Toyota overtook General Motors in 2021 to be No.1 carmaker in the USA

General Motors (GM) was the market leader in the US market since 1931 but last year, its place was taken not by Ford, Chrysler or even Tesla but by a foreign brand – Toyota. The Japanese carmaker reported sales of 2.332 million vehicles in 2021, beating the 2.218 million units that GM announced the same day. A year earlier, GM had still held No.1 spot with 2.55 million units while Toyota did 2.11 million units, and Ford reported 2.04 million units.

Understandably, Toyota has not played up on its ascent to No.1 position – the first foreign carmaker to do so – since it can be a sensitive issue among Americans. Although it imports many vehicles, it also has huge factories in America that manufacture a number of models there, so they are as American as those from the Big Three with substantial local sourcing of parts as well, not to mention being made by American workers.

But Toyota, like other Japanese carmakers, has been through periods of consumer resentment for their products and at one time, were even forced to voluntarily limit exports from Japan in the 1980s. Starting with a limit of 1.68 million cars (total for all makes) in 1981, the voluntary export restraint brought on by US political pressure remained for some 9 years. While it relieved some pressure on the American carmakers, it also resulted in foreign carmakers setting up factories in America so they could build their cars there, behind the ‘barrier’ and unrestricted by quotas.

The Crown was the first Toyota to appear in the USA in 1958. The carmaker established its first operations in California, from where it would spread across the country and then begin setting up factories to make its cars there as well. 63 years later, it has become the No.1 carmaker in the country, displacing GM which held the title for 31 years.

Besides the COVID-19 pandemic which affected the whole auto industry, there were also serious supply chain issues and more disrupting, a shortage of semiconductors for the many electronic systems in today’s motor vehicles. Every manufacturer was affected but some, like Toyota, had managed to plan well, which the Japanese are good at. Lessons learnt from the tsunami/earthquake disaster in Japan in 2011 also helped Toyota to have good management of its supply chain and to ensure sufficient buffer stocks for any major disruption.

No plans to boast about title

Toyota doesn’t plan to use its achievement in promotions and instead highlights other sales achievements in 2021 (in the US market) like selling the most electrified vehicles for the 22
nd
 consecutive year, being the No.1 retail brand (which excludes leasing and fleet sales) for the 10
th
 consecutive year, No. 1 in passenger car market share for 10th consecutive year, and the bestselling models in the passenger car category (Camry), midsize SUV category (Highlander), SUV category (RAV4) and small van category (Sienna).

The Honda Accord was the first foreign model to become the No.1 passenger car sold in America in 1989. But the Camry has taken the position most years since 1994, and has been No.1 for the past 20 consecutive years. The success of the model was, in part, due to the refusal of the top guys at Toyota USA to take the model designed in Japan which was too conservative. With the support of the Toyodas, they managed to get the chief engineer to come up with a completely different design which, in some ways, mirrored the Lexus LS400 that had become a benchmark in the US premium luxury class from 1989.

While the Honda Accord was the first foreign model to be the bestselling car in America in 1989, it’s been the Toyota Camry (1994 model shown below) which has been No.1 for the past 20 consecutive years.

The RAV4 is also another great success story for Toyota in America. It appeared at just the right time as Americans had a growing love for SUVs. Small and as easy to drive as a passenger car, it was ideal for the transition from a passenger car to SUV. It virtually created a new category overnight which would influence the rest of the industry to start following. Three years after the RAV4 appeared, Lexus also did a similar thing in the premium segment with the RX300.

The RAV4 created a new market segment almost overnight when it appeared in 1995. Since then, it has been a top-seller in its class.

Electrified models fuel sales

In recent times, Toyota’s growth has been fuelled by electrified vehicles, which it has been selling since the late 1980s when it introduced the Prius as the world’s first mass-produced vehicles with a hybrid powertrain. Since then, the range of hybrid models has expanded and it has even started selling a fuel-cell electric vehicle called the Mirai. Last year, electrified models accounted for about 25% of the total vehicles Toyota sold, up 73.2% in volume from a year before.

The Prius was the first mass-produced vehicle in the world with a hybrid powertrain when it was launched in 1989. Since then, Toyota has expanded its range of electrified models with hybrid powertrains and the picture below shows the models sold in the USA in 2013.

The total industry volume was just under 15 million vehicles in 2021 and 2022 is expected to see growth. Some forecasts put it at just over 15 million, but Toyota is more optimistic and thinks it could reach 16.5 million units, of which it is aiming to contribute 2.4 million. Whether GM will regain its crown remains to be seen although, like Ford long ago, the carmaker realizes that it is not much point chasing a No.1 title at the expense of profitability. Toyota somehow has managed to grab the No.1 position while still remaining profitable, though, but the Japanese are always conscious of a rival overtaking them so they never stop looking in the mirror.

Toyota: “No customer is left behind” in quest for carbon neutrality


Ford To Develop EV Crossover Models Using Volkswagen MEB platform

Ford will use Volkswagen’s MEB platform for EVs to produce new battery electric vehicle (BEV) for the European market. This follows on from the alliance formed between the two carmakers which has so far seen Ford providing the latest Ranger truck for Volkswagen to adapt as its second generation Amarok.

The first Ford model to use the MEB will be a BEV crossover and production is expected to be underway at the Ford Electrification Centre in Cologne, Germany from 2023. Ford has confirmed one model with a total volume of around 600,000 units but a second one is expected, also likely to be a crossover based on what was shown of the BEV range in March this year.

Ford and Volkswagen have shared models before, in the 1990s with the Ford Galaxy (left) and VW Sharan (right). They are also now sharing the latest Ford Ranger (below left) and VW Amarok (below right).

Volkswagen MEB platform specially designed for EV models.

It’s not known if Ford will adapt Volkswagen’s BEV crossover models from its
ID. range
. If it does, it won’t be the first time that the American carmaker is doing so. Back in the 1990s, the Ford Galaxy was adapted from the Volkswagen Sharan, giving Ford a MPV for the European market.

Major investment in UK factory
While little has been released about the new models, Ford has made a commitment to invest a further £125 million (RM671.64 million) in its Halewood Plant in England to increase capacity by 70%, plus £24 million (RM128.93 million) in the supporting E:PRiME product development centre. This will take the carmaker’s total investment in enabling Halewood’s transformation to an EV component plant to almost £380 million (RM2.04 billion).

The plant, which currently produces transmissions for internal combustion engine vehicles, had won assembly of electric vehicle power units to deliver 250,000 units a year from 2024.  This will support the carmaker’s push in Europe which will contribute to the company’s global plan for 2 million units annual production of EVs by 2026.

Halewood’s new power unit capacity of 420,000 units a year means that 70% of the 600,000 EVs, which Ford will sell in Europe a year by 2026, will be powered by the Halewood-produced technology. Models which will be fitted with the UK-built power units include the Puma, E-Transit Custom, E-Tourneo Custom, Transit Courier, Tourneo Courier, and of course, the future crossover models on the MEB platform.

Ford’s E:PRiME centre is building prototypes of the electric power unit and training Halewood employees in its machining and assembly, assisted by the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The power unit, comprising edrive motor and gearbox, replaces the engine and transmission of a conventional engine vehicle.

Ford to create separate business units for EVs and for combustion vehicles

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


F1 (Round 3): Preview and Starting Grid of the 2020 Formula 1 Aramco Hungarian Grand Prix

Race starts at 3:10 pm in Hungary/9:10 pm in Malaysia

After two weekends at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, the F1 teams travelled 420 kms to the next venue on the calendar, Hungaroring in Hungary. The 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix (which has the official event title of 2020 Formula 1 Aramco Magyar Nagydij) is the third round of the championship.

The authorities are very strict on the conditions of allowing the race to be run. These include staying within the circuit or at their respective hotels and not socialising; breaking the rules can result in a fine of 15,000 euros (about RM73,000) and/or jail time. Both Ferrari drivers were reported to have broken the rules and the team boss has warned them that they cannot be irresponsible and jeopardise the team.

A regular venue

The circuit is a familiar one to the drivers, having been used over the past 34 years. As such, they will be prepared for the hot and dusty environment, more so with the pandemic-related lockdowns further keeping the circuit unused. The air and track temperatures experienced at the Hungarian Grand Prix are typically some of the highest of the season, with an average air temperature of 30°C and average track temperature of 49°C.

The current Hungaroring circuit uses the third layout since 1986 and has 14 turns. Running around a valley, it is twisty and bumpy, giving a ‘street circuit’ feel like that of Monaco. Rain can add to the challenges and it has during practice sessions this week. With the revised 2020 schedule and the circuit’s relentless run of corners, the Hungaroring looks set to be the highest downforce track on the calendar.

Constant cornering

Because of the track’s high-downforce nature, its maximum speed – 318 km/h – is one of the lowest in F1. The cars only spend around 10 seconds going in a straight line during a 4.4-km lap, with the remaining 65 seconds or so spent cornering. As such, the Hungaroring is known for its constant cornering.

Despite the Hungaroring having one of the shortest start/finish straights, the track has the fifth-longest run to Turn 1 from pole position – due to the grid being positioned very close to the exit of the final corner.

The circuit is one of the toughest for brake cooling, in part due to the lack of straights, often made worse by cars being stuck in traffic. Just 65% of the lap distance at the Hungaroring is taken at full throttle, one of the lowest figures in F1.

The average lateral g-force experienced during the course of the lap is one of the highest in F1, due to the grip levels from the new tarmac, long corners, lack of straights and high downforce levels. Drivers report that the kerbs are some of the most severe in F1 for the cars. The spacing, height and speed at which drivers go over kerbs are all important factors. While the kerbs in Hungary are harsh, they are generally taken at slower speeds than in Red Bull Ring.

The track features many long corners, some of which are 180 degrees or more, which impacts the suspension set-up. The majority of corners in Hungary are taken in ‘steady state’, which is where the length of the corner allows the car to settle and stay in a rolled condition for a long period of time. A ‘transient state’ means the opposite and is seen in corners requiring quick changes of direction. For this weekend’s race, ‘steady state’ is more important and the suspension can be tuned to be better suited to this.

A place in F1 history

The 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix was the first race in F1 history to be won by a hybrid car. Back then, using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) was optional and the opening races were won by cars with conventional engines. However, Mercedes-AMG had developed a hybrid system run by McLaren-Mercedes in 2009. So, when Lewis Hamilton won the event that year, it was the first ever victory for a hybrid Formula 1 car.

Hamilton has won the Hungarian Grand Prix 7 times, making it his joint-most successful track – shared with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. Commenting on his experience this weekend during practices, Hamilton said: “This is such a great track to drive in the dry, but it’s very tricky in the wet and it felt quite low grip out there. It’s not such a power-dependent circuit. I’m hoping for a tighter pack, it’d be great to see the Renaults doing well, the McLarens are doing a fantastic job, as are the Racing Points, it’s really exciting to see. We also expect Red Bull to be strong, so I anticipate a tough battle with them.”

The championship so far

Valtteri Bottas is in top spot after two rounds with 43 points, 6 points ahead of Hamilton. Lando Norris is in third with 26 points while Charles Leclerc, in spite of the fiasco last Sunday, is in fourth with the 18 points collected for his win in the first round.

As for the Constructors Championship, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has already built up a 41-point lead ahead of McLaren. BWT Racing Point F1 Team is in fourth and will be closely watched as it tries to pass Red Bull Racing which is 5 points ahead.


700km in a Proton without refuelling? Yes, you can!

The final round of the 2018 Proton 1-Tank Adventure concluded last weekend.

31 Proton cars completed the 700km drive from Kulai, Johor all the way to Seberang Perai, Penang.

The challenge was to drive the distance with only one full tank of fuel and all cars successfully completed the journey.

It was only last month when we were invited to compete in the
third round of 2018 Proton 1-Tank Adventure challenge in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
. The goal is to cover the planned route whilst driving as economically as one can and we (together with our co-driver from Autobuzz.my, Adrian Chia) triumphed in the media category for the Proton Saga category.

Faiz Dickie, ladies and gents…

Since we were the winners of the third round of East Malaysia, we qualified to enter the final round of this fuel economy challenge organised by Proton. The finals took centre stage just last week and we had quite an amazing feat to perform. The challenge? Cover 700km from Johor all the way to Penang without stopping for fuel!

This time around, we competed in the Proton Persona media category where the challenge began at Proton Edar in Kulai, Johor and ended at Juru Autocity in Seberang Perai, Penang. It was a two-day trip where around 31 cars competed in two different main categories; Public and Media.

With a fuel consumption figure of 6.1 litres/100km calculated by the tech geeks at Proton, we had doubts on completing the challenge successfully since most motoring media members are known for their heavy foot and short temper. For us, the challenge was indeed maintaining a speed as ‘economically’ as we possibly can.

The journey towards Penang had a few stops where we had to check ourselves in at designated checkpoints to ensure that the game is fair and square for everyone. Most of the drive covered highways with a touch of trunk roads and fuel consumption’s worst enemy, traffic congestions.

The majority section of the highway has a speed limit of 110km/h, we all know that. The Proton Persona we drove in had no issues in reaching those speeds but the goal here to prove that Proton cars are indeed efficient when it comes to fuel consumption. Knowing our route together with our knowledge of the challenge mechanics, we decided that the best and safest speed to maintain was between 70 to 90km/h in order to complete the driving challenge.

The folks from Proton stated that the challenge can be completed by driving normally (with air-conditioning on, driving at normal speeds and everything else in between). We were sceptical at first but decided to give it a go since we knew that 700km can be easily covered if we drove at ridiculously slow speeds with the air-conditioning off.

The first day was easily completed from Kulai, Johor to Shah Alam, Selangor. We were amongst the first to arrive at all checkpoints as most of them decided to take the challenge super seriously since there was a huge cash grand prize involved for the winner. It would be cool to win but we had something else that needed to be proven; that Proton cars are able to cover the distance in normal driving conditions.

On Sunday, we made our way to Penang where the final stop was at Petronas located in Juru Autocity, Seberang Perai. It was a long journey on the North-South Expressway but we managed to complete the 700km-journey with some fuel left in the tank (there was about 70km left in the range).

We kept our pace around 80 to 90km/h judging by the amount of traffic and vehicles on the road to ensure everyone’s safety was at the maximum. The car was filled with about 35.7 litres of Ron 95 fuel which is not bad at all considering that full tank is 40 litres. All 31 cars made it to the final refuelling station where all three Proton models (Persona, Iriz, and Saga) arrived without having to stop for fuel on the way.

The organisers stated that the best figures were achieved by the Proton Iriz at 3.5 litres/100km followed by Proton Saga at 3.72 litres/100km and the Proton Persona at 3.92 litres/100km. In theory, these figures are able to cover around 1,000km without having to stop for fuel!

However, we clocked in at around 4.8 litres/100km at a speed of slightly lower than the highway speed limit and guess what? We made it, too! Although we did not win the challenge, we effectively proved that you don’t need to suffer by driving super slow or without air-conditioning in order to cover the 700km driving distance.

All in all, it was an eye-opening experience to join the 2018 Proton 1-Tank Adventure. More importantly, we can now confidently say that Proton cars are indeed economical to drive even when driving in normal circumstances apart from their already impressive driveability, handling, and power delivery.

To know more about Proton and their range of fuel-saving cars, head over to
www.proton.com
.

Proton In 2018: Part 14 – 2018 Half Year Sales Hit 8,102 Units!


Polestar 2 offers advanced lighting technology to drivers

Like Volvo (and Saab), Polestar is a Swedish brand and ‘lives’ in a region with a lot of snow and ice as well as long periods of darkness in the winter months. As such, the cars that it has developed would have received a lot of extra attention relating to grip, stability and of course cabin insulation, among other things. After all, the engineers who go to work daily experience extremely cold and slippery conditions which they would want to ensure the cars they develop are safe in such conditions.

Lighting is also very important, not only to illuminate the road ahead but also make the car visible to others. Even in the daytime, the lighting levels may be low, reducing when it snows. So the designers also pay extra attention to the lighting systems and the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback gets highly advanced lighting technology.

Pixel LED Headlights

For example, the Polestar 2 ‘Launch Edition’ comes with standard Pixel LED headlights, an active high beam technology as well as a ‘welcome sequence’ that activates when the vehicle is unlocked. A total of 84 individual LED pixels form a matrix in each lamp; within this matrix, each LED is controlled individually.

In turn, this allows the headlights to shade out their light in the path of up to 5 leading or oncoming vehicles when in motion. The functionality allows the driver to leave their lights on high beam, enabling maximum forward visibility at all times without blinding other road users, and without having to think about switching between modes.

“When you drive Polestar 2, especially in the dark, you really understand how much this technology increases safety,” explained Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. “LED lighting also allows for creativity, and the light signatures we have designed are unmistakable. They are distinctive and people will know you are driving a Polestar.”

Front foglights with cornering support utilize energy efficient LED technology and activate automatically at low speeds according to steering or turn signal input, further enhancing visibility when maneuvering the vehicle.

Intelligent rear lighting technology

At the rear of the Polestar 2, the signature rear lighting has no less than 288 LEDs in a distinctive full-width wrap-around light bar, featuring unique welcome and farewell lighting sequences. The rear light bar includes adaptive lighting technology. In daylight, the brightness is increased to ensure optimal visibility of the light signature. At night, the LEDs automatically dim to prevent drivers behind from being dazzled.

Only if regulations permit

Pixel LED technology is available for all markets but only if regulations allow. At present, regulations in the USA do not allow such functionality so the cars sold there will not have it. However, should the regulations change in future, the feature can be activated with a software update. Owners won’t even have to bring their cars to a service centre for this as it can be transmitted over-the-air (OTA) free of charge. OTA updates for other systems can also be provided, ensuring that the car operates optimally all the time.

Polestar 2

Polestar 1 production underway in Chengdu, China


Honda’s original NSX is a cult icon

Honda’s original NSX was an amazing amalgamation of the automaker’s F1 technical know-how and experience in producing well-built machines. It was an evolution of the HP-X Concept car that was designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. It featured cutting-edge tech and styling inspired by the F-16 fighter jet.

The intention of building the car, was to show that the company was well able to challenge status quo, and prove that a supercar can offer mounds of driving enjoyment yet be reliable for everyday use. Conceived in the 1980s, Honda’s plan of building a sports car came to fruition in the early 1990s.

Built from an all-aluminum body, the NSX, which was an acronym for New Sportscar eXperimental, was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine. Later iterations featured a slightly larger 3.2-litre variant. It was either mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Granted, it didn’t offer the same visceral feel as a V8 powered Ferrari, but the car more than made up for that with nimble handling characteristics, reliable mechanicals and decent power delivery. That, packaged into a slender and lightweight 1990s body, caused a bit of a stir during its debut.

What helped the car gain its cult status was that F1 legend Aryton Senna, was involved in its development. His input helped shape the NSX’s driving characteristics, which is especially evident when the car is taken to its limits.

A video published by
Petrolicious
 on its Youtube channel, depicts the love affair between Sean Lee and his NSX. Lee was smitten with the car from an early age. At a later stage in his life, he managed to acquire the car and enjoy it to its fullest. Check out the video and let us know what you think of it and whether it deserves to be revered.


Winners of BHPetrol’s RM220,000 Hari Raya contest receive their prizes

Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, the company marketing BHPetrol fuels and lubricants today gave away a total of RM220,000 in cash prizes to the winners of the ‘Riang Ria Hari Raya’ contest held in April and May. There was a total of 40 contest winners from around Malaysia, with the Grand Prize of RM20,000 each going to 5 winners, RM10,000 each to 5 winners, RM5,000 each to 10 winners, as well as consolation prizes of RM1,000 each for 20 winners.

The contest was held over two months at BHPetrol stations nationwide, and all motorists had to do to participate was to purchase BHPetrol Infiniti fuels or make a purchase of RM30 or more at the BHPetromart convenience store.

While entry forms for the contest were available, participation was made easier using the
BHPetrol loyalty
e
Card app
. Via the app, members can instantly redeem their points for an extensive range of items and gifts. If they prefer, they can also convert their points for fuel with every 950
e
Points equivalent to RM10 of fuel.

Expressing gratitude to customers and congratulating the lucky winners of the contest at the presentation ceremony this morning, Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing, said: “This is one of our ways to reward customers who have been supportive to the brand all these years. We will continue implementing more exciting promotions and providing excellent service to all our customers. It is part of the company’s ongoing marketing activities to generate interest and awareness on the available offers at around 400 BHPetrol service stations nationwide.”

Besides the contest awards, the company also contributed RM20,000 to Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM (JHEV) which was received by Lt. Kol. Azwadi bin Jamian, JHEV’s Chief Operating Officer. This contribution fulfilled the pledge made by BHPetrol to help the under-privileged community, particularly the retired army veterans, as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing (left), handing over the CSR donation to Kol. Azwadi bin Jamian, JHEV’s Chief Operating Officer.

BHPetrol, a Malaysian petroleum brand, has now been in existence for 16 years and is marketed through a network of some 400 retail service stations. Besides high-quality Infiniti fuels, both petrol and diesel, the brand also offers automotive lubricants and LPG for domestic and industrial use.

For more information on BHPetrol products and services and to locate a station, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

Click here for other news and articles about BHPetrol
.


Lancia Revival With New Design Language ‘To Last The Next 100 Years’

Lancia is one of those old Italian car companies that had its glory days many decades ago and then faded into obscurity, though not vanishing totally. After being independent in its first 56 years, it became part of the Fiat group in 1969. As the Fiat group is now part of Stellantis, Lancia has become a division which has continued to sell its cars but only in the Italian market.

However, Stellantis sees Lancia as a brand that can be revived and brought to greater heights. It is therefore embarking on a new era with a new design vision. This design vision – Lancia Pu+Ra Design – is previewed in the Pu+Ra Zero, a 3-dimensional ‘manifesto’ that will guide the designers of the 3 new Lancia models to be launched between 2024 and 2028.

New design language
Created from the words ‘Pure’ and ‘Radical’, Lancia Pu+Ra Design is described as a sustainable design language that is intended to ‘last for the next 100 years’. It draws on the Italian style of the brand’s models in the past – like the Aurelia, Flaminia, Stratos and Delta – combining with the most modern expressions of radicality and simplicity, inspired by the language of furniture, architecture, and fashion.

With Lancia Pu+Ra Design, the forms of the new models will have successive layering, adding and intersecting elementary and iconic shapes, such as the circle, rectangle, and triangle, and combining them with eclectic details. The result is an overall language that is not typically automotive – as evident in the Pu+Ra Zero concept.

As for the interiors, Lancia Pu+RA Design draws from the Italian furniture design, an Italian excellence of attention to detail, materials research, and innovation. The aim will be create a space, generated by simple geometries with a radical perspective, as well as being. A ‘colour blocking’ approach and the choice of fine and sustainable materials will also define the future spirit of the brand.

The interiors of future Lancia models will be consistent with the design of their exteriors. The occupants will be embraced by the typical Lancia elegance, with interiors inspired by the icons of the past like the Gamma, Thema, and Flavia. They will travel within an authentic ‘living room’ atmosphere, providing a feeling similar to the one experienced in a typical Italian home.

This led to Lancia’s decision to team up with Cassina, a reputable Italian design company with nearly 100 years of history, innovation and research. Cassina will join Lancia to bring its experience in the automotive industry, focusing on shared values such as Italian spirit, innovation, tradition and respect for the environment, giving rise to a future project.

Lancia Stratos – one of the significant models in Lancia’s history.

A new logo
Along with the presentation of its new design vision for the future, the company has also created a new brand logo for the new era. This will be the eighth logo in Lancia’s 116 years of history and marks its entry into the era of electric mobility. It will be used with the new Ypsilon and coming models, as well as progressively becoming part of the new corporate identity by the beginning of 2024.

1907

Mainly inspired by the 1957 logo, which was first introduced on the Flaminia, the new logo represents an authentic jewel, very classic in its aesthetics, where elements of simplicity and graphic purity meet elements of preciousness, in terms of colours, materials, and treatments. Made of aluminium and expression of the new graphic codes of the brand, the new logo is ‘shrouded in light’. This is a reference to technologies used in the automotive industry, with circular brushing typical of the watch dial. The Lancia lettering with an original font which takes inspiration from one of the Italian excellences most closely linked with the history of the brand – fashion

1911

1929

1957

1974

2000

2010

To create the new logo, the team of designers of Lancia studied the previous versions. The new logo revisits all the distinctive elements of the historical logo, the wheel, the flag, the shield, the lance and the lettering, reinterpreted to make them modern and projecting them into the future. All these constituent elements of the brand are the symbols of Lancia nobility and heritage that are now simplified, both in terms of lines and shapes, with a touch of eclecticism by the asymmetrical lance.

The 3-dimensional design manifesto
The Pu+Ra Zero is a 3-dimensional manifesto which holds clues to the new Ypsilon, the new flagship and the new Delta to come. It blends the primary, iconic and typical shapes of Lancia tradition in a continuous dialogue between the brand’s two different but complementary souls, between past and future.

The front features are a reinterpretation of Lancia’s historic grille, the ‘calice’, now projected into the future through three rays of light to make it iconic and memorable. This new pure, technological and with a unique identity ‘calice’ will be found on all three of Lancia’s new models, making them instantly recognizable during the day and the night.

The form’s soft, fluid lines recall the design of Aurelia B20 and Flaminia, with a circular roof that floods the cabin with light. On the rear. the round taillights stand out will bring to mind those of the Stratos and these shapes will also be seen on the new Ypsilon.

The Lancia Renaissance
The Lancia Renaissance deploys in a 10-year strategic plan which will see the launch of a range of three new models — one every two years starting from 2024 — to cover 50% of the market. It is a roadmap which is moving quickly as part of Stellantis’ ‘Dare Forward’ strategic plan. This can be seen in the electrification process which will lead the brand to sell only 100% electric vehicles in 2028.

The other pillar of Lancia’s Renaissance is sustainability and in the New Ypsilon’s cabin, at least 50% of touchable surfaces will be ecological. Furthermore, the creation of an efficient and innovative distribution model is underway, with 100 new exclusive showrooms in Europe and a selection of partners in Italy. In addition, the new system will make maximum use of online sales channels.


2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S – ‘Stay classy, burn rubber’

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) always put on a great show every time they launch new models for the Malaysian market. Enticing us with V8-fuelled donuts at Turn 15 of Sepang International Circuit, they not only launched the
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S
 but also the latest
2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S series
.

The latest C 63 S comes in two different models depending on your taste and style. Those who prefer something that’s a bit more modest but has the ability to smoke almost anyone from the traffic light can go for the C 63 S whereas those who live a much more lavish lifestyle with the rich and famous can opt for the Coupe version.

Both models have been fitted with the same AMG 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo engine that is able to produce a solid 510hp and 700Nm of gut-wrenching torque.  Top speed is set at 290km/h whereas 0-10km/h figures sits at 3.9-4.0 seconds flat.

To make sure that all that power is controlled in a precise but optimum manner, a 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission system has been included that provides several driving modes which are “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Slippery” and “Individual” drive modes as well as “RACE” mode.

All of these won’t be complete without the ultimate soundtrack of that crackling V8 going through an intricate set of pipes. For that, the AMG Performance exhaust system was installed where three variable adjustable exhaust flaps give you the option to change the sound of the vehicle at the push of a button.

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S series has all the design elements of a modest AMG model that hides significant power under the hood. Each variant has its own personality created from high-tech components that not only looks good but provide great agility driving pleasure.

The rear view, too, with two remodelled twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome, has a muscular look, which is reinforced by the new, more expressive diffuser. The S-versions are additionally provided with a diffuser board. The lateral air curtain look of the rear apron makes for improved air flow at the rear end, as does the spoiler lip on the boot lid, which is painted in the vehicle colour.

Step inside the cabin and you are welcomed with more AMG experience. The standard specification includes the two-tone platinum white pearl and black upholstery for the sedan, whereas, the coupé comes with the two-tone red pepper and black upholstery in the AMG nappa leather. Additionally, both the variants also come with the AMG carbon-fibre combined with the light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim.

The AMG Performance seats additionally lend the interior a sporty, distinctive character while providing optimum lateral support when adopting a dynamic driving style thanks to the special design of the seat side bolsters of the seat cushion and backrest.

New in the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and C 63 S Coupé is the ENERGIZING comfort control. It networks together the various comfort systems in the vehicle and uses specific functions of the air conditioning and seats, whether it is heating or ventilation, lighting and music moods. The function generates a special wellness set-up to enhance the well-being and performance, depending on the mood and requirements of the driver.

As for the price tag, MBM will be offering the latest-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 S at (OTR without insurance):

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S – RM768,888

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe – RM820,888

To know more, head over to
https://www.mercedes-benz.com.my/passengercars/the-brand/amg-brand/mercedes-amg-brand/brand/amg-philosophy.module.html
.


Honda Jazz sales exceed monthly target

Honda Malaysia has announced that the newly launched Jazz Petrol has been well received in our country. Apparently, the automaker has received over 1,300 bookings for the car since its launch two weeks ago, which is a 100 units more than the monthly sales target.

The E variant received 40% of the total bookings that were made, while the V variant got 32% and the S variant 28%. The highest number of bookings were in the Klang Valley region, making up 42% of the total bookings. Southern and northern regions made up about 21% and 18% of overall bookings respectively. The remaining 13% and 6% of the bookings were from the East Coast and East Malaysia. Most of these cars have been ordered in Modern Steel Metallic followed by Lunar Silver Metallic.

Launched simultaneously with the regular Jazz, was the hybrid version. Malaysia is the first country outside Japan to receive the new car. Its the only hybrid model in the country that is priced below RM90,000.00. For more about the car and the petrol version,
click here
.

The Honda Jazz is one of the most popular models that the Japanese automaker sells in our country, and has contributed somewhat in the surge of sales bookings. For more information about this, visit Honda’s local website or visit your nearest authorized Honda dealership.


Fuel Price Updates For November 7 – November 13, 2020


BIKES: BMW Motorrad Malaysia Introduces All-New 3-Year Warranty & 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programs

BMW Motorrad Malaysia today introduced two new programs – The BMW Motorrad 3-Year Warranty and Roadside Assistance Programs – setting the benchmark for the premium motorcycle ownership in the country.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia
 (below) said,
“A complete peace of mind ownership experience is the key to the premium expression of a vehicle from the BMW Group. It is also how we differentiate ourselves in the industry to Make Life A Ride for our customers.”

The All-New BMW Motorrad 3-Year Warranty Program which is backed by BMW Group AG covers free repairs and parts replacement for any manufacture or material defect with unlimited mileage. The Roadside Assistance Program, meanwhile, entitles customers to service by a team of specialists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide professional and expert support for emergency situations, including towing services, in case of a break-down.

The new programs are applicable on all BMW motorcycles registered from 1 January 2019 onwards with the exception of the BMW HP4 RACE. BMW Motorrad Malaysia has also revised its pricing for all its models. The following is the new price list for BMW Motorrad models:

For more information on the All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programs, visit
https://www.bmw-motorrad.com.my/en/service/services/warranty.html
.


Pre-Owned Mitsubishi Models Now Available At All Mitsubishi Dealers Nationwide

Max Certified, a used car programme that offers customers a smoother shopping experience for Mitsubishi pre-owned automobiles, was formally launched today by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia.

Customers can trade in their current Mitsubishi models for a brand-new Mitsubishi through the Max Certified programme, which is available at all Mitsubishi Motors dealers across the country.

Customers who choose to purchase a pre-owned Mitsubishi through the Max Certified programme can feel secure knowing that each used vehicle goes through a thorough 150-point inspection by a qualified Mitsubishi specialist. All owners’ can enjoy peace of mind and the assurance of quality from Mitsubishi Motors by purchasing from the Max Certified programme.

Not only that, but each vehicle purchased through this programme also has a 12-month warranty that covers mechanical breakdowns of the engine, gearbox, steering, and electrical components. Customers who purchase a car through Max Certified will also get a RM500 service e-voucher that can be used at accredited MMM service locations for routine maintenance.

All used Mitsubishi vehicles offered through this programme are aged seven years and below and have less than 180,000 kilometres on them at the time of trade-in. Additionally, these vehicles have a full service history from a Mitsubishi Motors authorised service facility, are furnished with authentic components from MMM authorised service centres, and are free of significant flood and accident damage.


Toyota To Re-Engineer Tundra Truck To Righthand Drive

The Tundra is a pick-up model Toyota developed specially for the North American market and also manufactures it there. As a full-size truck, it is Toyota’s challenger in the world’s largest pick-up truck market. However, because it has been sold almost entirely in North America since being introduced in 1999, it has remained as a lefthand drive (LHD) model, limiting export potential in some ways.

Now Toyota has decided that it will also offer a Tundra with righthand drive (RHD), which means it can become a global model. A RHD variant is not merely a case of moving the driver’s seat and steering wheel to the right side and requires an engineering program that is extensive. It might not be as extensive as developing a brand new model as much of the basic architecture has been done but it is also not as simple as it may seem.

It won’t be the first time that Toyota has converted a LHD model into a RHD one as it also did the same with the Chevrolet Cavalier in the late 1990s. Back then, as a favour to General Motors, Toyota agreed to take the Cavalier and sell it in Japan as a
Toyota Cavalier
. To do so meant re-engineering it to be RHD, a task which the engineers found challenging. Besides moving the steering wheel to the right side, there were also little details that needed to be altered to conform to Japanese regulations.

This time round, for the Tundra, Toyota is working Walkinshaw Automotive Group and has assigned Toyota Australia to lead the project. Since ending manufacturing activities in Australia in 2017, Toyota has given its Australian operations a role as one of its global R&D centres. With the wide open spaces and varied local terrain, it is an ideal region for testing prototypes.

The RHD Tundra will use components from the Land Cruiser 300.

Parts from Land Cruiser 300
The program with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group is expected to set a new benchmark in Australia for the re-engineering of a full-sized pick-up truck from LHD to RHD. It will include the adoption of key components from Toyota’s comprehensive global parts catalogue, including the steering column and rack, accelerator, brake pedals and shift lever from the Land Cruiser 300 platform, with which the Tundrsa shares the same TNGA platform.

The vehicles will be equipped with a new inline hybrid system that has a twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine.

After significant development in-house, prototype testing on public roads will begin in September 2022. Starting from October next year, approximately 300 vehicles will be deployed all around Australia as part of the final stage of the re-engineering program. These vehicles will not be for sale but will involve monitoring under real-world usage conditions in Australia.

Launch date not confirmed yet
At this time, Toyota is not saying when the Tundra will go on sale, but Australia will be the first market. Due to the brand’s strong demands for quality, durability and reliability, there will be a thorough approval process until all aspects meet the high standards.

The Tundra, now in its third generation, is a huge truck that fits right into the American landscape. It is much larger than a Hilux with a wheelbase that is 1 metre longer. Since the first generation, over 2 million units have been sold and annual sales have never been less than 100,000 units.

Toyota unveils 16th generation of Crown with a 4-model line-up


How to get a brand new Beetle for free

Volkswagen has stopped producing the Beetle and whatever stocks remain in Malaysian dealerships as well as dealerships in other countries are all that’s left. Decades from now, these last models may be classic items, the way the original has held its own appeal.

You may want to get one to keep but you already have a car and can’t pay for a new Beetle. However, there is way to get one for FREE – and all that’s needed is a creative spirit. As part of a year-long celebration of the beloved Bug, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia will be giving away a brand-new Beetle in its ‘
Win the Icon
’ Instagram contest.

The last Beetle leaving the assembly line at the VW factory in Mexico in July this year.

The contest runs from today till
4 pm on

November 30, 2019
 and rides on Volkswagen’s tagline of ‘B
etter experienced than explained
’. Open to all Malaysians (with a valid driver’s license), participation in the contest needs only a test drive of a new Volkswagen model at any authorized dealership in Malaysia. You have to document the experience in a one-minute video clip, caption it creatively and then upload it to Instagram (set to Public viewing).

You can test-drive various models and submit separate videos as well, and these will be accepted as additional entries.

Together with your submission, you need to complete the slogan: “
My #BetterExperiencedThanExplained
 story is…”. Follow and tag @VolkswagenMalaysia in the post. That’s it! And if your submission is the winning one, you will know in December and become the owner of a new Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI.

You can ask for a test-drive at any authorised VW dealership in Malaysia

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

Click here to read other news and articles about the Beetle in PISTON.MY


The ultimate driving simulator for Volvo engineers

What would the ultimate driving simulator be like? For gamers, it would be a set-up with a seat that moves and a steering wheel with haptic feedback that gives the same feel as driving a car, bumps and all. And of course, and a crystal-clear virtual reality headset with all the ambient sounds to provide total immersion.

For the engineers at Volvo Cars, the ultimate simulator is simply one where it is hard to tell reality from simulation. They have developed a ground-breaking mixed-reality simulator that is at the next level, used to take new strides in safety and autonomous driving technology.

Driving on real roads

Using cutting-edge technology from the leading real-time 3D development platform Unity and Finnish virtual and mixed reality experts Varjo, the simulator involves driving a real car on real roads. It combines life-like, high definition 3D graphics, an augmented reality headset, and a full-body Teslasuit that provides haptic feedback from a virtual world, while also monitoring bodily reactions.

This combination of software and hardware allows the engineers and researchers to endlessly simulate traffic scenarios on a real test track road while using a real car, all in total safety. They can gain important insights on the interaction between people and the car for development of new safety, driver assistance and autonomous driving features.

Testers can be exposed to imagined active safety and driver assistance features, upcoming autonomous drive user interfaces, future car models and many other scenarios. It can be used on real test track roads or in the test lab, and every scenario is fully customizable. The possibilities are literally endless and importantly, safe.

Driving with a mixed reality headset

Last year, together with Varjo, Volvo Cars became the first carmaker to make it possible to drive a real car while wearing a mixed reality headset. Now that collaboration has been expanded to include Unity and full-body haptic suit maker Teslasuit.

According to Casper Wickman, senior leader of User Experience at Volvo’s Open Innovation, this enables Volvo Cars to study authentic human reactions in a safe environment and at a fraction of the cost of a real test.

“Working together with great companies like Varjo, Unity and Teslasuit has allowed us to test so many scenarios that look and feel totally real, without having to physically build anything,” said Wickman. “It lets us test drive actual cars in through traffic scenarios that look and feel real, but can be adjusted at the touch of a button.”

Testing safely

When developing safety systems for cars, like collision-avoiding technologies, testing is crucial. But testing these systems in reality can be dangerous, time-consuming and expensive. Virtual and mixed reality simulations, however, allow for perfectly safe testing in authentic environments, without having to build any physical prototypes or set up complex scenarios.

“By using this cutting-edge technology, we are exploring and leading the development for creating safe cars in the future. It’s great to play a part in that,” said Wickman.

When Volvo drove a car off a building for a crash test (w/VIDEO)


The 2021 German Car of the Year is a… Japanese car

The first widely recognised Car of the Year event (and perhaps the first one in the world too) was the European Car of the Year which began in 1964. Journalists from a number of countries in Europe collaborated to pick a model from each year’s new offerings as the Car of the Year (COTY), and the event continues to this day.

Since then, there have been numerous COTY events all over the world, some by publications and websites and some by motoring media groups. And there is even a ‘World Car of the Year’ award now although some models may be specific to certain regions.

For the country COTY, it was usually the case that a model from a brand of that country would be the winner. But in recent times, this has been changing: the Volkswagen Golf, for example, was the first foreign model to win the ‘Japan Car of the Year’ title while in Korea, a Toyota Camry was its COTY one year.

First time for a non-German model

Now in Germany, a non-German model has been voted ‘German Car of the Year’ 2021. It’s the Honda e, the Japanese company’s first battery electric vehicle for Europe. This is a first and certainly an impressive achievement considering that the German auto industry produces many well engineered products. The Honda e also won in the ‘New Energy’ category.

The German Car of the Year awards are decided by a jury of leading German car journalists. The panel tests and reviews the latest cars, ranking them according to their usability, driving characteristics, market relevance and level of innovation. The winners of 5 categories – Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy and Performance – are then assessed again to decide an overall winner.

“For Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded ‘German Car of the Year’ is a great honour,  and one we are incredibly proud to receive,” said Katsuhisa Okuda, COO & President of Honda Motor Europe. “The Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award.”

The electrically-powered Honda was launched earlier this year and is represents Honda’s commitment to electrify 100% of its mainstream models for Europe by 2022. The German COTY award is just one of many accolades it has received in 2020. These include the top honour in the Red Dot Design Awards; Autocar UK’s ‘Britain’s Best Car’ Awards 2020 in the ‘Best Car Tech’ category; and ‘City/Small Car of the Year’ in the News International Motor Awards 2020.

222-km range, 30 minutes recharging

The Honda e has a powertrain producing up 100 kW (equal to 136 ps) or 113 kW (154 ps) with 315 Nm of torque. With a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged to 80% in 30 minutes, it has a claimed range of up to 222 kms, depending on driving conditions.

There are two variants of the model which is currently only sold in Europe and Japan. Prices in the UK range from £27,160 to £29,660 (about RM147,370 – RM161,000). The prices include a UK government Plug-in Car Grant discount amounting to £3,000 (RM16,300) for the model.

Visit
www.honda.com.my
 to know more about Honda’s electrified models available in Malaysia.

Honda e starts Honda’s electrification strategy in Europe


Leona Chin Takes Podium in MINI Challenge Asia Series!

2018 is starting well for local racer-gal
Leona Chin
. Following her placing as second overall in the
Renault Clio Cup China Series
 in 2016 and a 1 year hiatus, she’s back at it again in the newly-launched
MINI Challenge Asia Series
. This one-make race featuring the MINI F56 JCW – a 255hp, sequential gearbox equipped race car based on the road-going F56 JCW.

The MINI Challenge Asia Series sees the world-renowned MINI one-make race series making it’s way to Asia, with the hopes that it will eventually grow in scale to match that of the series 17 years history in the UK.

Over the course of the weekend, Leona proved she could tangle with some of the best drivers in the region. Two notable opponents were Nobuhiro Murata, a Japan Super GT driver, and Nattanid ‘Kat’ Leewatanavalagul, current best female driver from Thailand. For this round, Leona is racing under Team GreatDrive – a well-established Hong Kong based automobile importer.

The first leg of the series was held at Zhuhai International Circuit – a track that Leona is familiar with herself given her past racing experience in China. During free practice Leona managed to clock a time just 1 second off the top spot. The field was separated by 16 seconds, with the top 5 drivers placing within 7 seconds of each other. Murata did not manage to finish qualifying as he went off the track during his session.

When it came time to race, Leona’s competitor pulled slightly ahead during Race 1, she finished the race with a 4
th
 place standing, just half a second behind Takaya Tsubobayashi. For Race 2 the positions were shuffled once again., and Leona took the opportunity to overtake Tsubobayashi for a 3
rd
 place finish, just 1 second behind Nobuhiro Murata. During the race she also managed to set a fastest lap time of 1:54.188, roughly half a second quicker than Henry Lee Jr. who took victory over the weekend.

Following the end of Race 1 and 2, Leona felt positive about the outcome and the coming races.
 “I would like to thank GreatDrive for giving me the opportunity to compete in this round of MINI Challenge Asia Series. The car performed well during both races, really easy to drive and light on its feet.”
 she said.
“It’s a nice step up from the Clio cup car I raced 2 years ago. I’m looking forward to the next round on the 16
th
 and 17
th
 June, which also be at Zhuhai International Circuit.”

Leona Chin has been involved in cars and motorsports since her teenage years. She has had experience in various levels of motorsports, competing both within Malaysia and overseas as well, along with off-track exploits such as Gymkhana, Autocross, Rallying and – most notably of all – drifting.

She currently has roles both as a driver and a manager for teams in various series, and is continuously honing her skills and looking for new challenges.


The all-electric future of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to go all electric by the end of the decade – but only where market conditions allow. The carmaker, like a few others, understands that there will be some markets where electrification may not be sufficiently wide and conventionally powered vehicles will still be in demand.

Mercedes-Benz began in journey to electrification some years back and by 2022, it will have battery electric vehicles (BEV) in all segments which the brand competes in. From 2025 onwards, all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only and customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes.

“The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade,” said Ola Kallenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to our highly qualified and motivated workforce, I am convinced that we will be successful in this exciting new era.”

To facilitate this shift, Mercedes-Benz has a comprehensive plan which includes significantly accelerating R&D. In total, investments into battery electric vehicles between 2022 and 2030 will amount to over €40 billion. Accelerating and advancing the EV portfolio plan will bring forward the tipping point for EV adoption.

The Technology Plan

In 2025, Mercedes-Benz will launch three electric-only architectures – MB.EA, AMG.EA and VAN.EA. These will cover a broad spread of products, including those in the commercial vehicle sector. MB.EA will be for all medium to large size passenger cars, establishing a scalable modular system as the electric backbone for the future EV portfolio. AMG-EA, as the three letters hint, will be a dedicated performance electric vehicle platform, while VAN.EA will usher in a new era for purpose-made electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles.

The eATS is the engine unit of electric vehicles. The eATS consists essentially of the three subsystems: an electric motor, its power electronics and the transmission part for power-transmission.

After reorganising its powertrain activities to put planning, development, purchasing and production under one roof, Mercedes-Benz will deepen the level of vertical integration in manufacturing and development, and insource electric drive technology. In-house electric motors, such as the eATS 2.0, are a key part of the strategy with a clear focus on efficiency and the overall cost of the entire system. China, the world’s largest new energy vehicle market, which is home to hundreds of companies and suppliers specialized in EV components and software technologies, is expected to play a key role in accelerating the Mercedes-Benz electrification strategy.

Ensuring supply of batteries

To ensure that there will be an assured supply of batteries, Mercedes-Benz will need a battery capacity of more than 200 Gigawatt hours. This calls for setting up 8 Gigafactories for producing battery cells, and is in addition to the already planned network of 9 plants dedicated to building battery systems.

Battery production is a very important part of electrification since batteries are needed in every vehicle. Mercedes-Benz has already established a network of battery production sites around the world, with the one in Thailand (below) having started operations in 2019.

Next-generation batteries will be highly standardized and suitable for use in more than 90% of all Mercedes-Benz cars and vans while being flexible enough to offer individual solutions to all customers. Cell production will give Mercedes-Benz the opportunity to transform its established powertrain production network. By continuously integrating the most advanced battery cell technology in cars and vans, Mercedes-Benz aims to increase range during the production lifecycle of a model.

The recharging network

For EV owners, the issue of recharging is an important one and unless they can be assured of a convenient and widespread network, switching to an EV will not be readily considered. In this area, Mercedes-Benz is also working on setting new standards in charging that will allow customers to plug-in, charge and unplug without extra steps needed for authentication and payment processing.

As for networks, Mercedes me Charge is already one of the world’s largest charging networks and currently has more than 530,000 AC and DC charging points worldwide. Mercedes-Benz is also working with Shell on expanding the charging network which will have over 30.000 charge points by 2025 in Europe, China, and North America.

Mercedes-EQ EQS – the first luxury EV limousine


The expanding universe of eSports

Car races are decided on the track. That will continue to be the case for some time to come. But virtual racing contests are also on the rise as eSports gain popularity all over the world and have the support of some carmakers. For some time now, eSport tournaments have been drawing huge crowds – but are these competitions really sports? “Of course they are,” said Niklas Krellenberg, one of Germany’s top professional racing gamers. “I do more than sports shooters, for example.”

Athletic associations are beginning to share this view. In 2022, eSports will be a medal event at the Asian Games, and the International Olympic Committee is considering whether to include them at the Summer Games in Paris in 2024.

2.2 billion competitors worldwide

This is hardly surprising. Worldwide sales of computer games exceeded one hundred billion US dollars in 2016 – more than the global film and music industries combined. Some 2.2 billion people compete regularly in these games. The best of them can live off the sport – quite well, in fact. They’re organized in professional teams, draw set salaries, and win high levels of prize money. Tournaments for
League of Legends
, a role-playing team game, can award millions of dollars to the winners.

Even soccer clubs like VfL Wolfsburg in Germany have begun to add eSport teams to their organizations. “We want to reach young people with our programs,” explained Tim Schumacher, the club’s General Manager, noting that it became the world’s first soccer club to offer contracts to eSport players.  And of course, there’s also a strong interest in ‘developing new marketing fields’.

New model presentation at a gaming fair?

In mid-2017, Porsche and Microsoft invited the best e-racers from an online contest to enter a 24-hour race in Le Mans. The contestants vied for their own Le Mans laurels on their Xbox consoles – in a sixth classification – and took part in the official awards ceremony. One week earlier, Microsoft had presented – to a crowd of gamers – the most powerful 911 in history, the GT2 RS, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. “The gaming sector means a lot to us, because it enables us to provide an emotional and interactive brand experience to a young and extensive target group,” explained Sebastian Hornung, Porsche’s Director of Branded Entertainment.

Instead of a traditional debut to car enthusiasts at a motorshow, the GT2 RS was first shown to gamers in 2017 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

“Awakening and promoting interest in motorsports and conveying the excitement of the racetrack – you can do that really well in the virtual world,” he added. Last year alone, Hornung and his team put considerable effort into preparing multiple Porsche models for use in a wide range of games. “The entire process – including taking photos and possibly laser measurements, providing the technical data, and producing a digital copy for the game – takes around 6 months for each individual model,” he revealed.

How real are these simulators?

The result is a virtual experience that is astonishingly close to driving a real Porsche. “It’s awfully similar to the real thing,” confirmed test driver Lars Kern as he raced his GT2 RS around the Nordschleife in Forza Motorsport 7. “It feels extremely realistic.”

The simulator at Porsche which uses powerful supercomputers helps engineers in their development work.

Kern is a test and development driver at Porsche who spent many years as a race-car driver. In 2017, he drove a 911 GT2 RS to a new record for road-authorized sportscars on the Nordschleife. He’s also very good at transferring his skills to a racing simulator, thanks to the steering wheel and the software’s high degree of realism. But even for someone with his level of experience, driving without a steering wheel is a completely different story. A small controller with a dozen buttons but no pedals and no feel for the car. “I’m slightly out of my depth,” conceded Kern.

World rally champion on the Xbox

The contestants are another story in the world of eSports. Krellenberg, 27, is already a world rally champion on the Xbox gaming console. He steers his Porsche confidently across the screen through the virtual curves of the legendary racecourse in the Eifel region. The controller is for him what the steering wheel is for Kern—an extension of his arms.

Like Kern, Krellenberg knows the braking points on countless racetracks and the weaknesses of his rivals and challengers. He knows which cars will respond in which ways to strong steering actions. And when he races, he switches off the traction control and ABS.

Niklas Krellenberg is one of Germany’s top professional racing gamers.

You may imagine that Krellenberg has a real sportscar as well but he seldom sits behind a real steering wheel in an actual car. He uses public transportation for the short commute to his university; if he needs a car in his hometown of Magdeburg, he borrows his parents’ wheels.

Krellenberg is a new type of athlete. He doesn’t lift weights or send balls of any type flying across a court. Soccer players have amazing legs; race-car drivers are said to require extraordinary muscles in their buttocks. For gamers like Krellenberg, the eyes and hands are what count. Their fingers can perform up to5 actions per minute.

eSports gaining in relevance

Digital developments and rapidly accelerating process speeds have brought virtual racing to the attention of the traditional racing scene. “The lines between the two fields are starting to blur,” observed Frank-Steffen Walliser, Porsche’s Motorsports Director. “eSports are gaining in relevance, and we’re interested in this development and want to help shape it.”

Digital developments have brought virtual racing to the attention of the traditional racing scene

After all, virtual processes are an integral part of making cars. Simulators are used every day to tune them, and computers are absolutely essential development aids. What’s new are the possibilities for training drivers. How can young talent be encouraged? Console games can help address this question, said Walliser, because ‘many e-racers have acquired a very good foundation’.

Despite major advances in virtual racing, everyone recognizes that they’re different from racing in the real world. “The sense of speed isn’t the same; you can’t compare it with accelerating a real car,” said Kern. “It’s difficult to convey that type of sensation in a virtual setting. The textures, spatial relations, and smells of a race car also play very special roles. Which is why classic motorsports will continue. But in the future, it’ll be side by side with virtual motorsports.”

Porsche Esports Supercup: Qualifying for the 2020 season is underway


Keep Barriers Open On RFID Lanes To Ease Congestion At Toll Plazas During Hari Raya?

The Works Ministry is determined to have the Multi Lane Free Flow System (MLFF) on major highways from 2025. It believes that by not making vehicles slow down and almost stop – and wait for the barrier to rise – at toll plazas, the problem of congestion will be eased. Perhaps that might work although if we go by the example of the Subang toll plaza which was removed some years back, there is still congestion along that stretch of the Federal Highway.

Anyway, to have MLFF means that there will be no barrier (and no toll plaza too). The barrier has been necessary all this while because, surprisingly, there is no law which makes it an offence not to pay toll. It is treated like a ‘business matter’ and the toll concessionaire has to go after the vehicle owner who does not pay the required toll. Obviously, it will be very challenging to do so, and likely to require a lot of manpower and time tracking down toll-evaders.

For this reason, all toll plazas had had a barrier since the first tolled highway was opened along the Slim River Highway in the 1960s. It’s to protect the interests of toll concessionaires though why toll evasion was never made an offence is unknown.

In preparation for MLFF, there has been a move towards RFID (
R
adio
F
requency
ID
entification) for Electronic Toll Payment (ETP). The SmartTAG is also a form of ETP and just as good but there is official support for RFID because it is said to be able to process vehicles at a faster rate – 1,200 vehicles versus 1,000 an hour for the SmartTAG. For now, that is no advantage since the barrier exists and needs to be raised each time for a vehicle to pass through.

With the Hari Raya
balik kampung
 exodus to take place later this month, various ideas are being considered to ease congestion at toll plazas. Every major festive season sees long queues, not to mention the horror stories of taking 7 hours (or long) from the Klang Valley to Penang.

Additional RFID lanes
 have been opened at PLUS toll plazas along the North-South Expressway as one solution. More lanes would certainly allow more vehicles through in less time. But there’s still that barrier…

Proposal from a senator
A senator from Terengganu, Datuk Razali bin Idris, has suggested that the barriers be removed in the RFID lanes during the Hari Raya holiday period so that traffic will not have to slow down, thereby speeding up traffic flow.

That’s a good idea (hopefully, there won’t be any problems with RFID signals) but the understanding which the senator (and the Deputy Works minister who listened to the proposal during a recent session in Parliament) has of how the system works might be a bit off the mark. It seems that they believe the barrier is raised when the camera at the toll plaza captures the image of the car and its numberplate, so the RFID tag is essentially redundant.

ANPR camera at a toll plaza.

Functions of RFID and camera
From what we know after extensive explanations by the PLUS people before, the RFID tag is the vital element which notifies the system of the vehicle’s presence before the barrier and also receives data on the vehicle to deduct the toll payable from a registered account. Once the toll is collected, the barrier will go up to allow the vehicle through.

As for the camera – which has Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software – this is understood to be for purposes of recording in the event someone manages to sneak through without paying. Actually, there have been cameras at toll plazas for years to record what’s going on but ANPR will allow the toll operators to more quickly identify a vehicle.

Picture yourself on a tropical adventure in the Great Barrier Reef, or an exquisite culinary experience in Italy, or a historical tour in Egypt. Come explore the world! Join the Monthly Travel Bonanza 2023! Spend a minimum of RM30 at participating BHPetrol stations and stand a chance to win great prizes every month! Exclusive for BHPetrol eCard app members only.

Whether the ANPR cameras can be used for ETP is unknown though it should be a technical possibility. Of course, it means that the ANPR system has to be linked to a database so that toll can be deducted from the relevant account. At the moment, with the RFID system, the data is from the tag and refers to the database that Touch’nGo has created, not JPJ’s database of vehicle registrations.

And given that we have cases of irregular numberplate formats (in spite of laws making them an offence), the ANPR might not work then. But without a barrier, the cars will just speed through (not too fast, of course) and the toll operator will soon start to find that the number of vehicles that has passed through might not tally with the number of vehicles toll has been collected from. It can become pretty troublesome then to identify which cars did not get charged.

Keeping the barriers raised during the Hari Raya holiday period is a good idea but unless there is assurance that toll is collected electronically from every vehicle passing through, PLUS is unlikely to be willing to implement it. Of course, they could try it out on the toll-free days which are usually offered during major festive periods.

From Touch ‘n Go to SmartTAG to RFID – is it necessary?


Fuel Price Updates For September 16 – September 22, 2021


Next generation of Honda Civic revealed! (w/VIDEO)

The Civic, Honda’s first global car, may not be of interest to motorists in Japan these days but elsewhere, it remains a popular sedan as it always has been. In fact, in the US market, it has been America’s bestselling car, according to Urban Science DataHub which tracked retail sales data for all  passenger cars sold in that market from 2016 – 2020 (September).

So it’s not surprising that Honda has given the US the honour of revealing the next generation of the Civic to the world. The first glimpse of the 11
th
 generation took place on Twitch, a livestreaming entertainment service. Honda chose this channel for its reveal, leveraging its strong presence in esports and gaming which has a large segment of young buyers.

The current 10th generation which has been in the Malaysian market since June 2016.

The prototype version, with a fresh, sporty and upscale new look, was finished in a striking Solar Flare Pearl colour. The new model is said to be fully redesigned and has an upgraded body and chassis and, of course, more advanced technology, particularly in the area of safety. The line-up will continue to have sedan, hatchback, Si and Type R variants.

The 11th-generation Civic draws inspiration from timeless elements of Honda design, including a low and wide stance, low beltline, clean and sophisticated detailing, and an open and airy cabin. The new generation will build on the appeal of its predecessor with an even sportier, fun-to-drive new chassis, more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, along with multiple new Civic-first features and technologies.

Exterior design modernised again

In redesigning Civic, stylists and engineers revisited timeless design concepts of past Civics, focusing on Honda’s essential and human-centered ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ philosophy. This dictates that the purpose of technology and design is to serve the needs of the driver and passengers.

Carrying forward the low centre-of-gravity form of the 10
th
 generation, including its low overall height and low hip point, the designers applied the classic Civic design ethos of ‘thin and light’ body design with a low bonnet and front fenders. The low horizontal beltline grounds the body, accentuating the wheels and tyres, and enabling an expansive and airy greenhouse with exceptional outward visibility.

In executing its concept, the team also made substantial changes to the Civic’s upper body design to maximize visibility for the driver and passengers, including moving the front roof pillars rearward relative to the driver, to place them more in the visual periphery. The side mirrors have also been relocated to the doors for a clearer view through the front side windows.

The face of the new Civic has a clean and sophisticated look, emphasizing a low and wide stature with strong horizontal elements, including offsetting the upright grille below the headlights. In profile, the Civic’s greenhouse is moved rearward on the body, elongating the bonnet for a more premium side view. An upswept R-line carries through the rear fenders to the rear reflectors adds a feeling of motion even when standing still.

Classic interior design

In similar fashion, the new Civic will get a dramatic interior makeover as it reimagines the clean and uncluttered lines of earlier generations of Civic, all while incorporating modern design elements and technology.

The instrument panel is free of visual clutter, minimizing cut lines and breaks to give drivers a clean and clear view of the road ahead. Stretching the width of the dash is a honeycomb mesh accent, which serves not only as a design element, but also conceals the visually busy air vents.

The 11
th
 generation will introduce multiple new Civic-first technologies, including an all-digital meter cluster and a new 9-inch full-HD Display Audio touchscreen on the low-set instrument panel.

Advancing safety performance

Depending on market, the new Civic will come with many new active and passive safety systems, including an upgraded suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies. It also has an advanced new version of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure with both improved occupant and pedestrian collision protection.

North America first

North America, where the car is to be built, will be the first to get the new Civic during the first quarter of 2021. As for ASEAN,  it’s always dependent on the product planning at the Thai plant and it is known that camouflaged prototypes are already running there. The current Accord took quite a while to get here but the next Civic could well be launched here by the time the current generation is 5 years old in this market next June.

Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties


Hyundai Sime Darby Motors to introduce Palisade and Updated Kona soon

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles, has announced that it will be launching two SUVs during 2021. One is the large-sized Palisade while the other is an updated version of the compact Kona model which was introduced in the Malaysian market last October.

The Palisade, which is 4980 mm long, is Hyundai’s flagship SUV with accommodation for up to 7 people on three rows of seats. Those who do not require the third row will find a generous extra volume of space available in the back with the row folded down.

Note: Images shown are of US version. The Palisade sold in Malaysia may have differences in features.

The version of the Palisade imported will have an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-litre V6 with dual CVVT in the cylinder head and direct fuel-injection This petrol engine has around 291 bhp of power with up to 355 Nm of torque.

Aviation-inspired features

Taking inspiration from aviation technology, the Palisade’s features include a Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects operating information onto the windscreen in front of the driver. The display is generated as a reflection of a full-colour TFT LCD panel inside the top of the dashboard. The displayed information is said to be visible in all lighting conditions, even our bright tropical sunshine.

An industry-first is the innovative diffusers design for the ceiling vents. This provides a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to the rear passengers. It reduces airflow noise and is draft-free while giving more uniform distribution of air as well as being able to direct cool air in specific areas.

Pricing for the Palisade is not known yet although it will be fairly high. The last time HSDM sold a model with a big engine was the 3.8-litre Genesis about 6 years ago and that cost almost RM400,000. The tax structure hasn’t changed and the only savings you could get would be on sales tax (and that too would only be until June 30, 2021).

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

Note: Images of Kona are of the European version and the one sold in Malaysia be have some differences.

New engine for Kona

As for the 2021 Kona, the new Smartstream G2.0 petrol engine with 149 ps/180 Nm will be introduced. The 4-cylinder engine is mated to a CVT transmission which delivers power to the front wheels; all-wheel drive will still not be available.

Updates for the 2021 model include  a more refined front fascia design, new 17-inch and 18-inch wheels, an enhanced SmartSense state-of-the-art safety package and a remote starting function. The new console area of the cabin now has a horizontal layout while the air vents and speakers also get new rings with aluminium finish.

Also included in the new version is upgraded ambient lighting technology that illuminates the cupholder and foot lamps on the front passenger and driver side. New interior colour options, materials and trims are also to be expected.

The Koan is presently priced between RM116,000 and RM144,000, and it’s likely that the 2021 model will be around the same range. There are currently two engines, one being a 1.6-litre Gamma turbo and the other is the old Nu engine which will be replaced.

The Palisade and updated Kona will be followed by other new models during the year, hinted Low Yuan Lung, HSDM’s Managing Director. “Other new models are also in the pipeline and bound to excite the market,” he said.

Kona will be first SUV to get high-performance Hyundai N badge


Peugeot 208 wins sixth European Car of the Year award for the brand

Just a few days before its opening, the Geneva International Motor Show 2020 was cancelled by force majeure – the coronavirus outbreak – following an order by the Swiss government forbidding events 1,000 or more people. An annual event which has always been looked forward to for the unveiling of new models and concept cars, it was a disappointment.

One of the events for the motorshow was the announcement of the European Car of the Year 2020 (ECOTY), perhaps the oldest COTY as it began way back in 1964 with the first winner being the Rover 2000. However, the management at Palexpo, where the motorshow has been held for a long time, allowed the announcement of Car of the Year 2020 as scheduled.

Seven finalists were nominated by the jury which consisted of almost 60 motoring journalists and experts from over 20 countries (including Russia). They were the BMW 1-Series, Ford Puma, Peugeot 208, Porsche Taycan, Renault Clio, Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Corolla.

The 2020 winner – Peugeot 208

It was the Peugeot hatchback that collected the most points – 281 – followed by the Tesla Model 3 with 242 points. Third was the Porsche Taycan with 222 points. It is notable that all three models are EVs (the Peugeot also has an all-electric variant). The first EV model to win the ECOTY was the Nissan LEAF in 2011 although the first electrified model to get the top award was the Toyota Prius Hybrid in 2005.

The scores for the other finalists were 221 points for the Renault Clio, 209 points for the Ford Puma, 152 points for the Toyota Corolla and 133 points for the BMW 1-Series.

Three powertrain choices for 208

The jury was impressed by the Peugeot’s engine range – electric, petrol and diesel – which gives customers more choices. It also appreciated the bold design and technology of the car which was launched in October last year. Nearly 110,000 customers have ordered a Peugeot 208 and 15% of them have chosen the all-electric version.

The latest award for Peugeot makes it six for the French brand, putting it among the top three of the ECOTY list. The first Peugeot model to win the ECOTY title was the 504 in 1969. Fiat currently leads with nine awards since the 124 model in 1967.

Eligible models for each year’s ECOTY are selected from the many newcomers over the previous 12 months. They must be new models, not simply changed cosmetically or by the installation of a new powertrain. They must also be in production and sold in at least 5 European countries when the jury starts voting.

Rover 2000 was the first Car of the Year winner in 1964.


Acura pull covers of its latest prototype racer

Acura, Honda’s performance arm in the US, has taken the covers of its latest Daytona Prototype International (DPi) racer that will do battle in the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Named the Acura ARX-05 (Acura Racing eXperimental, generation 5), the car comes from a long line of prototype vehicles that the automaker has fielded since 1991.

Unlike Formula One, this racing series requires teams to use one of four approved prototype chassis, fitted with IMSA-homologated, manufacturer-designed and branded bodywork and engines. Acura uses the ORECA 07 chassis but with its own specifically designed bodywork and signature Jewel Eye headlights.

This particular Acura looks menacing and though much of the design is dictated by the formula governing the sport, The automaker has managed to make it unique thanks to design traits taken from its current production vehicles.

“We created a variety of initial sketches, then pared those down a handful of potential designs. Next came aero and wind tunnel model testing, and time for the engineers to have their say,” Marek recounted. “The design continued to be refined throughout the testing and evaluation process, until we came up with a final treatment that met our performance goals.”

The car is powered by a race-proven AR35TT twin-turbocharged engine, that is based on the production 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the Acura MDX, RDX, TLX and RLX models. This same powerplant has been instrumental in powering the automaker’s cars to victory at a number of championship series.

Examples of these include the 12 Hours of Sebring (2011-13), the 24 Hours of Le Mans and LMP2 World Endurance Championship (2012), American Le Mans Series LMP2 titles in 2012-13, overall winners at the Rolex 24, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in 2016.

“At Acura, Precision Crafted Performance is at the heart of everything we do.” said Jon Ikeda, Acura vice-president and general manager. “Whether it is our production cars or a prototype race car, if you want to be a performance brand you need to perform.”

For the upcoming season, Acura Motorsports will be partnering with Team Penske organization to field a pair of Acura ARX-05 prototype race cars. One of those cars will be driven by former F1 driver, Juan Pablo Montoya and teammate Dane Cameron.

The season opener will take place at the Rolex 24 in January of next year. Expect some high level action as the American series goes into full swing for the 2018 calendar year.


WTCR: Norbert Michelisz is the King of WTCR!

The third and final race of the 2019 FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) was nothing short of a spectacular turn of events as Norbert Michelisz (BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse) was able to secure the driver’s championship title and crowned the King of WTCR after finishing in fifth place.

Michelisz battled through the pack, including his closest rival for the crown, Esteban Guerrieri (ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport). Guerrieri actually pulled a show-stopper in Race 2 with a win and dropping the gap down to only 10 points between him and Michelisz but a minor contact in Race 3 saw him forced to the grass in his Honda Civic TCR before losing power and dropping down to P22.

Johan Kristoffersson (Sébastien Loeb Racing Volkswagen) took advantage of the whole situation and crossed the chequered flag in the first position followed by Mikel Azcona (PWR Racing) in P2 and Kevin Ceccon (Mulsanne Sri) in P3.

The drama-filled Race 3 also sealed the deal for the Cyan Racing Lynk & Co to win the overall team championship title with a total of 628 points. Their maiden season in WTCR showed their dominance against other top teams with years of experience. There’s no doubt that they’ll be bringing the fight into the 2020 season, especially with all the experiences obtained in this season.


Limited edition 2020 BMW M2 CS has 450hp!

The Malaysian market just witnessed the launch of the latest
2019 BMW M2 Competition
 back in June and we were genuinely impressed (and a little bit afraid) with the power it possesses. Guess what? BMW has launched a more powerful and limited version called the
2020 BMW M2 CS
.

With a sportier package in terms of power output and looks, the BMW M2 CS is dedicated for those who have two sides in their lives; the sophisticated working man or woman and the wild side that loves burning rubber and tearing up the track. `

Equipped with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, the BMW M2 CS produces a whopping 450hp and 550Nm of maximum torque. Compared to the already powerful M2 Competition, the CS version produces 40hp MORE and that’s quite a huge bump in power figures.

0-100km/h is achieved in just 4 seconds flat if you’ve opted for the seven-speed M double-clutch transmission (M DCT) but if you prefer something a bit more ‘old school’, BMW will also offer a six-speed manual gearbox (first time in any CS model) which is more fun to some folks and equally as fast to reach 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds.

Other upgraded features on this beauty include:

Adaptive M suspension (Comfort, Sport, Sport+)

Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Plastic parts (bonnet, roof, front splitter, spoiler lip, boot lid, rear diffuser)

Larger M Sport brakes (400mm + six-piston fixed callipers front, 380mm + four-piston fixed callipers rear)

BMW M Carbon ceramic brakes (optional)

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system

Active M Differential

19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres

The European market is able to purchase one of these limited-edition M2 CS at €95,000 (around RM433,492. The 2020 BMW M2 CS comes in the very alluring Misano Blue metallic paint finish.

All you need to know about the new BMW M2 Competition


How Bentley ensures the highest quality for its cars

‘Quality’ can be perceived in varying degrees and where cars are concerned, it would not be wrong to say that the more expensive the model, the higher the quality will be. The higher cost comes partly from using the finest materials and having the best workmanship and advanced manufacturing processes.

Precision is a key element in quality and at Bentley, maintaining precision is done in a large, airy and air-conditioned workshop packed with the kind of precision instruments you’d expect to find in a space agency facility or university science lab.

It’s here that Head of Metrology Michael Stockdale and his 25 colleagues measure every part of a Bentley to the highest standards of precision. Metrology is the science of measurement, and it’s fundamental to the quality, performance and longevity of every Bentley that each component is made to consistently precise dimensions.

Stockdale and his colleagues can measure every part of each model Bentley makes, from the smallest washer to body panels and interior trim, and ensure that no component strays from the close tolerances prescribed for it. “We have the tools to measure everything from the graining of leather to the surface of a cylinder bore, down to fractions of a micron” explains Stockdale.

Having measured components individually, they are measured again as sub-assemblies and once more as part of the finished vehicle. Thus, the Metrology team plays a vital role in ensuring that near perfection is repeatable.

Precise choreography

Measuring and enforcing the highest standards of dimensional accuracy is especially important for a vehicle, where multiple components become sub-assemblies. To take just one example, the retractable Flying B mascot on the bonnet of the Flying Spur, which smoothly deploys and retracts only because each component in its complex control assembly is made to close and consistent dimensions.

It is illuminated and linked to the keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car, yet it must also retract automatically in the event of an accident. To achieve this precise choreography and to ensure that it sits perfectly centred within its plinth, elements of the Flying B system have tolerances as low as 0.15 mm.

Finer than a single blood cell

Laymen use ‘a hair’s breadth’ as a description of the tiniest imaginable measure, but such a term would be too imprecise for Bentley’s Metrology team. As Stockdale points out, a human hair can be anything from 17 microns to over 150 microns thick. In contrast, there are instruments within Metrology that can measure down to 0.5 microns.

A micron is one millionth of a metre, and a human red blood cell is 5 microns in diameter. Not every component of a Bentley needs to be measured to tolerances of less than a micron, but there are some.

As an example, Stockdale cites the crankshaft of Bentley’s 6-litre W12 engine. Though invisible to the naked eye, each of the 12 machined bearing journal surfaces in which the crankshaft sits features minute grooves that hold a microscopic film of oil.

By using a high accuracy Perthometer (a tool designed to measure surface finishes), the Metrology team can verify that those minute grooves are within their defined tolerances, in turn ensuring that each W12 engine produces both the immense power and lifelong durability its owners would expect.

Scanning every millimetre

As well as measuring individual surfaces and components to microscopic levels of accuracy, the Metrology team measures entire vehicles. Every millimetre of the car’s body is scanned using high accuracy digital cameras to create a complete and precise map of the car.

Ensuring the contrencity of the brake disc is precisely within specifications.

“Imagine an issue at the prototype stage where the panel gap between grille and bonnet is a millimetre too large,” explained Stockdale. “Does the fault lie with the grille, or the bonnet? A special reference vehicle provides the answer, because it’s made to the precise dimensions of the CAD data.”

Precise temperature control

Materials expand when warm and shrink when cold, so it’s essential that measurements are taken at a consistent reference temperature. Within the Metrology area, air conditioning keeps the area at a steady 20°C. But for components that demand the highest levels of precision, there’s an inner sanctum called the High Accuracy Measurement area, where a dedicated climate control system ensures that the temperature never deviates by more than half a degree Celsius.

Within this area are three gigantic granite blocks to which components can be clamped for the ultimate in stability, essential for an accurate reading. But first, the components to be measured have to soak in the atmosphere – literally. “A large component like an engine block might have to soak at a consistent temperature for up to a week, so we can be sure that it’s 20°C all the way to the core,” said Stockdale.

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


The Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition: Last Ever Manual Mini

The
Mini
 has always been a prime candidate for cosmetic customization, and the manufacturer itself has created plenty of specials that focus on design. The most recent of these is the new John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, which starts with the 231hp hot hatch and is only produced in 999 units worldwide.

The Mini John Cooper Works is a unique high-performance model thanks to its manual 6-speed gearbox. The mechanical manual gearbox emphasises the rapid reaction of the drive and represents the thrilling race-like experience of the Mini John Cooper Works, along with the standard stainless-steel pedals.

The 1to6 Edition gets its name from the emphasis on the raw and genuine driving experience with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The radiator grille with the tried-and-tested big air inlets for the best temperature control of the engine and brakes, as well as a surrounding entirely in Piano Black, define the front end.

The Midnight Black body hue and the black design accents give the car an untamable aspect. Additionally created in Piano Black are the waistline finishers and the brand-standard side scuttles.

The edition-specific, centre-running Bonnet Stripe with unique graphics runs from the bonnet to the aerodynamic rear spoiler and the rear apron, empasize Mini’s motorsport pedigree.

The limited-edition character is marked on the outside with appropriate emblems on the C-pillar and rear of the car, as well as incorporated in the side scuttles, in silver, white, and red. The limited model is finished off with 18-inch Circuit Spoke rims in Jet Black.

As soon as the car doors are opened, the door sills with an edition-specific 1to6 logo design highlight the interior. The 3D-embossed decorative surface on the passenger side in a delicate tone-on-tone pattern repeats the edition logo, while the black writing “One of 999” on the left of the steering wheel relates to the Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition’s strict limited edition.

The gear shifter is decorated in the edition logo’s colours, with a red background graphic and red leather stitching. The typical Mini central instrument, with its flashing red bezel and red ambient lighting, picks up on the design and creates an expressive contrast with the anthracite-coloured headliner.

The Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition insignia can be found on the lower spokes of the Nappa leather sports steering wheel as well as the floor mats. The edition is completed with keycaps in the 1to6 logo style.

Sadly, there are no powertrain improvements to the JCW’s base 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. Although, the model’s sports suspension was tested on a variety of racetracks, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The world premiere of the limited-edition model will be held on May 20, 2023, during the Nürburgring 24-hour event. A Mini John Cooper Works of the 1to6 Edition, specially adapted for this race, will race alongside the Mini John Cooper Works of the Bulldog Racing Team on Saturday, continuing Mini’s tradition-steeped racing history.

The special Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition model will be available in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning in September 2023.