Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre Opens In Setapak

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, together with its newest dealer partner, Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd, are further enhancing customer services with the unveiling of the interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre located in Setapak. Complementing the interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus launched in September 2017, the new service centre kicks Auto Commerz’s strategy into high gear, to deliver a unique and individualised customer experience for Mercedes-Benz customers.

“On behalf of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, I congratulate our ninth dealer group, Auto Commerz, on the launch of their new service centre. We believe the partnership we share with Auto Commerz reflects our common passion and care for our customers and their needs.  With the widest premium automotive dealer coverage in Malaysia, we are focused on ensuring that the quality of service offered throughout the customer journey embodies the Best Customer Experience,”
 said
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner
(below, left).

The Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre, located just 950m away from the Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus in Setapak, has a land area of 13,866 sq ft and built-up area of 9,200 sq ft. Built to serve the expanding Mercedes-Benz customer base, the service centre is equipped with state-of-the art Mercedes Benz approved diagnostic tools and equipment, and operated by professionally trained Mercedes Benz Certified Service Specialists.

“As the latest dealer group to join the Mercedes-Benz network in Malaysia, we are proud to add customer services to our repertoire. With this update, we now deliver a complete end-to-end customer experience and we welcome all Mercedes-Benz owners to our new service centre for the best aftersales care that the Auto Commerz team can offer,”
 said
Auto Commerz Dealer Principal, Eric Khoo.

The interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre sports the sleek Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II), in line with the
Three-Pointed Star’s
 brand identity customers have come to recognise. Its optimally functioning work bays have the capacity to service up to 200 vehicles per month.

The interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre is located at No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur. For more information please contact tel: 03- 4144 5500.

Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics – My Specialist. My Service.

In line with its commitment to provide superior customer services and to elevate the customer experience to greater heights, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and select partner dealerships will be hosting exclusive Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics between May and September 2018. Dates and locations are as follows:

Date

Venue

Contact number

14
th
 – 18
th
 May

NZ Wheels Klang

Lot 1385, Jalan Kapar, Wisma Naza, Batu 2, Kawasan 19, 41400 Klang, Selangor

03-3342 3333

25
th
 – 29
th
 June

Hap Seng Star Iskandar

No. 7, Jalan SILC ¼, Taman Perindustrian SILC, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor

07-509 9019

3
rd
 – 7
th
 September

Auto Commerz

No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur

03-4144 5500

The service clinics cater to Mercedes-Benz cars, aged 48 months old and over. Customers who wish to have their vehicles undergo a full safety check conducted by a Mercedes-Benz Service Expert from Daimler, popularly known as a
‘Flying Doctor’,
 are urged to book their appointments in advance to secure their slot. The initiative allows customers a first-hand look at the comprehensive expertise and service that go into maintaining masterpieces bearing the
Three-Pointed Star
.

“Our customers are always at the centre of our activities. This is why we go to great lengths to ensure our customers enjoy the Best Customer Experience in every encounter with the Mercedes-Benz brand along the customer journey,”

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.

During the Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics, Mercedes-Benz cars are given a full safety check conducted by the
‘Flying Doctor’
. Each car is then followed up by assigned teams for the relevant service or repairs recommended.

“A Mercedes-Benz car is a masterpiece that is maintained by craftsmen with an intricate understanding of vehicles bearing the Three-pointed Star. Being passioante fans of the brand, we understand our customers carry much sentimental value with their Mercedes-Benz cars. The Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics demonstrate the strong support our dealer network receives from Mercedes-Benz Service Experts from Daimler in order to care for our customers’ prized Mercerdes-Benz cars,”
 added
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Customer Services MBC, Passenger Cars, Heinrich Schromm.

In addition to providing valuable peace of mind to customers, the service clinics also present opportunities for talent development. As a result of assisting the ‘Flying Doctor’ during the service clinics, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s local customer services teams gain valuable experience and knowledge which exemplifies the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of ‘lifelong learning’.

To-date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience throughout customers’ entire journey, maintaining Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country.

In brief…

Newest Mercedes-Benz authorised dealer partner, Auto Commerz, unveils 9,200 sq ft 2S service centre in Setapak, demonstrating its commitment to bring the customer experience to greater heights, further strengthening Mercedes-Benz’ retail brand presence in Malaysia.

Auto Commerz realises its expansion plan as a Mercedes-Benz dealer while Mercedes-Benz Malaysia increases its overall presence for superior customer service.

With an investment of RM2 million, the service centre comes fully equipped with state-of-the art Mercedes Benz approved diagnostic tools and equipment, and staffed by professionally trained Mercedes Benz Certified Service Specialists.


BMW M to unveil i4 M50 as new Safety Car for MotoE World Cup

BMW M has been involved in the MotoGP since 1999 as the Official Car supplier, providing Safety Cars specifically. This year marks the first time that the high-performance subsidiary of the carmaker is providing 4 new safety vehicles, of of which is a Safety Motorcycle.

For the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup at the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria next week, BMW M will unveil the replacement for the i8 Safety Car which has previously led the field in the electric motorcycle series (a supporting event for the MotoGP). Its successor will be the first fully-electric Safety Car from BMW M – the i4 M50.

The new Safety Car, to be launched in November 2021, is the first fully-electric performance car from BMW M. It is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – generating a combined system output of 544 ps. The emotional driving experience is enhanced by
the drive sound
, which has been developed specifically for electric BMW M cars.

“With the BMW i4 M50, we are entering a new era and presenting our first M with a fully-electric drive train,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “With the first M BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), we are setting course for a future, in which the combination of extremely sporty, performance vehicles and electrification is an exciting theme. We are showing that everything people have come to value about M – the typical emotional M driving experience with sportiness, power and dynamics – is also possible in a fully-electric vehicle.”

The BMW M Safety Vehicles for the 2021 MotoGP. In terms of their sporting performance and perfect driving dynamics, the latest BMW M Safety Cars were already designed to test the limits in their production versions. So they needed little modification for use as safety vehicles in the MotoGP. The changes included light bars, flashing front lights, quick release catches for the bonnets, as well as electricity kill switches for transport overseas. In the M4 safety car, the rear seats were also removed and a rollover bar and 4-point safety harnesses fitted. In addition, the exhaust systems on the M3 and M4 Safety Cars were modified for a throatier sound.

Electrified BMW models will still have sounds that give an ’emotional aural experience’ (w/VIDEO)


Mitsubishi Motors M’sia Launches New Showroom In Klang Valley

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)
, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorized dealer
Evatrend
 celebrated the latter’s second Mitsubishi 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) opening in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur today. This 3S Centre is located at No. 70, Jalan Midah 1, Taman Midah, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur with a total investment of
RM800,000.

With a built up area of
4,908
 square feet, the new 3S Centre also houses a fully-equipped workshop with parts storage area for Mitsubishi vehicles. The 3S centre comes with a modern façade, with fully equipped advance diagnostic tools and Special Set Tools (SST) to serve every Mitsubishi vehicle.

“Our principal Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in Japan recently launched a new global tagline called ‘Drive your Ambition’. It is a powerful statement of our commitment to the values and aspirations of its drivers. We are pleased to note that Evatrend is the first Mitsubishi Motors showroom with our new corporate identity,”
 said
Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Speaking at the launch,
Low Foi, Chairman of Siang Hin Group
, the parent company of Evatrend says
“Our 3S centre is located strategically in Cheras, which makes it convenient for customers from neighbouring towns such as Kajang, and Semenyih to send their cars for servicing.”
He added,
“As a Mitsubishi Motors dealer, we are not only committed to promoting good cars, but we are also customer-oriented from sales to after-sales service.”

In conjunction of the 3S Centre launch, Evatrend also took the opportunity to display the newly launched
Triton
. With the opening of Evatrend, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is currently represented by
53 showrooms
 (out of which 47 are 3S Centres) and
52 service outlets
 throughout Malaysia.  In East Malaysia, MMM is represented by 14 showrooms (6 in Sarawak and 8 in Sabah).

The Triton 4×4 pick-up truck are imported as CBU (Completely Built-Up) units from Thailand while  the ASX Compact SUV and Outlander are locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia.


All-new Peugeot 2008 sales have started in Europe

Following the global debut of the new Peugeot 2008 SUV in in Guangzhou, China, last November, sales of the model began yesterday in Europe, starting in France.  After delivering nearly 1.2 million units of the previous generation worldwide, this new generation of the 2008 uses a new design language that has a more powerful and distinctive style.

From launch, Peugeot has made the new model available with three powerplants – electric, petrol and diesel. This not only gives customers more freedom of choice but also cater to the conditions in different markets. For example, some may not be suited for the electric variant yet so the focus will be on the petrol or diesel variants.

New all-electric e-2008

The new e-2008, which runs 100% on electric power, does not have a specific silhouette but will be identifiable by a few details. Forstly, there is a sparkling dichroic Lion, whose reflections alternate between green and blue depending on the angle of view. A discrete ‘e’ monogram on the front wings and tailgate identify this as a zero emissions car while the grille is body-coloured with horizontal lamp pods

Inside, exclusive Alcantara ‘Greval Grey’ seat upholstery is offered with the e-2008 GT. The on-board experience is completed by a display specific to the electric version in the 3D handset as well as in the touchscreen.

The new e-2008 is the first Peugeot all-electric SUV and is expected to provide a new experience for owners with silence and absence of vibrations. Because of the emission-free nature of the vehicle, it can be driven around town even in Green Zones (ecological zones) with restricted traffic.

Peugeot 4×4 Boxer Concept departs from traditional camper vans


20 years of the Porsche 911 GT3

20 years ago, Porsche introduced a new 911 variant that it designated ‘GT3’. The designation was taken from a class of endurance racing cars, indicating that this was a variant focused on track performance. Porsche promised a particularly visceral driving experience by offering motorsport technology for the road.

A high-revving naturally-aspirated flat-6 engine closely related to the engine used in motorsports, rear wheel drive, lightweight construction, upgraded aerodynamics and track-focused suspension and brake systems have been defining characteristics of this model throughout its 20-year history.

The first 911 GT3 was introduced at the 1000 Geneva Auto Salon

The beginnings

The first 911 GT3 model was introduced to the European market in 1999. It was one of the first production cars to officially lap the legendary Nurburgring-Nordschleife in less than 8 minutes. The rally legend Walter Rohrl was at the wheel and took just 7:56.33 minutes – a sensation at the time.

The car distinguished itself from rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera models through a 30-mm reduction in ride height, pronounced front fascia, visible side skirts and a fixed rear wing – all designed to reduce lift while still delivering a very efficient 0.30 Cd. The angle of attack of the rear wing was adjustable for use on closed-course tracks.

The original GT3 was powered by a 360 ps 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated flat-6 engine derived from the Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 racing car and it revved up to 7,800 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission carried over from the 911 GT2 (993 generation), the first GT3 reached a top track speed of 300 km/h.

The track-focused model also featured staggered 18-inch wheels and tyres, larger brakes compared to the 911 Carrera, a standard limited slip differential, and an upgraded suspension that allowed for greater mechanical adjustment of anti-roll bars and suspension geometry for closed-course track setup. Taking advantage of weight savings measures such as the deletion of air-conditioning and rear seats, the GT3 weighed just 1350 kgs.

First 911 GT3 and latest (991.2) generations

The first successor

4 years later, the GT3 received significant updates based on the facelifted 996 generation 911. Power grew to 381 ps, torque rose from 370 to 386 Nm, and the redline climbed to 8,200 rpm. This was possible by updating the engine with longer titanium connecting rods, lighter pistons, the variable camshaft adjustment system VarioCam, and lighter intake and exhaust valves.

In addition to a restyled fascia, a new rear wing and updated wheel design, this 2004 model featured wider front and rear tyres. Underscoring the effort of the Motorsport department to save weight wherever possible, the new wheel/tyre combination saved 1 kg in spite of the increase in size, thanks to flow-formed wheel technology.

Larger front brake rotors, up from 330 mm to 350 mm, and 6-piston calipers increased pad-to-rotor contact by about 40%. As an option, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) with carbon-ceramic brake rotors was available for the first time in the GT3, taken from the 996-generation 911 GT2.

Third generation of GT3

Based on the 997-generation of 911, a new GT3 was unveiled in 2006. Still powered by a 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated flat-6, the output was now 415 ps and the engine could spin at 8,400 rpm. The 6-speed transmission offered 15% shorter shift throws and a reduction of ratios for gears two through six, pairing well to power delivery of the engine.

To make full use of the increased power, the suspension was enhanced with divided control arms offering greater adjustment of camber angle. Additionally, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was offered as standard for the first time on the GT3, offering the capability of electronically adjusting the dampers. Wheel diameters grew to 19-inches, the size of the standard rear cast iron brake rotors increased to 350 mm, the optional PCCB rotors grew to 380 mm at the front axle, and Ultra-High Performance tyres (UHP) were mounted to further increase grip.

The 997 became the first 911 GT3 model to be equipped with a traction control system (TC), which complemented the standard limited slip differential by giving the driver greater control, particularly on slippery surfaces. The car was also fitted with a SPORT button for the first time, reducing backpressure in the exhaust and put the traction control system in a more dynamic mode.

Larger engine, faster lap times

For the 2010 model year, the GT3 received not only a visual update as part of the facelifted 997 generation but also a number of significant technical changes. For the first time, the engine displacement was no longer 3.6 but 3.8 litres with 435 ps and 430 Nm of torque

This generation featured even more technology directly adopted from motorsport, such as the new centre lock hubs for the 19-inch wheels which increased driving performance with lower rotating masses. At the same time, electronic stability control (ESC) complemented the traction control system introduced on the previous model, adding another layer of control for the driver. An optional front axle lift system was introduced for the first time, offering an additional 30 mm of ride height at the front axle to clear driveways and speed bumps.

The 991 generation GT3

Introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, the 911 GT3 based on the newly introduced 991-generation adopted one of the biggest advancements in performance and technology ever seen on a road car: the 7-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). It had already been available on the 911 Carrera and Turbo variants of the previous generation but was significantly modified to suit the characteristics of this race-bred model and fitted as standard.

The track performance of this latest GT3 also benefited from the new 991 platform. Track widths and body stiffness increased, PASM system advanced, and standard centre-lock wheels were made of forged aluminium for the first time while increasing to 20-inch diameter.

Rear axle steering was also added as standard for the first time on the GT3. This innovative technology, shared with the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo, steered the rear wheels in opposite direction of the front wheels at speeds of up to 50 km/h to increase agility and reduce the turning circle. Over that speed, the system steered the rear wheels in tandem with the front wheels to promote stability, for example during a lane change at higher speeds.

Today…

7:12.7 minutes: The lap time of the current GT3 represents roughly 45 seconds of improvement at the ‘Ring compared to the original model. What a world of difference! The new 4.0-litre engine develops 500 ps and a 470 Nm.

Catering to the purists, a 6-speed manual transmission was re-introduced as a no-cost alternative to the standard 7-speed PDK. This is also the exclusive transmission for the GT3 with Touring Package, which was first shown in September 2017.

More capable and diverse than ever before, the 911 GT3 represents the beating heart of Porsche’s commitment to building pure, uncompromised sportscars.

Click here for other news and articles about Porsche on PISTON.MY
.

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


Porsche Sportscar Together Day is on this Saturday!

Porsche fans in Malaysia –
August 3 (this Saturday)
 is a day specially for you. This is the day when Sime Darby Auto Performance will host Malaysia’s first ever
Sportscar Together Day
. To be held at the Sepang International Circuit,
Sportscar Together Day
 is a concept to bring the Porsche community closer.

Brand heritage showcase

All Porsche owners are invited while those who don’t own a Porsche (yet) can learn more about the German brand’s heritage at the Fascination Porsche showcase. They can view all generations of the iconic 911, the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid racing car and even look to the future of Porsche with the Mission E 1:3 scale model Augmented Reality (AR) experience that previews the first all-electric model from Porsche, the Taycan.

Porsche enthusiasts who want to take their driving skills to the next level and familiarise themselves with the dynamics of being behind the wheel of a Porsche can register for the Porsche Experience.

All owners are invited to be part of the Porsche Parade, and when they line up their cars on the racetrack, it is expected to be one of the largest recorded gatherings of Porsche cars ever in the country.

Activities for the little ones too

Bring the little ones along as well and sign them up for the Porsche Junior Experience programme. In this activity, children from the age of 4 to 12 old years are taught basic road and racetrack driving skills on the specially designed circuit that mimics the circuit and real-life road conditions.

For more information on Porsche’s inaugural
Sportscar Together Day
 in Malaysia and the activities available on Saturday, as well as to register your interest, visit
myporsche.com.my/sctd/
.


FRIDAY FEATURE: The Allure Of The Ford Ranger 4×4

Trucks. 4x4s. Pick-up Trucks
. Call them what you will, but a couple of decades ago they didn’t exist… well not on the highways anyway. Since Mercedes-Benz likes to call itself
“the inventor of the automobile”
 I guess it’s only apt to call Ford Malaysia
 “the inventor of the lifestyle pick-up truck”
… no,
 really.

You see, not so very long ago in the early 90s,
Ford Malaysia
‘s (then known as AMIM Ford) passenger car sales were suffering, with only the outdated
Laser
 and
Telstar
 being sold, and I use that word ‘sold’ very loosely. So what did they do? In a masterstroke of genius, because their cars weren’t selling very well in their given segments, AMIM Ford decided to create a whole new market segment. And ‘lo and behold, the
‘lifestyle’
 pick-up truck was born.

I owned the very first of those trucks, it was called the
Ford Courier
. It was a naturally-aspirated 2.5L diesel, and if memory serves, the model survived one update (
Courier Splash
 – yellow) and was replaced by the turbocharged
Ranger
, which henceforth became one of the market leaders in the lifestyle pick-up truck segment, despite just about every other carmaker jumping on the truck-bandwagon, or rather cargo-bed, and introducing their own trucks.

The Ford Ranger 4×4 has evolved over the years, and while still staying true to its
“Built Ford Tough”
 credo, it’s also become – for better or worse (see video below) – a lot more ‘liveable’ and domesticated. It’s like capturing a wild animal and eventually taming it enough to become a house pet. Never forget though, that behind that docile exterior, an untamed beast still lurks…

One of those beasts of course is the new
Ford Ranger Raptor
, which you can read more about and see videos of
here
, as well as one of the 4 new Rangers that were recently launched, this
Ranger XLT Limited+
. Boasting a first-in-class
 10-speed
 automatic transmission, yes, TEN speeds, the new Ranger XLT+ is powered  by a new
2.0-litre Bi-Turbo
 diesel engine that churns out
213Ps
 and whopping
500Nm
 of torque.

It also has an array of other FIC attributes including
AEB or Autonomous Emergency Braking & Front Collision Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control
and an
 Easy-Lift Tailgate
. Anyone who’s ever owned a truck will know just how heavy that rear tailgate (above) is.

The new Rangers, finally with hydraulic bonnet struts (above), have definitely moved the goalposts insofar as the lifestyle pick-up truck market is concerned, not only are they still very much
“Built Ford Tough”
 but they now also offer an incredible level of
refinement
 unheard of in Rangers of yore.

Want to know more about the new Ford Rangers? Click
this link
.

Ford Ranger Limited XLT+ 4×4 Photo Gallery…

BONUS! Why I love the older Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak…

“No replacement for displacement”
… we’ve often heard this adage, but does it apply to trucks? Here’s an older model with
3,200cc
 of brute force, and here’s what I think of it!


Australian F1 Grand Prix cancelled!

It started with a bold declaration by Liberty Media, which hold commercial rights for the sport,  that the first three rounds of 2020 Formula 1 World Championship would go ahead as scheduled. That was around the time (February 29) the Geneva Motorshow was cancelled and so was the China round of the F1 championship in April.

Although the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic was worsening, no one expected it to accelerate and hit Europe and then America and almost every country in the world so quickly. Worse, Italy then went into a lockdown to try to slow the spread of the disease, potentially affecting some of the racing teams which have bases in Italy as well as Pirelli, F1’s tyre supplier. Some countries were getting concerned about Italian travelers and refused to allow them in.

But still the opening round in Australia scheduled for this weekend was to continue. In spite of concerns expressed by the teams, ‘the show had to go own’; Liberty Media had already warned its shareholders that there will be a severe effect on revenues this year with millions of dollars being lost if championship rounds are cancelled and certainly a lot more if the entire championship is not run.

The circuit in Albert Park, Melbourne, where the first round of 2020 was to be held.

Australia was already beginning to have a growing number of cases as March started and restrictions were placed on foreign travelers. An exception was made for those from Italy but they had to go through stringent checks. Eight F1 personnel from two teams were seen to display mild symptoms associated with the virus and tests were done on them.

Then news came that a member of the McLaren Racing team tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and thing began to unravel. Lewis Hamilton was vocal about the race being run, with Sebastian Vettel saying that, ‘for sure you pull the handbrake’, referring to the possibility of cancelling the event if the situation was too unsafe.

“I am really very, very surprised that we are here,” Hamilton said at a press conference. “For me, it is shocking that we are all sitting in this room. It seems like the rest of the world is reacting … Formula One continues to go on – it’s definitely concerning for me.”

In these times, social distancing (standing at least a metre away from another person) is recommended and Lewis Hamilton was certainly not taking chances! The reigning World Champion was surprised that the race was not cancelled earlier.

Among the 20 drivers, personal health safety was of course a priority, but they also felt that any team excluded from the race – due to restrictions – would mean it was not fair to that team or teams. “If a team is prevented from entering a country, we can’t have a race. Not a Formula One world championship race, anyway, because that would be unfair,” said Formula 1 motorsports Managing Director, Ross Brawn.

McLaren then announced it would not participate, issuing this statement: “McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus. The team member was tested and self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now be treated by local healthcare authorities.”

“The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine. The team is cooperating with the relevant local authorities to assist their investigations and analysis.”

“Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of McLaren F1, informed Formula 1 and the FIA of the decision this evening. The decision has been taken based on a duty of care not only to McLaren F1 employees and partners, but also to the team’s competitors, Formula 1 fans and wider F1 stakeholders.”

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, Jr. were the first two drivers to withdraw from the race after one of McLaren’s personnel was found to be infected.

The teams met and half of them (five) were willing to race so it was a stalemate and had to be discussed with other parties to come to a decision. Then Daimler AG came into the picture, instructing its team (Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport) not to participate, along with persuading it customer teams Racing Point and Williams to do the same. That left only two teams willing to race – Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri. The decision was clear: pull out. Some drivers packed and got on flights home right away.

It was still dark in the western world (6 am in Malaysia) as the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) sent out its statement: “At 9 am today, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation was advised by Formula One of their intention to cancel all Formula 1 activity at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. In light of this decision and updated advice this morning from the Chief Health Officer of the Victorian Government’s Department of Human and Health Services, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation confirms the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is cancelled immediately.”

The FIA, Formula 1 and AGPC confirmed that the race was cancelled although there had been hopes that it could still be run – without spectators as the local government had banned large gatherings. “All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority,” the statement said.

The next round is in Bahrain, which is to be held on March 22, and the organisers for that event have already planned to
run the race without spectators
 present, relying on livestreaming and TV broadcasts. At the time of writing, Bahrain has around 60 cases and no deaths.

Related:
Bahrain F1 Grand Prix to be ‘closed-door event’ – no spectators!

Then there is the third round in Vietnam which has yet to be decided upon. The race is scheduled for April 5 but the government has already declared that anyone who has been in Italy (as well as China, Iran and certain areas of South Korea) in the previous 14 days will not be allowed in. That would mean the Italian teams and Pirelli’s personnel. With the W.H.O. having declared that the situation is now a ‘pandemic’ and urging governments to be more serious, it is likely that the Vietnamese will not be as flexible as the Australians. So it looks like the round will be postponed if not cancelled which is unfortunate as it would be the first time F1 is held in the country.

As for the rest of the championship, there is uncertainty since the pandemic is growing daily and even postponement of events may not be possible. The virus isn’t just going to ‘vanish’ overnight and even if it can be slowed, it will still be around for some time to come. Singapore’s Prime Minister last night warned that ‘this outbreak will continue for some time – a year, and maybe longer’.

Related:
2020 F1 Chinese Grand Prix cancelled due to COVID-19 situation

Apart from F1, other motorsports events have also been cancelled or postponed, including the Formula E round that was scheduled for June 22. The organisers of the Jakarta e-Prix will follow the instruction of the Governor of Jakarta not to run the race even though it is still many months ahead. It will be rescheduled but the new date has not been announced yet. Jakarta joins the circuits in Sanya, China and Rome which have had their events postponed.

Related: Formula E round in China cancelled, other motorsports events under review by FIA due to concerns about coronavirus.

Related:
2020 Liqui Moly US Legend Cars Championship postponed due to COVID-19.


Very rare BMW M3 Lightweight owned by Paul Walker sold for RM1.57 million

Barrett-Jackson, which bills itself as ‘The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions’, recently kicked off its ‘Road to 50’ – a year-long celebration toward the company’s 50th Anniversary. The event was its largest and most successful auction in its 49-year history with a record number of bidders vying for over 1,900 vehicles that sold for more than US$129.7 million (about RM528 million).

Over 1,200 pieces of automobilia brought in more than US$3.7 million (RM15 million) and US$7.625 million (RM31 million) was raised through the sale of nine charity vehicles, bringing the total amount sold on the Barrett-Jackson auction block to more than US$141 million (RM574 million).

Among the nine collections auctioned – the most ever offered by Barrett-Jackson – was the Paul Walker Collection with 18 cars and 3 motorcycles. This collection was one of the most anticipated and set several auction records. The most notable was the 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight model – not one but five – that he owned. Walker, who passed away in November 2013, was an avid fan of BMW and had a total of seven M3s in his collection (including the 5 Lightweights).

Barrett-Jackson collected a total of US$1.32 million (RM5.37 million) for the 5 cars which were auctioned at prices varying between US$220,000 (RM895,500) and US$385,000 (RM1.57 million). The highest price was paid for the unit which had 7,500 kms on the clock (the lowest mileage of all the cars).

The M3 Lightweight was a very rare variant and while BMW never said how many were produced, between 120 and 130 were believed to have been built. The ’Lightweight’ refers to the focus on reducing weight for improved performance. Power came from a BMW S50 3.0-litre inline-6 engine and its output of 240 bhp/305 Nm passed through a 5-speed manual gearbox before reaching the rear wheels.

Intended for customers who wanted to go racing, the M3 Lightweight was pretty bare as many regular items – radio, air-conditioner, sunroof… even the toolkit – were omitted to save weight. As it is, the M3 of that era was not exactly luxurious with Teutonic obsession for functionality and along with aluminium doors, it was about 90 kgs lighter than the standard E36 M3.

Other celebrity-owned cars that were auctioned included Simon Cowell’s 1977 Ford Bronco and 2009 Bentley Azure, Mariano Rivera’s 2020 Toyota Supra Launch Edition and John Elway’s 1992 Dodge Viper. Two VIN 001 vehicles were also sold, one of them being the first retail production unit of the first-ever mid-engine Corvette. Powered by a 6.2-litre LT2 V8 engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it brought US$3 million (RM12.211 million), all of which went to the Detroit Children’s Fund.

According to Craig Jackson, son of co-founder Russ Jackson, the auction experienced a surge in new buyers who are snatching up high-quality, drivable customs and Resto-Mods. “New buyers want cars that offer all the modern luxuries and technology with the classic body styles, which continues to drive the demand for Resto-Mods. As their passion, knowledge and experience with collector cars mature, their focus shifts to collecting professionally restored, matching-numbers cars, which is a trend that is keeping this hobby alive and strong.”

Prodrive starts division to restore and support competition cars it built since 1984


F1 (Round 14): Provisional Results For 2020 Turkish Grand Prix

♦ As in the days before, during practices and qualifying, rain came down and the newly resurfaced track was like ice. Even though all cars were on full wet tyres, there were still accidents on the way to the starting grid, and pit crews rushed to fix the damage as fast as they could.

♦ When the lights went green, wheels spun as expected and then, with the different levels of grip for each car, some were able to move forward while some were still or crawled – and that’s when a few collisions occurred. Daniel Ricciardo got bumped slightly by Lewis Hamilton who seemed to have a good start and as a result, the Aussie’s car bumped Esteban Ocon’s into a spin which took in Valtteri Bottas.

The 2020 Formula 1 World Champion – Lewis Hamilton – passes his team members after taking the chequered flag in Istanbul.

♦ So it was a somewhat chaotic start but Lance Stroll got a good run from pole position and Hamilton moved from sixth to third for a while, although Sebastian Vettel did better with a jump from 12th to 3rd within 5 laps. However, he didn’t manage to stay that high as an aggressive Max Verstappen slipped past with Alexander Albon.

♦ Albon pushed hard enough that he suddenly popped into the lead, surprising everyone and back home, his Thai fans must have been cheering as it was the first time – even for a short while – that a Thai driver was in the lead of a F1 race.

♦ Chasing Albon and looking for a way past Perez, Verstappen lost it and spun a few times along the straight. He was lucky not to go into the barriers but dropped to 6th and had to head into the pits to change the flat-spotted tyres.

♦ Bottas was way back and trying hard to get to at least 6th place so he could still have a chance at the title. Hamilton was pushing as hard as his tyres allowed him and trying to maintain the fastest lap for that one extra point because every point counted in this unpredictable and slippery race.

♦ By the halfway mark in the race, the two BWT racing Point cars were leading, with Stroll 4 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez. The closest contender was Albon while Vettel was some 5 seconds behind the Thai driver. Track conditions were still slippery to hold back tyre changes from the intermediates being used.

♦ DRS, which was not enabled earlier, was allowed from lap 30, so things were expected to get interesting as Istanbul Park has good overtaking points.

♦ During the race, it was learnt that Verstappen was under investigation for a potential pitlane infringement (crossing the white line) but the Stewards decided to do so after the race ended.

♦ On lap 37, as Stroll entered the pits for new tyres, Hamilton shot past Perez and snatched the lead. With conditions getting less wet, Hamilton was gaining advantage and could well pull away to keep the leading position over the next 2o laps. Bottas was not having a good day, with a few spins losing him places.

♦ Perhaps too eager to fight back to the front, Stroll rejoined the race and found the new tyres not working well for him, allowing Vettel and Leclerc to get past him. His team mate, Perez, was running second but 11 seconds behind Hamilton.

♦ Despite the slick conditions, only two drivers had damaged their cars enough to have to retire – Antonio Giovinazzi and Nicholas Latifi.

♦ With 10 laps remaining, Hamilton was 20 seconds in the lead and still pulling away. A win in Istanbul would bring his fourth consecutive world championship title to make a total of 7 in all.

♦ Even with 5 laps remaining, there was still uncertainty for Hamilton’s team. His tyres were already 48 laps old and rain looked like it was returning. He had a gap of 25 seconds to slip into the pits and get back out again without losing the lead.

♦ On the 56th lap – with two remaining – Hamilton was told to come in for a precautionary tyre change – and he ignored it, much to the surprise of his team which was waiting! He shot past the pit lane entrance – and took no chances to cross the finish line in one piece. A bit hard for Toto Wolff to bring up the matter of disobeying orders when Hamilton has confirmed his 2020 crown.


Rare Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 expected to sell for big money

An ultra rare 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 with just 9,656km on its odometer is about to head to the auction block. The Blue Oval only made 500 such cars but only 56 of them came with a white body colour. This is what makes the RS500 that is up for auction, very special.

A similar 1987 RS500 but with twice the mileage, was sold earlier at auction for £115,000 (RM641,460) during the Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Silverstone Classic. Speculators suggest that the 1988 RS500 could sell for about £100,000 (RM557,791) – £115,000 (RM641,460), but considering the car’s relative rarity, it may sell for quite a bit more.

Ford developed this road going variant of the RS500 to comply with homologation rules in order for the racing version to compete in the British and European Touring Car Championships. This is the reason why only 500 of them were produced – no more and no less.

The car was discovered in 2007 by car dealer Joe Macarini in a classic Ferrari collection in Germany. He sold it to a private Ford collector who, after realizing the car’s significance, had it stored in a climate controlled storage facility, until now.

It’s rarity, low-mileage and the fact that it is in nearly perfect condition, are criteria that lead to cars being auctioned for huge sums of money. And unlike other performance Fords of that era, this one is free from any kind of modification. As such, preparing it for auction only required a service that included the changing of the engine belts, battery and various fluids.

The 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 in white is expected to be put on on sale at Silverstone Auctions’ NEC Classic Motor Show that will be taking place from 11th – 12th November. There will be a number of other special cars, but this particular Ford will definitely be of interest to many.


Hyundai N Vision 74 combines BEV and FCEV technologies for higher performance

Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology is not new to Hyundai Motor. In fact, the company was already carrying out R&D on such vehicles, which use hydrogen, from the early 2000s. By 2013, it was able to commercialise a FCEV in the form of the
iX35
, the first carmaker to do so.

Since then, development on FCEVs has advanced further and the company has accumulated even more experience and feedback through the use of its FCEVs over millions of kilometres in many parts of the world.

Hyundai N, the performance arm, is also looking at FCEV technology for the future and has developed the N Vision 74 as a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid rolling laboratory. While it is the first such high-performance rolling lab for Hyundai N’s engineers to use, it is not the first time for N where FCEV technology is concerned.

In 2015, the company also created the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo with the launch of the N brand to envision the future of hydrogen-based high performance. The futuristic N 2025 was conceived to represent Hyundai in the Vision Gran Turismo program, a series of fictional concept cars for the Gran Turismo videogame by Polyphony Digital. While it was never produced as a real-life running model, it had advanced technologies that gave extremely high performance which gamers could experience.

For the N Vision 74, Hyundai’s engineers developed a hybrid structure of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in combination with an FCEV system, placed in an all-new layout. By having a fuel cell system and battery-electric system powering the car together, the cooling efficiency is improved.

The two different power sources can be used together or independent, depending on different driving conditions. This fine-tuned logic system enables better torque vectoring by twin motors on the rear, allowing a precise and responsive cornering experience. Moreover, the N Vision 74 explores the balance between the performance and cooling with a 3-channel cooling system.

Measuring 4952 mm long, 1995 mm wide and 1331 mm tall on a 2905 mm wheelbase, the design of the concept car is inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept of 1974. This concept car developed by the designer Giorgetto Giugiaro was a proposal for a sportscar based on the very significant model in Hyundai Motor’s history. The concept car was then built into prototypes for what was to be Hyundai’s first production sportscar. Although it could not reach production in the end, the daring attitude set the tone for the entire company.

The N Vision 74 inherited the pure surface, dynamic proportioned profile and the unique B-pillar from the Pony Coupe concept. In addition, the lighting units have Parametric Pixel lighting, a feature which is seen on the latest models.

“N Vision 74’s future-oriented design reflects the respect and appreciation we have for the dedication and passion that went into the Pony Coupe concept,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre.

RN22e concept shows how Hyundai N will ensure high performance in fully electric cars


UMW Toyota Announces Upgrades for Hilux, Sienta, Alphard & Vellfire

Since being officially imported and distributed in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor from 2014, the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire (from 2016) have been in great demand by those wanting a luxurious MPV from Japan. To date, over 3,000 units have been sold through authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide, accounting for 50% of the premium MPV market.

For the 2018 model year, both models have received upgrades and improvements to make them even better value for money. The new specifications include a new engine and transmission and this new powertrain specification will only be available for units distributed by UMW Toyota Motor and sold by authorised Toyota dealers in Malaysia.

Toyota Alphard…

As before, the Alphard is available in two variants – the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge which offers Premium Luxury and the Alphard 3.5 which offers Advanced Luxury. Both variants now come with the new 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6 engine and advanced 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

The powerful new engine has a D-4S injection system for optimum fuel delivery in all driving conditions. This system utilises high-pressure and low-pressure injectors to meet combustion needs throughout the engine speed range. The Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) system provides high torque from low to high rpm ranges. It uses the Atkinson cycle to enhance fuel economy and the Otto cycle for power.

Toyota Vellfire…

Like the new Alphard, the Vellfire has also received cosmetic changes which strengthen the distinctive cool and modern looks that give the model its unique identity. For the new model, the upper and lower parts of the three-dimensional two-part structure have a clearer expression at the front, strengthening the body’s overall sense of unity. This accentuates the rearward-flowing dynamic design, and the powerful solid impression of the lower body. 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a dynamic new design are fitted.

From the bonnet to the bumper, the structure is integrated into a single ingot-shaped grille design, accentuating the pushed-outwards impression of the centre and expressing modern luxury in a solid form. Fog lamp bezels, positioned low, together with the flared form of the corners, accentuate the wide and low stance. The aggressively shaped triangular fog lamp bezels, following current Toyota design cues, gives the bumper corners a more dynamic impression.

To match the cubic form of the front end of the Vellfire, the upper headLamps incorporate two square projectors. Together with the blue accent of the extension, this creates a cool expression and an advanced tech image. When activated, the turn signals show the direction of the vehicle’s intended movement by sequential illumination.

For the full details on the Alphard & Vellfire, click this:
017_Alphard and Vellfire 2018_ENG

For the price list, click this:

Alphard & Vellfire_2018 Price Summary

Toyota Hilux & Sienta…

A host of minor cosmetic and convenience upgrades have been announced for both the
Hilux
and
 Sienta
, which can be seen in this photo gallery below.

Hilux:

Sienta:

Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, Hilux & Sienta Photo Gallery…


US President Trump urges party supporters not to buy Goodyear tyres

Generally, companies avoid being involved in politics and prefer to remain neutral, minding their own business. Of course, in a democracy, each citizen has the right to choose which political party they want to support but that’s personal and the company they work for would not influence them one way or another. At the same time, to keep things neutral within the company, actions associated with any political parties would be forbidden in the workplace and in policies.

That’s what someone in Goodyear probably wanted to remind people at a training event recently and it came to the attention of Donald Trump, the US President. He had learnt that a presentation slide at the event in one of the tyremaker’s factories was about company policy which does not permit political attire in the workplace, giving the red caps that carry the ‘
Make America Great Again
’ (MAGA) slogan of Trump’s Republican party as an example.

Caps with the company’s brand name or logo would obviously be permitted but Goodyear does not permit its employees to wear caps with political slogans like the red ones used by Trump’s party supporters (inset).

Under normal circumstances, the controversial President would probably just be angry but with his re-election campaign underway, he is even more furious about such ‘discrimination’. For Trump, not showing support for his policies and his administration are already bad enough, so forbidding people from wearing his party’s caps is deemed ‘unfair’. More so when the company is okay with issues relating to the ‘
Black Lives Matter’
 and LGBT movements, and allows its employees to wear apparel relating to these issues.

This led to him sending out a message to his supporters on Twitter to boycott Goodyear and not buy its tyres. “
Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES – They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less! (This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!)
,” he urged.

Goodyear was quick to respond with a statement (via Twitter as well) that clarified that the training slide ‘was not created or distributed by Goodyear corporate’. The statement, however, reminded employees to ‘refrain from workplace expressions in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party, as well as similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues’.

Goodyear is not the only company that has received such an attack by Trump. He has also called for a boycott of Harley-Davidson because it wanted to move its production out of America. Other companies and products that he has targeted include Apple, CNN, a scotch whisky company – and even Oreos (yes, those biscuits)! And with his war against China, Huawei and TikTok have also come under attack by Trump, who has been President since January 2017.

Goodyear joins a long list of companies and products that Trump dislikes because they do things against his policies or don’t show support for his administration.

The US President’s limousine, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, runs on tyres that Goodyear specially developed.

Whether Trump’s call to boycott Goodyear will have any noticeable effect on its tyre sales remains to be seen (he does have many supporters) but on his part, he might even ask for the tyres on ‘The Beast’ – the nickname for his huge limousine – to be made by someone else. The tyres were specially developed by Goodyear for the official car which is made by General Motors.


1,600 ps Bugatti Centodieci completes endurance testing, ready for production

Bugatti will build only 10 units of the
 Centodieci
, the most exclusive model from the French brand. And even though it is a small number, the cost and time for engineering, development and testing has been no less than for any other model. In fact, if one were to use the 10-unit production run as a basis, it is probably the most expensive model in development cost.

Over the course of many months, Bugatti test drivers and engineers have carried out all types of testing on various roads and tracks and in various conditions to collect technical data on performance and reliability. To date, the production-based prototype of the Centodieci has completed over 50,000 test kilometres in total following final endurance testing.

The white prototype has been run virtually non-stop with 3 drivers taking turns. It may sound like a fun job being able to drive fast for long periods (and no worries about speed-traps!), but it is a serious one. Endurance testing requires drivers to have a high level of technical knowledge, maximum concentration, and sensitivity. During driving, they must examine all functions of the hypercar, registering and logging every minor issue. They drive day and night on different track profiles and across every speed range, from stop-and-go pace to top speed.

Even after hours going round and round the same high-speed track at Nardo in Italy, they must be able to pick up the slightest of unusual noises, movements, and irregularities. Everything is inspected one final time: driving on different surfaces – both wet and dry – testing every little steering movement, braking, acceleration, cornering load, and functionality of the driver assistance systems.

The Nardo Technical Centre in Italy.

“With its high-speed circuit and handling course, the Nardo test centre provides the ideal conditions for intensive endurance tests,” said Steffen Leicht, the man responsible for endurance testing at Bugatti. The 12.6-km circular track with a diameter of 4 kms is considered the fastest automotive circuit in the world – ideal for the 380 km/h Centodieci.

It also has a 6.2-km handling course on the inner section that enables drivers to check performance and dynamic behaviour at the highest load levels and with longitudinal and transverse dynamics. In total, the facility has 70 kms of roads with different surfaces, enabling extensive testing and inspection of all vehicle components.

During endurance testing, the Centodieci covered up to 1,200 kms each day, interrupted only by technical checks, refuelling, and driver changes. Throughout the entire time, Bugatti’s engineers analyze the engine and vehicle data and make adjustments where necessary. “We assess every element on the vehicle one last time, paying particular attention to functionality and durability before the first Centodieci cars go into production,” explained Carl Heilenkotter, project manager responsible for one-off and few-off projects at Bugatti.

“All components must interact perfectly with one another and be capable of withstanding any kind of overloading. They must also harmonize in a stable and safe manner even when subjected to the most severe handling situations,” he explained.

The testing that is carried out is no different from what Bugatti has been doing for more than 100 years to ensure the highest quality for its cars. However, new technologies have enabled the engineers to carry out testing in more sophisticated ways today and to go well beyond the legal and expected requirements.

“The Centodieci is deliberately driven to its limits in order to guarantee reliable handling at the highest level, even in extreme situations. Even though most cars never enter this range, it is nonetheless tested. This is the philosophy of the brand and that is why we put such a huge amount of effort into all this testing. Bugatti is committed to the highest quality standards, durability, and customer satisfaction,” said Heilenkotter. “The endurance tests in Nardo represent the final act of the extensive trials.”

As soon as the final assessment has been completed, the first of the highly exclusive vehicles – each with a starting price of 8 million euros (about RM37.17 million) – can go into production. All the 10 hypercars – which have 8-litre 16-cylinder 1,600 ps engines – will be completed in the coming months and their owners will receive them later this year.

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


First images of Kia small SUV unveiled

A new Kia small SUV is a long time coming and the very first images of that said vehicle have been released to give a taste of how it’ll look like. Kia Motors revealed the sketches that is said to possess ‘the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package.’

Inspired by the 2019 Kia SP Signature Concept, this new Kia small SUV will be mostly targeted to the millennial generation. By focusing on the needs of this target group with unique preferences, the new compact SUV by Kia will not only have a robust design but also sophisticated interior to match. No names or other specs yet so far, folks.

Elements like a long hood, a strong, sophisticated character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines are gelled into the bodywork together with a strong shoulder line that flows elegantly towards the rear of the car. All these aspects showcase something that is classy but also sporty at the same time.

2019 Kia SP Signature Concept

According to Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, “We have created a car which stands out everywhere, from the city to the countryside. Its robust yet sporty design will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers in markets around the world. Our new small SUV is a proposition that no other car in its class will match.”

The first-ever Kia small SUV will be introduced soon as their target to go on sale in Korea would be sometime in the second half of 2019. Other regions will quickly follow suit as the demand for SUV around the world is on a rise.


2021 Honda HR-V range receives enhancements

To know more, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

The Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is being enhanced for 2021 with a new feature and exterior upgrades. While not announcing the price, Honda Malaysia said that customers can make a pre-booking at any authorised Honda dealership or by using the online pre-booking platform.

The refreshed appearance encompasses the LED Headlights, LED Guide Taillights and LED Front foglights, with new chrome door handles and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.  A new Platinum White Pearl colour replaces the existing White Orchid Pearl finish.

Petrol engine or hybrid choices

The HR-V Sport Hybrid is one of four variants in the HR-V range, the others being the RS, V and E (priced from RM104,000.21). While the other variants have a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT, the HR-V Sport Hybrid uses a powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine (with direct fuel injection) and Integrated high-power electric motor. Coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, its output is comparable to that of a conventional 2-litre engine.

i-DCD Sport Hybrid powertrain

Besides the exterior changes, all variants also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as 2 new USB ports. There is also a new 7-inch display panel for the infotainment system in the dashboard.

Other standard features of the enhanced HR-V include (depending on variant) a multi-angle rearview camera, cruise control, paddle shifters, 8-way powered driver’s seat, leather upholstery.

Comprehensive safety systems

The occupants are well protected with Passive Safety systems such as 6 SRS airbags and a computer-engineered ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structural design by Honda which effectively dissipates collision forces.

Active Safety systems to help the driver avoid accidents include Honda LaneWatch to monitor blind spots, Emergency Stop Signal, Automatic Brake Hold, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist.

“Honda Malaysia is excited to introduce the enhanced HR-V to Malaysians. Being one of the top three best-selling Honda models, the HR-V has contributed greatly to our achievement as No.1 in the Non-National segment in 2020. This enhanced model is a result of customers’ feedback as we continuously strive to introduce products that meet the needs of customers,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

Third bestselling Honda model in Malaysia

The HR-V was first introduced in Malaysia in 2015 and there are currently over 98,600 units on Malaysian roads. The facelifted model was launched in January 2019 and was expanded with the RS and Sport Hybrid variants. Last year, the HR-V was Honda Malaysia’s third bestselling model, contributing 17% to its total sales volume.

For more information or to locate an authorised  dealership in Malaysia, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

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


2019 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid – now with FIVE seats

The Toyota Prius which is considered the world’s original hybrid vehicle has gone through quite a few innovations in the past 20 years. For the updated 2019 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid model, Toyota has increased its versatility by increasing its overall seating capacity from four to five.

A blend of high-tech full hybrid powertrain offers superbly excellent fuel consumption ratings as low as 1.3-litre/100km. At the same time, the new Prius also offers all-electric driving experience with a range of up to 45km without using a single drop of fuel PLUS a max speed of 135km/h on electric power alone.

This is all thanks to its 1.8-litre petrol/electric I-4 four-cylinder hybrid engine which is said to produce around 121hp paired with its all-wheel-drive system and a single-speed CVT transmission. What’s even more amazing is the fact that the Prius comes with features that are quite unique compared to other PHEVs and EVs in the market.

The one feature that the Prius is known for is its large solar panels which helps generate electricity during those hot sunny days. The panels are able to charge up the batteries and offer an extended range of 5km per day, depending on the weather conditions. 5km on sun power alone is actually quite impressive for a car.

Other updated features include all black interior, new 17-inch alloy wheels, and a new colour option – Galaxy Black. There is still no news on when or if this updated bad boy will arrive here in Malaysia, but one thing is for certain; PHEV and EV are here to stay.

Like it or not, they are the future of mobility and many companies have proven that they are not only powerful in terms of performance but also good friends for the environment. If you love Mother Earth, there’s no better time to get one of your very own PHEV or EV.

TGR Festival season 3 ready to rock Malaysia this September


Jaguar iPace: An Electric Masterpiece

Electric vehicles have forced manufacturers to not only rethink the powertrain, but also the design of a vehicle. The design of EV’s need to be aerodynamically “slippery” to reduce drag as they cut through the air, a design element that ICE cars needed to have as well, but not to the extent of EV’s.

The basic idea of having a slippery design is to reduce the co-efficient of drag, a unit of measurement where the lower the number, the better. In simple terms, the sleeker the design of the car, the less air resistance it faces, the further it can go.

Some manufacturers have responded by simply plonking in an electric powertrain, replacing the grille with plastic panels, swapping out some body elements for better aero resistance, and using EV tyres to improve resistance. Think of the BMW iX3 for example or the i4, both cars that are based on their ICE cousins and sport similar designs.

But that is not to say that manufacturers have shunned creating entirely new EV cars from the ground up. Take the Jaguar I-Pace that graces these pages for example, it is the first complete electric Jaguar ever, and it is completely new from the wheels up.

The sleek design gives it a drag co-efficient (CD) of just 0.29, which isn’t exactly the best in the market, but it is high up there. The Tesla Model S with its ultra-sleek design for example, has a CD of just 0.24, which is still not the lowest. That honour belongs to the Lightyear 0, which has a CD figure of 0.175, but that is a different story altogether.

But the Jaguar is more than just a sleek looking car. The model we reviewed is the EV400 HSE, the top of the line model in the I-Pace range and it packs twin motors, one for each axles. This gives it all-wheel-drive capability, a whopping 400PS and a tarmac folding 696Nm of torque. It does the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds and does not stop accelerating until it maxes out at 200km/h. That is an amazing feat for a car that weighs 2.2 tons!

Jaguars have always been known for their performance and the figures of the I-Pace make it clear that it is still a proper wild cat underneath that sleek body. And if you are wondering how far it can go with such amazing power, Jaguar claims a combined WLTP range of between 407 and 470km, which is quite decent, but it is lower than what the cheaper Koreans and Chinese EV’s are capable of.

On the charging front, electric energy is stored in a 90kWh battery that can be charged from empty to 100% with a 11kW AC charger in eight and a half hours. That may seem quite long, but the I-Pace is also able to take up to 100kW DC charging via a CCS2 combo plug, and that will give you a range of 125km in just 15 minutes. Jaguar says that charging from 10% to 80% will take just 40 minutes with a 100kW DC charger.

Inside, it is typically Jaguar with a blend of sportiness, advanced tech and quiet luxury. The sports bucket seats deserve a special mention here as they don’t only look amazing but offer superb support when you want to have some fun in corners. Both driver and passenger seats are adjustable in 14 different ways and offer cooling as well as heating ventilation. It is rare for sport bucket seats to offer ventilation, so this is definitely a plus. Unfortunately, the sport seats are only available in the top of the line HSE model.

The interior also features five different screens – a 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, a 5.5-inch screen for the air-conditioning controls, two small screens that show the aircon temperature as well as blower settings, as well as a 11-inch screen for the meter panel.

Ever since Tata took over Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) back in 2008, all JLR products have had a unique technological element to them, whether it was rotating gear selectors that whirred up to greet the driver, or air-conditioning vents that flipped up or down whenever the car was turned on or off. JLR products have been unique and the I-Pace is no different. Besides the lovely seats, the centre piece of the I-Pace’s dashboard are the aircon control dials. Circular in design with an aluminium, watch like bezel with small, colourised screens placed inside, the dials are a wonder by themselves.

But using them can take some getting used to. For example, besides the air-conditioning settings, the same dials also control the seat ventilation fans, which offer three different settings from low to high. But to adjust the fan settings you must press the dial down and scroll to the left or right. For temperature adjustment, you have to pull the dial upwards and turn the dial for your preferred temperature.

It may sound complicated here, but it makes a lot of sense after a while. Not to mention that it looks good as well.

As for entertainment, the I-Pace HSE offers an 11-speaker Meridian sound system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are very few cars that make Metallica’s S&M sound as if it were being heard in an orchestra hall, the I-Pace makes that classic album sound like it were being played live with Kirk Hammett sounding like he was plucking guitar chords in your ear.

But despite its good looks, luxurious interior and smart technologies, the real star of the show is in the way the I-Pace HSE drives.

In the olden days, Jaguar was synonymous with opulence and power. And later, with models such as the XK and XJR, Jaguar began crafting a reputation as a builder of proper sports cars that enthusiast loved. Some motoring scribes argue that BMW’s M division and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG built better performance cars, but with big power and trick electronics, Jaguar was not far behind.

The I-Pace builds on that reputation with its own brilliant on road character, and we would argue that it could put some hot-hatch’s and EV’s to shame when the road gets interesting.

The air suspension of the HSE adjust to the selected driving mode – supple and comfortable in Comfort mode, stiff but not trashy in Dynamic mode, which is basically Sport mode in Jaguar (and, whisper this … Audi) lingo.

The HSE model comes with air suspension while the other models ride on regular coil-overs. This means that the ride quality changes depending on which drive mode you select, of which there are three. The suspension becomes soft and supple in comfort mode and this makes the interior feel like an old gentlemen’s cigar launch, complete with Active Noise Cancellation Technology that cancels out ambient noise to provide for a truly serene drive.

But in Dynamic mode, which is basically Sport mode in Jaguar (and Audi) lingo, the I-Pace becomes a proper brute, with a soundtrack to match even. You might be thinking that EV’s don’t have an engine so how could sound good? And you would be right. Except that Jaguar has thought of that too (and many other car makers in fact), and have resorted to producing an artificial exhaust note. In this instance, it sounds like a naturally aspirated big V8. And this is piped back into the cabin through the speakers.

The aforementioned suspension stiffens to a point where the I-Pace has noticeably reduced body roll. You can even chuck into a tight corner, feel the Goodyear Eagle F1 SUV tyres dig deep for grip, get on the accelerator, and simply catapult out. There are times where the back of the car feels like it may step out of line, especially when you get on the accelerator too early and in mid corner, but this is after all a Jaguar that is designed for comfort and to impress its occupants. Being sporty is a by product, not a point of focus for the I-Pace.

All that aside, it is difficult to fault the I-Pace, but if we must pick one thing, it would be the pop-up door handles. They feel ‘plastic-ish’ to the point where they feel like they may break off at some point in time. They handles do not match the overall quality that this Jaguar oozes, which is a bit of a pity but not a deal breaker.

In a world where the Chinese and Korean EV’s seem to dominate with their impressive range and big batteries, the Jaguar I-Pace is a refreshing take where an old-world brand meets modern demands, and it comes packed with everything that a Jaguar has stood for over time as well, and with a price tag to match.

The Jaguar I-Pace HSE model is priced at RM498,800 and comes with a five year warranty as well as an eight year warranty for the battery. If you are inclined towards an EV but find that the BMW’s and BYD’s are just too common, the I-Pace will give you something to smile about.

Specifications:

Powertrain: Twin Motors with 90kWh battery

Power: 400PS

Torque: 696Nm

0-100km/h: 4.8 seconds

Top speed: 200km/h

Range: 407-470km (Combined WLTP)

Charging: 40 mins (10%-80% with 100kW DC charger)

Suspension: Electronic air suspension with adaptive damping

Likes: Great design, beautiful interior, superb ride

Dislikes: Door handles feel a bit cheap


TVR reveal more details of upcoming sports car

TVR has released a teaser picture before the official launch of its first ever production vehicle since going under. According to the automaker, its entire team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the new vehicle is engineered to offer class leading strength, reliability and functionality, but still maintain lightweight and high performance attributes.

Based on the available image, we can see that extensive time and attention have gone into designing the intricate details of the interior. The gear knob, seems to have been machined out of a block aluminium or alloy, the switchgear arrangement seems very aircraft-like but the gauges and thier arrangement on the centre console is reminiscent of 1960s race cars.

What this could be then, is a TVR that has the best elements from the past and present mashed into a slender body that should be on par with the rest of the performance heavy hitters. The premise of this notion is the fact that the automaker has been working closely with Gordon Murray Design to complete the new car.

In case you didn’t know, Gordon Murray was the guy behind the legendary McLaren F1 supercar. It was his brainchild and proved to be the most powerful car of its era. In fact, It held the record for being the fastest production car in the world until recently. Murray has now opened his own design house in the hopes of creating another game changer.

Speaking of the new TVR, Murray, said, “We developed the new TVR as a product that builds on all the magic and excitement of our hand-crafted British motor cars of yesteryear. We combined this with the most rigorous engineering and assembly process design to ensure outstanding consistency, build quality and reliability.”

The car will be revealed in September at the Goodwood Revival Earls Court Motor Show and will only be sold in limited numbers. This year also marks TVR’s 70th birthday and its entry into the high performance vehicle market.

Regarding this, Les Edgar, chairman of TVR, said, “On the 70th birthday of our marque, we are entering a new era with a precisely engineered car that delivers exhilarating performance on road and track, as well as everything discerning customers expect of a car intended for everyday use.”

TVR has’t divulged much regarding the car or what it will be called. They will probably continue to keep mum till the actual release date, as a way to build more hype. Based on what we have gathered though, the new car should be an interesting addition to the current line-up of sports cars and should serve as an alternative to what we are used to seeing from the German and Italians.


Government Intends To Install More AWAS Cameras

Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, has announced that the government intends to install more Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) cameras, formerly known as the Automated Enforcement System (AES), as necessary in the long term.

During a session in the Dewan Rakyat, Hasbi highlighted that research conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) revealed a remarkable 99 percent compliance with speed limit laws and traffic signals at locations where the cameras were deployed. This achievement has significantly enhanced the perception of being caught for non-compliance with road rules, subsequently reducing the risk of road accidents at AWAS enforcement locations.

Hasbi emphasized that the implementation of AWAS cameras is not intended to target specific drivers, but rather to ensure that everyone abides by the law, especially in “black spot” regions where accidents frequently occur.

By utilizing these cameras, enforcement efforts can be carried out 365 days a year, round-the-clock, with a reduced reliance on a large number of human resources for enforcement personnel.
Hasbi further mentioned that the government is currently exploring the possibility of designating specific lanes for motorcycles throughout the country.

“Given that highways are high-speed areas, a study is being conducted to identify suitable locations for motorcycle lanes. However, there may be some sections where motorcycle lanes cannot be constructed,” he stated.

Currently, there are 45 operational AWAS cameras, with only one camera undergoing repairs and maintenance.


Proton In 2018 – Part 6: The Best Saga Raya Deal Makes It Less Than RM30,000!

In conjunction with the festive season, PROTON is offering its customers the greatest Saga deal with the best price in 10 years. In addition, there are also great savings offered for other Proton models. With this, now everyone can enjoy a good deal – from those who like the ride and handling of Proton cars, be it the popular sedans to the spacious MPVs, it is definitely an ideal time to get a Proton, with the
Best Saga Deal in 10 Years
 campaign.

Proton understands how a first car can define a person’s life, especially for those travelling back to their home towns to celebrate this joyous celebration with their loved ones. The simply affordable sedan can provide convenience and comfort of long distance travel for families across the country. For this reason, PROTON is making life easier for you. The Saga can be yours from below RM30,000. The popular and durable Saga will provide a smooth and effortless drive along the highways.

Buy Proton car, support Malaysia…

In light of recent developments in the country and the togetherness of its people, PROTON, in support of Tabung Harapan Malaysia has pledged RM10 from every Proton car purchase to be donated to the government fund. As a caring national corporate organisation, PROTON feels the need to come forward to provide additional assistance towards this worthy cause, for the country and the people of Malaysia. This initiative will take effect from 1 June 2018 to 31 December 2018.

Great savings for each Proton model…

Additionally, there will also be great savings for all other Proton models apart from the best Saga deal in relation to the Hari Raya promotion and to encourage sales of Proton cars in our effort to support the Tabung Harapan. There will be savings of up to
RM4,000
 for Iriz and Ertiga, and up to
RM3,000
 for Persona. The savings offered are on top of the zerorised GST, resulting in an offer almost double the GST reduction.

“It’s never been a better time than now to own a Proton, especially with the zero-rated GST in force. Customers could potentially save between 12% – 18%, depending on car model, if we consider additional savings from zerorised GST. Our cars are affordable, and has fantastic safety features. The Persona and Iriz have 5-star ASEAN NCAP, HPF body structure with 6 airbags, ESC and traction control features. Meanwhile, the Ertiga has the best fuel consumption in its class. It is extra versatile and provides passengers with extra comfort with its rear aircond vents, large third row seats and ample headroom which are comfortable for the long journey back to our home town this Hari Raya,”
 explained
Abdul Rashid Musa, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of PROTON.

“We are confident consumers will derive great satisfaction when they drive a Proton, as our cars are known for its driveability, durability and great ride and handling. So don’t miss this fantastic offer,”
 added Rashid.

The below table shows the total amount of savings customers can expect to enjoy under the Duit Raya promotion.

Model & Duit Raya
 promotion valid from
1 June – 30 June 2018

Saga – RM 3500

Iriz – RM 4000

Persona – RM 3000

Ertiga – RM 4000

Free 20-point inspection nationwide and at selected PETRONAS Stations…

Aside from sales freebies, PROTON will also be offering a free 20-point inspection at all its outlets nationwide, from now until 15th June 2018. The stop-check and go will ensure a smooth journey and a joyous celebration without last minute hassle.

The 20-point inspection will cover areas like brake and clutch pedal operations, all switches, lighting and indicators inside instrument panel, safety belts, battery checks, wiper blades, engine oil, coolant and others.

For those last minute travellers who would like to get their cars for the 20-point check, especially those travelling on long journeys towards North, South and East Coast, they can also head on to selected PETRONAS Stations (Refer appendix – table 2 for details), where the PROTON service team will be there to perform the necessary quick checks.

Free gift for lubricant service…

In addition, customers who service their cars using
Petronas Syntium SE 3000
and
 Syntium SE 800 engine oil
 at any PROTON outlet will be entitled for either an exclusive inverted umbrella or the Rolson screwdriver set respectively. This offer is valid until
15th June 2018
 or while stocks last.

For more information, customers can contact PROTON Customer Care at
1800 888 398
 or email customercare@proton.com. Customers can also visit
www.proton.com
 or its official Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial
.

For added convenience, customers can download the official MyProton mobile app, available via Google Play and Apple App Store.


7th Generation Of Hyundai Grandeur Launched In Korea

Every carmaker’s range usually has one model that sits at the top as the flagship and for Hyundai Motor, the first flagship was the
Grandeur launched in 1986
. Back then, it was adapted from the Mitsubishi Debonair and was highly desired among businessmen in Korea.

Following the first generation, the Grandeur has continued to evolve and developed entirely in-house to reach the sixth generation after 36 years. Also known as the Azera in markets outside Korea, the new flagship sedan comes 6 years after the sixth generation was launched in 2016.

“The seventh-generation Grandeur expresses our respect for the past and commitment to move on to the future,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre. “We are creating a new standard for the premium sedan market through emotive design and a refined customer experience.”

The new Grandeur’s exterior design takes inspiration from previous models and applies Hyundai Motor’s philosophy to reflect on its past while setting a course for the future. One of its most prominent aspects is its pure volume accentuated by a single character line. This line runs smoothly and horizontally from the headlamps to the rear combination lamp over clean, uncluttered body sides.

The Seamless Horizon Lamp is inspired by the first light of dawn, accentuating the model’s wide stance and harmonizing with its parametric jewel grill. The same design theme is also applied to the signature combination lamp that spans the taut rear end.

Appropriate to a car of this class, the wheelbase is long, with the boldly receding cowl point and C-pillar providing a dynamic and sporty image while frameless doors and auto-flush handles  reflect the model’s contemporary style and refinement.

The roomy interior reinterprets the design pioneered by the original Grandeur. For the new generation, the designers have created a wraparound interior space trimmed in premium and sustainable materials to provide a clean, comfortable respite for busy lives.

Ambient mood lighting spreads softly across the door trim and the front of the dashboard, and interactive lighting on the upper right of the integrated display provides a new user experience. The pattern details on the door trim are designed with a delicate Korean aesthetic. Together, these elements provide passengers a calming space for relaxation and recovery during each journey.

The steering wheel was also inspired by the single-spoke design of the first-generation Grandeur. Reborn in its current form, it has integrated and rearranged controls to provide a more optimized layout for the driver. With the gearknob moved to the steering wheel, the console space can be dedicated to more storage conveniences and wireless charging.

On the sleekly styled interior surfaces, real wood, aluminium and naturally dyed Napa leather quilted in a traditional Korean pattern create a strong sense refinement. In addition to eco-process Napa leather, there is hygienic, anti-bacterial leather applied to various touchpoints.

As a flagship model, a large 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (with a LPG version) is available, along with a2.5-litre 4-cylinder unit. However, for the more eco-conscious customers, Hyundai Motor also offers a hybrid powertrain with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

The Grandeur is very popular in Korea though its presence outside its domestic market has diminished over the years. It is likely that this will be the last generation with a combustion engine and the next one will almost certainly be only available as a partially electrified hybrid or a full battery electric vehicle.

Hyundai Grandeur is second model to be reinterpreted for carmaker’s Heritage Series


Lightyear One proves that a practical EV powered by sunshine can be produced

While the rest of the auto industry is focussed on battery packs with stored electricity to power motors that propel cars, one company in the Netherlands is using an approach which has been thought to be impossible – at this time. The approach uses the energy in sunshine, which there is an abundance of (especially in Malaysia) and Lightyear, as the company is called, is not just talking about it: they have a running prototype that has shown promising results.

5-year old start-up

Lightyear is a start-up which was established in 2016 and specializes in solar electric vehicles (SEVs). It is made up of alumni of Solar Team Eindhoven which won the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Since its launch, Lightyear has received several awards, grants and support from key investors. “This allowed us to develop a working prototype for the first long-range solar car in just 2 years. We have already sold over a hundred vehicles. With Lightyear One, we want to show that our technology enabled us to build one of the most sustainable cars on the market that also offers great convenience,” said Lex Hoefsloot, CEO and co-founder of Lightyear.

Lightyear One, the first model, has been engineered coming from a radically different perspective, with a strong focus on optimising efficiency and safety. Its development started from scratch, following not convention but only the laws of physics, to purposefully design a car that ‘gets the most out of every ray of sunshine’. The main goal of the SEV is to fill in where electric cars fall short. “Research has shown that range and the lack of charging options are still the top concerns that people have when considering electric cars,” said Hoefsloot.

Ultra-efficiency as the solution

“We are solving these issues with what we call ultra-efficiency. On one hand, that will lead to an exceptional range of 725 kms on a relatively small battery pack. On the other hand, it can charge directly from the sun because its energy consumption is much lower, generating up to 20,000 kms worth of energy per year. Moreover, all of the charging options out there become easier to use because you get a lot more range for the same amount of energy charged. So effectively, you charge a lot faster from any power outlet. You can charge up to 400 kms per night from ordinary 230V sockets. That’s great for road trips because you don’t need charging infrastructure.”

The roof and bonnet are where 5 square metres of integrated solar cells are installed. They are encased in safety glass so strong that a fully-grown adult can walk on them without causing dents. The car itself is constructed from high-tech materials to have the lowest weight possible while maintaining stringent passenger safety. It is propelled by four independently driven wheels, so no energy is lost in transit from the engine to the wheel. In addition to solar power, Lightyear One can be charged at a fast-charging station or even a regular outlet, when required.

By June last year, in spite of the challenges posed working in pandemic conditions, the team was able to take a Validation Prototype to a test track in Germany. There, they achieved a significant milestone: 710 kilometres on a single battery charge, the longest range an electric vehicle has ever achieved on 60 kWh of energy.

Extremely high energy efficiency

The prototype was driven at a speed of 85 km/h for almost 9 hours straight on one single charge. Even the most efficient electric cars on the market today consume around 50% more energy at this relatively low speed. It took energy EV efficiency to the next level as lowering the energy consumption per km of an EV ensures that you can provide a lot of range on a small battery. Because batteries are the most expensive part of an EV, it means that, in the future, it will be possible to offer affordable electric cars with a lot of range.

But can a solar car be durable enough for long-term use – especially those solar cells? This was answered by the next phase of testing where engineers assessed the Lightyear One’s structural integrity when driving on harsh roads, collected data for simulation models, and used the results for component testing.

The data was collected through 72 different sensors, which even measured acceleration signals in various body and wheel positions. Collecting this data was crucial, mainly because of Lightyear One’s in-wheel motors.

The durability testing done in Belgium consisted of driving over 20 different surfaces, varying from deep potholes, driving over bumps, railroad crossings, to rural country roads. Besides seeing how well the in-wheel motors withstand stressful conditions, the aim was to simulate a standard and complete drive of a car in real-world conditions. The results surpassed expectations and provided with valuable input on how to improve the model.

More progress, more efficiency

Progress continues to be made and recently, the Lightyear team carried out tests on tyre performance (the tyres are developed by Bridgestone), aerodynamics and efficiency at higher speeds. The tests, carried out at the track in Aprilia which is where Bridgestone has its European Proving Ground, gave encouraging results.

The latest test data provided further evidence that the upcoming SEV will be one of the most efficient on the market. During the testing, the Lightyear One was taken up to 130 km/h, faster than in previous tests. Furthermore, conditions were colder, with the temperature around 10°C, which provided important data as climatic conditions have an effect on performance of EVS.

“Results of our road tests confirm that we’re on track to producing the most aerodynamic 5-seater to date, with a record-breaking drag coefficient of less than 0.20 Cd.  Here at Lightyear, we never stop learning. And we never stop using those lessons to innovate. The tests, which delivered robust insight into the aerodynamics of our validation prototype, will be crucial in developing the most efficient car,” said Hoefsloot.

Hyundai Motor Group begins selling first model with solar roof charging system

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.


Huawei and GAC to jointly develop fully electric SUV for launch at the end of 2023

Huawei, a manufacturer well known for its smartphones and portable electronic devices, is teaming up with the GAC Group to develop a smart SUV. While this will be the first jointly developed product, the two companies already have had a strategic cooperation agreement signed in 2017. This is for working together in the fields of intelligent connected electric vehicle technology.

Additionally, in September 2020, the two companies signed an agreement to further deepen cooperation, with a focus on computing and communication architecture in accordance with the development trend towards software-heavy vehicles.

This latest strategic cooperation will see a new generation of intelligent vehicles (likely to be up to 8 models) and digital platforms. The smart SUV, to enter the market by the end of 2023, and multiple other future models will utilize GAC’s GEP.30 chassis platform and Huawei’s CCA (Computing and Communication Architecture), as well as carrying Huawei’s full stack of intelligent vehicle solutions.

Initial development has commenced on the model which will be a medium to large fully electric SUV. The company says it will be ‘futuristic, powerful and efficient, with Level 4 autonomous capability’. The new model will be part of GAC’s entirely electrified line-up of vehicles by 2025.

GAC not only has R&D centres in America but has also displayed its models and concept cars at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

A fully electric GAC model.

Over the last few years, GAC has been successful in its vehicle electrification program as well as various areas of new energy technology, essential for the market in China. The GAC Group has established R&D centres around the world and has allocated billions of yuan in funding.

The joint venture between GAC and Huawei is timely as the global market for electric vehicles is growing. Data predicts that the EV global market will expand almost 5 times between 2016 and 2027, an annual increase of 20%.

Two models currently sold by GAC.

The GAC Group has a history going back to 1955 but it only began to develop rapidly from the 1990s, as with most of the domestic carmakers in China. It produces passenger as well as commercial vehicles, most of which are adapted from models of foreign partners such as Honda, Fiat, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Toyota/Hino.


Virtual experience introduces new Bentley Bentayga in Asia-Pacific region

The all-new Bentley Bentayga is making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region via a virtual experience for customers and the public, the first time Bentley is using this approach. In part, it would be because of the current COVID-19 pandemic which limits movements in various countries, and customers may also be hesitant about visiting showrooms for now. So the next best thing is to view virtually, which they can do from the comfort of their homes or offices.

As would be expected of a luxury brand, no effort has been spared to provide the best virtual experience of its latest SUV model. The Bentayga can be explored in a multitude of ways to gain in-depth understanding and just like the personalization possible with every Bentley model, it is also possible to personalize the virtual experience.

Click here for the virtual experience:
findyourextraordinary.
bentleymotors.com
 (until January 4 2021)

A virtual adventure

As these unprecedented times have given rise to changing media consumption habits, we are inspiring our customers and Bentley enthusiasts to embark on a virtual adventure,” said Calista Tambajong, Head of Marketing – Asia-Pacific. “Each individual may be drawn to different aspects of the new Bentayga; through the interactive virtual experience, we are imparting freedom to our audience to choose the way they explore the new Bentayga.”

The latest Bentayga, introduced earlier this year, is the first model in Bentley’s
Beyond100
 business plan. More than 20,000 units have been built since launch – said to be more than any of its competitors – to position the SUV for a continuation of the success story of the model line.

Practicality and off-road capability

Where Bentleys have been the ultimate performance grand tourers and luxury limousines, the Bentayga now adds spacious family car practicality and off-road capability. The new Bentayga follows its predecessor’s mantle of having the broadest brief of any vehicle on sale today, it is claimed.

Latest design language

The latest Bentayga has Bentley’s new design language, introduced by the third-generation Continental GT and all-new Flying Spur. The design is cleaner and more modern with imposing road presence and strong visual connection to the other two models.

The interior designers significantly revised the interior which can accommodate up to 5 persons. More legroom is available – up to 100 mm depending on configuration – improving comfort. The handcrafted Bentley ‘wing’ dashboard design is new and features a 10.9-inch display panel with edge-to-edge graphics in super high resolution.

High-performance SUV

Bentley’s proven 4-litre V8 turbocharged engine, which develops 550 ps/770 Nm, is mated to an 8-speed transmission. Like other luxury SUVs, very high performance is available for the driver in a hurry. The claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 290 km/h. With the ability to deactivate four of the eight cylinders in certain conditions, fuel consumption can be as economical as 7.5 kms/litre.

Pricing starts from RM743,900, excluding duties and insurance, and for those who want a more exclusively equipped SUV, there is also the Bentayga First Edition which costs another RM191,900.

Click here
 to read more about the Bentayga Speed, flagship of the range.


All Volkswagen outlets nationwide remain open for business

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

Once again, the Movement Control Order (MCO) is in force, and businesses have to adjust to stricter conditions. However, this time round, there isn’t a total shutdown in the economic sector and where the auto industry is concerned, outlets and service centres can remain open. However, owners are limited by a 10-km range from their house during the MCO period.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) confirms that all its authorized dealerships and service centres remain operational nationwide. Owners are advised to book their service appointments
online here
.

Safe Hands initiative

The Volkswagen service centres follow strict guidelines under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, cashless payments with e-invoicing and contactless car collection/return.

Additionally, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, stringent hygiene processes are followed, including regular sanitising of premises and vehicles, proper safety screenings,
MySejahtera
 app check-ins and temperature checks.

Complimentary home delivery

Those who are shopping for a new Volkswagen can do so from home. They can obtain information at the Volkswagen eShowroom which is open 24 hours. Special deals are offered when booking
online
 and
home delivery service

of the new vehicle is complimentary (within a 20-km radius from the preferred dealership).

The Roadside Assistance service that is enjoyed by owners also remains operational, although owners should not be travelling much at this time. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome service if the vehicle battery dies while it is parked at home.

For more information, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
  or contact any authorised Volkswagen dealership.

Money-saving offers for Volkswagen buyers until end of February