mm its got a significantly longer wheelbase, shorter front and rear overhangs as well as 202mm ground clearance, making it an ideal vehicle for off-road excursions.

Inside, things are far more pleasant. The leather upholstery and leather stitched steering wheel give the cabin a luxurious ambiance, something that’s to be expected of the automaker. The seats come with lumbar support, which makes it easier on your back and should make for a more plient ride quality.

There’s also the COMMAND infotainment, touch controls and crisp LCD display. Everything is laid out pretty wheel, making it feel more like an M-Class rather than an X.

Just like other Mercs, this one is equipped with a slew of safety tech that include  Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, as well as giving drivers live traffic information.

Check out the extensive picture gallery below to know in detail whether upcoming Mercedes-Benz pick-up truck appeals to you.


Mercedes-Benz Museum offers a new perspective with indoor drone tour (w/VIDEO)

Coinciding with its re-opening in mid-May 2020, the Mercedes-Benz Museum created a video of the premises and displays using drones. The mini-drones, weighing less than 100 gms and carrying high-resolution 4K cameras with them hovered through small openings whilst filming – including through open doors and even into the interiors of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles!

Viewers can ‘fly’ through the open gullwing doors of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, for example, or follow the drone through the passenger compartment of the colourfully painted LO 1112 bus from Argentina. The change of camera perspectives is also impressive. From a bird’s-eye view, the flight takes you through every level of the museum: from the roof terrace you go into the building through every Legend and Collection room right up to ‘Fascination of Technology’ and finally back outside via the doors of the entrance.

Filming during museum closure

The Mercedes-Benz Museum team and filmmakers Daniel Wagner and Andre Jung from minidrone.studio did the filming during the time the museum was closed due to the coronavirus. Right from the start, it was clear that, in addition to the inside and outside shots, there should also be impressive flights directly through the vehicles themselves.

It was a bold idea to try given that the assets exhibited at the museum are worth millions. But, at the same time, it was an opportunity to present the museum from viewpoints that have never been seen before. The video is shown in the museum’s social media channels.

The green light for filming was given under the proviso that the vehicles would be protected from being damaged at all times. That’s why the filmmakers practised the particularly tricky shots intensively in advance with real obstacles and also made use of digital simulations.

The filming was done over 3 days and then slick editing was done to create the dynamic, exciting flight through the museum. The work involved in making this 4-minute video wasn’t quite as light and playful as the final result appears, say the filmmakers. Did they fly especially slowly in tight spots in order to be able to navigate precisely and then speed up the video in the edit? No, it was precisely the opposite: only a rapid flight ensured nice, flowing tracking shots. This required a lot of experience and practice.

In the finished video, the speed of the recording was in many places digitally slowed down somewhat in order to achieve an optimum speed for the viewer. For example, for the steep turn in the Legend 7 room with the racing and record vehicles of Mercedes-Benz.

Four types of drones

“In total, we used four different types of drone for filming,” said Wagner. “Such drones are not available to buy ready-made; we adapted them precisely to suit our needs, using various components.”

The light drones, around the size of the palm of one’s hand, were used in order to fly through even the smallest of openings. The outside shots were used with a heavier aerial vehicle that could withstand the wind. The latter can also be operated from a distance by a pilot, who steered the drone by remote control and used video eyewear for orientation.

FEATURE – When Mercedes-Benz also had a rotary-engined sportscar


Lexus goes fully electric with the UX300e

It’s been a busy month for Lexus on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. At the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the brand unveiled the
LC500 Convertible
 and today, at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China, it is presenting its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the UX 300e. The new model is scheduled to go on sale in the Chinese and European markets next year, and in Japan early in 2021.

Electrified vehicles are not new to Lexus though as the company offered a hybrid variant of the RX400 in 2005. It is now making a bigger leap in electrification in tandem with the Toyota Group’s direction with its global electrification strategy called ‘Lexus Electrified’.

The technology of Lexus Electrified

In particular, the technology of Lexus Electrified enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes, realizing the ultimate potential of the motor control technology cultivated in hybrid vehicles. With this technology, there can be control of the driving force to provide ideal vehicle posture according to each driving situation. The high-performance level of the GA-C platform is enhanced with additional braces and optimization of the shock absorbers’ damping force to match the dynamic changes of electrification.

As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e was developed for excellent on-road performance. Lexus engineers kept the distinctive design and the utility characteristics of the UX crossover intact, and focused on the opportunities to build on the performance advantages unique to EVs.

The Drive Mode Select function lets drivers enjoy smooth acceleration and deceleration according to their situation. There is powerful acceleration and instant torque of the electric powertrain with 4 levels of deceleration regeneration during braking.

400-km range with zero emissions

The UX 300e’s high-output motor, which generates 150 ps/300 Nm, provides a natural-yet-brisk acceleration character, and the high-capacity battery pack located directly underneath the floor of the cabin delivers a low centre of gravity with the promise of a 400-km driving range.

While BEVs are naturally quiet, the UX 300e adds insulation beyond just the battery and suppresses outside noises such as wind or pebbles which would be otherwise noticeable in the absence of an engine and transmission. It is said to have one of the quietest cabins in its class, as befits the sound management heritage of the Lexus DNA.

At the same time, the engineers also focused on sound while driving to provide a natural feeling. Active Sound Control (ASC) transmits natural ambient sounds to allow for understanding of driving conditions, while providing a natural ambience for the cabin’s occupants.

Connected to the max

The Lexus engineering team also adopted the latest connectivity technology to maximize everyday usability and the functionality with smartphones. By linking to a smartphone using a dedicated app, drivers can check the battery state of charge and driving range. Charging controls are also included such as timer function to inform the owner when the vehicle will be fully charged or to schedule the charging according to when the vehicle is expected to be driven next. The app also allows the owner to remotely control various convenience functions such as the air-conditioner, seat heaters, and window defrosters.

For more information on Lexus models in Malaysia, visit
www.lexus.com.my
.

Click here for other Lexus news and articles on PISTON.MY
.