GM to end Holden business and also shut down manufacturing operations in Thailand

‘
GM Accelerates Transformation of International Markets
’ is the title of General Motors’ press release issued today and it might be meant to have an optimistic tone for shareholders but when you start to go through it, you find that it is shows how the corporation is retreating from global markets because it cannot compete. The decline of what was once the largest company on the planet, the No.1 in automobile manufacturing (by volume, to be clear), and top of the list in the Fortune 500, is not something that has come in recent times. It began in the 1970s and kept getting worse to the extent that it went bankrupt by 2009, forcing reorganization.

Like many big and old American corporations, the way the business has been run has depended on big numbers for economies of scale to stay competitive and dominant. That’s still crucial in the auto industry but GM for too long was an insular company, not giving much meaningful attention to markets outside North America. It had units like Opel and Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia, as well as joint-ventures in China. Opel and Vauxhall were sold off to Groupe PSA three years ago and now, Holden, the 164-year old Australian company, will also be shut down 89 years after GM acquired it. Sales, design and engineering operations in Australia and New Zealand will cease, with the Holden brand retired by 2021.

The move is explained as a continuation of the comprehensive strategy laid out in 2015 ‘to strengthen its core business, drive significant cost efficiencies and take action in markets that cannot earn an adequate return for its shareholders’. The last part is a similar theme used by Ford when it shut down its manufacturing operations in Australia four years ago.

GM President Mark Reuss said the company explored a range of options to continue Holden operations, but none could overcome the challenges of the investments needed for the highly fragmented right-hand-drive market, the economics to support growing the brand, and delivering an appropriate return on investment.

“After considering many possible options – and putting aside our personal desires to accommodate the people and the market – we came to the conclusion that we could not prioritize further investment over all other considerations we have in a rapidly changing global industry,” he said.

Like Ford, GM just doesn’t care to compete anymore in Asian markets and is pulling out, with the exception of Korea (notwithstanding its 10 joint ventures in China). Its factory in Rayong, Thailand, which was set up to produce for the ASEAN markets using duty-free incentives is also to be sold to China’s Great Wall Motors.

In the mid-1990s, GM built a big factory in Thailand when the AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) benefits were offered and expected to be a major player in the region.

GM Senior Vice President and President GM International Steve Kiefer said the detailed analysis of the business case for future production at the Rayong facility (which includes an engine plant) indicated low plant utilization and forecast volumes have made continued GM production at the site unsustainable. Without domestic manufacturing, Chevrolet will be unable compete in Thailand’s new-vehicle market. Years earlier, GM also pulled out of Indonesia and ended attempts to grow its presence in the Malaysian market.

These are difficult decisions, but they are necessary to support our goal to have the GM International region on the pathway to growth and profitability,” said Kiefer, adding that GM would also sell its Talegaon manufacturing facility in India.

GM wants to focus on markets where it can get ‘robust returns’ and prioritizing global investments in the areas of EVs and autonomous vehicles – and it’s not interested in righthand drive markets.

Outside of North America, it still sees the possibility of continuing business in South America and the Middle East. “In markets where we don’t have significant scale, such as Japan, Russia and Europe, we are pursuing a niche presence by selling profitable, high-end imported vehicles – supported by a lean GM structure,” said GM International Operations Senior Vice-President Julian Blissett.

GM in Malaysia

Like Ford, GM was selling its cars in Malaysia decades before the Japanese brands arrived in the 1960s. It had a range of brands like Bedford, Chevrolet, Vauxhall, Opel and even Holden, and even set up an assembly plant in Johor in the 1960s. And before Toyota came out with its Kijang in Indonesia in the mid-1970s, GM’s Bedford unit had developed a simple Basic Utility Vehicle called the Harimau that was intended for the developing countries in the region.

Chevrolet was sold in the country decades before the Japanese brands arrived. Even Tunku Abdul Rahman used one of its models to travel around the country and a fleet was also purchased to transport VIPs during the first Merdeka celebrations.

The Bedford Harimau was specially developed by GM for developing countries.

For a while, it tried to sell Holden models like the Kingswood and Statesman (assembled locally) which were rather inappropriate for this market. They had huge engines (2.7 litres and bigger!) and were heavy, thirsty cars. There was a joke that if you bought one, its value depreciated by 50% the moment the new numberplate was attached. 44 units of the Chevrolet Impala were also assembled at the ASSB plant in Shah Alam, Selangor, in the late 1960s and it took a while for them to clear.

The GM models assembled in the late 1960s were the Chevrolet Impala (left) and the Holden Statesman (right). Both were big, thirsty and heavy and depreciated very quickly.

Besides the assembly plant, GM had a marketing office in Kuala Lumpur which mainly handled the Opel business until the late 1970s when it closed down and Opel faded from the market like the other brands. In the mid-1990s, a small effort was made to return with the Opel and Holden brands. GM even sent Mike Kimberley, former CEO of Lotus, to oversee the business in Malaysia as there was even talk of assembling the Opel Vectra. But the financial crisis at the end of the decade saw the attempt forgotten.

It would be another 4 years before GM returned to Malaysia with what seemed like renewed confidence in the regional market. It had invested in a huge factory in Thailand to produce what was touted as a market that would reach 500 million consumers and it believed it could be a significant player. In fact, in 2004, a senior GM executive told this writer that he expected Chevrolet to be among the top 5 in Malaysia within 4 years. The over-optimistic prediction was accompanied by a remark that ‘the Malaysian market is the same as the Indonesian one so we can apply the same product strategies’. Later, another senior GM executive would boast of how the Cruze was ‘100 times better than the Honda Civic’. It showed how disconnected from the market the Americans were and why they were doomed to fail.

Although its Opel brand from Germany (the Rekord model shown above) was respected in the Malaysian market, GM chose to discontinue it and instead used the Chevrolet brand for Asian markets, saying it was ‘the most international of GM brands’.

Although Opel, with its German DNA in models like the Rekord, was a respected brand in the Malaysian market, GM chose to use Chevrolet for the region because it was ‘the most international GM brand’. To the older generation, Chevrolet was associated with those Detroit ‘aircraft carriers’ – huge machines on four wheels – even though the range offered was more oriented to ASEAN markets with models like the Nabira and Optra.

For its initial return in 2002, GM let DRB-HICOM handle the business but eventually found difficulties in managing differences with its distributor in approaches taken for the business. So GM came in to directly run the business in the mid-2000s, around the time Ford was pulling out of Malaysia and leaving the business to Sime Darby. There was a lot of enthusiasm in the early years as GM ASEAN probably had a business plan which appealed to the big bosses in Detroit (remember how they believed that they could become No.4 in Malaysia).

To be fair, a lot of marketing initiatives – like cutting parts prices by up to 65% – were carried out to grow the brand but that’s a long-term thing and the problem is that Americans are impatient. Jeep came into the market in the mid-1990s and sold well, but the moment things slowed down and numbers fell, it pulled out right away. They also want big numbers and a veteran local car guy recalls how he went to Detroit to talk to Chrysler about representing them in Malaysia and was told that if he was not taking a thousand cars a month, forget it.

After giving up being directly involved in the Malaysian market, GM gave the franchise to the Naza Group which had the  Cruze, a brand new model which seemed promising, to start off with in 2010.

Eventually, GM also gave up on Malaysia (again) but managed to get the Naza Group to take over the brand. Like DRB-HICOM before it, Naza felt it could build the brand and put in much effort. But the products were not competitive enough and the only one that could sell well was the Colorado pick-up made in Thailand. And again, expectations and commitment differed between the two sides with a frustrated Naza suddenly announcing it would cease representing Chevrolet after an 8-year association. Its explanation for the move contained the words ‘long-term sustainability and profitability’, which suggested that GM’s brand could not deliver that.

As GM regards righthand drive markets as not being worth its time, we will probably not see Chevrolet or other GM brands again. Anyway, Chevrolet’s departure from Malaysia has not made much difference since the numbers were insignificant anyway. They were also not particularly big in neighbouring markets so there isn’t really an empty space to be filled.


Volkswagen tries a new approach to recharging EVs in carparks (w/VIDEO)

As the electric car era approaches, it’s not just new types of vehicles that are needed but also supporting services, especially to recharge the battery packs. Unlike the petrol station network which is the product of many decades and has global coverage, battery recharging points and stations are only just beginning to be set up.

For companies that invest in recharging stations, there is a need to ensure sufficient demand and usage so as to get returns on their investment. That time is coming as the population of EVs (and also plug-in hybrids) rises and more vehicles need to be recharged daily.

Volkswagen is also exploring other approaches and has provided a glimpse into the future in which the search for charging stations becomes unnecessary. Instead, mobile charging robots will take over this task, going to the vehicle completely autonomously. After it is started via app or V2X communication, the mobile robot drives itself to the vehicle that needs charging and communicates with it.

Everything done autonomously

From opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug to decoupling, the entire charging process occurs without any human interaction. The robot brings a trailer in the form of a mobile energy storage device to the vehicle and connects it. It then uses this energy storage device to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. The mobile energy storage device stays with the vehicle during the whole charging process. The robot, in the meantime, charges other electric vehicles. Once the charging service is complete, the robot collects the energy storage device and brings it back to the charging station.

“The mobile charging robot will spark a revolution when it comes to charging in different parking facilities, such as multistorey car parks, parking spaces and underground car parks because we bring the charging infrastructure to the car and not the other way around. With this, we are making almost every car park electric, without any complex individual infrastructural measures,” explained Mark Moller, Head of Development at Volkswagen Group Components. “It’s a visionary prototype, which can be made into reality quite quickly, if the general conditions are right,” he added.

Volkswagen Group Components is researching different approaches to the assembly of charging infrastructure and has already developed several successful products. The flexible quick charging station and DC wall boxes are already part of a future charging family. Customer-oriented, intelligent and flexible approaches to charging are at the centre of the research. Other innovative products such as the charging robot are currently being developed.

Autonomous, compact and flexible

The prototype consists of a compact, self-driving robot as well as flexible and agile energy storage devices, also known as ‘battery wagons’. When fully charged, these are equipped with an energy content of around 25 kWh each. A charging robot can move several battery wagons at the same time. With its integrated charging electronics, the energy storage device allows for DC quick charging with up to 50 kW on the vehicle.

The robot, which can move autonomously, is fitted with cameras, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors. The combination of these systems not only allows the robot to carry out the charging process completely autonomously but also to move around freely in the parking area, recognising possible obstacles and to react to them appropriately. Depending on the size of the parking area or the underground carpark, several charging robots can be employed simultaneously so that several vehicles can be attended to.

The mobile charging robot can be put to use in various ways. It isn’t just a robot arm that connects a car to a fixed charging station. Instead, drivers have the choice to park in any available space, independent of whether a charging station is free or not. The robot brings the charging station in the form of a mobile energy storage device directly to the vehicle.

For operators of different parking facilities this is a quick and easy solution to electrify every parking space. “This approach has an enormous economic potential,” said Moller. “The constructional work as well as the costs for the assembly of the charging infrastructure can be reduced considerably through the use of the robots.”

The compact design of the charging robot is perfectly suited for use in restricted parking areas without charging infrastructures, such as underground carparks. Even the well-known problem of a charging station being blocked by another vehicle will no longer exist with this concept.

Owners can also install the ID. Charger, a unit developed by Volkswagen, in their homes.

36,000 places to recharge by 2025

The project is among Volkswagen’s initiatives to establish a charging infrastructure at many levels. Together with its dealers, the company aims to install a total of 36,000 charging points throughout Europe by 2025. A large proportion of these will be in public areas.

Volkswagen is also launching its own wallbox for home charging called the ID. Charger. And as a co-founder of the IONITY joint venture, Volkswagen participates in installing 400 fast-charging parks on major European highways. Medium-term, charging an EV is to become as easy as charging a smartphone.

Volkswagen owners can get more with VIP


New Ford Mondeo specially designed for China

The Ford Mondeo, an executive-class sedan which has been around for almost 30 years, has been sold in a number of countries (including Malaysia 10 years ago) and it has found a following in China. The popularity of the model has been strong enough that Ford is using a new design language for the new generation to be sold in the world’s largest car market.

Unveiled at its new China Design Centre in Shanghai, the new Mondeo has a sporty coupe-style profile with a design aesthetic that is aimed at tech savvy and sophisticated Chinese buyers. ‘
Progressive Energy in Strength
’ is the new design philosophy developed by Ford for China and it is incorporates extensive research into Chinese customers’ aesthetic sensibility and preferences. It embodies three fundamental expressional design principles to be achieved for the Mondeo (and future Ford designs for China): commanding, agile and responsive.

Elevating customers’ experience

“To design the next generation of a well-known nameplate such as the Mondeo was a privilege and a challenge for our team,” said Maurizio Tocco, Chief Designer, Ford Motor Company. “We wanted to respect and acknowledge the history which had come before us while elevating the customers’ experience to the next level. The starting point of the design is always the customer and looking for innovative ways to incorporate what they need and want into the design.”

The new sedan demonstrates the three design elements throughout its exterior design. In profile, this starts with the forward-leaning attitude of Mondeo’s front, which immediately expresses agility with confidence. A long, accelerated bonnet line flows through to the rear, where the bold and speedy shoulder line and fast departure of the roofline converge in the gentle up-flick of the subtle integrated rear spoiler. The lower doors are highly sculptured, with flowing concave scallops appearing to change depth and form, depending on the play of light, and have a distinct performance feel.

The only generation of the Mondeo sold in Malaysia ten years ago.

Ford Performance DNA

The agility continues in the sporty front-end treatment. ‘Coast-to-coast’ lighting and defined corners accentuate the increased width and accentuate its sprung stance. The signature lighting elements balance the unique grille of active parametric cells, framed at the sides and below by strong graphics and muscular surface language. Flowing back from the grille and lights, the distinct sculptured graphics on the bonnet give it a subtle power bulge and commanding Ford performance feel.

The salute to Ford heritage continues at the rear, where the unique taillights evoke iconic Ford performance DNA. The lamps are framed by a full-width gloss black element that again accentuates Mondeo’s width. Wider and longer than the previous model, there’s a more generous rear passenger area flanked between the sporty lines and coupe-like roofline.

Design elements driven by Chinese customers

Ford’s deep local research revealed Chinese consumers value vehicles that embrace responsive design elements. These are seen throughout the new Mondeo. The flush-fitting door handles that help give the car its streamlined looks respond by deploying to passenger demand, while the rear Ford badge is touch-sensitive and cleverly activates the rear liftgate opening. Perhaps the most dynamic of these responsive elements is the way the animated full-width lighting and individual parametric cells of the front grille move to acknowledge drivers as they approach the vehicle.

Ford’s new China Design Centre

“These pioneering design details highlight the ‘responsive’ aspect of our new designs, while underlining our Chinese customers’ preference for advanced tech expression and sophisticated and refined craftsmanship,” said Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford China and International Markets Group. “Our goal was to create an aerodynamic, forward-moving form that expresses energy and strength while providing space and comfort. The strong, width-emphasizing form, signature frontal graphics and powerful stance work together to give our vehicles a confident presence. This is the ‘Daqi-ness’ that Chinese customers appreciate.”

The new Mondeo vehicle program was led by the Ford China team collaborating globally and is indicative of the ‘Best of Ford, best of China’ roadmap used. The new model will be built by Changan Ford, and first deliveries start later this year.

To know more about Ford models in Malaysia, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.

Ford spends another US$900 million in Thailand to upgrade two factories


Style up with OnePlus 7T McLaren Edition smartphone

Smartphone maker OnePlus has collaborated with McLaren to produce the very beautiful OnePlus 7T McLaren Edition smartphone. For those looking for a device that’s both beautiful and high performance, you can try to get your hands on one of the McLaren inspired bad boys.

This collaboration sees both OnePlus and McLaren working together to ensure that the OnePlus 7T McLaren Edition gadget is gorgeous in design together with the feel and intuitive operations that echo McLaren’s signature qualities.

They’ve also utilised one of McLaren Racing’s iconic colour scheme, the Papaya Orange, which can be seen on their superfast cars especially in the world of Formula 1. It also features the Alcantara soft premium material for added durability and high levels of grip. Now, that’s class.

Other features include:

McLaren’s iconic race livery with exclusive animations, themes and wallpapers

McLaren’s timeless dashboard instrumentation-inspired lock screen clock display

256 GB of UFS 3.0 storage

12GB LPDDR4X RAM

Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 855 Plus Mobile Platform

According to Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive, “Following last year’s successful ‘Salute to Speed’ launch we’re excited to once again be launching a limited-edition McLaren device with our partner OnePlus. We are two challenger brands whose restless pursuit of innovation reaches its pinnacle with the new OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition. The OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition celebrates our brands’ shared passion for design, craftmanship and innovation and we look forward to seeing how this is received by McLaren and technology fans worldwide.”

Want one? If you happen to be in the UK, it is priced at £799 (around RM4,163). If you can’t afford a McLaren supercar, owning one of these bad boys will surely become the envy of your friends and family. We definitely want one of our very own.


Mazda Resumes Rotary Engine Mass Production

Before Mazda officially confirmed the return of the rotary engine in January, there had been years of Internet rumours about the rotary engine’s comeback since the production of the RX-8 came to an end 11 years ago.

When we hear the mention of the rotary engine, we immediately think of the RX-7 or RX-8. Sadly, that was not the case here. Mazda officially confirmed the return of the rotary engine in January, but to our disappointment, it presented the
MX-30
 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a tiny crossover with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

On June 22, the company’s Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan, began mass manufacturing of the unconventional petrol engine acting as a range extender.

The business has built 1.99 million automobiles with rotary engines thus far. According to numerous patents, Mazda is still interested in developing a new sports car using a rotary engine. However, there is a long way to go from patenting a technology used in a road-going car.

The powertrain development division’s assistant manager stated at the start of the year that the “rotary is our symbol.” A performance application is still “a dream,” said Yoshiaki Noguchi, but the time is not perfect right now. Fans would not object to an identical manufacturing model even though the RX-Vision concept depicting a rotary-powered sports car is almost eight years old. It was actually sold, just as a scale model.

Closer to home, Bermaz Motor sells the Mazda MX-30 EV with prices topping out at RM198,780.


2020 Audi R8 LMS for the new GT2 class on sale now for RM1.6 million

The most powerful Audi racing car in the company’s 11-year history of its customer racing program makes its debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. With a base price of 338,000 euros (around RM1.6 million), deliveries of the new Audi R8 LMS GT2 will  start from December.

From the 2020 season on, they will be able to compete in the new GT2 class that will open up a new stage in racing to the world’s most beautiful super sportscars.

“This sportscar with its emotive high-performance V10 engine marks the top end of our customer racing program. The legendary event at Goodwood is the ideal venue for unveiling such a fascinating sports car,” said Oliver Hoffmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH.

Created for the new GT2 category

The racing car has been created for a future racing category which will come to life in Europe and North America in 2020. It will fill a gap between the existing GT3 and GT4 categories and specifically feature cars with high longitudinal dynamics.

Consequently, this type of car addresses gentleman drivers who have been the backbone of GT racing for decades. It is the fourth model for customer racing from Audi Sport.


Handmade eccentric Mad Max-like truck driven by Jay Leno

Jay Leno, the former Tonight’s Show host, has one of the most comprehensive collection of the world’s most coveted vehicles from the infancy of the automotive era right up to the present day onwa. Name a vehicle that has left a mark on this world in any way or form, and there would probably be an example of it in Jay’s garage.

His Youtube channel titled Jay Leno’s Garage regularly publishes car reviews and other videos that showcases the various other vehicles that he has in his collection as well as those that his guests bring on his show.

This particular episode will be most intriguing to those who are fans of movie cars as well as those that border on the eccentric. Several of the ones featured on this episode, especially the replica of the first generation batmobile and an authentic one from the Batman Returns movie will resonate with DC Comics fanboys everywhere.

That said, their uniqueness, pale in comparison to the weird artistic contraption that was dreamed up by an Henry Chang, engineer turned artist. Realizing that the world of computer programming wasn’t as fulfilling as he would have liked, Henry Chang now a designer/musician, has built a one-of-a-kind automobile that looks more at home in a Mad Max movie than on regular city streets.

Watch the video of Jay Leno and fellow comedian Jeff Dunham ride on this giant handmade, monster truck. Let us know what you think of the vehicle in the comments below.


Proton R3 announces Lady Racers Search and Mentor Programmes

Team Proton R3 (R3), Proton’s racing and rallying division, has announced a lady racers search and mentorship programme for teams competing in the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) series. The programmes are in partnership with MSF, the largest grassroots motorsports event in the country. Both programmes aim to develop motorsports at grassroots level by leveraging on R3’s experience built up over many years of competition.

“At Proton, we value our competition heritage and acknowledge our cars remain a popular choice at all levels of racing and rallying. We invest to compete in local and international events because we believe motorsports is a fertile environment to develop the best engineers. The lady drivers search and mentor programmes are just the starting point and we hope our efforts will spur more involvement from other automotive companies to develop the local racing scene,” added Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Giving back to Malaysia’s racing community

R3 is the only manufacturer-supported racing team in Malaysia and in over 15 years of experience, Proton’s performance arm has collected a string of accolades to its name. Their resume is highlighted by wins in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and class victories at the World Rally Championship (WRC) level.

Domestically, the team has two overall Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME) wins to its name as well as four Sepang 1000km (S1K) victories, a record unmatched by any other automotive brand.

Sharing wealth of experience

With such a long list of accolades, R3 now aims to share its wealth of experience via the MSF-R3 Lady Racers Search and MSF-R3 Mentor Programme. This will allow Malaysian racing drivers and teams access to information, team management and car development techniques that will help to elevate their performance and lead them to success at national level events.

It is also an opportunity to discover talented lady racers and nurture their careers, giving them a good head start in a male dominated arena. Putting women behind the wheel and mentoring racing teams. While many Malaysian racing drivers have competed in regional and international events, almost all of them have been male-dominated. Proton and R3 would like to change the narrative and give lady drivers a chance to shine in motorsports.

Starting off with three

From an initial pool of participants, three will be offered an opportunity to develop as racing drivers and participate in the 2019 edition of the S1K race, driving a Team Proton R3-prepared car. Selections will be based on how contestants perform in a series of on and off-track activities and will include being judged on criteria such as discipline, teamwork and commitment aside from their skill behind the wheel.

As for the mentor programme, selected drivers and teams competing in the MSF SuperTurismo races using Proton vehicles will be supported by Team Proton R3 personnel for the remaining 3 events this year. Though each team will be independently managed, R3 will provide technical and set-up know-how before and during the race, with the specific aim to improve their performance and inculcate best industry practices.

“Our long history of competing means there is a wealth of knowledge at Team Proton R3’s disposal. At the same time, we want to get more involved at the grassroots level as we feel Proton and R3 should play a bigger role in the development of motorsports in Malaysia. These two separate programmes will allow us to be involved on two fronts simultaneously while also showcasing the ability of Proton cars to compete in races” said Gary Lee, Head of Team Proton R3.

Drivers and teams for MSF-R3 Racers Mentor Programme
:

Mohd Hafiz Saad #248

Nik Shahrul Fadli Nik Mansor #141

Alban Raymond De Sauza #16

Muhammad Faishal Othman #180

Md. Shah Hashim #387

Contestants for the MSF-R3 Lady Drivers Search
:

Ng Aik Sha

Samanda Lee

Nurul Husna Nasharuddin

Nursharina Nor Ramlle

Dayangku Faratiwan Adnil

Rozana Rahmat

Umi Nasirah Sulaiman

Zaidah Mohd Ishak

Nor Azirah Mohd Azhar

Click here to know more about Proton’s motorsports activities


Ride-Drive event gives potential customers experience of MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid

To provide current and potential owners with an experience of the latest MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, Auto Bavaria recently organised ‘The Auto Bavaria MINI Ride’. The by-invitation only event enabled its participants the unique experience of stage cycling with the support of the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, very much like at an international multiple stage bicycle race.

The MINI Ride event began at dawn with participants meeting at Auto Bavaria showrooms across the Klang Valley and beginning their journey driving the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid with their personal bicycles mounted on top. They headed to the start location of the ride at Plaza Batai in the Damansara Heights area of Kuala Lumpur, gaining personal impressions of the car.

To provide the riders the proper energy and hydration needed for the maximum elevation climb from Plaza Batai towards TTDI Park, the MINI Ride participants were treated to fruits, juices and energy bars at start starting point. Led by a pacer, they then rode to a maximum elevation of 137 metres in between the route from Plaza Batai to TTDI and a 1-km MINI sprint challenge stop at TTDI park before cycling back down to the Yellow Brick Road cafe for brunch.

Then it was back into the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid for the drive back to an Auto Bavaria showroom where they received more insights on its features and capabilities. For those who have active lifestyle, especially cyclists, the user-friendliness in mounting and carrying bikes as well as having the ability to provide the cargo space to carry all the necessary gear for the day out were appreciated.

As a plug-in hybrid, the car has a powertrain with an electric motor as well as a petrol engine. The lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged at home using the 240V household socket or a dedicated electric car charging point. With a fully charged battery pack, the claimed electric-only driving range can be up to 42 kms, with a total mixed driving range of up to 500 kms on a full tank of fuel. The advantage of a hybrid over an all-electric vehicle is that you can still run on the petrol engine if the battery pack cannot be recharged so there doesn’t need to be ‘range anxiety’.

In 2018, Malaysia was the first country in Southeast Asia to locally assemble the MINI Countryman at the BMW assembly facility in Kedah. Following its successful launch and in line with BMW Group Malaysia’s strategy for electromobility, the company then introduced the Plug-In Hybrid variant which is priced at RM268,888 (excluding insurance).

MINI Malaysia Welcomes The New MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid! [+Video]


F1: Vettel to join Racing Point which will be renamed Aston Martin

It was already known that Sebastian Vettel would not get another season with Ferrari, the team he has driven for since 2015. So who he would be with in 2021 was the question in the air, and it’s been answered – Racing Point.

The 33-year old driver who has won 4 championships in his 13 years as a F1 driver is expected to be with Racing Point – to be renamed Aston Martin – for at least 3 years, although the team has not indicated the contract period.

“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter. The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together,” said Vettel.

Though Vettel has had a lousy season this year and is 13
th
 in the current championship standings after 8 rounds, he remains one of the top drivers and a good catch for the team. “On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level,” said Otmar Szafnauer, CEO & Team Principal of Racing Point.

Sergio Perez (left) and Lance Stroll, the current drivers in the BWT Racing Point Team

Perez departs

However, a team can have only two active drivers which has meant that the services of Sergio Perez won’t be needed in 2021. Lance Stroll, 21, being the owner’s son, obviously would not be the one to be ejected…

Perez revealed that his notice only came the day before Vettel himself announced that he will join Racing Point but suspected something like that would happen. The 30-year old Mexican driver, nicknamed ‘Checo’, has been racing in F1 for 9 years, having started with Sauber in 2011. He has been with Racing Point since 2014 when it was known as Force India. At this time, he said that he is uncertain whether he will join another team though he is keen to remain in F1.

Aston Martin is currently involved in motorsports through a partnership with ProDrive.

Racing Point’s change of name is more than just that and it will be an official Aston Martin works team. The intention is to run the team for at least 10 years, and it will be the first time the carmaker has been directly involved in motorsport in many decades although it currently has a partnership with ProDrive in Aston Martin Racing.

Who is Lawrence Stroll?

The move does not surprise observers since Racing Point’s owner, Lawrence Stroll, is Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman (after making a £182 million investment via a consortium and getting a 16.7% stake).

Stroll (the father), who is a Canadian billionaire, is well known in the fashion industry, with shares in Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors. He is a car-lover with a collection of vintage Ferraris and has been involved in F1 via brand sponsorships for many years.

Returning drivers: Daniel Ricciardo (left) goes back to Red Bull Racing, and his place at the Renault team will be taken by Fernando Alonso who returns after 9 years.

Movements so far

There are still 9 races to go on the
revised 2020 calendar
 and team owners may well be having private discussions with drivers. At this time, the confirmed movements are Fernando Alonso joining the Renault team which will be known as the
Alpine F1 team
, and Carlos Sainz, Jr. going to Ferrari to join Charles Leclerc. The vacant seat left by Sainz at McLaren will be taken by Daniel Ricciardo, which means Red Bull Racing is looking for a partner for Max Verstappen.

4 more rounds added to F1 calendar, making it a total of 17 for 2020


Honda Malaysia presents latest Honda City RS e:HEV to Invest Melaka Berhad

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 for more information.

Honda Malaysia has a close relationship with the state of Melaka as its own assembly plant is located in the state at the Pegoh Industrial Park. The plant began operations in 2003 and assembles a wide range of models which also have a high degree of localisation.

One of the latest models is the all-new Honda City RS e:HEV which entered showrooms this year. Part of the new City range, the RS e:HEV is powered by a highly efficient 2-motor hybrid system with Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). With a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine as part of the powertrain, the e:HEV system can deliver an impressive 253 Nm of torque with 109 ps of power. It will certainly be a game-changer in its segment.

Latest Honda City RS e:HEV

Recently, in connection with its association with Melaka, Honda Malaysia presented one unit of the City RS e:HEV to Invest Melaka Berhad (IMB). The presentation was in collaboration with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SOCAR) and in conjunction with the 50
th
 anniversary celebration of Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM).

Commenting on the presentation, Sarly Adle Sarkum, President & COO of Honda Malaysia said: “We are delighted to be a part of the celebration by Invest Melaka Berhad and to be able to contribute to the development of our local automotive industry. Honda began operations at Pegoh Plant in Melaka over 17 years ago and currently has two production lines with a production capacity of up to 100,000 units of vehicles per year. We are committed to the Malaysian market and the growth of the automotive industry here. We would like to thank the Malaysian Government, the State Government of Melaka, Invest Melaka Berhad and all our valued customers for their continuous trust which enables Honda to be the company that society wants to exist. With the strong support received, we have recently celebrated our remarkable milestone of 1 millionth sales unit. Honda will continue to be committed in giving back to all Malaysians through various initiatives.”

Honda Malaysia’s assembly plant in Melaka.

Visit any authorised Honda dealer to view, test-drive or purchase the new City. To locate a showroom, visit
www.honda.com.my
 or call Honda’s Toll-Free number at
1-800-88-2020
.

Get Ready to be Excited by the New Honda City RS e:HEV


All-electric Volkswagen ID. R breaks Goodwood Hillclimb record set by McLaren F1 racing car

The all-electric Volkswagen ID. R continues to set new records, adding the outright Hillclimb record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed to the records set at Nurburgring and Pikes Peak.

The new record in England comes 20 years after it was set by ex-F1 star Nick Heidfeld in a McLaren MP4/13 that, of course, used a conventional internal combustion engine. Heidfeld’s time was 41:60. By stopping the clock in a time of 41.18 seconds, the ID. R averaged 101.4 mph (163.2 km/h) along the challenging 1.16-mile (1.86 km) course.

Further development

With a further year of development behind it, the ID. R produces 500 kW (670 bhp) and 650 Nm of torque, and weighs less than 1,100 kgs with the driver on board. The remarkable Volkswagen can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h 2.25 seconds, topping out at 270 km/h.

The biggest differences in the technical configuration of the ID. R compared to last year are the size of the lithium-ion batteries on board and the energy management. “The latest evolution of the ID. R has been optimised for a sprint,” explained François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport. “In Goodwood, the only things that count are maximum power and minimum weight.”

EVs getting more powerful

“A change is taking place in the field of production vehicles and in motorsport. Electric cars are becoming increasingly more powerful and it’s great to see them now rivalling combustion engines on track. To get an idea of how far we’ve developed the car, in 2018, we did 00:43.86 – this year we were almost 3 seconds faster,” noted Volkswagen’s Motorsport Director, Sven Smeets.

https://www.facebook.com/piston.my/


2,500 Bookings Achieved For New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid In 4-Weeks!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has announced that the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has collectively recorded
2,500
 bookings as of 8 June 2018. Of that, 757 units have been registered in just 4 weeks after its
 official launch
.

In response to the overwhelming bookings,
Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM
 said,
 “Bookings for the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has demonstrated the great acceptance of a hot new model

from ETCM and we thank all our customers for their support. We will continue to deliver quality products; and at the same time, we are increasing our production to ensure that All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid are delivered on time to our valued customers.”

In commemorating this achievement, a key handover ceremony was held at ETCM Jalan Raja Laut in Kuala Lumpur for a proud owner of the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, En. Lokman Hakim Bin Mohamed Yusoff. Also present are Mr Christopher Tan, and Mr Vincent Wijnen, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Asia and Oceania, Nissan Motor Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., to witness this special moment.

The All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid comes with new intelligent technologies and features that are thoughtful conveniences.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM)
 features have been added to provide a more exciting, confident and connected drive which includes first in its class
Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM)
, 4 cameras that provide a 360° bird’s-eye view of the vehicle for easier navigation.
Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD)
that detects moving objects surrounding the vehicle to alert the driver.
Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors
 that operate by a simple quick kick below the door to open or close. You can read our drive report and watch our video
here
.

7 USB-Powered Ports
 for each passenger’s electronic device charging needs.
Dual Back Door
 that can be opened easily even in tight parking spaces.
6 SRS Airbags
 that comes standard in the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, as well as other safety features.

Additionally, customers can also enjoy the
“Best Deal Ever 0% GST”
 campaign, offering GST at 0% plus Duit Raya Savings which translates to an On-The-Road price  without insurance of
RM135,195.59
 for the
Premium Highway Star
 and
RM123,874.84
 for the
Highway Star
 (Peninsular Malaysia), in the month of June 2018.

Test drive the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, the No.1 MPV in Japan* at Nissan Test Drive Carnival held at selected Nissan showrooms nationwide.

Dates and venues are listed here:

Date

Region

Venue

8 – 9 June

Northern

ETCM Alor Setar

9 – 10 June

Northern

ETCM Butterworth

Northern

ETCM Ipoh

Central

ETCM Petaling Jaya

Central

ETCM Cheras

Southern

ETCM Johor Jaya

Southern

ETCM Seremban

Southern

ETCM Semabok

Sarawak

ETCM Kuching

Sabah

ETCM Kota Kinabalu

23 – 24 June

Northern

ETCM Bayan Lepas

Central

ETCM Glenmarie

Central

ETCM Puchong

Southern

ETCM Batu Pahat

Sarawak

ETCM Miri

Sabah

ETCM Sandakan

For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call ETCM’s Nissan Customer Care Centre at 1800-88-3838.


Proton sales and export volumes higher in 2020 in spite of pandemic

In November, Proton added another 11,411 units (including export sales) to its cumulative volume for 2020, bringing the total to 96,410 units. Compared to the total 11-month volume in 2019, the increase is 7.5% while the comparison of monthly volumes shows this year to be 18% higher.

“Malaysian car sales are continuing to outperform market projections from earlier in the year as we estimate Total Industry-Volume (TIV) to be more than 56,000 units for a third consecutive month. A lot of this can be accounted for by traditional end-of-year deals offered by car brands, but this year we can include PENJANA incentives and the launch of popular new models such as the Proton X50 as volume growth drivers,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar, adding that the brand’s market share is estimated at 20.1%.

While sales for other Proton models for the month were slightly down compared to October, deliveries of the X50 SUV began to gather momentum. 1,756 units were delivered, which Proton says makes it the best-selling B-segment (5-seat) SUV in Malaysia. Added to the 2,157 units of the X70, Proton lays claim to being the market leader in SUVs.

Proton X50

Strong numbers but cautious optimism for 2021

“For Proton specifically, we are continuing to focus on product quality and customer service to deliver a premium product and brand experience. Admittedly, deliveries of the Proton X50 have not ramped up to maximum capacity, but we are being deliberate in our approach to ensure our customers get the best product that meets their expectations, Still, we target to increase our volume each month to shorten waiting times so we urge everyone to please remain patient,” Encik Roslan said.

Export sales increased in 2020

The Malaysian car market can only take so many vehicles each year and Proton has to look to other markets if it wants to keep growing. It has been working hard to have a larger export footprint  and 2020 was supposed to be another year of steady growth in this area. However, the plans were affected by the global coronavirus pandemic although, by the end of November, the number of Proton vehicles exported to other countries exceeded the total from the year before.

A Proton Gen2 in the export shipment to the Middle East market in August this year.

“Export sales will continue to be one of Proton’s main pillars heading into 2021 and beyond. With our domestic market performance having stabilised and undergoing steady growth, renewed  emphasis has to be placed on making Proton a regional and global automotive brand,” he said.

“As a national car company, we represent Malaysia on the global stage and when we grow our export volume, our own local vendor community stands to gain as well. We will have more announcements about overseas market activities in the months and years to come,” added Encik Roslan.

Click here to read more about the Proton X50’s powertrain.


Bermaz Motor announces confirmed prices for new Mazda CX-5 – from RM137,379

Bookings for the new Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV were accepted from September 12 and from what we heard from the Bermaz Motor people, response was good even though the prices were not finalised. It goes to show that when a brand is strong and trusted, people have no problem putting their money down first if they want to be early buyers.

This evening, the Mazda distributor has released the confirmed prices which are shown in the chart below. As mentioned earlier, there are 5 locally-assembled variants available with only the top one having AWD and a turbocharged 2.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine.

Click here for other news on Mazda and Bermaz Motor in PISTON.MY

Visit
www.mazda.com.my
 to locate a showroom to view and test-drive the new CX-5


BMW 8-Series Is Back After 20-Year Absence! [+Videos]

The
BMW 8 Series
 has returned to the German firm’s lineup after a near 20-year absence. A two-door coupe will be the first of three body styles that will make up the range, which will grow to include a convertible as well as four-door Gran Coupe by the end of next year.

Auto Express
 was invited for an exclusive preview of the new two-door coupe, which is on sale now. Pitched as a rival for everything from a
Mercedes S-Class
 Coupe right up to the
Aston Martin DB11
, the German firm believes it has created a car with a broader breadth of abilities than any of its competitors packaging luxury buyers expect of a flagship car with the performance of a sports car.

And the 8 Series is not just a shortened version of the 7-Series saloon with two fewer doors, says the BMW. The coupe gets a unique chassis, suspension and powertrain setup, while tech borrowed from the firm’s GTE Le Mans racer has been sprinkled throughout the car. Here’s the video from BMW…

“The first thing we started with on this project was to develop a sports car – not a sporty car,”

Sarah Lessmann, BMW 8 Series Product manager
, told Auto Express.
“The 8 series was all about bringing perfect performance as well as new and distinctive design.”

BMW is particularly proud of the car’s proportions, particularly the elongated bonnet, cab rearward silhouette and muscular rear haunches, while it also features a carbon fibre roof to help lower its centre of gravity. The 8 Series measures in at 4,843mm long, 1,902mm wide and 1,341mm tall.

At launch the 8 Series will be available with two engines: one diesel badged 840d and one petrol badged M850i. The diesel model makes use of a
3.0-litre six-cylinder
 engine developing
320bhp
 and
680Nm
 of torque. The M850i is powered by a
4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
 developing
530bhp
 and
700Nm
 of torque. BMW says it will be capable of
0-100kmh
 in
3.7 seconds
 and a limited top speed of
250kmh
. Both variants come paired with BMW’s xDrive adaptive all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

“When you talk about the luxury car segment you talk about two bookends – at one side you have elegance and on the other you have sporty,”
 Lessmann added.
“If you look at our competitors on these bookends you have the
Mercedes
 S-Class Coupe on the luxury side and the
Aston Martin
 DB11 and
Porsche 911
 at the other…

… and there is a big gap in between, we definitely didn’t want to make the 8 series in the middle, we wanted to have it close to the performance cars.”

The M850i will be the flagship model in the range until a more potent M8 coupe arrives next year. As standard the car features active rear wheel steering, adaptive M suspension, a limited slip differential on the rear axle and a sports exhaust. The only mechanical option buyers can spec is active anti rolls bars, which are designed to improve stability and grip during cornering.

The 8 Series is also the first BMW to feature the firm’s new generation of iDrive infotainment, which is accessed via a 10.25-inch display on the dash. The system still operates by the iDrive controller on the centre console, but those inside also have the option of using touch, voice or gesture control to operate the system. It also incorporates 20GB of hard drive storage, Bluetooth and WiFi.

Given the 8 Series sits at the very top of BMW’s model portfolio it comes as standard with a wealth of equipment such as a full leather interior, LED headlamps, a Bowers & Wilkins stereo, 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control.

Both the 840d and M850i are now on sale with prices starting from £76,270 for the diesel and rising to £100,045 for the M850i. That cost will climb eve higher with the arrival of the M8 coupe, which could ask around £130,000 from potential customers. But there’s more…

BMW M8 will be the fastest BMW ever!

The forthcoming BMW M8 will be the most powerful and fastest production car in the firm’s history, Auto Express can reveal. Due to arrive 2019, the M8 will make use of a version of the
4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine
 from the latest
M5

saloon, but tuned to deliver upwards of
625bhp
.

Combined with selectable xDrive four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the M8 will be able to cover
 0-100kmh
 in less than
 3.3 seconds
. The M5 Competition is currently the fastest model in BMW’s lineup.

However, the full M treatment won’t only be reserved for the two-door coupe; BMW plans to create M versions of the Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe to broaden the model’s appeal. The
M8 Gran Coupe concept
, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, previewed how the flagship models would look.

BMW 8-Series Photo Gallery (all photos from Auto Express UK –
www.autoexpress.co.uk
)


Countdown To Launch Of All-New Toyota Vios Starts With Order-Taking From Today

Indonesian version

The countdown for the launch of the all-new Toyota Vios in Malaysia has started. Following past practice, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that customers can book the new model from today at all authorized Toyota dealerships nationwide. This means that the launch should take place within a month, going by the usual time-frame for most companies.

The new generation, which has been in the regional market less than a year, shows a big departure from the design language used in previous generations. Like the other new Toyota models we’ve seen in recent times, the appearance is more aggressive like the latest Camry. It also looks sportier with the fastback silhouette giving a stretched look.

The drivetrain continues to use a 1.5-litre DOHC Dual VVT-i engine said to have stronger performance. There are 3 driving modes to choose from to prioritize economy or acceleration.

The transmission is new, with the previous torque converter type replaced by a 7-speed CVT. The transmission also has Sequential Shiftmatic (with paddle shifters) so the driver can take control when he or she prefers to enjoy the pleasures of manual shifting.

At this time, UMWT has provided limited details of the equipment and features. However, it is known that there are high grade displays and improved comfort with the redesigned seats for a comfortable driving posture. The new DNGA platform also allows for optimized packaging and the longer wheelbase should improve legroom. The use of an electronic parking brake also eliminates the traditional handbrake lever.

With each generation, the image of a model usually moves upwards and that of the new Vios has progressed likewise. There is said to be a more premium experience with better and more soft touch materials throughout the cabin. The 9-inch Display has Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and also acts as a 3D Panoramic View Monitor to give an all-round view of the car from above.

There is also better safety with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of active safety systems. TSS is already available in other Toyota models and typically has pre-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping, blindspot warning and adaptive cruise control as well. Also useful when reversing out of a parking bay is the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The new Vios will be available in 1.5E and 1.5G variants with prices (without insurance) estimated to be RM90,000 and RM96,000, respectively. The colour options are Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver, Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl (additional charge of RM400), and Spicy Scarlet which is a new exterior finish.

Click here to download pricelist
.

Click here to download leaflet.

Assembled locally, the new Vios comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 24SEVEN Road Assist and 3 years of free subscription for the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (optional).

“Keeping in line with Toyota’s trend of offering ever better cars, Toyota has combined advanced automotive technologies with upgraded specifications to give the all-new Toyota Vios superior ownership value,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “The all-new Toyota Vios is all set to take centrestage as the car is definitely of top-notch quality at a competitive price that will certainly exceed customer expectations.”

This is the fourth generation of the popular sedan which evolved from the earlier Soluna that was Toyota’s ‘Asian Car’ in the 1990s. While the Corolla had originally been the entry-level model for Toyota in most markets, its price rose over the years to take it out of ‘entry level’, leading Toyota to develop a replacement with affordable pricing. To date, more than 505,000 units have been sold since it was introduced in Malaysia in 2003.

Britney Spears was associated with the first Vios generation in 2003. The second generation (top right) came in 2007 and the third generation (above right) was launched in 2013.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


BMW Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora Sign MoU To Recycle Used Oil From Service Centres

In the automotive aftersales industry, waste products are unavoidable and over the years, the more responsible companies have ensured that the waste products are properly disposed and do not damage the environment. Local authorities also have strict regulations to ensure that waste products like used oil do not get into the public drainage system.

One of the companies which has stepped up its efforts in this area of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is BMW Group Malaysia which recently commemorated their partnership with Pentas Flora in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

(From left) Matthias Schlesiger, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, and Ng Chai Heng, Technical Director of Pentas Flora exchanging the MoU document.

As part of BMW Group Malaysia’s RE:GENERATE programme to adopt circularity within the organisation, this collaboration with Pentas Flora is a crucial first step to ensuring not only proper automotive waste management, but also a firm departure from the traditional linear approach to valuable resources.

The goal is to achieve 100% participation in repurposing used oils and lubricants from all BMW dealers nationwide, while also encouraging more industry players to pay closer attention to waste management, ensuring that waste is no longer carelessly deposited into landfills, incinerated, or illegally dumped.

The initiative actually started in 2021 when BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia collaborated with Pentas Flora as a sustainability partner. The internal initiative with the local BMW dealer network was intended to give waste oils and lubricants collected from their service centres a second life as re-refined eco-base oils.

Since then, over 30,000 litres of waste oils and lubricants have been collected from 4 participating BMW dealerships in the Klang Valley. These products have been sent for processing at Pentas Flora’s re-refinery plant in Banting, Selangor to eventually be turned into re-refined eco base oil that will be channelled back into the automotive sector once again.

Fresh clean oil eventually has to be drained and replaced, and it is important that the used oil is properly disposed of. BMW Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora will work together to give this oil a ‘second life’ as a re-refined eco base oil.

Re-refined oil is a complex but highly reliable product that goes through vacuum distillation, pre-treatment processes such as sieving, dewatering, vacuum dehydration, short path distillation, and a variety of treatment processes to obtain a quality end-product comparable to virgin base oil.

“For us at BMW Group Malaysia, our vision for sustainability is clear. In all our efforts to mitigate climate change, we ensure our strategy is both Circular and Responsible – as we pursue a verifiable and consistent path towards climate neutrality by 2050. In doing so, we drive forward the Group’s global ambition here with a local context, while inspiring more Malaysian industry leaders to place ESG at the forefront of their decision-making in 2023,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

The MoU signing ceremony was carried out during a roundtable discussion on ESG by BMW Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora. The discussion has participation of sustainability leaders from the public sector, alongside industry experts and innovators. They shared insights on low-carbon practices and the voluntary carbon market, risks for ESG non-compliance, good governance for sustainable growth, as well as a necessary mindset shift amongst corporate Malaysia towards self-regulation in their sustainability efforts.

Now it would be good if BMW Group Malaysia also starts looking into battery recycling processes since it is putting an increasing number of electric vehicles on Malaysian roads. While these are early days and the number of battery packs being disposed would be small, the issue could become very big by the end of the decade when the first batch of EVs start to have the battery packs replaced. The BMW Group would already have experience with battery recycling processes in Europe so it may be timely to start looking at how those processes can be used in Malaysia, rather than wait till 2030 before acting.


UMW Toyota Motor Participates in UMW Green Shoots Initiative At Tanjung Tuan, Melaka

In earlier years, car companies focussed mainly on their business – primarily sales and aftersales of new motor vehicles. But as they grew bigger and their role as Corporate Citizens became more significant, they also had to do their part for society and the communities they operate. This is done in many different ways – from supporting needy organisations and supporting events to activities that do something to protect the environment.

For UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities have been diverse and growing in importance has been those related to the environment. This is aligned with the commitment of Toyota Motor Corporation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, not only for its products but also every aspect of its business operations globally.

One approach being taken is to ‘offset’ emissions of carbon dioxide (CO
2
), the gas which is known to cause global warming to the extent that climate change is taking place. If climate changes become too severe, life on the planet will be at risk, hence the global efforts by governments and industries need to take serious action.

On UMWT’s part, besides starting to assemble hybrid electric vehicles locally which generate much lower levels of CO
2
, the company is also involved in a tree planting programme known as the UMW Green Shoots Initiative (UGS Initiative). This initiative supports Malaysia’s National 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign and also matches three objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

This year, the UGS Initiative has been carried out during the Raptor Watch 2023 event organised by the Malaysian Nature Society at Tanjung Tuan, Melaka. The event is held annually and the public can observe the departure of migratory birds known as raptors from Malaysia to their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere.

The event also aims to create awareness and ensure the continued conservation of the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve which is located in the vicinity of the Blue Lagoon and Cape Rachado in Port Dickson.

Planting of mangrove saplings will assist the rehabilitation of the mangrove swamp ecosystem in Tanjung Tuan which was destroyed as a result of an oil spill in 2020. Up to 6,100 trees will be planted by 250 volunteers made up of UMWT staff volunteers, students and teachers from University Putra Malaysia, Serdang (UPM) and Politeknik Port Dickson, Taylor’s University and members of the public.

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“UMW Toyota Motor is proud to be helping to rehabilitate and preserve the environment through the UMW Green Shoots Initiative. As a good corporate citizen, we can provide resources to support efforts in addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality,” said Datuk Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“Additionally, we have been assembling Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Malaysia since 2022 and will announce further plans on the electrification of the Toyota product range,” he said.

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

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


You can have a different colour for your BMW iX every day!

In the 1960s, James Bond’s Aston Martin had changing numberplates and in 2021, BMW’s iX Flow featuring E Ink has changing body colours. But just like the feature on James Bond’s car, don’t expect it to be offered on BMWs anytime soon. It is a demonstration of future technology for a model displayed this week at CES 2022 (the consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas) to show how digitisation can be used to adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes.

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired colouration.

More sophisticated personalisation

The use of innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design and the iX Flow demonstrates this potential to impressive effect.

Already today, the colour chosen for a car is an expression of the driver’s personality. The choice of exterior finishes available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance.

Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles. Apart from a greater degree of personalisation, a customer will also not have to settle for just one colour – he or she can have many more for different occasions!

“This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they sit into their car,” said Stella Clarke, Head of Project for the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink. “Similar to fashion or the status ads on social media channels, the vehicle then becomes an expression of different moods and circumstances in daily life.”

Increased efficiency too

A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle’s air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle’s fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient (though, at this time, it would be very expensive technology). Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

Millions of paint capsules

Electrophoretic colouring is based on a technology developed by E Ink that is most well-known from the displays used in eReaders like Kindle. The surface coating of the iX Flow contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

Achieving this effect on a vehicle body involves the application of many precisely fitted ePaper segments. Generative design processes are implemented to ensure the segments reflect the characteristic contours of the vehicle and the resulting variations in light and shadow. The generative design algorithms enable the necessary formability and flexibility required to tailor the ePaper exactly to the design lines of the vehicle.

Laser cutting technologies are used to guarantee high precision in generating each segment. After the segments are applied and the power supply for stimulating the electrical field is connected, the entire body is warmed and sealed to guarantee optimum and uniform colour reproduction during every colour change.

“Digital experiences won’t just be limited to displays [inside the car] in the future. There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.


Lexus LC Ultimate Edition: Strictly Limited Numbers Worldwide

When Lexus revealed its vision for a radical new flagship coupe, the LF-LC concept, at the 2012 Detroit auto show, it created a stir. The vision was made into a reality four years later with a nearly identical design for the production-ready
LC
. Now, the LC 500 Ultimate Edition represents the peak of that model’s award-winning history.

Each model’s status is noted on an individually numbered plaque installed on the centre console. This special edition of the LC 500 Coupe and Convertible will be made available in extremely small quantities worldwide.

Exterior

The unique Hakugin White painting, which has a sophisticated matt finish, is the distinguishing element of the Ultimate Edition. This stands in contrast to the black detailing on the 21-inch, five-spoke forged alloy wheels, grille, door mirrors, headlamp surrounds, and muscular bodywork. This striking design draws historical comparisons to Lexus’s last coupe king, the
LFA
 supercar which in our opinion was the dream car of a JDM enthusiast.

The unique features of the Ultimate Edition go beyond its appearance. The world’s first integration of airflow-controlling canard fins in the front bumper moulding has improved the car’s aerodynamic performance. The aero management option for the Coupe comprises a black carbon rear wing that deploys automatically. Through Lexus’s assistance of aerobatic and race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and his team, the design of the wing was determined with input from the world of competitive flying.

Interior

Additionally, the inside boasts a luxurious finish with deep Kachi-Blue upholstery. The Convertible is covered in a blend of leather and suede-like Alcantara, while the Coupe is covered in luxurious semi-aniline leather.

With the addition of a colour head-up display, Panoramic View Monitor, 13-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Audio system, and “Limited Edition” Lexus scuff plates, the Ultimate Edition’s equipment package is identical to that of the top LC Sport Pack+.

Powertrain

The V8 engine was tuned for smoother spin, and the rear differential was tuned for even quicker acceleration response, by Lexus’ Takumi master specialists. The 457bhp engine in the LC 500 Coupe and Convertible is paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift automated gearbox.

Production

The Ultimate Edition will start to be made in September. Less than 10 units, priced at £116,000 (RM 658,623) for the Coupe and £122,000 (RM 692,690) for the Convertible, will be made available to UK buyers.

There is no information yet on whether it will be available in Malaysia, but expect a few to hit the parallel market.


Zero Contact Initiative implemented at Goodyear Autocare Centres

All business sectors that have resumed operations after the lifting of restrictions during the Movement Control Order (MCO) are required to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the authorities. These include social distancing, temperature checks and other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Goodyear Autocare Centres throughout Malaysia are following the SOPs to ensure a safe environment for customers and staff, with guidance by Goodyear Malaysia’s Zero Contact Initiative. With this initiative, customers can get new tyres fitted at a Goodyear Autocare centre without any direct person-to-person contact throughout the entire process.

A Goodyear Autocare Centre

“As we resume our operations nationwide, we also embark into a ‘new normal’ era that calls for more vigilance and mindfulness when handling each and every one of our customer’s needs,” said Alex Ng, MD of Goodyear Malaysia.

“The assurance of Goodyear’s Zero Contact process – from the moment you drop-off your vehicle, and up until you collect it – is that there will be zero direct physical contact between staff and customers to minimise risk of any potential spread. We decided to extend this programme in Malaysia, off the back of the success it had in the United States, Australia and other ASEAN countries. We hope that through this programme, we continue to assure Goodyear’s loyal customers that we have taken all the necessary precautions for their personal safety and at the same time, remain committed to ensuring the safety of their tyres,” Mr. Ng added.

Through the implementation of the Zero Contact initiative, customers will have to first arrange for an appointment with their preferred Goodyear Autocare centre for services, either with a phone call or using WhatsApp.

At the stores, there will be specially-designated Zero Contact parking areas for customers to park their vehicles, as well as a drop box for them to place the keys. The Goodyear Autocare centre staff will then proceed to collect the vehicle and fit new tyres.

Areas that will receive a free safety check

Before returning the vehicle to the owner, a 12-point vehicle safety check will be done, followed by the disinfection of 12 major touchpoints. These are complimentary services provided by Goodyear Malaysia for their customers to ensure that their cars are safe to be driven once again, especially for those who have left their vehicles untouched for a long time due to the Movement Control Order.

When the customer collects his or her vehicle at the Zero Contact parking area, there will be a checklist which has been placed in their vehicle. This confirms the clean-up done by the staff, as well as to notify them of any possible issue that the staff might have found while checking their vehicle, making it easy for them to rectify as quickly as possible.

Other precautionary measures will also be enforced at all Goodyear Autocare centres. For instance, staff are required to sanitise and disinfect all public areas, facilities, as well as any tools and equipment three times daily. The seats will be marked for alternative seating (to enable distancing), while standing markers will also be placed on the floor to ensure customers are standing 1 metre away from others when in queue. Customers are advised to settle payments using contactless payment options such as e-wallet, online banking or paywave.

“By rolling out this initiative, we hope that we are not only able to continue to provide better services for our customers as we all resume our everyday routines, but also provide an extra hand in helping to check on their vehicles’ conditions after this brief hiatus. Of course, the safety and health of our customers and staff are pertinent during this period, therefore we hope to see the support and cooperation from our customers and Goodyear Autocare partners to practise good hygiene and preventative measures throughout this period,” said Mr. Ng.


Porsche Penske Motorsport team reveals new Porsche 963 prototype for endurance racing from 2023

Motorsport is an expensive sport to start with and for teams that participate professionally, it can be very expensive. In the upper reaches of the sport, like Formula 1 and endurance racing, it has become so expensive that the FIA and other organisations have looked for ways to control the costs – while still enabling the teams to innovate to be competitive and advance.

Endurance racing from this year sees the birth of the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) and Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) classes which have many things in common. This will allow the cars to race in the American series run by IMSA as well as the European events like the Le Mans 24-Hours. This extends the scope of racing for teams who can now look at more events to take part in.

The Porsche Penske Motorsport team has developed the new Porsche 963 to take advantage of this. From 2023, two of the hybrid LMDh-spec prototypes will be entered in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The racing car which was unveiled yesterday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England is being developed at two locations –  in Germany for the WEc and in the USA for the IMSA series. The exchange of data between the high-tech centres of Porsche Penske Motorsport occurs almost in real-time.

The official race debut of the 963 is planned to take place in January 2023 at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the USA. In the meantime, the WEC has opened the door for testing as part of the upcoming world championship races this year. Porsche Penske Motorsport is aiming for a non-competitive dress rehearsal at the final round of the season in Bahrain this November.

In compliance with the LMDh regulations, the  963 is based on an LMP2-category chassis. This newly developed chassis is supplied by the Canadian high-tech company Multimatic. Bosch, Williams Advanced Engineering and Xtrac contribute the standard hybrid components to all teams. At the heart of the powertrain lies a 4.6-litre V8 Biturbo, the engine based on the 918 Spyder hybrid sportscar. Its DNA goes back to the RS Spyder racing car, with which Porsche and Team Penske collected many victories between 2005 and 2008.

“Over the past few months, our people at Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have grown into an efficient and committed squad – the Porsche Penske Motorsport Team,” said Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Motorsport LMDh. “We’ll have powerful driver crews in the 4 factory cars. The collaboration with our long-standing tyre partner Michelin and the chassis manufacturer Multimatic works flawlessly. The Porsche 963 should be homologated this autumn. Until then, we want to make further progress with test drives and gain additional insights. We can hardly wait for our first outing.”

The design of the new 963 echoes the victorious 956 and 962 classics from the 1980s. A continuous strip of lighting at the rear echoes the distinctive feature of the latest 992-generation 911. The white-red-black vehicle design is a salute to Porsche’s successful racing cars. And another tradition lives on: the new Porsche racer will be available to customers from the first year of competition.

“After 7,889 test kilometres during the first half of 2022, we’re on a very good path but there is still work to be done before the start of next season,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice-President Motorsport. “Our new Porsche 963 should continue the legacy of legendary models such as the 917, 935, 956, 962 and the 919 Hybrid. I’m positive that we’ll be well-positioned when it comes to technology and we’ve also created the relevant team structures to set us up for wins in the thrilling competition between many manufacturers and different concepts.”

A Porsche stars again in new Top Gun movie, and it’s not a replica this time


F1/Round 8: Provisional Results and Highlights of 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

After the frustration at Monaco, Charles Leclerc would have been eager to make sure that he took full advantage of his pole position on the Baku startline to get ahead. But as the lights turned green, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was alert enough to shoot ahead when the Ferrari driver locked up at the first corner, and then began to pull away. As for Perez’ team mate, Max Verstappen, trying to also pass Leclerc was not the immediate objective as he has another Ferrari in his mirrors.

Further back, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, starting in ninth, managed to sneak past Scuderia AkphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda. The rest of the pack generally stayed in order of grid positions initially.

By lap 4, Perez was already 2 seconds ahead of Leclerc while Verstappen had closed in from behind. He could not afford to allow the Dutchman to get past because, when they hit the straight, the Red Bulls would use their superior speed to widen the gap. Sainz was already falling back to about 4 seconds from Verstappen and would soon have Mercedes-AMG’s  George Russell coming up.

On lap 9, yellow flags appeared as Sainz departed from the track into the run-off area at Turn 4. He remained there and it was heard over the radio that there was a brake failure. The Virtual Safety Car was activated since the Ferrari was not obstructing and the marshalls got to work recovering the racing car.

With his team mate out, Leclerc quickly headed to the pits to get on hard tyres. Others who came in during the period were Russell, Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton as well. Leclerc’s pit stop put him one place down behind Verstappen and about 14 seconds behind the race leader when he rejoined.  The pit stops gave Alpine’s Fernando Alonso a chance to get up to fifth, while McLaren’s Lando Norris was in sixth with his team mate Daniel Ricciardo in seventh.

Hamilton’s pit stop also allowed Vettel to jump ahead and engage Alpine’s Esteban Ocon. However, on lap 13, the Aston Martin driver misjudged the corner at Turn 3 and had to go straight, losing his place to a few others. In his haste to rejoin, he nearly hit Tsunoda.

By lap 15, Verstappen was right up behind Perez and ready to overtake, which he did without drama as his team mate let him go by. Now Perez would have to watch for Leclerc who was still some 10 seconds behind. With that safe gap, Perez came in to get fresh and hard tyres. But the stop was a slow one and when he rejoined, Leclerc had gone past and he just managed to  get in ahead of Russell.

Verstappen finally came in on lap 19 to change his tyres for the first time, also to hards. He had a 9-second gap when he came in but it was not enough to allow him to return and still be in the lead, which was taken by Leclerc. Meanwhile, further back, Hamilton’s patience paid off as he pushed past Ocon and got up to ninth.

And then disaster struck for Leclerc on lap 20 as smoke appeared from his car and he lost power. He managed to return to the pits – but his race was over. Another race to forget for Ferrari which had started the season looking good. So it was Red Bull in 1-2, with Russell 14 seconds behind the leader in third. But the race isn’t over till the chequered flag comes out and with the high temperatures, things could still happen to change the expected outcome.

Along with Leclerc, Alfa Romeo’s Zhou GuanYu also had to retire. On lap 24, he was asked to pit as there was ‘a technical issue’, preventing him from finishing another race.

As the 51-lap race crossed the halfway point, the three front cars were well ahead of the others. Behind Russell, the gap was around 20 seconds to Scuderia Alphatauri’s Pierre Gasly. Pursuing him were Hamilton and Ricciardo, with Tsunoda trying hard to stay with them.

While Leclerc was saying how ‘hurt’ he felt with the engine failure, Hamilton was really feeling hurt physically. He was heard to tell his team over the radio that his back was hurting badly due to the porpoising. This condition is occurring in the new 2022 cars as the ground effect aero causes them to ‘bounce’ at high speed. The alternating downforce and lack of it keeps pulling the car body up and down. While some constructors have found solutions, it seems that the Mercedes-AMG engineers still can’t overcome it and the drivers are getting suffering.

Another Ferrari-powered car also ended its race on lap 33. It was the Haas F1 of Kevin Magnussen who had been struggling to endure the porpoising and was about to get past Ocon. But then he dropped back and pulled to the side of the track. The Virtual Safety Car was again activated, giving the three front-runners an opportunity to get fresh tyres for the remainder of the race.

When racing resume on lap 36, Hamilton had gotten new tyres and was ready to push hard. He quickly got past Tsunoda who was on old tyres, nut would have to work hard to close the 10-second gap to Gasly. His team mate, Russell, was in a comfortable position in third and did not try too hard to go after Perez.

On lap 40, balck and orange flags were waved at Tsunoda as his car was spotted with a damaged rear wing. He was required to go back to the pits where the crew was waiting to fix the problem with tape. But the fix meant he would have no DRS although he did get new tyres.

Hamilton got past Gasly on lap 42 and was up to fourth, but still over 30 seconds behind Russell. It was a good position for a change but he still had to be alert for Gasly trying to take back the position from him. However, the Scuderia Alphatauri driver was also told not to try too hard as getting the points was important – no point engaging Hamilton and then making a mistake and have to retire.

With less than 10 laps remaining, both McLarens were in the top 10 and looking forward to taking home points from Baku. Ahead of them was Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, who was within reach but Alonso was not close enough to try to take on Vettel. Both McLarens were watching Alonso closely, waiting for just one mistake.

Verstappen must have been praying not to have any surprise like last year as he headed towards the finish. But for Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, there would be no crossing the finish line as he was pulled out of the race on lap 48. Verstappen did have a moment of concern when he reported that he felt ‘something’ with his brakes but he took the chequered flag without incident and strengthened his lead, along with that of Red Bull Racing with Perez also picking up a big chunk of points.


Forza Horizon 5 Gets CUPRA UrbanRebel Racing Concept Two Years Before Production Model Launch (w/VIDEO)

Although CUPRA is today established as the high-performance brand of SEAT, it began as the Special Vehicles department of the Spanish carmaker in 1971. Its main function was to develop and support SEAT’s participation in rallies and touring championships.

In 2018, the name was used as an independent brand with its own line of models focussed on performance and having a more specialised nature, besides individual styling. Its models share technical elements with SEAT models which are also shared within the Volkswagen Group that SEAT is part of.

With its high-performance DNA, CUPRA is naturally a candidate for the virtual world of simulator racing as well. Apart from having its own sim racing series, it is now also on Xbox Game Studios’ and Playground Games’
Forza Horizon 5
 with a new all-electric concept racing car.

Known as the
UrbanRebel Racing Concept
, this model will be launched in the real world as a roadgoing car in 2025. However, Forza players will be able to experience it from January 2023. The  players can immerse themselves in a deep campaign mode with hundreds of rewarding challenges, lead breath-taking expeditions, and meet new characters in Horizon Story missions.

This will be the second CUPRA car in the game. The Forza racing franchise is the official gaming partner of
Extreme E
 and, within this partnership, the brand’s all-electric CUPRA Tavascan XE also has a presence in the game.

Designed, developed, and built in Barcelona, Spain, the concept racing car mixes electrification, sustainability and performance by integrating virtual aesthetics to create a design language for the future generation of electric vehicles.

CUPRA’s designers injected a gamification look to the racing car, and now it becomes a reality in the popular videogame. The racing cart features a livery surface that adapts and changes as light moves across it, as well as a large spoiler with integrated lights.

As would be expected, it has a powerful ’heart’ which delivers 250 kW (340 ps) of continuous power, with the possibility of boosting to 320 kW (435 ps). CUPRA has targeted a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds for the racing car.

In
Forza Horizon 5
, the racing car can be driven around the Arch of Mulege circuit in Forza EV Rivals or tested hard in dedicated Seasonal PR Stunts.
Forza Horizon 5
 is set in Mexico, which is CUPRA’s biggest market outside Europe and where the first CUPRA City Garage was opened.

“The CUPRA UrbanRebel Racing Concept is a gamified real-world racecar that perfectly fits into
Forza Horizon 5
, and it gives fans a chance to get behind the wheel of this car before anyone else!” said CUPRA Global Director of Strategy, Business Development & Operations, Antonino Labate.

Forza Horizon 5
is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC on Windows and Steam, and Xbox Game Pass including console, PC and Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.


For Rolls-Royce, every product must be perfect – even scale models (w/VIDEO)

Sir Henry Royce once said: “Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing.” This has clearly applied to the motorcars of the brand for decades and even when scaled down, perfection is still a must.

As daily driving pleasures have been curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some other of life’s little luxuries have come to the fore. An authentic 1:8 scale replica of a full-sized Cullinan, the first Rolls-Royce SUV, is now available. Reproduced with absolute perfection, each is more than a mere model. Every miniature Cullinan is individually and painstakingly crafted by hand, to the client’s specification, from over 1,000 individual components. This process can take up to 450 hours – over half of the time required to build a full-sized Cullinan.

The replica is then hand-painted using Rolls-Royce colour-matched paint, hand-polished to the marque’s exacting specification; the coachline is even applied using a fine brush, just as it is on the original.

Customers may choose from a palette of around 40,000 ‘standard’ colours, or replicate their own personal Bespoke finish. The fully-functioning exterior lights are operated by a Cullinan-branded remote control, while under the bonnet is a perfect likeness of the iconic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.

On opening the coach doors, illuminated treadplates are revealed, leading to an interior designed and executed with the materials, skill and attention to detail lavished on Cullinan itself. From the headrest embroidery and wood finishes to seat piping and stitching, these Bespoke creations allow owners to recreate their full-size vehicle with astonishing accuracy, or even envision future Cullinans to add to their collection.

Presented in a display case at almost a metre in length, the replica is set on a gloss-black base mounted on a plinth allowing it to be appreciated from all angles. The Perspex window can be removed enabling the minutiae of the doors, luggage compartment and engine bay to be viewed in detail.

https://www.piston.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/RRMC-KYSU-Model-Car-V2.mp4

“This scale replica brings a new dimension to Cullinan’s
Effortless, Everywhere
 philosophy. Our super-luxury SUV is now as perfectly at ease in the serene surroundings of its owner’s residence as it is in the most challenging and hostile terrain on Earth.” Said Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“It demonstrates, and reminds us as a company, that
Inspiring Greatness
 applies at every scale. It is not just about the big things: we seek and achieve greatness in everything we do, down to the smallest item and minutest detail,” he added.

The full-sized Cullinan is priced from RM1.8 million (before including tax).

There are already scale models of the Cullinan being sold online but none would come anywhere close to the quality of this one made by Rolls-Royce. And certainly nowhere near the price which is believed to be around £14,500 (about RM74,500)!

Black Badge Cullinan – The King of the Night completes the Rolls-Royce Black Badge family


The 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant has a 590hp twin-turbo V8

Audi has unveiled their latest 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant and its super-fast Avant concept has been further refined in the fourth-generation model. Powering this latest beast is a 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine with mild hybrid technology that punches out a hefty 590hp and 800Nm of maximum torque.

Coupled with Audi’s latest state-of-the-art efficiency features which include the mild hybrid drive and cylinder-on-demand technology, the 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant is said to deliver ‘epic performance as responsibly as possible.’

According to Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, “Throughout our 25-year RS history, the Audi RS 6 Avant is one of our absolute icons with a large global fan base. We will also be offering the RS 6 Avant in North America for the very first time. As such, we will be tapping into a new market with huge potential and generating further growth.”

Exclusive RS-specific parts garnish the exterior of the new RS 6 Avant which give it a more broad and powerful look for those who are looking for a huge dose of sophistication with its performance. Resting on 21-inch wheels, the broad flared arches further amplifies the raw supremacy it possesses.

Audi has stated that the new RS 6 Avant is one of the first few models to incorporate the latest RS design language. This can be seen via its new bonnet with powerdome, front headlights taken from the A7, LED rear lights, and dynamic indicators with RS-specific sequencing when the car is locked and unlocked.

Completing all of these new exterior highlights is a gloss black Singleframe grille with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure that blends together with side air inlets and other features inspired by their flagship Audi R8 sports machine.

More dynamic ism can be seen at other exterior features such as elongated front section, long straight roofline, flat D pillars, roof edge spoiler, and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser. There’s also the RS exhaust system that flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes.

The style and performance package offered by the 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant gives fellow owners to hit 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds from a standstill. When conditions are just right, 200km/h can be achieved within 12 seconds. Top speed? Limited to 250km/h.

The powerful V8 also features a new mild hybrid system that helps to recover up to 12 kW of power when slowing down. This system allows for greater efficiency and fuel consumption to ensure that you’ll be making less stops at the petrol station to refuel.

Other unique specifications include:

Eight-speed tiptronic transmission with a new Launch Control

Wheel-selective torque control

Progressive steering

Dynamic handling system with selectable driving modes (comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, and the individually configurable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes)

Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC)

The paint range for the new Audi RS 6 Avant includes thirteen colours, including the two RS-specific colours Nardo grey and Sebring black, crystal effect along with a choice of five matt effect paint finishes. The Audi exclusive range offers numerous customisation options to meet any demands from their loyal customers around the globe.

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic now in showrooms, priced from RM589,900