First look at the new updated BMW 5-Series

First introduced in 1972, with worldwide sales of the current generation reaching 600,000 units since 2016.

Sales launch of new updated 5-Series in Europe from July 2020.

Newly designed BMW kidney grille with slimmer LED headlights. Adaptive LED Matrix technology and BMW Laserlight also available.

Three-dimensional sculpted rear lights, all variants now have trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers.

Light-alloy wheels in 18 to 20-inch sizes; 20-inch BMW Individual Air Performance Wheels available as an option for the first time.

Dashboard now has optional 12.3-inch Control Display (10.25-inch Control Display now standard). Seventh generation iDrive system.

Sensatec perforated trim variant for the seat surfaces and High-Gloss Black for controls on centre console.

Introduction of new 48V mild hybrid technology for all 4 and 6-cylinder engines; 48V starter-generator with 8 kW/11 bhp power spike to both lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost power.

Further developed BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in 4 and 6-cylinder petrol engines with optimised petrol injection. All diesel engines now with two-stage turbocharging.

Optional Integral Active Steering offers greater assistance in low-speed manoeuvring, new version of chassis system now also available for plug-in hybrid models.

New driver assistance systems and extended functions. Optional Driving Assistant Professional now includes Active Navigation with the help of the Lane Change Assistant, automatic formation of emergency lane and junction warning (now with city braking) functions. 3D visualisation of the surrounding area shows traffic situations and possible interventions by the driver assistance systems in the instrument cluster.

New BMW Drive Recorder records up to 40 seconds of video footage from points around the vehicle.

BMW Operating System 7 opens up a host of potential new applications and connectivity options, as well as extended personalisation.

VARIANTS AVAILABLE (depending on market)

BMW 530e Sedan (BMW 530e xDrive Sedan)

4-cylinder petrol engine, plug-in hybrid. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 300 Nm at 1,350 – 4,000 rpm. Combined system output: 292 bhp/420 Nm,8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive)

BMW 530e Touring (BMW 530e xDrive Touring)

4-cylinder petrol engine, plug-in hybrid. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 300 Nm at 1,350 – 4,000 rpm. Combined system output: 292 bhp/420 Nm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive)

BMW 545e xDrive Sedan

6-cylinder in-line petrol engine, plug-in hybrid system. 2998 cc, 210 kW/286 hp at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm, 450 Nm at 1,500 – 3 500 rpm. Combined system output: 394 hp/600 Nm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, BMW xDrive.

BMW 520i Sedan

4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 290 Nm at 1,350 – 4 250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission

BMW 520i Touring

4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 290 Nm at 1,350 – 4 250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission

BMW 530i Sedan (BMW 530i xDrive Sedan)

4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 252 bhp at 5,200 – 6,500 rpm, 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive)

BMW 530i Touring (BMW 530i xDrive Touring)

4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 252 bhp at 5,200 – 6,500 rpm, 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission (BMW xDrive)

BMW 540i Sedan (BMW 540i xDrive Sedan)

6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 2998 cc, 333 bhp at 5,500 – 6,250 rpm, 450 Nm at 1,600 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission (BMW xDrive)

BMW 540i xDrive Touring

6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, 2998 cc, 333 bhp at 5,500 – 6,250 rpm, 450 Nm at 1,600 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission (BMW xDrive)

BMW M550i xDrive Sedan

V8 petrol engine. 4395 cc, 530 bhp at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm, 750 Nm at 1 800 – 4 600 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, BMW xDrive.

BMW 520d Sedan (BMW 520d xDrive Sedan)

4-cylinder diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 1995 cc, 190 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 520d Touring (BMW 520d xDrive Touring)

4-cylinder diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 1995 cc, 190 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 530d Sedan (BMW 530d xDrive Sedan)

6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 286 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 650 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 530d Touring (BMW 530d xDrive Touring)

6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 286 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 650 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 540d xDrive Sedan

6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 340 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 700 Nm at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 540d xDrive Touring

6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 340 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 700 Nm at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

Click here for other news and articles about BMW
.


DS Techeetah dominates in Marrakesh round of Formula E

DS Techeetah driver and race winner Antonio Felix da Costa and his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne pulled off a double podium for DS in Marrakesh. Splitting the pair in second was BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Max Guenther after a manic race in Marrakesh. Here’s how it all happened.

Poleman and DS Techeetah driver Antonio Felix da Costa led the way into the 2020 Marrakesh E-Prix, followed closely by the man who replaced him at BMW i Andretti Motorsport Max Guenther in second and Mercedes-Benz EQ’s Nyck de Vries in third.

Starting from 11th, reigning champion and DS Techeetah driver Jean-Eric Vergne moved up the order to seventh, desperate to kickstart his third championship title campaign. At the same time, Mercedes’ Nyck de Vries dropped from third to the back while serving a drive-through penalty for being overpowered while regenerating energy.

Moving into third, TAG Heuer Porsche’s Andre Lotterer moved up into third with 28 minutes left on the clock. With Da Costa still leading the way, Guenther followed close behind in second. Still climbing up the order, Vergne moved into third, slipping past his former teammate Andre Lotterer who moved down into fourth. Despite missing the first Practice session, the reigning champion was in a potentially facing a podium finish after starting outside the top ten.

Battling hard for the lead, BMW’s Max Guenther and da Costa once again found themselves engaged in close-combat, wheel-to-wheel racing. Reminiscent of the race in Santiago only a few weeks before, the pair went side by side through the turn 11.

ATTACK MODE used

With 19 minutes remaining, Guenther slipped into the lead before da Costa went through the ATTACK MODE activation zone, reclaiming his lead with the added 35 kW. Further down the order, Rokit Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara and Porsche’s Andre Lotterer battled for fourth and fifth, both in ATTACK MODE.

Still climbing his way up the order, Vergne (in third) went for Guenther (in second), taking the German driver on the inside of Turn 1 and moving into second behind his teammate da Costa with six minutes and one lap left of the race. Gunther, now down in third sat ahead of Lotterer in fourth, while the two German drivers jostled for a place on the podium.

Despite starting from the back of the grid, Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver and championship leader Mitch Evans had managed to climb 18 places by the final moments of the race. The Kiwi driver failed to set a time in Qualifying but more than made up for the rough start with a sensational, clean drive through the pack.

With the two DS Techeetah’s up front, Vergne fended off a number of attacks from Guenther in third, costing him precious energy, before letting the BMW driver past. Still well ahead, da Costa took the chequered flag, claiming DS Techeetah’s debut win in the 2019/20 season. Despite being depleted of all energy, Gunether made it over the line in second with Vergne close on his tail in third.

Can the next round be held in Italy?

The sixth round of the Formula E championship is to be held in Rome on April 4. However, with the increasing seriousness of the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in Italy, it is almost likely that the venue will not be suitable.

So far, the FIA has not made further moves to postpone or cancel championship rounds other than the
F1 GP in China
. Formula E has 13 rounds, with 8 rounds remaining between now and July. If the epidemic gets worse, countries may have travel or entry restrictions or, like the
Swiss government has done
, forbid events with large crowds. Teams may also be reluctant to travel if there is a health risk to their personnel.

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


Cop Who Issued Summons For Non-Display Of Road Tax To Be Investigated

On 10 February 2023, it was announced that private vehicle owners were no longer required to display road tax stickers on their vehicles, but instead can use the digital Motor Vehicle Licence (e-LKM).

Recently, Faiz Sulaiman, a Facebook user, posted pictures of a summons he received for failing to have his road tax displayed on the vehicle he was driving.

According to Petaling Jaya police chief Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid, checks by the police showed that the summons was issued on April 16 at Jalan Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Petaling Jaya, for failing to display a valid road tax on the vehicle.

Of course, the vehicle owner would have been shocked to see this summons as orders have been given to all field officers to not issue summonses for this offence, following the orders given by transport minister Loke Siew Fook.

Several social media users yesterday shared Faiz’s issue. His initial post stated that the incident happened last Saturday when he was operating a vehicle that wasn’t his. The owner of the car did not display his road tax as it was in his MyJPJ app.

He offered an explanation, but the summons was nevertheless served. Faiz claimed the officer instructed him to get the account information from the owner in order to use the MyJPJ app on his own phone to prove payment of the road tax.

Fakhrudin said the summons issued to the motorist has been cancelled and they will be calling the officer that handed out the summons for further investigation.


Porsche sold 202,318 cars in 2019 (so far)

Looks like Porsche has something to celebrate about as they report an increase of sales figures in the first three quarters of 2019. The premium car manufacturer has successfully delivered 202,318 units from January until September 2019; an increase of 3% compared to the same period of last year (196,562 units back in 2018).

3% might be little for some but for a brand that primarily focuses on premium options, that’s something to shout about as almost every market around the globe see a definite increase (apart from Europe and Germany). The biggest jump? China with a massive 14% increase compared to their sales figures from 2018.

Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East also see a huge bump in sales (11% to be exact) with a total of 86,235 units sold so far. That’s 8,641 units more compared to the same period in 2018. I don’t know about you guys and gals but that’s a pretty huge margin of profits right there.

This boost in numbers is primarily focused on the buyers’ interest in Porsche’s two SUV models; the Cayenne and Macan. The Cayenne has seen a rise in popularity with 62,022 units successfully delivered while the latest Macan models sold even more at 73,967 units in total. In other words, both Cayenne and Macan see a positive increase of 25% and 9% respectively.

According to Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, “The growth in China and the USA makes us positive about achieving our overall targets for the year. In the medium term, there are signs of slight weakening in overall growth, however. We will monitor this closely and nevertheless remain optimistic going forward – also thanks to the full order books for the new
Porsche Taycan
.”

Five things we like about the 2019 Porsche Macan


Perodua Reports 42% Increase In Deliveries As Factory Output Improves

August was a good month for the carmakers in Malaysia as improved production output enabled them to deliver more vehicles. Like
Proton
, market leader Perodua also reported significantly higher numbers for its August deliveries with 26,039 units registered nationwide or 42% more than in July.

“We are currently trying to build on this production improvement to ensure speedier delivery to our customers,” Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

The Bezza had the highest output in August but the Myvi remains the brand’s bestseller.

Bezza output highest
Of the 28,036 units produced in August, the Bezza accounted for the most number (24.2%), closely followed by the Myvi which accounted for 22.2%. The Axia output was the third highest with 4,857 units (17.3%) leaving the factory in Sg. Choh, Selangor.

“For the
newly launched Alza
, we have received bookings of 51,000 units so far,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal, adding that 7,682 units registered in July and August. An average of over 1,000 orders were received daily in the first 27 days after bookings opened, swelling the order bank to over 30,000 orders by launch day.

10 months to get Alza?
With production of the new Alza having started in June and a targeted volume of 3,000 units a month, the already large number of orders means that the waiting period could stretch to 10 months.

The cumulative volume of deliveries achieved for the first 8 months of this year shows an increase of 63.7% to 171,728. In the same period in 2021, 104,933 units were registered nationwide.

Dato’ Sri Zainal points out, however, that this comparison must also be seen in the light of the country having a lockdown situation between June 1 to August 15 last year. During that time, all non-essential operations were stopped, including vehicle production and sales activities.

The ‘King’ is still bestseller
“The Myvi remains our bestseller this year with 48,658 units delivered, followed by the Bezza with 39,642 units, and the Axia 37,013 units,” he said.

Supply better but costs rising
Dato’ Sri Zainal said the improvement in production and sales came about as some key issues have been resolved at the moment. These issues relate to the global semiconductor chip supply shortage and insufficient labour at some suppliers’ operations which lead to disrupted supply of some components.

“We are also closely monitoring the increase in prices of raw materials at the moment and are working with the ecosystem on how best to mitigate this impact to our production operations,” he added.

To know more about Perodua’s products and services, visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

Perodua to surge forward in 2022 with RM1.326 billion investment


Perodua Introduces “GearUp” Smart Bluetooth Tyre Pressure Management System Mobile App

Perodua has introduced the GearUp Smart Bluetooth TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), an innovative product that allows users to keep track of their vehicle’s tyre pressures in real time. The Perodua GearUp Smart Bluetooth TPMS is offered at an introductory price of
RM385
 until 30 June, after which it will be priced at
RM430
 (Peninsular Malaysia). As with all GearUp accessories, a 6-month warranty is offered.

“With the Perodua GearUp Smart Bluetooth TPMS, Perodua has become the first carmaker in Malaysia to introduce a mobile app-enabled tyre pressure monitoring system as an original accessory,”
 said
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
“The Perodua GearUp Smart Bluetooth TPMS is locally developed and manufactured. We at Perodua take pride in championing a home-grown product and in doing so, contributing to the local automotive ecosystem,”
 said Dato’ Dr Zahari.

The product comprises four individual tyre sensors and an in-car smart device. The tyre sensors, which screw on to the tyre valves (in place of the valve caps) transmit information via Bluetooth to the in-car smart device. The in-car smart device has four lights representing the four tyres of the vehicle. If the pressure on any of the tyres falls below 8% of the recommended values, a beeping sound will be emitted and the corresponding lights on the in-car smart device will light up, alerting the driver to which tyres are underinflated.

“This is the second GearUp product to be released under our Road Safety Campaign initiative which was launched last October, the first being the Child Seats,”
 said Dato’ Dr Zahari.
“Tyres are a vehicle’s only points of contact with the road. They affect braking, handling and other running parameters. As such, they are extremely crucial to a vehicle’s overall safety. With the Perodua GearUp Smart Bluetooth TPMS, users can conveniently keep an eye on their tyres to make sure they stay within the recommended pressures, thereby preserving tyre life, helping to reduce fuel consumption and ensuring the vehicle’s overall safety,”
 he added.

Additionally, the user can download the FOBO Tire mobile app (available for iOS 7.1 and Android 4.3 and above) and get real-time data on the vehicle’s tyre pressures and tyre temperatures via Bluetooth. The app also stores the data on the cloud for the viewing of other invited users, such as family members. For instance, a user at home can monitor the information in real time while the vehicle is being driven by a family member.

To prevent theft, the individual tyre sensors can be locked using a lock nut spanner (included). The in-car smart device has a built-in motion sensor – when it detects no motion, it can go into sleep mode to save battery. The tyre sensors are powered by coin-cell batteries while the in-car smart device is powered by two AA batteries – all batteries are included.

For the full brochure, click this:
GearUp TPMS Brochure Hi-Res


You don’t have to wait 20 years for a fully-electric Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will eventually offer a fully-electric model and its CEO has indicated that this may happen around 2040. As it is, many companies are already ‘electrifying’ their new models and have announced plans to increase the proportion of models with hybrid or all-electric powertrains during this decade.

UPDATE [29/9/21): Rolls-Royce will have its fully electric model out by late 2023
.

2040 is 20 years away and if you can’t wait to own an electrically-powered Rolls-Royce – which usually comes with a 12-cylinder engine – a company called Lunaz can offer you one soon. It will however not be the latest model and will instead be a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V.

Lunas is already producing electric versions of classic Bentley and Jaguar models.

Lunaz is a creator of electric classic cars and has already turned made Jaguar and Bentley classic models emission-free with electric powertrains. Now it will start restoration of the Phantom V, a classic model and install its proprietary electric powertrain with a full suite of hardware and software upgrades.

The battery pack for the electric powertrain is the largest of its type in the world at 120 kWh, ensuring range claimed to be over 480 kms – significantly more than required for traditional chauffeur-driven use.

The 8-seat interior scheme tastefully echoes the exterior. The very finest sustainably-sourced leather is crafted by an in-house specialist team and specified in Argent Grey. Instead of traditional seat piping, a double welt feature is presented in Whisper with Argent Grey, creating a contemporary pinstripe detail.

The original woodwork will be painstakingly restored and finished with a contemporary satin treatment. This sympathetic update is offset with rose gold inlays. This approach extends to the door cappings, front fascia and the picnic table backs affixed to the privacy division that separates the driver and rear passenger compartment.

There will be numerous modern technological conveniences and two screens are integrated behind the privacy division’s picnic tables, allowing rear occupants to watch films and mirror screens from mobile devices. A bar service occupies the centre of the unit and is custom-built to perfectly fit the owner’s favourite brand of tequila. Every Lunaz client will be invited to specify dimensions for their beverage of choice.

Retaining the character of these significant cars is the priority throughout the conversion and restoration process. This extends to every detail including the weighting of switchgear which has been exhaustively engineered to operate an entirely new powertrain with the same haptic feedback as the original. Instrumentation also stays true to the spirit of the 1960s design, with delicate integration of a battery range meter and power gauge.

The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom by Lunaz is built in eight-seat configuration with a front bench for three occupants, rear bench for a further three and two occasional seats. Occupants throughout will benefit from Lunaz’s commitment to specifying only the very best materials. For example, rear floormats have been custom made in alpaca wool, a material that is rarer than cashmere, softer than lambswool and is considered highly sustainable.

“My approach to design is defined by Sir Henry Royce’s philosophy that ‘small things make perfection and perfection is no small thing’. Together with our clients, we work to create relevant expressions of the most significant cars in history. I am proud to give new purpose to some of the most beautiful objects ever created,” said Jen Holloway, Design Director at Lunaz.

Production is initially planned to be strictly limited to 30 units and orders are already being taken from the company’s existing client base as well as some of the most celebrated and influential institutions in the world.

Following demand for electrified Phantoms, Lunaz has also elected to begin creating Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds. Customers are invited to secure allocation for these cars in a range of bodystyles – 4-door limousine, 2-door coupe and drop head coupe.

The start of production of the world’s first electric Rolls-Royce cars follows a surge in demand for the electrification of pinnacle classic cars. This is driven by a rebalancing of car collections for a clean air future. Demand is forecast to be so great that Lunaz is doubling its workforce at its factory in Silverstone, England.

“No car in the world matches a Phantom for presence, style and significance. Through electrification we proudly further the legacy of the ‘best car in the world’, making Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice for a new generation,” said David Lorenz, the company’s founder.

Ex-factory, the Silver Cloud by Lunaz starts at £350,000 (around RM1.91 million)), while pricing for a Phantom V by starts at £500,000 (around RM2.74 million). Orders will be accepted from anywhere in the world only by the factory.


Police Hunting For Man Who Threw Bottle From Balcony Onto Busy Road

Screenshot source: TikTok (@syrupboy1)

Bird dropping falling from the sky are not an unusual occurrence and while they will dirty your car, they don’t cause permanent damage (unless you don’t wash the deposits off). But hard objects will cause dents and could even injure somebody or cause an accident. Fortunately, such incidents don’t happen often but there was such a case recently and it was even recorded on video and began circulating on social media.

The video of 1 minute and 43 seconds  uploaded by Tik Tok user,
Syrupboy1
, was taken in the Kampung Baru area of Kuala Lumpur. It showed a young person throwing a bottle from the balcony of what was believed to be a high-rise residential unit. It was clear that there was a busy highway with lots of cars.

It is not known if the bottle caused any damage to anyone’s property or injuries but certainly, the act was unacceptable and dangerous. We know of one person who had parked below the apartment blocks in the Bangsar area and had the roof of his car dented by a bottle which was thrown from one of the units, so it happens.

Screenshot source: TikTok (@syrupboy1)

Naturally, those who saw the video (which Tik Tok has removed due to violation of its community guidelines) were angered and condemned the person in it. Everyone understood that it was very dangerous and urged the police to arrest him.

The police, who constantly monitor social media channels, were quick to respond and began their investigations right away. They were able to identify the location and individual concerned and were tracking him down, according to a
Bernama
 report.

When they arrest him, he will be charged under Section 268 of the Penal Code which relates to the offence of being a public nuisance and committing an act which causes or can cause injury or is a danger to the general public.

At the time of writing, it is not known if they have caught him but if anyone has information on the person in the images, they should call the Dang Wangi district police headquarters (
03-26002222
) to provide the information.

Accident scam in Kapar, Selangor – but dashcam saves motorist from being tricked (w/VIDEO)


Renault Subscription scheme available for latest Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup

For decades, the traditional way of buying a car has required a down-payment of a certain percentage and then repayment of the loan – with interest included – every month for an agreed number of years. However, many people no longer want to be tied down by such a commitment and for them, TC Euro Cars (TCEC),  the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, offers the Renault Subscription scheme.

Two plans are available for the Renault Subscription scheme which started with the Captur and Koleos models and is now also available for the latest high-performance Megane R.S. 280 Cup.

The Fixed Plan is a more structured plan, available for short periods of 1,2 or 3 years, with a monthly usage rate that covers annual roadtax, insurance premium and regular servicing costs. This plan starts from RM3,999 a month for the Megane R.S. 280 Cup.

Then there’s also the Switch Plan, offering more freedom and flexibility as buyers are given access to other Renault models with no change to the previously announced rates. The Switch Plan offers the Captur with the option of utilising both the Koleos and Megane R.S. within the subscription period.

Furthermore, the Switch Plan comes with no mileage caps, no cancellation penalties and fees are inclusive of insurance, annual roadtax and regular servicing costs. Replacement of wear and tear items for the Captur are also included under this plan.

Latest Koleos (left) and Captur

“We believe that Subscription is the alternative that consumers are looking for in their vehicle ownership experience. With the updated Switch Plan, Renault Subscription is even more compelling as customers can now swap from the compact Captur to the luxurious new Koleos SUV, and over to the high-performance machine offered with the Megane R.S. The public interest in Renault Subscription has exceeded our expectations, so we believe we are on the right track,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO of TC Euro Cars, adding that only limited units of the Megane R.S. 280 Cup are available on Subscription.

For more information, visit
www.renault.com.my
.

Renault Sport Track Day returns as a night event at Sepang International Circuit


First New National Car model to be launched in March 2021

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has announced that the first New National Car model will be launched in March 2021 and the anchor company which has been chosen to lead this very important project is DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd.

Present today during the official announcement was the Minister of International Trade and Industry, YG Datuk Darell Leiking. Also present during the press conference are CEO of Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Dato’ Ts. Madani Sahari, and key members of DreamEDGE.

A timeline of the entire project has been given whereby the end of this month, they will be presenting the model mock-up of DreamEDGE’s engineering capability. This will be the starting point where Malaysia will get to see the progress of development leading up to its official debut, which has been set in 18 months’ time.

The first model of the New National Car will most likely be an ICE (internal combustion engine) or a hybrid. While specific details of the car have not been shared just yet, all we know is that it’s going to be a sedan in the C-segment.

DreamEDGE was chosen for this momentous task due to their experience and expertise in technical strategic collaborations, end-to-end automotive engineering service, skilled workforce, and overall involvement in many different fields which includes Oil & Gas, Defence, Ship Building, and many more.

Another surprising announcement made today was the involvement of Daihatsu Motor Company in which they will ‘provide support in advanced technology’. This includes lending support and sharing of technology for the New National Car overall development. This in turn will help to speed things up in order to make their debut deadline in March of 2021.

The key focuses of the NNC project are:

New model with advanced technology

Exclusive model with new approach to segmentation

Affordable to the public

Focusing on upper body design, interiors, human-machine interface

Enhanced Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) and Ride & Handling (RH)

Privately funded by several companies

There are still a lot of details that we don’t know about the New National Car project but the very first prototype will hopefully be unveiled in March 2020; a full year before its official launch. Other than that, it’s going to be a full-fledged local vehicle development (even though Daihatsu was announced to lend a helping hand).


All-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class set to be a pioneer in safety features again (w/VIDEOS)

Mercedes-Benz will be launching its all-new S-Class (W223) next month and typical of the company when it comes to the prelude to a new model, information usually trickles out to highlight the innovations that the new model will introduce. In the case of the new S-Class, the company has released details of its enhanced PRE-SAFE system which has been constantly evolving since first being introduced in the 2003 S-Class (W220).

A new function is PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, which sees augmented measures in the pre-impact phase: when a side impact is likely, the car’s body can be raised up to 80 mm by the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension (an optional feature) within a few tenths of a second. This directs the impact forces towards particularly resistant structures in the lower area of the bodywork.

https://www.piston.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/M-B-Video-PRE-SAFE-Impulse-Side.mp4

There are also new occupant protection measures which are derived from many of the innovations in the ESF2019 Experimental Safety Vehicle. Firstly, the rear occupants will have the additional protection of airbags and this is the world’s first frontal airbag for the two passengers on the outer rear seats.

ESF 2019 – the first Experimental Safety Vehicle from Mercedes-Benz that also presents concepts for the special challenges of automated driving.

Its design with an innovative, tubular structure is unique. The cylindrical structures are inflated with compressed gas and deploy a wing-shaped structure. A large, tent-like airbag then deploys between the two wings and this is inflated by the surrounding air via specially patented valves in the skin. These valves are designed so that the air cannot escape when the rear passenger is immersed in the airbag.

https://www.piston.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/M-B-Video-Rear-airbag.mp4

The comparatively small volume of the tubes allows rapid deployment of a relatively large airbag volume. This takes place with comparatively low force and a low risk of injury, as the tubular wings give way to obstacles. The airbag enhances the restraining effect of the belt system, and can support the head and neck to decrease the loads on them significantly. In combination with a beltbag and the inflatable seatbelt, the S-Class will set new standards for rear seat occupant safety.

Also new is a centrally located airbag (availability depends on country) between the driver and front passenger seat. During a severe side impact, the airbag positions itself between the driver and front passenger seat, reducing the risk of their heads making contact. It is integrated into the driver’s seatback in the middle of the car. The airbag is triggered when a severe side collision is recognised, and certain conditions are met.

There will also be new illuminated designer belt buckles (also optional) which are easy to locate. It’s a small touch which some may say is unnecessary cost, but it should make attaching the seatbelt easier.

In combination with the MBUX Interior Assistant, a camera can now be used to detect a childseat on the front passenger seat for the first time. A belt fastening message for the childseat appears in the central display before the driver moves off. Until now, and in many cars, the presence of a childseat is usually determined by a sensor in the front passenger’s seat.

Occupants will get a warning as they open the door if there is a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear.

The new S-Class will have the latest generation of the Driving Assistance Package with new and numerous improved functions. One of the two examples which Mercedes-Benz is revealing now is  Active Blind Spot Assist to prevent opening of the door when another vehicle is coming up along the side of the car. The exit warning function now will give a warning as soon as the driver or front passenger reaches for the door. The MBUX Interior Assistant will recognise when a hand approaches the door handle and a visual warning is given by a red warning triangle in the exterior mirror and via the active ambient lighting.

In a traffic jam on the highway, at speeds not more than 60 km/h, the car adjusts its movements to the surrounding vehicles as if part of a swarm, helping the driver to create an emergency corridor by moving to one side. This will allow emergency vehicles to proceed past more easily to reach an accident site ahead.

Active Steering Assist is another example and this will assist the driver in forming an emergency corridor, and encourage other drivers to form a corridor as well. Thanks to improved environmental sensors and integration into MBUX, the parking systems give the driver even better support when manoeuvring at low speed. 12 ultrasonic sensors at the front and rear provide improved performance so the positions of road-users and objects can be registered reliably and highly precisely.

The all-new S-Class W223 will have its global debut in September 2020.

Mercedes-Benz starts preview of next S-Class with details of new MBUX


New Honda City Hatchback officially launched, priced from RM75,670

Not everyone may know that the City name did not begin with the model that is known today which was born in the mid-1990s. There was another
Honda City
 – a small car mainly sold in Japan which was called the City as well. That model was interesting in the interior packaging that made it even possible to include a tiny scooter called the MotoCompo in the boot. And it was a hatchback. So it is interesting that while the original City was not mentioned before as a predecessor of today’s City – which is a sedan – it was mentioned with the launch of the new City Hatchback.

The original City was a small hatchback produced between 1981 and 1986. It was only around 3.8 metres long with a wheelbase of 2.2 metres – while the modern City Hatchback is 4.3 metres long and sits on a wheelbase of 2.6 metres.

The City Hatchback takes the place of the Jazz which will no longer be offered in Malaysia but will still be sold elsewhere outside the region. Some may ask why it is necessary to drop the Jazz. It has been a successful product since being launched in 2001 and was the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla in the domestic Japanese market in overall sales. Like the Civic, which began as a low-priced hatchback, the Jazz evolved and perhaps became more sophisticated and more expensive to build.

It could be for this reason that Honda decided to develop a hatchback on the City platform which was originally conceived as a ‘Asian Car’. It was created at a time when the Civic began to cost more and could no longer be an entry-level model so a new lower-cost approach was needed to offer a new model at the entry level.

Prices shown above do not include insurance and sales tax. For private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.

The City Hatchback was planned and developed at the same time as the current 5
th
 generation City Sedan but its introduction was delayed due to the pandemic. While the Jazz will be sold in other regions, this model is intended mainly for the Asia-Oceania market. The factory in Thailand is the hub for producing the City in both variants and markets like Malaysia also have it assembled locally.

Four variants, two powertrains

For the Malaysian market, there are four variants being assembled at the Melaka plant, essentially like what is offered for the sedan. And like the sedan too, one of them (the RS variant) has a more advanced i-MMD e-HEV powertrain. This is a hybrid powertrain which is greatly improved from the first Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system Honda used over 20 years ago. It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine working with dual electric motors and can generate up to 253 Nm of torque – which is a figure normally seen from bigger engines. The City Hatchback RS will not, however, be immediately available (which was the same case with the City RS), so we won’t get into too much detail at this time.

As for the other three variants (S, E and V), these all share the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC cylinder head. This engine (also used in the sedan) produces 121 ps/145 Nm which is the highest in its class and the power gets to the front wheels through a CVT. These three variants are expected to account for 95% of the sales, the same proportion as for the City Sedan.

Shorter but heavier

While the sedan and hatchback have similar mechanical items and parts, the bodywork is obviously different at the rear with the absence of the ‘third box’ for the boot. The rear side doors appear similar, probably retaining the same hard points but further back, the rear end is shorter. The difference in overall length is about 206 mm but the wheelbase is identical at 2600 mm as is the 1748 mm width. The hatchback is a bit heavier even though it is shorter and that’s likely to be because it has a larger piece of glass at the back.

The versatility of a hatchback

When hatchbacks started to appear in the 1970s, the selling point was their versatility. SUVs as we know them today were not in existence yet so to have a car that could provide comfortable transport and yet carry more stuff than a sedan, the hatchback with its large rear opening was a practical approach.

While one can say that when folding rear seats were also available in sedans, the extended load capacity also became possible, along with a longer floor. But what a hatchback offers is more vertical space so more items can be stacked or taller items can be accommodated (keeping in mind the rear view, of course).

The ULTRA Seat

Honda’s designers went one step further in making the cabin of a hatchback versatile by adding the ULTRA seat. This innovation was developed after hours of watching people at supermarkets and shopping centres. They took note of the sort of items loaded and saw that there were items that were tall (like plants) and could not readily fit. This led them to design the rear seat to fold upwards against the backrest and create a generous vertical space from the floor to the ceiling.

The ULTRA seat was introduced in the first generation of the Jazz in the early 2000s. It was then offered in the second generation of the City, giving it a unique selling point. However, it was not consistently offered and then disappeared.

Now the ULTRA seat is back in the City Hatchback which extends its versatility. Instead of being bolted to the floor and fixed in place, the seats have a hinge under the backrest and are supported on U-shaped tubular bars. They can be flipped up against the backrests, or the backrests flipped down flat to get more floor length.

While they are similar in concept to the original ULTRA seats, they no longer have a hard plastic panel underneath. In the early version, the panel was moulded and included circular
teh tarik
 hooks which were useful if you had some plastic bags to hang.

As before, the ULTRA seats have four ‘modes’ – UTILITY, LONG, TALL or REFRESH. For the LONG and REFRESH modes, the front passenger’s seat can also be folded flat so there is an open space from the back door all the way to the dashboard to carry a really long item or just to stretch out. For those who frequent IKEA, this would definitely be the sort of car to own.

Similar design and features as sedan

The cabin layout is the same as the sedan’s and the equipment levels are also similar. The best-equipped version is the top RS e:HEV which has Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT. However, this version would cost more than the RM87,860 that the top version (1.5V) of the petrol-engined variants is priced at. For the sedan, Honda Malaysia introduced an additional version which brings Honda SENSING to the 1.5V version and they might do the same for the City Hatchback later on.

In any case, the City Hatchback 1.5V is still pretty well equipped and good value for money. It has standard features like Auto LED headlights (high beam automatically switches to low beam when necessary), LED front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Honda LaneWatch and 6 airbags.

Honda Lanewatch is another innovative feature which provides the driver with a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car by using a small camera mounted on the door mirror. The real-time image is displayed on the 8-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard so the driver doesn’t have to turn the head all the way to the left to see the mirror. The camera is only on when the left signal is activated.

Other notable features are Remote Engine Start, paddle shifters, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning a reverse camera (these items are also standard for the 1.5E). For those with compatible smartphones, there’s added connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Comprehensive safety systems

While the Honda SENSING package is available only for the very top RS variant, the safety systems that come standard with the City Hatchback are also pretty comprehensive and can help to reduce accidents. These include ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hillstart Assist.

There’s also an Emergency Stop Signal system which will keep the brake lights illuminated and activate the hazard lights automatically if the braking action is sudden and heard (indicating emergency braking). This can alert drivers behind so that they will respond earlier and possibly avoid a rearend collision.

As childseats are now required by law, there is an ISOFIX point for compatible childseats to be installed easily and securely. The Seatbelt Reminder is also wired to include the rear seatbelts so that the driver will be aware when someone is not belted up (an offence).

For those who don’t like SUVs

The Jazz may be missed by some but if it is versatility that you are looking for, then the City Hatchback would be just as practical. This extra capability is available without compromising on space and comfort and can be considered something like a stationwagon too. And for those who want the versatility of a SUV but don’t like the tallness, the City Hatchback could also be a great alternative as it sits as low as the sedan.

First Impressions Of The All-New Honda City Hatchback V-Variant


Hyundai Motor’s mini EV for ‘Little Big E-Motion’ project helps reduce stress for young patients

Two months ago, Hyundai Motor revealed its smallest ever model, a one-of-a-kind mini EV based on the ‘45’ concept car based on the ‘45’ EV concept that Hyundai displayed in 2019 at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

While it would be a wonderful Christmas present for little ones, the Korean carmaker has offered it to the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Spain as part of the ‘Little Big e-Motion’ project. The mini EV is being used to support the mobility of young patients from hospital bed to treatment room, which is considered one of the most stressful trips for the children.

EAVC is an artificial intelligence-based technology that optimizes vehicle environment based on information from both inside and outside the vehicle. Hyundai Motor Group is leading the development of this next-generation technology, as part of an academic research collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab.

EAVC technology monitors facial expressions, heart rate and respiratory rate, and combines these readings with input from the vehicle including speed, acceleration, noise and vibration. The technology then processes the data utilizing machine learning to optimize the vehicle environment and actively controls vehicle systems such as lighting, climate, music and fragrance dispenser.

EVAC is at the heart of Hyundai’s ‘Little Big e-Motion’ project. Equipped with this technology, the mini EV – designed by the same team that oversaw the ‘45’ concept – can provide a fun, safe mobility experience for young patients and help improve their health outcomes.

“The hospital is very excited to have such a technology available for kids. This will dramatically change the way patients will face treatment,” said Joan Sanchez de Toledo, Head of Paediatric Cardiology Department at SJD Hospital.

The 2019 Hyundai 45 Concept on which the mini EV’s design is based.

The EAVC-equipped mini EV interacts with its young ‘driver’ through five key technologies: Facial Emotion Recognition System, Breathing Exercise Belt, Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor, Emotion Adaptive Lighting, and Emotion Adaptive Scent Dispenser.

The Facial Emotion Recognition System uses a camera in front of the seat to identify the child’s emotions in real-time. The Breathing Exercise Belt wraps around the body and its air pockets apply gentle pressure the help relieve anxiety and enable more stable breathing, while the accelerometer, the Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor, measures the heart rate and breathing rate.

The Emotion Adaptive Lighting displays green, yellow or red to show the child’s emotional state in colours. The Emotion Adaptive Scent Dispenser sprays fragrance timed with breathing to help put a smile on the faces of the young patients. The vehicle also blows bubbles to celebrate the child’s progress toward treatment.

In addition to providing emotional support for the young patients, EAVC also assists the work of the medical staff at the hospital by informing them about the emotional state of the young patients without in-person interactions, which is especially useful in the era of COVID-19.

Hyundai Motor plans to continue supporting the treatment of young patients at SJD hospital through the project, while also fine-tuning its EAVC technology through this application. The company hopes to expand the use of this next-generation technology in mobility devices in the future to enhance driver safety and well-being.


Fuel Price Updates For August 4 – August 10, 2022

Fuel Price Updates for coming 7 days see another 5 sen reduction in RON97 petrol to bring the price per litre to RM4.55. New fuel price effective after midnight today.

Fuel saving tips
Slow and steady:
 You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel.

Switch off the engine more
: Many motorists do not fully realise that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

Right tyres pressures
: Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.

Service the engine regularly
: Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight
: The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags.

Plan trips
: If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use
less
 fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.


A Toyota GR Yaris that runs on hydrogen is under development

Since May this year, a
special Toyota Corolla Sport
 run by the ROOKIE Racing arm of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been competing in the Super Taikyu Series 2021. Its engine doesn’t run on petrol but uniquely, on hydrogen. This is not the same as the powertrain in the Mirai EV which has its electric motors powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. For the engine in the Corolla Sport, a prototype, the combustion process uses hydrogen.

Combustion in a hydrogen-fuelled engine occurs at a faster rate than in petrol engines, resulting in a characteristic of good responsiveness. While having excellent environmental performance, hydrogen engines still have the typical character of a combustion engine, especially ‘familiar’ sounds and vibrations. Except for the combustion of minute amounts of engine oil during driving, which is also the case with petrol engines, hydrogen engines emit zero CO
2
 when in use.

Prototype Corolla Sport with hydrogen engine racing in Super Taikyu series in Japan.

Moving to the next steps

As the R&D engineers gain increasing experience and feedback from running the engine in the harsh conditions of motorsport in Japan, they are progressing towards the next steps. This is demonstrated in an experimental hydrogen-powered GR Yaris which shares same powertrain as the prototype Corolla Sport racing car.

Second generation of the Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) which uses hydrogen in a process that generates electricity.

The car’s hydrogen fuel, fuel tanks and refuelling process are the same as those found in
Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)
 which is now in its second generation. The hydrogen combustion engine technology is still in the early stages of conceptual development and experimentation, having started in 2017, and is not yet ready for commercialisation. Nonetheless, Toyota’s experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport is already delivering high performance at motorsport events in Japan with almost zero tailpipe emissions.

Modified GR Yaris engine

The engine modified to run on hydrogen is the G16E-GTS, 1.6-litre, in-line 3-cylinder, turbocharged unit used in production versions of the
GR Yaris
, but with a modified fuel supply and injection system for use with hydrogen as fuel.

GR Yaris 3-cylinder turbocharged engine (version in production model shown) has been modified to run on hydrogen.

Toyota has been strengthening its efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality, such as by aiming to promote the use of hydrogen through the popularisation of FCEVs and numerous other fuel-cell-powered products. By further refining its hydrogen engine technologies through motorsports, it intends to aim for the realisation of an even better hydrogen-based society.

Motorsport as a testing ground

The uses of motorsport as a testing ground reflects the firm belief of Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Motor Corporation, that sporting competition is a driver for progress. In March 1952, he said: “Japan’s auto industry must succeed in building passenger vehicles. To this end, manufacturers must participate in auto-racing to test their vehicles’ durability and performance and display their utmost performance. With competition comes progress, as well as excitement among motoring fans. The aim of racing is not just to satisfy our curiosity, but rather to enable the development of the Japanese passenger vehicle industry.”

“We’ve taken the first step to compete with and develop our hydrogen-powered engine with the mindset of taking on the challenge. I imagine things will look a little different 10 years from now, and I hope people will look back and see how we took on the challenge with positivity and enjoyed every moment of it,” added Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation as well as grandson of Kiichiro.

Transitioning to electric vehicles is one approach Toyota is taking to help create a carbon-neutral society. To achieve this goal, it is developing
multiple electrified technologies
, including hydrogen, which it views as one of the key building blocks for CO
2
 reduction.

Second generation fuel cell modules

To help expand its hydrogen technology from cars to more diverse applications, it has repackaged the advanced fuel cell system used in its Mirai saloon into compact fuel cell modules. From January 2022, Toyota will start production of these second generation modules.

The new system has been packaged into modules that are more compact, lighter in weight and provide greater power density. They are available in two formats: a cube and a flat, rectangular shape, allowing greater flexibility and adaptation for different applications.

Toyota began fuel cell development in 1992 and has since continued to refine its hydrogen technology. The second generation fuel cell modules will be assembled by a manufacturing team at Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) R&D centre in Belgium. The new facility houses a pilot assembly line combining advanced technology content with high-quality assembly techniques.

Toyota chose Europe as the location for its second generation fuel cell module assembly as it sees demand growing significantly across the region. Working with businesses interested in using Toyota’s technology in their applications, TME’s Fuel Cell Business Unit will offer the necessary engineering support for integration. Proximity to its partners and the ability to closely monitor emerging business opportunities will allow the company to scale up supply quickly.

Hydrogen clusters

The expansion of a European hydrogen economy will be a key element in achieving the Green Deal’s objective of net-zero global warming emissions by 2050. The European Union has stated that, to meet this challenge, industry will need ‘climate and resource frontrunners’ to develop the first commercial applications of breakthrough technologies in key industrial sectors by 2030. The emergence of hydrogen clusters in Europe sees different sectors uniting and bringing their skills, technologies and applications together, such as truck, bus and taxi fleets and H2 infrastructure, to create viable business opportunities. This will allow them to flourish and become the nucleus of larger-scale activities.

Toyota to use motorsports to develop hydrogen-fueled engine (w/VIDEO)


Hyundai Sime Darby Motors enhances ownership experience with new aftersales loyalty programmes

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

Hyundai owners can now enjoy an enhanced ownership experience with Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors’ (HSDM) new aftersales loyalty programmes – i-Care Plus and a Loyalty Card that offer discounts and freebies.

The Hyundai i-Care Plus programme is for vehicles that are 4 years old or older. For RM20, owners will get 6 discount vouchers which get them a 10% discount on selected parts, and 5% percent discount on labour charges, in addition to two free bottles of engine oil and an oil filter.

Available for a limited time from April 2021, the i-Care Plus vouchers is valid for 35 months from the date of purchase. They can be obtained at any authorized Hyundai service centre in Malaysia.

Exclusive privileges

Those who obtain the Loyalty Card will gain exclusive privileges that include exclusive monthly promotions. For example, during the month of April, there is a 20% discount on KLIMA Fresh and BlueChem products. Other privileges will be birthday month discounts on aftersales services, discounts on Hyundai merchandise and a higher trade-in value for the purchase of another new Hyundai vehicle. Current Hyundai owners can register for their complimentary Loyalty Card at any authorized Hyundai service centre nationwide.

Hyundai i-Care Plus programme provides free engine oil.

Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, said the new customer loyalty programmes are testimony to the company’s promise in offering distinctive value to Hyundai car owners here, in the spirit of its tagline ‘
Geared for Distinction
’. “We hope to bring more value and benefits to our customers through such specially designed programmes as we focus on enhancing the customer experience with Hyundai,” he said.

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors to introduce Palisade and Updated Kona soon


Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV tested – we find out why this model is still the bestseller in Malaysia

The Perodua Myvi, now in the third generation, is currently in its fifth year and has been the country’s most popular model in all that time – and in the 12 years before as well. It’s hard to drive anywhere and not see a Myvi, old or new, around or in the background. While Perodua has worked hard to build the brand image, the product itself still has to be good to become a continuous bestseller. This means it has to be built well, have good space within, look good and of course, be priced affordably. And the Myvi ticks all those boxes, adding further strong points as it evolved and grew up.

The 2022 version is essentially a facelift to keep the model fresh for another few years. It’s inside that there are more noticeable changes, like the larger touchscreen, new steering wheel and a red theme (and only red) for the upholstery which is also leather in the Myvi 1.5 AV we tested. As with every generation of the Myvi, build quality is excellent and the feel is more solid with attention given to tiny details to reduce metal-to-metal contact. Even the bonnet can be kept raised in two positions, a second one more upright for easier access from above.

Developed with Malaysian DNA

The spaciousness of the cabin has always been a strong point of the Myvi, thanks to the fact that Malaysians were involved in the development of the first one alongside the teams from Daihatsu and Toyota. Though Perodua’s role was small (it was more for the Malaysians to gain experience), they nevertheless were able to convince the project team that the interior space needed to be greater because that was what Malaysians wanted. Had they not provided that input (and had it not been accepted), we might have gotten a more compact cabin which the Japanese are okay with.

From the experience of developing that first generation, Perodua began to develop its own capabilities to the extent that they can now do the upper body work themselves. This means that there is more localized thinking in the styling elements which would be more suited to Malaysian tastes and expectations. It also saw the addition of features like the
teh tarik
 hooks as well as the handbag hook on the side of the front passenger’s seat to prevent theft.

Suspension more customised for Malaysia

We also noticed that the handling of the Myvi in its third generation had changed in character somewhat and upon discussion with the Perodua guys, we learnt that with this generation, the suspension settings were specifically tuned to Malaysian requirements, rather than using those provided by Daihatsu in the past. Apparently, this was a ‘victory’ because it meant that the car’s handling could be more suited to our roads and from what we noticed driving the second and third generations is that the current one has a more direct feel with more linear response to changes in direction.

Switch to CVT

While maintaining the same 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines with Dual VVT-i, the drivetrain has switched from the conventional electronically-controlled automatic transmission with a torque converter to a D-CVT (continuously-variable transmission). This change helps to squeeze a few more kilometres from each litre of fuel as CVTs are more efficient, especially in urban driving conditions.

Unfortunately, those who still like manual transmissions can’t get them anymore with the Myvi and if you really must have a manual (and you want a Perodua), then you would have to settle for a
Bezza
,
Axia
 or
Alza
. And if it is an Alza you want, you should quickly go to a showroom to order one as stocks will be diminishing with no replacements coming since production of the model ended last month.

While some may be critical of a CVT’s feel and characteristics, it would generally be fine for most people. The engineers have tuned the transmission (which, like the engines, is produced in Malaysia) to have an almost similar feel as a torque-converter unit with less of that ‘rubberband’ acceleration.

The transmission also improves acceleration which can be slightly enhanced by selecting the ‘S’ mode. But conversely, as we discovered, you don’t get the same level of engine braking. For this reason (and it’s also present in hybrids), there is a ‘B’ mode which can be used to assist in slowing down. It helps to decelerate the car more positively so you don’t have to use the brakes excessively, especially when going down a steep slope. So those who frequent the Genting Highlands road would want to use it a lot so their brakes don’t end up smoking.

It’s interesting that, besides the ‘S’ (Sports) mode in the transmission, the Myvi (1.5 version) also has a PWR mode. Both would seem to do the same thing which is enhance performance, usually acceleration, but they actually have different purposes. When you select ‘S’ mode in the transmission, it is like downshifting with a manual and the ratio is lowered. This improves control when driving on winding roads.

When you press the PWR button, you are going into a ‘sports mode’ whereby the engine programming is altered to give a boost to performance. Acceleration becomes quicker but at the expense of some fuel economy. So you get two ways to enhance performance, depending on the road conditions.

Perodua says that with the D-CVT, fuel consumption is 5% lower than before and for the Myvi 1.5 AV that we tested, the claim is 21.1 kms/litre. In the old days (before 1990s), verifying claims was tedious as you had to top up the fuel tank and then refill it again after driving some distance, and calculate the consumption from the fuel used – which wasn’t necessarily accurate.

These days, an on-board computer tells you not just the average consumption but also consumption in real-time as well as the range possible with fuel remaining in the tank. In our case, we actually got a bit better than the claim after a 2-day period, achieving 22.5 kms/litre. Much of this was highway driving and in city driving, it went to as low as 13.5 kms/litre at times due to congestion. That’s when the Eco Idle system which automatically shuts down the engine during long periods of standing still helps avoid wasting fuel.

Having such good fuel consumption means the tank can be smaller and the one in today’s Myvi’s is just 36 litres. The tank in the first Myvi had a 40-litre capacity so reducing it by 4 litres has also meant almost 3 kgs in weight-saving with less fuel.

More active safety systems

When this generation of the Myvi was introduced in 2017, its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system was an impressive new addition that moved active safety in this class to the next level. While ASA has continued to improve, the scope of safety systems for the Myvi has also broadened and the expanded package is now known as Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA).

While including ASA which is essentially to provide automatic emergency braking (AEB), PSDA adds Driving Assist, Parking Assist and Headlamp Assist to help the driver in various ways, not just to avoid accidents. For instance, Driving Assist has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which allows the car to travel at a set speed but adjusted to maintain a safe gap from the vehicle in front when necessary. There are also systems to keep the car in its lane and if the driver doesn’t do so, the system will apply pressure to guide the car back into its lane. We found the alerts rather intrusive as they often occurred but they also served to make driving a bit more ‘disciplined’.

ASA and some systems of PSDA use a camera mounted on the top of the windscreen. This is a lower-cost approach (appropriate for a model like the Myvi) than having camera and radar, which more expensive models have. Though the camera works well enough, there are some conditions where its view might be obscured, eg during heavy rain. This means that the system is ‘blind’ and that has implications on its ability to detect other vehicles ahead. Perodua acknowledges that the system is not 100% perfect, which is acceptable, and that drivers still need to pay attention. In any case, when a system is inactive, the driver will be warned by a message on the instrument panel.

One of the new additions with the PSDA system is Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which is really great when reversing. The camera at the back shows a limited field of view but the sensors can detect further to either side to detect approaching vehicles. The driver will be alerted so he can stop instead of continuing to reverse and possibly having an accident.

The other thing which we were surprised to see on the instrument panel was the position of the front wheels (when reverse gear is engaged). It’s a very rare feature and useful when maneuvering the car in tight spots. Along with the guide lines on the image of the rear view, it’s very easy parking the Myvi and there should be no excuse for bad positioning that gets your car publicized in Facebook’s Stupid Parking Idiots page!

One thing that has to be said about the controls and switches (and this is something we usually assess) is how easy they are to operate as well as how intuitive their operation is. Admittedly, everything can be found in the manual (which
can be found online
 as well) but not everyone reads it. So the mark of a well designed cockpit layout would be that a driver can make settings intuitively. The Myvi gets top marks for this and someone new to the car will be able to use the many features right away.

Hard to beat package

The Myvi 1.5 AV that we tested starts from RM58,800 (without insurance) and with the amount of stuff that Perodua has put in, it’s certainly great value for money. The price range for the model goes down to as low as RM45,700 but when you pay less, you obviously get less too. Nevertheless, as an overall package, the Myvi would be hard to beat at the price point of each variant.

To locate a showroom to view or test-drive the latest Myvi or other Perodua models. visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

New Perodua Myvi launched with 5 variants, priced from RM45,700 to RM58,800


38 participants for GR Vios Sprint Cup this weekend at Sepang

Now a firmly established event on the country’s motorsports calendar, the Vios Challenge, which originated as part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival), is the most lucrative motorsports event in the country. In total, more than a half a million ringgit in prize money is offered by organisers UMW Toyota Motor and GAZOO Racing Malaysia.

After 5 seasons of the one-make series, there now exists a large base of Toyota Vios cars in Malaysia which have been specially prepared to meet the regulations of the series. These regulations strictly require all the cars to be identical in specifications with stock standard drivetrains as  well as suspension and tyres. The aim is to equalise the performance aspect of the machine and make the races about driving skills and experience.

The large base of race-ready cars had encouraged UMW Toyota Motor and GAZOO racing Malaysia to broaden the activities so that the owners have more races to participate in. One of the additional races on this year’s calendar is the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup in the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) this weekend (May 21/22) at the Sepang International Circuit.

A total of 38 drivers will start the first ever running of the GR Vios Sprint Cup, which will have two 1-hour races on Saturday and Sunday, with two-driver teams competing in 3 generations of Vios vying for total prize monies amounting to RM60,000.

The GR Vios Sprint Cup is run independently of the Vios Challenge, and there will be 2 rounds within the MCS, with each round offering two races. However, the regulations for the GR Vios Sprint Cup are similar to those of the Vios Challenge with regard to all the cars being identical in specification and preparation, with the only differences being the driver behind the wheel and the paint scheme on the bodywork.

All the cars are standard Vios models and prepared identically for racing so that they have similar performance levels. Winning a race is therefore dependent on driver experience and skills, rather than the power of the car.

Not surprisingly, the event has attracted many top local racers with varying levels of experience, virtually all of whom have taken part in the Vios Challenge. These include experienced contenders like Tengku Djan Ley, Mark Darwin, Mohd Fariqe Hairuman, Eddie Lew,  Boy Wong and William Ho, as well as what can be regarded as the next generation of racers. These are drivers like Naquib Azlan, Hayden Haikal, Mika  Hakimi, Nabil Azlan, Bradley Benedict Anthony, Timothy Yeo and Alister Yoong.

The GR Vios Sprint Cup will see drivers with varying experience – from veterans like Tengku Djan Ley (left) to rookies like Nabil Azlan (right).

To level the playing field further, the race prohibits 2 experienced drivers from racing together in the same car. Driving for Prima Pearl TD Racing, Tengku Djan will thus partner teenager Mika Hakimi this weekend, while Mark Darwin, another strong contender, will team up with another teenager, Bradley Benedict Anthony for Laser Motor Racing.

Axle Motorsports meanwhile, will field 2 all-teenage teams with the first pair of drivers consisting of Hayden Haikal and Naquib Azlan, and the second car driven by Alister Yoong and Muizz Musyaffa.

Race 1 of the GR Vios Sprint Cup on Saturday will see both drivers driving in two separate qualifying sessions, with the faster driver required to start the 1-hour race before making a mandatory pit-stop for a driver change. In Race 2 on Sunday, which will start as a reverse grid order based on the results  of Race 1, the slower driver of the pair will start the 1-hour race and again required to make a mandatory pit stop. Both races will be a rolling-start format.

“Unlike the Vios Challenge which is usually confined to approximately 30 minutes of racing, the GR Vios Sprint Cup is designed to up the ante and to double the excitement on the track. In a full-blown endurance race, racers will pace themselves, but this is a 1-hour sprint to the finish which means the drivers will be going all out for 60 minutes from the very first corner in order to maintain an edge,” said UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K.

“Since UMW Toyota Motor began committing itself to motor racing in 2017, the objective has always been to see how we can contribute to not only the growth but to make Malaysian motorsports even more vibrant. The format of a one-make race has proven to be an incredibly successful formula, attracting  not only professionals and experienced racers, but also newcomers and young talent. The GR Vios Sprint Cup continues this tradition but by changing the dynamics of the race, continues to generate  enormous interest and participation which we hope will help to create more excitement in Malaysian  motorsports,” he said, adding that there will also be the GR Vios Enduro Cup in conjunction with year end’s Sepang 1000Km Endurance Race.

Like the Vios Challenge which is the most lucrative motorsports event in Malaysia, the GR Vios Sprint Cup offers a large sum of prize money.

The overall champion in each of the 2 races at the GR Vios Sprint Cup stands to win RM10,000 cash, followed by RM8,000 for the first runner-up, RM6,000 to the third-place winner, and RM4,000 and RM2,000 for the fourth and fifth placed winners, respectively. In total, the Vios Sprint Cup offers prize monies amounting to RM60,000 per round.

UMW Toyota Motor is also putting up an additional RM30,000 in prize monies for its Toyota dealer teams making the GR Vios Sprint Cup the second most lucrative racing event in Malaysia next to the Vios Challenge.

With pandemic-related restrictions now eased, spectators are allowed to be at the racetrack to watch the races this weekend. Or you can also watch the live broadcasts
UMW Toyota Motor’s Facebook page
 from the comfort of home.
Click here
 for more information on GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s activities.

GAZOO Racing to have 11 races in 2022 with addition of Vios Sprint Cup and Vios Enduro Cup


Manufacturer of world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses to launch 4×4 off-road minibus

TORSUS, based in the Czech Republic, manufactures what it claims to be the world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses. The started with the Praetorian, the world’s first production off-road bus, which has found many customers in heavy industry, utility and government service sectors in global markets.

Now the company will add a 4×4 off-road minibus to its range to provide a transport vehicle that can travel into the most difficult terrain. To be known as the Terrastorm, it uses a Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE 4Motion chassis with power from a 2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, The engine can be tuned to produce 140 ps/340 Nm or 176 ps/410 Nm and be ordered with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Terrastorm has undergone a rigorous test program to ensures that it can withstand and handle extreme off-road usage. During testing, the chassis was upgraded chassis and off-road suspension developed. The all-wheel drive system has a locking rear differential while heavy-duty 17-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tyres are fitted.

The Terrastorm has a ground clearance of 290 mm, approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 20 degrees, and a wading depth of 690 mm. Customers who expect to cross deeper stretches of water can select the ‘Deep Wave’ pack which enables the vehicle to travel through water up to 820 mm deep.

The TORSUS bumper, with an integrated winch, is designed to offer improved off-road capabilities with better approach angles. As part of the underside protection, the custom 5mm Duraluminium skidplate protects the engine, radiator, transmission, rear axle and other components from costly damage when off-road.

While targeting the commercial vehicle market, TORSUS also sees potential for the Terrastorm in the leisure market. The highly capable workhorse can also be used on weekends for family outings. The interior can be configured to customer requirements with seating for 9 to 20 passengers. Each occupant will have a comfortable but strong seat with a skeleton consisting of 2-4mm of sheet metal and 3-point seatbelts. For more extreme conditions, TORSUS can provide ‘extra active’ seats with 5-point harnesses.

Unlike most minibuses, the Terrastorm’s internal seating configuration can be altered to swivel seating with multifunction tables on a special seat rail system. This means the rows of seats can be positioned opposite each other making use of the multifunction tables, serving as a workspace. A customer can also easily install modular components to convert it into a personal camper.

Above the seats is the innovative TORSUS Air Channel. This is a luggage rack offering each occupant individual lighting, air conditioning vents and speakers. The passenger cabin is lined with 30 mm thermal insulation and the anti-slip floor is 18 mm high-density water-resistant board with 2 mm PVC floor coverings for easy cleaning.

Among the various configurations available is a medevac transporter. The Terrastorm can  be used as an off-road ambulance to transport patients or even act as a mobile intensive care unit.  The interior can be equipped with more noise insulation and fitted with electrical systems and an oxygen supply system.

“The Terrastorm aims to break that tradition as we set new standards in this market. We have taken what we know from Praetorian and translated it to a smaller overall footprint, but the dependability and toughness remain. By working with customers and listening to feedback and hearing their problems, we find solutions to create the ultimate off-road minibus,” said Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, founder and CEO of TORSUS.

To be manufactured at TORSUS’ production plant in Slovakia, the Terrastorm is expected to be available for delivery during the third quarter of 2020. It will be available in both lefthand and righthand drive variants with prices starting from €57,461 (about RM286,000).

TORSUS has a presence on three continents (Europe, Australia and South America) and is looking at expanding into more territories with the Philippines market being considered in the Southeast Asian region.


Clarkson admitted in hospital for pneumonia

 Jeremy Clarkson may not be in the best of health according to his latest post on Instagram. The former Top Gear presenter recently posted a picture of his right arm with hospital tags clearly visible along with the a drip needle in his forearm.

Apparently, Clarkson was admitted to a hospital while on vacation in Mallorca, Spain due to Pneumonia. In his Instagram post, Clarkson said, ” Not the sort of bangles I usually choose on holiday”.

He later added that it would be awhile before he sees any further action, hinting at the possibility that a great deal of rest and recuperation was needed for him to make a full recovery.

Clarkson is the second casualty of the trio that is responsible for the world renowned automotive show, The Grand Tour. Several months prior, Richard Hammond lost control of a Rimac Concept car that led to a horrific crash. Hammond was taken to hospital where extensive surgery was required to correct the injury to his left leg.

It seems for the moment, that both presenters will need considerable amount of time off while they recuperate. Though Hammond is considerably younger than Clarkson, the injury that he suffered, isn’t an easy fix.

As such, both incidents have caused a major blow to the current filming and should set back the release date of the new season even further. Only one of the infamous trio has managed to stay clear of any problems, and that’s  James May.

After checking into a hospital, Clarkson, in good humour, posted a picture of May on his Instagram page with a quip, “The only functioning member of the Grand Tour team right now. God help us”

Jokes aside, we wish both Hammond and Clarkson a speedy recovery and hope they are able to get back on the saddle in no time. We also hope that they continue to  produce even more over-the-top episodes of The Grand Tour.


Whatever Happened To SsangYong?

Remember the S.Korean car brand
SsangYong
? They sold the Rexton, Stavic, Kyron, Actyon Sport and Musso SUV here some time ago, but seem to have disappeared completely from our shores. Well, in the global scheme of things according to
Auto Express
, they are making a comeback, and will hit the
2018 Geneva Motor Show
 with an all-electric concept car called the
e-SIV
 (above) along with the new
Musso
pick-up (below).

“Called the e-SIV, the images here preview the design of the all-electric concept, which SsangYong envisions as being capable of up to 280 miles on a single charge. The name e-SIV stands for Electronic Smart Interface Vehicle, and the concept is intended to showcase the brand’s commitment to develop electric vehicles and autonomous tech for the future.”

At the front, a large hexagonal grille as seen on the latest Rexton (below) is present, which is topped by new, thin headlights connected by an LED strip spanning the width of the bonnet….

….and there’s plenty of SsangYong in the car’s profile too – the exaggerated shoulder line over the rear axle is plucked straight from the Rexton and smaller Tivoli.
 –
Auto Express.

All Images & Info from
Auto Express
.


Update on fuel prices – May 23 to May 29, 2020


BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia extends services to customers

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, which has been helping Malaysians purchase BMW and MINI vehicles since 2007, has extended its services with the introduction of i-Renewal. This is a  digital service for the BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance Programme that simplifies renewal processes for BMW and MINI owners insured by the programme.

The BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance Programme is designed to give customers complete peace of mind and total protection for their vehicle. With the i-Renewal digital service – provided in collaboration with Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, customers are now able to easily request for an instant quotation by providing some basic information, or renew their insurance policies with only a few clicks.

Tobias Eismann, MD of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, said: “The BMW Group is committed to innovating and further improving the premium mobility experience for all our customers while digitalising our existing touchpoints and services. By introducing the new i-Renewal digital service for the BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance Programme, we are expediting this essential part of the premium mobility experience to keep it as hassle-free and seamless as possible.”

Complimentary service

Every owner who successfully renews their BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance Programme online by December 31, 2020 will be entitled to a complimentary Enhanced Road Warrior coverage for one year.

In addition to providing Personal Accident Cover and other insurance benefits, the Enhanced Road Warrior service also includes a comprehensive Car Assistance Programme with a range of around-the-clock services. These include 24-Hour Emergency Towing, Minor Roadside Repair, Taxi Assistance and Arrangement for Emergency Evacuation

Owners can access the i-Renewal digital service via BMW Engage at
https://www.bmwfs.my/
 or through BMW Group Loyalty+ app.

Click here for other news about BMW


Android-Powered Cars To Get YouTube, Waze And Zoom By Google

Soon, vehicles equipped with Google’s Android Automotive operating system will be able to use in-car infotainment systems to access apps like YouTube, Waze, and Zoom.

Although this is something that most aftermarket players offer, this integration is only available for vehicles running Android Automotive, a version of the Android operating system that has been specifically designed for vehicles. Without the need to connect another device, it gives cars direct access to numerous Google apps and services.

Now we know what you’re thinking; this can be distracting for the driver. For safety reasons, only passengers will be able to access YouTube and other entertainment-focused applications while the car is moving. However, drivers will be able to use the app when the car is parked, Google said.

The Polestar 2 was the first car with Google integrated into its entertainment system, and the Polestar 3 will reportedly have Google’s HD mapping technology as well. Therefore, the next natural step is to provide more entertainment-focused apps.

Along with YouTube, Google will also make video calling software Zoom and real-time mapping service Waze available in Android Automotive vehicles. Later this year, GameSnacks will also offer new games for Google-powered autos. Games like Beach Buggy Racing and Solitaire are among the bite-sized games included in the GameSnacks app, which may be played by drivers while they wait in the car.

In the upcoming weeks and months, Google stated that additional automakers will integrate its software. It previously disclosed collaborations with Mercedes-Benz AG and
Volvo
 Group, which will also incorporate Android Automotive into more of their vehicles.

The Mercedes cooperation is a little different because it has a licencing agreement in place that will let it add Google Maps, Cloud, and YouTube to its cars, which run the in-house MB.OS operating system.

Google stated that it anticipates the number of vehicles running Android Automotive to double by the end of the year, despite not naming any of its prospective auto partners. Additionally, several vehicles from Chevrolet Motor Company, Groupe Renault, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. are equipped with its software.

Android Automotive is a toolkit that enables automakers to create their own experiences using Google software as a framework, in contrast to Android Auto, which is powered by a user’s phone.


It’s on! Interstate travel will be allowed between May 7 – 10

Interstate travel – forbidden since March 18 – will be permitted on
May 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2020
 to allow those who have been stuck elsewhere to return to their home cities. The announcement comes after the police received some 500,000 applications via the Gerak Malaysia mobile app. The police will prepare a time schedule for travellers to follow. Originally, the travel dates had been tentatively planned for May 1 – 3.

Speaking at the daily briefing, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the senior minister in charge of the security cluster who speaks on behalf of the National Security Council, said that he hoped employers would understand that some of their employees might not turn up for work yet as they have been stuck in other cities. They will have to travel according to the schedule drawn up by the police.

Those who will be travelling on the highways should note that all facilities at the R&Rs are closed but toilets will be available for use. Petrol stations will also be operational so you can still pick up essential items at their convenience stores and reload your tollcard.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, said that the number of roadblocks will be reduced from May 4. This will allow the personnel focus on preventing the entry of illegal immigrants and smuggling activities.

However, as the Movement Control Order (MCO) is still in force until May 12, the police will continue to monitor all activities to ensure social distancing is followed. The IGP stressed that the conditional MCO  requires people to observe the Standard Operating Procedures during their activities now they are allowed more freedom of movements.

With easing of restrictions under the MCO, service centres are resuming operations.

Easing of the restrictions of the MCO from this Monday will see many businesses resuming operations. Car companies have announced that their service centres have been given approval to operate at full capacity to provide aftersales services. However, customers are required to make appointments in advance and observe certain procedures such as social distancing when at the premises.

No vehicle sales can be carried out as the showrooms must remain closed until further notice. In any case, even if a vehicle is ready for delivery, it cannot be registered as the JPJ is not doing so at this time. Although it resumed operations on April 29, the services available are only for commercial vehicle operators.

Over 50% drop in sales as MCO brings car industry to a standstill


Ken Block teams up with Audi for next Gymkhana video and this time it will be electrified…

Ken Block is well known for his thrilling, heart-stopping gymkhana series of videos where he has pushed Fords and then Subarus to extreme limits to entertain viewers. Earlier this year, he parted company with Ford and teamed up with a new carmaker – Audi. So he can now say he’s worked with American, Japanese and now German carmakers… maybe one day with Chinese or Korean too?

A new Hoonitron

His move to Audi is going to see him drive not just another specially prepared car with a powerful engine. In fact, it will be a major change for him as he will be doing his driving sideways using electric power. Audi has developed a special S1 e-tron quattro ‘Hoonitron’ for the American drift specialist and with this car, a new video (the working title is ‘Elektrikana’)will be produced which we will see sometime in the first quarter of 2022.

New interpretation of Pikes Peak car

The entire development, including the technology, of the S1 Hoonitron was conducted by Audi Sport at its own facility. Audi Design was responsible for the styling, which has been anything but a run-of-the-mill job for the design team. The challenges were tremendous as they aimed to create a modern, all-electric interpretation of the legendary quattro S1 Pikes Peak car. This car, evolved from the successful World Rally Championship-dominating cars, raced to the summit in the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in America, boosting the level of performance in the event much higher.

The S1 Hoonitron has two powerful electric motors and all-wheel drive, a carbonfibre chassis, and the full safety standards as prescribed by the FIA. How Audi Sport has boosted output from the motors to give Block the kind of power he will need for his tyre-smoking stunts remains a secret.

A new experience going electric

Last month, he got to know the car for the first time. “Audi gave me the opportunity to test it for a few days in Germany,” he revealed. “I’m familiar with a wide variety of cars using internal combustion engines and transmissions, but there were a lot of new things for me to learn here. Spinning into a donut at 150 km/h directly from standstill – just using my right foot – is an all-new experience for me! Our work was focused on getting the car and I used to each other. My thanks go to the whole Audi Sport squad for their outstanding teamwork.”

“The S1 Hoonitron combines a lot of what Audi was already famous for in the 1980s,” added Block. “For instance, the car’s spectacular aerodynamics have now been translated into a totally modern form. I think it’s cool that the Audi designers have been inspired by their own past and uniquely transferred the car’s technologies and appearance into the present.”

“The collaboration with Audi is a very special partnership for me. The brand and its passion for motorsport motivated me to get into rallying,” Block revealed. “That Audi has now developed this car for me and my team, and has joined us in our next project, has made a dream come true for me. The Hoonitron is writing the next chapter in our history and taking our Gymkhana story into the future.”

The Audi S1 quattro racing up Pikes Peak in 1987 with Michele Mouton at the wheel.

We’re certainly looking forward to seeing the new video and wonder if Audi will be able to convince the German authorities to allow him to do his spectacular driving in the carmaker’s home city of Ingolstadt. With his Fords, he’s burnt rubber on the streets of cities like London and Detroit, right in front of the police (who blocked off roads just for him).

Insane action from Ken Block’s Gymkhana series of videos with Ford (above) and Subaru (below).

Audi aims to be first carmaker to win Dakar Rally with fully electric rallycar


F1 (Round 8): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Italian Grand Prix

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

The compressed schedule means that just a week has been separating many of the first seven rounds of the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship. Last week, the drivers raced at Spa in Belgium and after that, the teams travelled 800 kms southeast to Monza in Italy for this weekend’s 2020 Italian Grand Prix. The eighth round is at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a 98-year old circuit that has hosted F1 rounds 70 times.

Monza – nicknamed ‘The Temple of Speed’ – is all about pace, and some of the highest speeds of each season are reached as the cars race along the long straights and high speeds are possible at many of the 11 corners. The maximum speed cars will reach at Monza is around 336 km/h, the third highest in F1 – behind Paul Ricard (340 km/h) and Mexico City (350 km/h).

Just over 77% of the lap time and 84% of the lap distance are taken at full throttle. Because a large chunk of driving at Monza is spent in eighth gear, very few gear changes take place over the course of the lap compared to other tracks. Despite the focus on outright speed, cornering velocities are also important to getting good lap times. Traction out of the three chicanes is also vital.

Low downforce often features as a talking point every year at Monza and set-ups aim at getting it as low as possible to minimize drag on the straights. For this reason, good mechanical grip is very important.

For this round, Pirelli has brought to Monza a selection from the middle of its range of tyres. The C2 compound will feature as the white-banded hard tyres, while the C3 will be the mediums and C4 will be the red-banded soft tyres.

The championship positions

Having won 5 out of the 7 races run so far, Lewis Hamilton has a strong lead which is 47 points ahead of the closest rival, Max Verstappen. Valtteri Bottas is just 3 points behind Verstappen so expect him to be pushing hard to get past the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver. Sixth place in Belgium has moved Alexander Albon to fourth place, ahead of Charles Leclerc who was the winner of last year’s Italian GP.

Among the Constructors, Mercedes-AMG continues to extend its lead with each round. Its two drivers have already contributed a total of 264 points, comfortably ahead of Reb Bull racing which has 158 points. After that, there’s close contention between the next two constructors – McLaren and BWT Racing Point – with a separation of just 2 points.

On the historical side, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have won the most times at Monza, each having 5 wins to his name. Schumacher’s victories were all with Ferrari which is also the team with the most number of victories (19), followed by McLaren and Mercedes.

Since 1996, Mercedes-AMG has supplied the Official F1 Safety Car as well as other cars for official use at each round.

Departure of the Williams family

The Italian Grand Prix will be a sad one for the Williams team and its fans. Having been sold to Dorilton Capital, a private investment firm in the USA, the Williams family will cease to be involved in the team that was established by Sir Frank Williams in 1977. The team has been managed by Williams’ daughter, Claire, since 2013.

The Williams team has had an impressive history with 7 Drivers’ titles and 9 Constructors’ championships. It’s the end of an era for the family-owned team and the decision to sell it off has been a difficult one, but necessary to ensure its survival. Under new ownership, it is expected that the team will have a secure long-term future in the sport.