Check out the world’s first Opel electric rally car

Opel has set another milestone by being the first automobile manufacturer in the world to offer an electric rally car for customer rally sport. Based on the Opel Corsa-e which will make its world premiere next month at the IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show, the rally-based version will be used in the 2020 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first rally brand cup in the world for electric cars.

The new rally series also represent the continuation of the successful relationship between Opel and ADAC. The past few years have already seen around 100 young drivers from 18 different countries taking part in the Opel Rallye Cup and come 2020, the Opel Corsa-e rally version will be set up to produce 136hp and 260Nm of torque.

According to Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller, “The Corsa-e is the electric car for everyone – fully suited to everyday use and absolutely affordable, attributes that equally apply to motor sport. The new Corsa is also fun to drive and particularly dynamic. Using the production car as the basis, we are the first carmaker in the world to have developed an electric rally car.”

As for Hermann Tomczyk, President ADAC Sport, “With the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup we are bringing electric drive for the first time to mainstream sport and especially to young-driver support. The innovative concept and the cooperation with Groupe PSA open new possibilities for us, especially in the support of young drivers. I am certain that the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will point the way ahead for motor sport far beyond the borders of Germany.”

15 rally cars are said to compete in the 2020 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup and each customer car will be competitively priced below the €50,000 mark. That’s around RM235,544 and in our opinion, that’s not bad at all for a rally-fied electrified race machine.

Honda Civic Type R – Rally version?


All-New Toyota Innova Launched In Indonesia, Now Includes Hybrid Option (w/VIDEO)

From the time it was first introduced in the mid-1970s, the Toyota Kijang has been a top-seller in Indonesia to the extent that it’s been regarded as country’s ‘national car’. Toyota had come up with a product that was ideal for the market, providing versatility to carry people and goods as well as robustness to handle the wide variations in road conditions.

After 45 years, the third generation has now been launched and takes a big step forward with a new electrified powertrain. The model’s name in Indonesia is Kijang Innova Zenix, somewhat lengthy but the ‘Kijang’ name is so strong that Toyota Indonesia has to retain it. ‘Innova’ is, of course, what Malaysians (and customers in other markets) know it as although we had a Kijang earlier that was called the Unser. Zenix is probably to highlight the transition to an electrified model.

The new Innova is a big change from its predecessor and uses similar design language as the Veloz. It is slightly larger than before, with the wheelbase stretched another 10 mm while the overall length and width have increases of 20 mm each. As with many MPVs sold in Indonesia, the ground clearance is high and for the new Innova, it is 185 mm.

The increased dimensions would be partly thanks to the use of new architecture. Where the previous generation was part of the IMV (
I
nnovative International
M
ulti-purpose
V
ehicle) trio and  used the same basic platform as the Hilux and Fortuner, the new Innova is built around and on Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA).

TNGA is used for Toyota’s newer models and has attributes such as a low centre of gravity and optimized engineering. Significantly, for the Innova, it has monocoque construction which assembles the bodywork as a single unit with the floorpan. This improves rigidity and helps to give better driving dynamics too.

The suspension is also similar to a passenger car’s with MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam for the rear end. The parking brake system is now electronically controlled, making autonomous braking possible.

The electrified powertrain reflects Toyota’s more realistic approach to achieving carbon neutrality which does not rely on a complete switch to fully electric vehicles. It recognizes that in some regions, that is an expensive and impractical solution and instead offers choices so that ‘no customer is left behind.

Hybrid electric vehicle technology is something which Toyota has long experience with and believes is still viable for some time to come. For the new Innova, it has installed a hybrid powertrain with a 2-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, powered by a nickel-metal hybrid battery pack.

There’s no diesel engine mentioned but the petrol engine alternative is a 1987 cc 4-cylinder petrol unit with an output of 174 ps/205 Nm. Power now goes to the front wheels (same for the hybrid) and there is only a CVT.

The interior follows the latest trends in dashboard design with a large central display for the infotainment system. The dashboard flows downwards in the centre towards the console between the seats, neatly containing the controls for the ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

The 3-row cabin has Captain’s seats (with ottoman extensions) available for the second row and a large sunroof (with illumination around the opening) which elevates the image of the MPV. There are also individual display panels on the back of each front seat as options. And instead of sticking your foot under the rear bumper to open the back door, a voice command can open it! Just as the Veloz has succeeded the Avanza as a more premium product, so too has the new Innova which has gone another level up.

As is usually the case, the top model – which is the hybrid version for the Innova range – will have the advanced safety features. The Innova Hybrid will come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which means it has pre-collision warning and autonomous braking, dynamic cruise control (with radar and camera), lane keeping and tracing, etc.

The Innova has been assembled locally for many years and now that it has a hybrid powertrain, UMW Toyota Motor may have it assembled at its second and newer plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, which also does the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The launch won’t be so soon, though, and it might only appear in our market in the second half of next year if it is to be assembled locally.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


VW Malaysia Announces ‘Fuel Up Your Gaya’ Campaign

With the festive season coming up, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has an array of offerings and special deals to help make it a rewarding one with the Volkswagen
‘Fuel Up Your Gaya’
 campaign.

Volkswagen will help you fuel up your style this coming festivities by throwing in a free Petrol Card worth
RM1,188
 for
all models
 booked and registered from now till
 30 June 2018
. On top of that, enjoy great savings and low interest rates on selected Volkswagen models while stocks last. See chart below for details…

Model

Savings from

Low Interest

Petrol Voucher

Monthly loan from

Polo

RM4,000

Yes

RM802

Vento Comfortline

RM10,000

From 0.88%

Yes

RM833

Jetta Highline

RM8,000

Yes

RM1,237

Beetle Sport

RM5,000

Yes

RM1,418

Passat Comfortline

RM15,000

From 0.88%

Yes

RM1,726

Passat Highline

RM4,000

Yes

RM1,908

Tiguan Comfortline

Tiguan Highline (below)

RM2,000

Yes

RM1,554

Tiguan WILD

+ Accessory package worth RM5,099

RM2,000

No. (just kidding, YES lah. – Ed.)

RM1,554

Note: Terms and conditions apply. Monthly loan based on 9-year loan with 10% down payment

As of 1
st
 January 2018, all Volkswagen cars come with a
free 3-year maintenance programme
, which means customers will not have to worry about service cost for the
first three years or 45,000km of ownership
 (whichever comes first). The programme covers all maintenance costs, as per the standard maintenance schedule, with the exception of wear-and-tear parts such as brake discs, pads, windscreen wipers and bulbs.

To qualify for the campaign, vehicle bookings must be made within the promotion period and is subject to terms and conditions while stocks lasts. For more information, visit your nearest authorized Volkswagen dealership or visit
www.volkswagen.com.my


Acura brings back a new generation of the car that launched the brand in 1986

The Integra is back, presented by the Acura brand for the global reveal of the ‘prototype’ model. Like Type R, the Integra name gets enthusiasts’ pulse racing and it is particularly respected in America. While the Integra in other markets was sold by the Honda brand, the original was the model that helped launch the Acura brand in America in 1986.

No more 2-door coupe design

Unlike earlier Integras which were 2-door models, the coupe is now a 5-door fastback design. Designed in Japan, the new Integra’s exterior styling (finished in NSX Yellow for the prototype) features a dramatically sloping roofline and tailgate, giving it a distinct coupe-like road presence.

Honda launched the Acura brand in March 1986 with the first-generation Integra which was available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, It had a 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.

The fifth-generation model displays trademark cues such as the embossed Integra name under the driver’s side headlight and passenger’s side taillight. First seen on the
Type S Concept
, Acura’s new frameless Diamond Pentagon grille gives the Integra front a purposeful and sporty character. Its unique lighting signature is updated with the ‘Chicane’ LED daytime running lights positioned above the Integra’s JewelEye LED headlights, giving an even more dramatic appearance.

Appropriately, the rear wheelarches are muscular, while an aggressive rear fascia with dual-exhaust finishers emphasizes the Integra’s wide track. Inspired by previous Integra models, the distinctive rear styling features wide, single-piece taillights with the matching ‘Chicane’ light signature.

Behind the Integra Prototype’s matte-finish 19-inch split-5 spoke wheels are oversized Brembo high-performance brakes with colour-keyed Indy Yellow calipers, providing plenty of stopping power while also having an aggressive look.

First factory turbocharged Integra

This will be the first-ever factory-turbocharged Integra, powered by a high-output 1.5-litre VTEC engine of the
latest Civic Si
. Enthusiasts will be happy to note that a manual transmission with 6 speeds will still be available, and there will also be a limited-slip differential.

The fifth-generation model will be built in America and priced at around US$30,000 (about RM125,000) when it appears in showrooms next year.

“The Integra is one of the most iconic models in Acura’s history,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice-President and Acura Brand Officer. “This new Integra, will continue to deliver on the original’s unique aspirational yet attainable market position, with emotional performance and style, combined with the versatility and utility sought after by today’s buyers.”

2020 Honda Civic Type R drivers can see performance data with new LogR app (w/VIDEO)


Crack the code and receive an exclusive reward from Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce recently unveiled
Wraith Kryptos Collection
, an exclusive collection of 50 cars which have cryptic codes around the bodywork. Owners of these cars are invited to crack the codes and submit their findings via Rolls-Royce’s highly exclusive members’ club, the Whispers Application.

Only two people know the answers which are locked in a safe in the CEO’s office – the person who created the codes and the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Rolls-Royce doesn’t set a time limit on the challenge nor says what it will reward the person or persons who submit the right answer.

Having learnt that the public is also intrigued by this challenge but not everyone can buy one of the cars, Rolls-Royce has created an interactive online game with a similar theme. The carmaker stresses that the game – known as ‘
The Kryptos Enigma
‘ – is inspired by, but not linked to the cryptic codes on the cars. So owners who participate should not think they can have an easier way to discover the hidden messages.

Related:
50 Rolls-Royce owners will have a special challenge with their cars

The game, which requires the use of a mobilephone or tablet, has four levels, each getting progressively harder. Participants start off guiding an orb through a maze by tilting their mobile device in the direction they wish to travel, in a time-pressured challenge. Next, a series of questions will reveal just how keen the cryptographer player really is.

Link to The Kryptos Enigma

The third level will test the observation skills of the participant – only the most cunning will succeed! The final phase consists is designed to boggle and bewilder. This level is the reserve of the most agile and determined minds alone.

The first ten individuals from anywhere in the world to complete the game will receive their very own personalised Rolls-Royce treadplate. Terms and conditions apply and these can be viewed at
this link

where the game also has its beginning with a QR code.

You have until to
12 noon British Summer Time on September 23rd, 2020
 (7 pm Malaysian time) to submit your answers. Should you not succeed, we will disavow any knowledge of sending you on this mission. Good luck!

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


Shell Malaysia launches Euro 5 diesel

Shell Malaysia launches new Euro 5 diesel fuels in selected stations nationwide.

Shell Malaysia
 recently launched its new Euro 5 compliant diesel fuel for the Malaysian market. Called the Shell FuelSave Euro5 diesel, the fuel was launched in the Shell station sited along the NKVE-Damansara highway.

Unlike the regular Euro 2M-spec diesel fuel it retails, the new Shell FuelSave Euro 5 diesel was developed to feature Shell’s ‘Active Efficiency’ ingredients designed to improve the fuel efficiency of diesel engines. The fuel also contains a specially engineered detergent designed to prevent deposit build-ups in diesel engine injectors.

Boasting ultra-low sulphur content, the Shell FuelSave Euro 5 diesel fuel contains just 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur. In comparison, the regular Euro 2M-spec diesel fuel has a significantly higher rating of 500ppm instead. Shell’s new Euro 5-compliant diesel fuels promises to deliver optimum performance of advanced engine and emission control systems found is most modern diesel engines as well.

Speaking during the launch, Shell Malaysia’s managing director Tuan Haji Azman stated that the introduction of the new diesel fuel was an affirmation of the firm’s commitment to its consumers.

Additionally, the launch also signalled the new partnership forged between Shell Malaysia and BMW Group Malaysia towards creating greater awareness amongst Malaysian motorists about the importance of fuel efficiency and emissions responsibility.

The new Shell FuelSave Euro 5 diesel fuels are being retailed in selected Shell stations at the price of RM2.00 per litre. The fuel can be acquired via the following list of Shell stations:

• Shell Station NKVE-Damansara Highway

• Tapah Rest Stop, Perak

• Tanjung Malim Layby, Perak

• RA Talang Shell station, Bandar Ayer Keroh, Malacca

• Shell Station Pasir Gudang Highway 2, Johore

More information can be obtained by visiting Shell Malaysia’s official website,
www.shell.com.my
, or through the Shell Motorist App for smartphones as well.


BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia contributes over RM20,000 to BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme

In October last year, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia pledged, on behalf of their customers,
to donate RM100 to the BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme
 for every contract funded via its online financing platform (BMW Engage). The total amount raised was over RM20,000, which the company, a subsidiary of BMW Group Malaysia, contributed to the subsidy programme

“We are pleased to announce that we will be able to subsidize over 300 more child car seats for families in need, from donations raised on our platform in the last three months. We are especially grateful to our customers who have played a key role in contributing to this fundraising initiative. Although there is less travel during this period, we want to continue accelerating the adoption of child safety seats to ensure children are safe on the road when travelling is allowed again,” said Tobias Eismann, MD of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.

First introduced in December 2019
, the BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme received over 25,000 applications from parents in the B40 income group – signalling an urgency for such seats to be available in Malaysia, more so in view of the imposition of mandatory usage.

One of the recipients of the subsidised child seats being advised on the proper installation and placing of the child.

In the first phase, recipients were selected based on their qualification for the B40 income group. This is mainly determined with a monthly household income of below RM3,000. The second phase serves to work with the remaining list of registrants from the first phase, to equip as many of the eligible registrants as possible with child safety seats.

Other supporters of the programme

The programme also gained support from Shopee who came on-board as the Exclusive E-Commerce Partner; baby and children goods brands, KU.KU Duckbill and Otomo; educational toys and games distributor, Mideer; food storage sealing solutions provider, Ankou as well as car performance parts and accessories provider, Kakimotor.

Each child car seat is made available with a RM50 subsidy and a RM13 delivery subsidy, in addition to a discounted price from Safe ‘n Sound that is exclusive for recipients of the subsidy programme. As such, recipients of the subsidy programme will receive a unique Shopee voucher worth RM113 which can be applied upon checkout at its dedicated microsite.

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.

A shared responsibility

“Despite the delay on the ruling for child car seat enforcement, BMW Group Malaysia continues in our effort to promote the adoption of child car seats via the BMW Safety 360° Programme. We believe this is a shared responsibility not just amongst our partners, but the parents and the community around them as well, that can help ensure the highest level of safety on the road – even if travelling is restricted in the current climate,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Group Malaysia, adding that registrations for the subsidy programme closed in December 2019.

“We hope more individuals, partners and companies will reach out to us to make more contributions to the programme. Only then will we be able to open registrations for a new batch of families in the B40 income group,” he said.

BMW Group Malaysia invites other companies to join in childseat subsidy initiative


All-new Toyota RAV4 can be booked now, ahead of online launch on June 18

The Toyota RAV4, which was the bestselling SUV in 2019 and ‘Car of the Year’ in Japan, will soon be in showrooms in Malaysia. Following a teaser campaign to let the Malaysian market know of its launch to take place online on
June 18 at 10 am
, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is now accepting orders from ‘early bird’ customers.

Two variants imported from Japan

Two variants will be available, with 2.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, and pricing is RM223,880 and RM203,880, respectively. However, these prices still include Sales Tax which will be exempted from June 15 until the end of the year as part of the government’s economic recovery initiative for the auto industry.

Being a completely built-up (CBU) import from Japan, 50% of the 10% Sales Tax can be exempted which will therefore be 5%.  UMWT estimates that after the tax deduction, the price will be
RM215,700
 for the RAV4 2.5 and
RM196,500
 for the 2.0-litre variant (without insurance premium included).

This is the fifth generation of the model which created a new market segment when it was first launched in the mid-1990s. Cumulative figures for the SUV passed 10 million at the end of February this year.

One of the two Dynamic Force Engines available for the new RAV4.

TNGA and Dynamic Force Engine

The new RAV4 sits on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform like many of the latest models. It also comes with a Dynamic Force Engine which is the latest Toyota engine family and features advanced technology for high efficiency and performance.

Besides moving towards a more premium image, the RAV4 also comes with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of safety systems which help the driver to avoid accidents and make motoring safer. These include Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control for All Speeds as well as Automatic High Beam.

Customers can expect a comprehensive list of convenience features which will include a Kick Sensor Powered Back Door. This feature enables opening of the rear door by just positioning one foot under the rear bumper and the door will automatically open.

More information on the new Toyota RAV4 can also be found at
toyota.com.my
.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota
.


TCEC Announces Second Round Of Renault “Buy & Win” Contest

TCEC
, the sole franchise holder for
Renault
 vehicles in Malaysia recently announced the three winners from the second-round draw of the
 Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest
. Teoh Hsiao Lin who purchased the Renault Fluence, as well as Ng Ai Jing and Lee Siew Wah who both got the Renault Captur (below), drove away with RM1,500 worth of travel vouchers each.

Through the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest, customers who purchase any Renault model within the campaign period stand to win attractive prizes. The contest is now in its final round with three more holiday prizes to be won. The grand prize of a Renault Twizy (below, left) full-electric vehicle worth
RM86,800
 is also still up for grabs.

The final draw for the remaining prizes including the Renault Twizy will be held concurrently in July, after the campaign
ends on 30 June 2018
. Winners will be notified by phone and an official notification letter will also be sent to their mailing address.

“I had test driven several models from other brands before trying out the Renault Captur and I really liked how it feels on the road. It also won me over with its attractive two-toned colours. The seven-inch touchscreen with all its functions met my expectations and more importantly, with local assembly it was within budget and I know spare parts will be easily available,”
 said Ng Ai Jing (above).

Teoh Hsiao Lin
(top, main image), who won from her purchase of the Renault Fluence (above) cited “spaciousness and comfort” as the main reasons for her decision.
“I fell in love with the car when I took it for a test drive and my mind was made up,”
 she added.

For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit
www.renault.com.my
 or
www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia
.


F1: Provisional results and highlights for 2022 Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix

Unlike the day before when there was a heavy downpour (and the pitlane was even flooded earlier in the week), race day greeted the drivers with sunshine and nice cool weather. The rain during qualifying resulted in a rather boxed-up grid with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and BWT Alpine’s Fernando Alonso on the first row, and it would be an interesting race as the faster drivers tried to move forward – especially Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who was starting from the back due to a penalty.

All eyes were on Alonso as the race started but Verstappen started well and was ahead of Alonso into Turn 1. The Alpine driver had to instead deal with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, with Hamilton pushing forward alongside Haas F1’s Kevin Magnussen. At the back, Leclerc got down to work right away and moved up 4 places within the first 2 laps. But he was still 15 seconds behind the leaders.

On the third lap, after a close fight, Sainz moved into second position as he passed Alonso. Magnussen, who was trying to hold on to sixth, apparently sustained some damage to his wing and on lap 4, he was given a black and orange flag and came in on lap 8. Meanwhile, Scuderia Alphatauri’s Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel were the first to come in to switch to hard tyres on lap 6.

14 minutes into the race (on lap 8). Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez reported power unit failure and he pulled over, fortunately at a safe spot. The yellow flags came out, as did the Virtual Safety Car (VSC). At that point, Verstappen had come into the pits and Sainz was in the lead with Alonso behind him. Most cars began coming in and changing to hard tyres as no rain was forecast. Fighting for fifth place were Mercedes-AMG’s Lewis Hamilton and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

With Perez out, Verstappen had a change of strategy as he went after the two Spaniards ahead. By lap 16, he had overtaken Alonso and was within 5 seconds of Sainz. He could bide his time as the Ferrari driver had not pitted yet and had to do so eventually. In fourth was Mercedes-AMG’s George Russell playing a steady game, as usual, while Hamilton was just 2 seconds behind.

Leclerc appeared at tenth place as lap 20 started, steadily moving up the field. For Haas F1′ Mick Schumacher, however, the race in Canada came to the end on that lap as he slowed the car and parked it to one side of the track. The VSC came out for a short while and Sainz gave up his lead to Verstappen. When Sainz rejoined, he was in third behind Alonso but very quickly got past the Alpine to grab second position.

On lap 29, Hamilton displaced Alonso for third, appearing higher than he has been for a long time. Russell has fallen back but would keep Alonso occupied while Hamilton went after the Dutchman.

China’s Zhou Guanyu was praying there would be no disappointment again like the last race as he moved into tenth place on lap 27. He was aiming for the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll but had to also watch out for Yuki Tsunoda and his Alphatauri. Alonso came in on lap 29 for new tyres. rejoining in seventh place, just behind Leclerc who was beginning to struggle with his tyres.

At the halfway point of the race, Verstappen was in the lead, 8 seconds ahead of Sainz and 16 seconds ahead of Hamilton, with Russell in fourth place some distance back. Leclerc was up to sixth but still fighting with Ocon. The question was when the Ferrari driver would come in replace his tyres which had done 35 laps already. Besides Leclerc, Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll were also on rubber that was over 35 laps old.

Leclerc finally came in on lap 42 and was frustrated by a somewhat slow stop (for the Ferrari team). When he rejoined, he was down to twelfth place, behind McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo. Two laps later, Sainz was in the lead as  Verstappen came in to get new hard tyres. As he rejoined, he was alongside Hamilton, giving the spectators an exciting moment of the two drivers racing each other. But Hamilton would come in on the next lap, and Verstappen zoomed to second, 9 seconds behind Sainz.

Russell’s tyres were replaced on lap 45 and his departure from the race gave Hamilton a chance to slot into third place easily. But by then, Verstappen had gone way ahead in his pursuit of the Ferrari.

Just before the 50th lap, the yellow flags came out as Tsunoda crashed after Turn 1. The Safety Car was deployed and Sainz took the chance to pit. This gave Verstappen the lead but it might become difficult for the Dutchman as the Ferrari now had fresh tyres. Other drivers also rushed into the pits while the Safety Car was out. When its duty ended, there were 16 laps remaining.

As the pack resumed racing, the top five frontrunners jostled for position. Sainz did his best to keep close to Verstappen while Hamilton came up behind, just slightly ahead of Russell. Alonso was also eager to try for a podium position but had to contend with his own team mate first.

With 10 laps remaining, the top four cars were about one or two seconds apart, with Leclerc having made it to fifth but still hacing a gap of about 10 seconds to close with Russell. Verstappen was working very hard to keep his lead as Sainz kept looking for a way to displace him. The two Alfa Romeo drivers, just behind Alonso, were waitinf for him to make a mistake and take his seventh place.

As two laps remained, the order still had not changed and Sainz had already pushed hard enough to claim the fastest lap of the day. Less than a second and he just could not beat Verstappen and then the chequered flag came out and it was the Red Bull racing car that crossed under it first.


UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman & Chief Motorsports Officer to race in Sepang 1000-km

Akio Takeyama, the Chief Motorsports Officer of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), will be among the participants in this weekend’s Sepang 1,000-km race (S1K). Mr. Takeyama, who is also Deputy Chairman of UMWT, will be a member of Team Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia in his maiden endurance race.

Regular in Vios Challenge

Racing is not new to Mr. Takeyama as he has already competed in the Promotional class for two full seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race as well the third season which is ongoing. He will be using one of the two Toyota Vios racing cars prepared by Wing Hin Motorsports for the team. The cars will compete in the premier MTC class for modified production cars below 1600 cc using TRD race-prepared engines prepared at Wing Hin’s own facility in Balakong, Selangor.

Mr. Takeyama in his first season of racing in the Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival. It’s clear that the ‘racing bug’ must have bitten him as he has been a regular in the series which is now into its third season.

“Having only raced in the Vios Challenge for two and a half seasons, going into the S1K will be a totally new and exciting experience for me. I look upon it as a challenge and an opportunity for me to push my own boundaries. I also hope to pick up some valuable insights from my team who have a wealth of circuit racing experience,” said Mr. Takeyama.

His team mates will be former Toyota GAZOO Racing development driver Akira Iida and William Ho. The second Vios racing under Team Wing Hin Motorsports banner will feature Boy Wong and Dannies Ng who have also been taking part in the Vios Challenge.

Mr. Takeyama with his Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia team mates, Akira Iida (right) and William Ho (left).

Le Mans racer in the team

With six Le Mans 24-hour race finishes under his belt, Iida has been instrumental in developing Toyota GAZOO Racing’s competitive edge, particularly in the Japan Super GT series. He was also a key member of the ROOKIE Racing team that developed the Toyota 86 for Toyota Motor Corporation’s President Akio Toyoda and his son Daisuke Toyoda to race in the Super Endurance 24-hour Race in Fuji Speedway earlier this year.

Buoyed by the team’s impressive performance in the 2018 event where a Vios driven by the pairing of Boy Wong and William Ho scored a remarkable podium finish, Wing Hin Motorsports Principal Simon Loh is confident that the cars will be among the front-runners again in this year’s event.

Wing Hin Motorsports has been active in the local racing scene and in the 2018 S1K, a Vios prepared by the team and driven by the duo of Boy Wong and William Ho scored a remarkable podium finish.

“With the valuable data collected from last year’s event, the new parts we have secured through our collaboration with TRD and the immense experience of former Toyota GAZOO Racing development driver Akira Iida who will drive for us this year, I believe that we have the package to be competitive once again this year,” said Mr. Loh.

“The S1K is not just about outright pace but working in synergy as a team, getting your strategies in place and running a good pace throughout the event. With good partners such as Toyota, TRD, Moty’s lubricants and Motec behind us, both cars should be in top-running positions barring any on-track incident,” he added.

Race flags off this Saturday

The Sepang 1,000-km race is the highlight of the Malaysian circuit racing calendar each year with a starting grid of some 70 cars based on production models available in Malaysia. The race on the 5.45-km circuit will take over 8 hours to complete with the faster cars expected to clock over 180 laps.

The race will be flagged off with a rolling start around noon this Saturday November 23, with the chequered flag expected to fall at around 9 pm in the evening of the same day.


New Stock Ford Ranger Raptor Takes Class Win In Baja 1000 Desert Race

Remember the news about a new Ford Ranger Raptor being entered in the SCORE-International Baja 1000? Run in California, it’s one of the world’s toughest off-road races and just making it to the end in one piece is an achievement.

The Ranger Raptor – prepared in Australia for desert racing but still quite standard and even road-legal, finished its class in first place. And it was still in such good condition that the team decided to drive it back to its home base. In 2017, a stock F-150 Raptor also did the same thing.

Completing the nearly flawless run across the desert, the Ranger Raptor ran on low-carbon biofuel (blended with ethanol and bionaphtha) from Shell which is one of the approaches being taken for sustainability of combustion engines. The powertrain has no problems and required only basic maintenance and systems checks, besides refuelling stops, over the hundreds of kilometres of rough, dusty terrain in high temperatures.

“That’s the Baja 1000, one of the toughest off-road races in the world,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “It’s a key providing ground for Ford Performance for our vehicles to earn the badge of Raptor. This effort has been a global effort for Ford Performance from the beginning, with Ford Australia having done the design and initial development sign-off, then shipping it to the USA [from Australia] and working with all of our partners to pool all available resources for this common goal. It takes a great truck and it takes great people. We’ve proved that we have both of those on a global level.”

“It was truly awesome!” said Brendan McGinniskin, Motorsports Supervisor, Ford Performance Australia. “Spending the night out there chasing the truck was something I’ve never experienced before, and it was such a different experience of going racing. It was so cool and wouldn’t have been possible without all of the expert chase crews we had out here. Everyone pulled together and not even the few tense moments we had were going to stop us from crossing the finish line together.”

The
Ranger Raptor
 is part of the latest
Next-Generation Ranger
 range that has been introduced in many markets, including Malaysia. As the most rugged Ranger with high performance, the Ranger Raptor has used a lot of Ford’s long experience in Baja races. So much that one of the 7 selectable Terrain Management modes is called the ‘Baja’ mode, which is used for high-speed travel over rough ground. When the Baja mode is used, even the
roar through the exhaust system
 rises many decibels (and should only be used in open areas).

While there are some trucks that are modified to be more powerful and more capable with aftermarket accessories, the Ranger Raptor comes straight from the same factory in Thailand that builds the other Ranger versions. It is powered by a 3-litre V6 EcoBoost 397 ps/583 Nm petrol engine and is priced from RM259,888. To know more or to locate a showroom to make a purchase, visit
www.sdacford.com.my.

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


90th Geneva International Motor Show cancelled, F1 calendar unchanged for now

With less than a week to go before opening, the 90th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) has been cancelled. Although the COVID-19 epidemic is spreading and increasing in many places all over the world, the organisers may have been debating daily whether to cancel but the decision was made for them when the Swiss government ordered that events with more than 1,000 people would not be permitted to run (at least until March 15, 2020).

“We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors’ top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision,” said Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board.

The Geneva International Motor Show has been a popular event for manufacturers (though its future has been at risk for other reasons before this virus crisis). Even Proton was present in 2010 to display a concept car called the EMAS.

GIMS was to have opened on March 5 and construction of the stands at the Palexpo venue has been nearly complete and now dismantling will instead have to be organised. The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant, especially carmakers which had planned to use GIMS to unveil their new models, among them the new
Volkswagen Golf GTI
 and
Kia Sorento
.

Geely launched its new ICON SUV
 last week with an online event in China and some companies may be rushing to do the same thing. Of course, they have already spent a lot of money preparing for GIMS and although they will get refunds, some costs won’t be avoidable, eg payments to contractors building the stands. However, tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded.

Even though there are so far only 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in Switzerland, the move by the government is aimed at preventing or delaying the spread of the disease in the country in the hope of reducing its momentum. For events with fewer than 1,000 people, organizers are required to carry a risk assessment in conjunction with the authorities to decide whether the event can be held.

The Formula E all-electric single-seater series round in Marrakesh will run this weekend.

FIA monitoring situation but no cancellations – yet

While the Formula E round in Marrakesh will run this weekend, Liberty Media, the company which took over the commercial side of F1 in 2017, is expecting the COVID-19 crisis to impact its revenues by millions for the 2020 season. As it is, the Chinese GP scheduled in April has been postponed and the FIA is monitoring the situation closely and making the necessary decisions in the interests of the participants and the public.

The last time a F1 event was cancelled was in 2011 when the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was to have been the season-opener, could not run due to concerns about unrest in the country.

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

First round of 2020 Formula 1 championship will still go ahead in Melbourne on March 15.

The first round for 2020 is to start in Melbourne, Australia, on March 15, a date that is presently used as an end-date for COVID-19-related measures. Round 2 will be in Bahrain and Round 3 at a new street circuit in Hanoi, Vietnam. Liberty Media wants the races to run and the FIA has so far not instructed any cancellations or changes to the
calendar of 22 races
, apart from the Chinese GP.

However, there could be a problem for some teams if the host countries become strict on entry or even refuse to allow entry to travellers from certain countries, eg Italy which has the largest cluster of infected persons. This not only affects the racing teams but also companies that support the teams. There are some logistics and hospitality contractors who have bases in China and they not only face increasing challenges to their operations, but movements of their personnel are hampered as some cannot enter certain countries or are stuck in them.

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

It’s not only F1 that has this critical situation but all sports… in fact, any event where large crowds will be gather in close proximity. These could include racetracks, stadiums and convention centres. It has already been found that one means of transmission has occurred at events where one infected person has passed the virus on to others present. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now
raised its global risk assessment of the new coronavirus to the highest level
.


The Legendary BMW 3.0 CSL Reborn

BMW M has one last present for fans to celebrate its 50
th
 anniversary – a modern version of the BMW 3.0 CSL which became one of the most successful racing cars of its era. The legendary sportscar both for the racetrack and the road was a puristic car that appeared in the founding year of BMW Motorsport GmbH.

The racing version won the European Touring Car Championship during its inaugural season in 1973 – and repeated this title win 5 more times. The road version of the racing car which was also known as 3.0 CSL (the initials for ‘
C
oupe,
S
port,
L
ightweight) had aggressive bodywork with a rear wing that got it the nickname of ‘Batmobile’.

Now BMW M will build the 21
st
 century 3.0 CSL which will be the most exclusive special model the company has ever produced. No more than 50 units will be available so it will have the status of rarity right away.

The new BMW 3.0 CSL is the contemporary reinterpretation of all these features anchored in its model designation. Its coupe-shaped body sets traditional accents  while the powertrain and suspension technology stems from the latest developments for racing cars and high-performance sportscars from BMW M.

Following the original formula
As with the original car, keeping weight as low as possible is a priority. Today, there are many more intelligent and advanced lightweight construction techniques to use, above all through the extensive use of carbonfibre. As a result, the power-to-weight ratio of the 3.0 CSL is an impressive 2.9 kgs per hp.

With its classic coupe proportions and a traditional layout that combines a front engine and manual transmission with rear-wheel drive, the 3.0 CSL follows its historic ancestor. The distinctive air deflection elements, powerfully shaped wheelarches, a striking rear spoiler and numerous other details are clearly based on the design of the legendary coupe of the 1970s.

The legendary BMW 3.0 CSL (road version) in 1973
.

The BMW kidney grille has a lattice-shaped insert in a diamond structure. Its upright position relates to the front design of its historic ancestor. Like the side window surrounds, the kidney frame is finished in satin aluminium – a design feature that emphasizes the special status of the 3.0 CSL. Together with the BMW kidney grille, two generously dimensioned recesses in the front apron, reminiscent of the air intakes on the 1970s model, ensure reliable cooling of the drive and brake systems.

The BMW Laser Light headlights shine in yellow, both during the welcome scenario after unlocking the doors and when the low and high beams are activated, thus making reference to successful GT racing cars. This detail is a subtle reference to the strong connection with motorsport and BMW M GmbH’s currently most successful competition vehicle, the M4 GT3.

The 4 tailpipes of the exhaust system, arranged in an arrow shape in the centre of the rear apron and feature a particularly lightweight titanium rear silencer, also provide a striking accent. The rear lights use innovative lighting technology to generate a unique night design and a particularly vivid radiance. This is achieved by filigree laser light threads that appear to be free-floating inside the lights and create an expressive 3D effect through precise superimposition.

The forged light-alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin tyres developed exclusively for the 3.0 CSL. They bear the number 50 embossed on the tyre sidewalls, providing another subtle reference to the anniversary of the company.

Elaborate classic paintwork
Right from the very beginning the 1970s, BMW Motorsport became imprinted in fans’ memories not only due to its racing successes, but also the appearance of its cars. Just like the competition cars, the drivers’ outfits, the vehicle transporters and all other team equipment featured uniform stripes in blue, purple and red on a white background – a novelty at the time and today a globally recognized trademark.

The modern 3.0 CSL picks up on this tradition with a paint finish in Alpine white uni and an elaborately applied stripe decor in the BMW M colours. Both the base colour and the M stripes, known in technical jargon as livery, are applied largely by hand, involving an extremely high level of time and effort. In order to precisely position the livery stripes, the painters use masking by means of laser projection as well as customised contour films.

The number sequences on the doors and roof, designed in the style of early racing cars, build a bridge from the past to the present. Their design in the style of racing numbers is based on the historical model of the first BMW M car developed for touring car racing, whilst the number 50 refers to the anniversary of BMW M. Another reminder of the 1970s are the two BMW logos positioned on the C-pillar, hence directly behind the counter-swing of the side window graphic known as the ‘Hofmeister kink’.

Most powerful straight six in a road-legal BMW M car
The 3.0 CSL has been given the most powerful straight 6-cylinder engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M model. This is also a tradition: in its final stage of development, the predecessor of the same name marked a new record with an engine output of 206 bhp – not only for 6-cylinder models, but for all BMW production vehicles produced up to that point.

The engine possesses the same technological roots as the power unit of the current DTM-winning car. The 3-litre powerplant with M TwinPower Turbo technology has been further developed exclusively for the 3.0 CSL. It generates a maximum output of 560 bhp – a new record for straight 6-cylinder models from BMW M  which are road-legal. Maximum torque of 550 Nm, which goes through a 6-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.

On the race track, the driver can use the typical M linear build-up of lateral acceleration forces to steer the vehicle through bends with controlled drift maneuvers. The Active M Differential in the rear-axle transmission also ensures superior dynamics. If necessary, it prevents torque compensation between the rear wheels and, at the same time, continuously and variably builds up a locking effect of up to 100%. The Active M Differential is linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and precisely adjusts its locking effect to the respective driving situation.

Spearhead of development
The suspension components used in the 3.0 CSL represent the spearhead of development for BMW M’s high-performance sportscars. This is the double-joint spring strut front axle and a 5-link rear axle in M-specific design, an Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio, and the M carbon ceramic brake system with adjustable characteristic curves.

Puristic sportscar cockpit
Mot unexpectedly, the interior of the 3.0 CSL has extensive use of carbonfibre and other lightweight construction measures which emphasize the puristic sportscar characteristics. Instead of additional seats, the rear has two integrated helmet compartments. CFRP trim in the door panels and reduced acoustic insulation also contribute to the extremely sporty flair.

The driver and front passenger sit in M Carbon full bucket seats. The diagonal connections between the seat surface and the backrest are reminiscent of the construction principle of the lightweight seats featured in the original model. Seat height and inclination can be adjusted exclusively via a 3-stage screw linkage in a workshop. The longitudinal position can be varied manually using a lever at the front edge of the seat. In addition, the M Carbon full bucket seats also have removable headrest inserts.

However, puristic as it may be the cabin also has an exclusive image and feel. Black Alcantara seat surfaces and M seatbelts are combined with an M Alcantara steering wheel, an anthracite roof liner, black Alcantara and matt carbonfibre surfaces. Contrast stitching and other accents in white correspond with the exterior paintwork of the BMW 3.0 CSL, the model lettering of which is embossed into both the door sill trims and the seat surfaces.

The white gearshift knob symbolizes the classic form of interaction between driver and car when changing gears. The red start/stop button and the likewise red M buttons on the steering wheel are available for firing up the engine and for direct access to the car’s overall set-up.

Elaborate manufacturing process
Each car will take around three months in an elaborate manufacturing process at the external location of the BMW Group Dingolfing plant in Germany. The exclusive interior carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are produced by hand both in Munich and at the BMW Group component factory by specially assigned bodywork specialists.

A specific process was also conceived for the paintwork of the car, in which craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology complement each other to provide each individual part with its characteristic colour design. In addition, a team of 30 specially qualified and experienced technicians is responsible for the configuration and assembly of the vehicles.

Due to the complexity of the processes in the manufactory, each 3.0 CSL will pass through 8 assembly cycles at just as many production stations, a procedure that takes up to 10 days in all. All in all, the extremely high proportion of individual manual work means that the time required to assemble one 3.0 CSL will be many times higher than that of a regular BMW M automobile.

50th Anniversary Of BMW M Celebrated In Malaysia With Huge Convoy

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Gabriel Leone To Play Ayrton Senna In Upcoming Netflix Series

Netflix documentaries are usually great due to the fact that it’s inspired by figures who have made a mark in this world, be it good or bad. Even their casting choices are great because these actors put in a lot of effort to adapt to the role of that person they play and at certain angles they almost look like the same person.

Netflix saw an opportunity with the success of the  ongoing series Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The streaming platform announced on Tuesday that they have casted 29-year-old Gabriel Leone to play the legendary Ayrton Senna who raced for Lotus,
McLaren
 and Williams.

The documentary will be similar to the one on legendary F1 Champion – Michael Schumacher.

The documentary will only consist of six-parts and the Brazilian star will play the three-time Formula 1 champ and will document his beginnings in Formula Ford to his death at Imola.

“It is a huge responsibility and also a great honor to be able to represent an icon who inspired so many people throughout his life, showing the world Brazilian sporting talent. Knowing that we will bring this story to millions of people in so many countries, through Netflix, inspires me to see this as one of the great roles of my career,” says Leone.

Senna’s sister, Viviane Senna added a comment saying, “He has the ability to faithfully portray Ayrton’s unique personality, especially the Ayrton that we as a family knew, off the track.”

Director Vicente Amorim said that Leone has Senna’s charisma, intensity, and gentleness.

“I’ve had many idols in the sport, but only one hero, Senna. I watched his races, I rooted for him, I was inspired by him and I was in tears the day he died,” said Amorim, summing up the feelings of maybe most Brazilians towards Senna’s figure.

“Senna was an international hero and through Netflix a series about him will have global reach – it will be an international series, produced and directed by Brazilians, that will move the home crowd and tell Senna’s fantastic story to new audiences and old fans all over the world,” he added.

It’s good to see that this six-part miniseries is going to be told by a team who truly understands Senna and hopefully it’s as good as it sounds.


Bentley Mulliner building 12 units of 1929 racing model

Assembly of the first new Bentley Blower in more than nine decades has officially started in a bespoke Bentley Mulliner workshop. ‘Car Zero’ is the engineering prototype for the Blower Continuation Series, a run of 12 meticulously engineered, hand-crafted, supercharged 4½-litre Bentleys built to the unique design of Bentley’s own 1929 Team Car developed and raced by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin.

Continuation series for a pre-war car

The 12 cars together form the world’s first continuation series for a pre-war car, and all have been pre-sold.

The first parts in the workshop are some of the most important. First to arrive was the chassis for the car – the backbone of the entire project, to which almost everything will be attached. The fuel tank and radiator were next, as work was completed on the ash frame for the body.

The first pair of headlights was delivered, while the mechanical aspects of the first car started to come together – the very first engine (complete with remade Amherst Villiers supercharger), the front axle assembly and the leafsprings.

As the 12 lucky customers choose the colour and trim specifications for their cars, the engineering team is working hard on assembling the running prototype in time for its unveiling ahead of a development programme later this year.

The most valuable Bentley in the world

Following a piece-by-piece disassembly of the #2 Team Car owned by Bentley (likely the most valuable Bentley in the world) and an exceptionally precise laser scanning of the frame and its components, new parts were ordered from a combination of fully digital CAD data and the original 1920s engineering drawings and drafts.

“After almost a year of highly detailed engineering work, it is extremely rewarding to see the first parts coming together to form the first Bentley Blower in over 90 years. The skill of our engineers and technicians in completing hundreds of individual part specifications is equalled only by that of the artisans across the country that have handmade the components that we’re now starting to bolt together. As we go, we’re refining designs and fixing problems, which is exactly what a prototype build is for. We’re all really excited to get this first car finished, and to show it to the world later this year,” said Bentley Mulliner’s Tim Hannig.

Draftsmen meet craftsmen

From the outset, Bentley Mulliner sought to engage the very best specialists across the country to create componentry for the Blower Continuation Series in a manner befitting such a project – using traditional techniques passed down through generations. With the very latest CAD technology finalising the exact designs to supplement the original engineering blueprints from the 1920s, work began at a multitude of small artisan businesses to bring the new Blower to life.

The chassis has been created in heavy-gauge steel, hand-formed and hot riveted by the specialists at Israel Newton & Sons Ltd. This 200-year old company traditionally makes boilers for steam locomotives and traction engines, and as such has the skills to forge and shape metal in a traditional way.

The Vintage Car Radiator Company, based at Bicester Heritage, has crafted exact recreations of the some of the Blower’s key components – including the mirror-polished, nickel-plated radiator shell and the hand-beaten fuel tank formed in steel and copper. Market leaders in the manufacture and restoration of vintage car radiators and components to the highest possible standards of craftsmanship and authenticity, they were the perfect choice to handcraft these tricky and vital components.

These parts will feed the first Blower’s brand new 4½-litre engine, originally designed by W.O Bentley himself and now recreated by Bentley Mulliner with the expert support of specialists including NDR Ltd.

Featuring many innovations of which a sportscar engine of the 1970s would be proud – aluminium pistons, an overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and twin spark ignition – the renowned 4½-litre engine will meet a newly machined, exact recreation of an Amherst Villiers roots-type supercharger. Mulliner’s experts will then be tuning the engine on a specially-prepared testbed at the Bentley factory in Crewe, where together the engine and supercharger should generate around 240 bhp.

The next steps

Over the course of the coming weeks, more and more components for Car Zero will be completed and test-fit. The new engine and supercharger will be put through their paces on Bentley’s very own engine development test beds in Crewe, while period-specific paint will be applied to the chassis before final assembly begins.

The finished Car Zero is due to make its first public appearance later in the year – but only after it’s been shown to the 12 customers.

Unique final ‘6.75 edition’ marks end of Bentley Mulsanne production

Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.


Shell station preserves Penang’s living heritage whilst maintaining connection to the past

Shell has been in Malaysia for over 110 years, initially starting with exploration operations and then moving downstream to establish a nationwide network of retail outlets selling fuel and other products.

One of the brand’s oldest stations is in Penang and has existed since the 1920s, serving many generations of motorists on the island. With ambitions to preserve Penang’s living heritage whilst maintaining an important connection to the past, Shell has carried out restoration of the station and unveiled the new look recently.

The station has served the community through thick and thin, as exemplified by the station surviving World War II and witnessing Malaysia’s independence Situated along Penang Road in the Buffer Zone of the Penang Heritage zone, an area popular with tourists for its rich historical context, Shell Penang Road will be listed under the Penang Heritage directory, reflecting its significance as an important cultural landmark. Shell is collaborating with Penang Global Tourism to elevate Shell Penang Road as a tourist landmark.

“Shell Penang Road has been a part of Penang’s colourful history and heritage for 100 years, and I am pleased that Shell continues to preserve the heritage of this station while innovating to cater to all of its customers’ needs. I hope that this latest addition to the Penang Heritage zone will encourage Malaysians to visit Penang and support local tourism and businesses,” said Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State Executive Councillor.

While the station’s new look retains elements of colonial architecture, it also embraces modernity within. The convenience store offers modern comforts for motorists and provides food, snacks and other services.

“As we evolve to meet our customers’ dynamic demands and needs, it is important to remember our roots and hold on to our core values. Shell Penang Road stands as a testament to Penang and Shell’s history in Malaysia, reflecting how far we have come together. This station truly reflects Shell’s commitment to continue providing the best for the communities that we operate in,” said Seow Lee Ming, General Manager, Mobility Malaysia and Singapore.

To commemorate the launch, Shell is offering BonusLink members a limited-edition Shell Heritage Jute Bag, which features Penang’s cultural elements. Exclusively available at Shell Penang Road, the Shell Heritage Jute Bag is redeemable with 1,200 BonusLink points. Customers who sign up to be a BonusLink member at Shell Penang Road will be able to purchase the bag for RM15 (while stocks last).

Shell Malaysia realizes dreams of local SMEs


GAC Introduces An Engine That Runs On Ammonia

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (
GAC
), a state-owned company in China, seems to want to have a go at it all while the rest of the world is moving away from internal combustion engines (ICE) and towards battery electric cars (BEV) or fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) for cleaner emissions.

The Chinese partner of Toyota showcased an ammonia-powered engine as part of its annual technological exhibition. The use of the somewhat hazardous fertiliser as a combustible fuel is not new, but it would be the first outside of the shipping and trucking sectors.

The company views the vile substance contained in urine as a desirable fuel for both practical and environmental reasons. It has intriguing advantages for combustion with fewer greenhouse gas emissions because it only contains hydrogen and no carbon.

It appears that GAC has succeeded in creating an engine with a high enough cylinder pressure to avoid some of the problems associated with excess nitrogen. According to Qi Hongzhong of GAC, the 2.0 litre I-4 engine generates about 161hp while emitting 90 per cent fewer carbon emissions than “conventional fuels.”

Ammonia as a fuel has two main obstacles to overcome. The first is the most obvious: it is a toxic substance. As a solvent that can dissolve alkali metals, ammonia can be exposed in sufficient quantities to cause death in both people and animals.

As a result, it has been taken into consideration as a diesel fuel substitute for the transportation industry, which is already equipped to manage the distribution and transportation of dangerous materials. Additionally, it is utilised in rocket engines, another field that frequently uses toxic fuels like hydrazine and UDMH (Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine).

Ammonia was most famously used as a rocket propellant in the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft, which William Knight piloted to a top speed of 7274 km/h.

However, until there is a large fleet, businesses are always hesitant to build out fuel stations, and customers hesitate to purchase cars without stations. Additionally, it boils at -33 degrees celsius. Because of the trace dribbles that would perpetually boil out after filling, it would be impracticable to supply through regular gas station pumps. Additionally, it creates an inhaling risk, making the entire idea unworkable. It would be necessary to use a sealed refuelling system instead.

When it does burn, it emits no carbon and leaves behind no CO2, no hydrocarbons, and no soot. However, it does release a lot of nitrogen into the atmosphere without utilising an engine with a high compression ratio or boost, which causes the atmosphere to produce ammonia and ozone, which can cause acid rain and make it harder for us to breathe. Because of this, we have some doubts that this is a significant development.

Even if the infrastructure for producing hydrogen is less developed than that for electric vehicle (EV) charging, using ammonia in creating hydrogen may be preferable to using it as a combustible fuel for ICE vehicles.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Announces “Dealer of The Year” Award

“Automotive excellence goes beyond the vehicle, it encompasses the entire customer experience”
 and towards that end,
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently held its inaugural Dealer of The Year
 awards aimed at identifying the best and brightest among its
33 dedicated dealerships nationwide
, and recognising excellence in five key performance measurements during 2017.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia presented a total of six awards for
Best Performance in Financial Services, Best Performance in Business Excellence, Best Performance in After-Sales, Best Performance in Sales, Best Performance in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Customer Loyalty Index (CLI), and the ultimate award – The Dealer of the Year 2017.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony,
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner
 (above, 2nd from right) said,
“As the leading premium automotive brand in Malaysia, we have been setting the benchmark in defining automotive excellence – especially in crafting a unique and unrivalled customer experience.  To this end, we are continuously enhancing customer touch-points, and currently offer the largest network coverage in the premium segment.”

Asbenz Motors Sdn Bhd emerged victorious for Best Performance in Sales, while Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Johor Bahru) won for Best Performance in After-Sales. Best Performance in CSI and CLI was awarded to Cycle & Carriage Bintang (Northern) Sdn Bhd (Juru & Bukit Tengah), and Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Kinrara) earned the Best Performance in Business Excellence. Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Jalan Ipoh) picked up the award for Best Performance in Financial Services.

The most coveted award, the
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2017,
was presented to
 Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd Balakong dealership
 – achieving the overall highest scores in all aspects of sales, after-sales, customer satisfaction index, customer loyalty index, business excellence and financial services.

“We are honoured and pleased to receive the inaugural Dealer of the Year award from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Our Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus is truly deserving of this accolade, having committed to delivering exceptional standards in all aspects of the business. Hap Seng Star is, and has always been, dedicated to putting the customer at the centre of our activities and we commend our colleagues at Hap Seng Star Balakong for their combined efforts in achieving this award,”
 said
Chief Operating Officer of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad and Chief Executive of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad Automotive Division, Harald Behrend
.

“With these awards, we recognise the commitment, dedication and passion of our dealer partners to support our promise of delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, I congratulate all our dealer partners for their commitment in living up to the three-pointed star’s The Best or Nothing motto. And a special congratulations to all award recipients on their remarkable achievements in 2017,”
 concluded Dr Weidner.

To-date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has
33 dedicated dealerships
 nationwide delivering the best products and the best customer experience throughout customers’ entire journey, maintaining Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country. The latest Mercedes-Benz ‘Autohaus’ (above) was also just opened in Klang recently, and you can read about that
here
.


Fuel Price Updates For April 7 – April 13, 2022


Sime Darby Auto Selection offers car-buyers a way to earn extra income with their vehicle

Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS), a unit of Sime Darby Motors, is offering an opportunity for its customers to derive income from their vehicles and also have the assurance of a guaranteed resale price at the end of a 12-month period. The programme, called ‘
Fund Your Drive’
, is in collaboration with TREVO, SOCAR Mobility Malaysia’s people-to-people car sharing marketplace.

The first of its kind in Malaysia, the ‘
Fund Your Drive
’ programme seeks to make car ownership for Malaysians more affordable and accessible. Starting from today until
November 18, 2021
, it offers the opportunity to purchase a reliable, refurbished vehicle from SDAS with a guaranteed resale price to SDAS within 12 months through the BuyBack option. In addition, they will also have a guaranteed income when they list their cars for rental on TREVO, which helps offset the costs of ownership such as loan repayments and maintenance fees.

Free auto servicing for 12 months

The guaranteed income from car rental, which covers at least 70% (terms and condition apply) of the monthly loan repayments, provides car owners with loan instalment support for 12 months. As part of the programme, car owners will also enjoy free auto servicing from SDAS for the 12-month period.

“This collaboration with TREVO offers a good opportunity for those who want to own an affordable car with the chance to earn extra income from it, which will also help in financing the car. Additionally, SDAS is also offering free 12-month servicing for TREVO Hosts participating in the ‘Fund Your Drive’ programme, which will provide a substantial amount of savings on car maintenance and ownership,” said Vi Thim Juan, Managing Director of SDAS.

“During this time of economic uncertainty for many, those who need to own a vehicle may be thinking twice due to the financial outlay required. Through a programme like
‘Fund Your Drive
’, owners not only have a variety of reliable, pre-owned vehicles that suit their budget from SDAS to choose from, TREVO also offers them additional means to fund the expenses associated with owning a vehicle,” added Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR Mobility Malaysia.

As an example, Mr. Foong said a TREVO host who owns a 2015 Hyundai Grand Starex can earn approximately RM850 a month if their car is booked for just 7 days in each month, while also keeping the car for personal use during the other 23 days in the month. The supplemental income is estimated to cover almost the full amount of the monthly loan instalment.


Strong demand for 1980s cars at CCA

This year’s Classic Car Auctions in the UK has recorded a very good turn out. About 80% of the vehicles that rolled onto the auction block were sold, which roughly equates to £6.1 million (RM3.4 million) worth of cars. This result is a testament to the demand for classic cars and evidently CCA’s best year yet.

Though demand across the board was quite strong, the ones that garnered the most interest were the 1980s Porches. The most expensive, a 1989 911 Carrera Supersport (SSE) sold for £71,500 (RM391,162), which was more than £11,000 (RM60,179) over the estimate.

“What a fantastic way to end the year!” said Gary Dunne, Classic Car Auctions’ sales manager. “Demand for ‘everyman’ classics remains incredibly strong and we’re delighted to have achieved some great prices for our vendors.”

He later added, We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in one of our sales in 2017 and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

Later on, a 1985 911 3.2 SSE Targa was sold for a similar figure at £68,750 (RM376,118). These were two of nine Porsches successfully sold during the auction. and besides Porsche, several Fast Fords caused some waves at the auction as well, with 10 of them successfully sold.

A concours condition 1987 Sierra RS Cosworth sold for £37,950 (RM207,617), a 1986 Escort RS Turbo Series I which fetched £10,120 (RM55,364) and a 1983 Escort RS1600i which sold for £9,900 (RM54,161). Then, a pristine 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTi convertible, formerly owned by Sir David Jason OBE, sold for £17,820 (RM97,490).

Considered rubbish during that era, 1980s cars are starting to gain popularity especially among those who were at the time, too young or broke, to afford such vehicles. Cars like the MkII Escort, MkII VW GTI and early generation Skylines are starting to go up in value. And it won’t be long until their prices begin to skyrocket as they become more rare and desirable than before.


VR technology revolutionises design processes at Hyundai Motor

Design is an art form that goes back centuries, and it has been used for all kinds of things in our lives. In the auto industry, it is an important element at the start of a new model project where the first ideas are given form and then explored to become the shape of the vehicle. Designers have traditionally commenced the initial creative phase by creating pencil sketches on paper, reflecting a certain kind of vehicle.

Many initial sketches will be prepared and then evaluated and eventually, one or two promising ones will be identified. These will then be developed as scale models from clay, a process that can take anywhere between 4 weeks and 2 months. Afterwards, the scale model would then be scanned and milled in a full-size. However, this approach is not without its drawbacks as some lines might be altered in the process.

Developing a new model still begins with sketches and then a clay model (below) is also built to provide a 3-dimensional view of the whole design.

As in other car companies, Hyundai’s designers were required to work together with clay modellers to refine the final design of an upcoming model. However, lines and surfaces had to be marked out using tape. On top of this, the company’s engineers were unable to work simultaneously with the designers, as they could only receive data after scanning the model with a photogrammetry system. Both of these factors made the process very time-consuming and cost-intensive.

In recent years, the design approach at Hyundai has undergone something of a revolution. While sketching remains fundamental for the designers, they can also draw upon a range of advanced tools such as virtual reality (VR) and 3D gravity sketching. These tools create a streamlined digital process which speeds up vehicle development by stepping away from a traditional design approach.

The VR revolution

Today, Hyundai no longer produces scale clay models; instead, it utilizes technologically advanced tools that are more intuitive, such as 3D digital design software. These enable the company’s engineers to mill full-scale models using 3D data, which significantly speeds up the design process.

The software enables the designers to work in collaboration across multi-user and multi-location environments. They can create models and immersive environments in VR that look extremely close to the real thing. The difference between modern design and the traditional approach is stark, and can be compared to the revolution cars undertook before and after ABS appeared, as an example.

VR technology also opens up a host of new opportunities for the designers. For example, the gravity sketching tool enables designers to create more human-centric vehicle designs by working in 3D from the start. Designers swap their paper and pencils for a headset and controllers to become immersed in VR, imitating gestural interactions through motion tracking. By working in 3D, they can experiment with different proportions and build variations based on their ideas. Meanwhile, a 360-degree view of the vehicle allows them to sketch from any angle – in contrast to the traditional 2D process.

3D gravity sketching also enhances the collaboration between the exterior and interior designers. Through this technology, the two teams are able to work together simultaneously. While the exterior design team refines the digital model, the interior designers can work in parallel by virtually stepping inside the car to develop features or make quick adjustments.

Another advantage of this technology is the ability to test unlimited colour options and material applications, including fabrics and leather, ambient lighting and other types of materials. As well as saving time, this also reduces shipping and travelling costs. In addition, this approach is much more sustainable as significantly less waste is produced, resulting in a significant reduction of CO
2
 emissions.

The VR design evaluation system

Hyundai’s design journey in multi-user wireless VR spaces started in 2017. By 2019, Hyundai and Kia (which is part of the Hyundai Motor Group) had established an ambitious new VR design evaluation system which has now been fully implemented. The system demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology. It simulates many aspects relating to a model under development, including interior and exterior design elements, as well as lighting, colours and materials.

Interior designers can ‘enter’ and look around the cabin with VR equipment, getting a better ‘feel’ of the environment.

The advanced tools are used at the company’s R&D facilities in Korea, Germany and the USA, as well as design centres in Europe, India, China and Japan. They allow the designers to review a multitude of design concepts earlier in the developmental process, and in ways that were previously physically impossible. VR headsets allow team members from the Design and Engineering departments to enter into a virtual conference in real-time and simultaneously undertake vehicle design quality assessments and development verification processes, no matter where they are in the world.

Getting around the lockdowns

These changes were already underway before COVID-19 emerged and sent the world into lockdown in early 2020. According to Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s Head of Styling, the pandemic served as a catalyst for the carmaker’s global design workforce, accelerating the transition to digitalisation and agile working.

“When our studios across the world were keeping all the designers home, we were fortunate that we were already operating a very well-oiled machine in terms of remote virtual connection, where we could all connect across 3 different continents and 5 different locations into a virtual working space and walk around the cars,” he recalled.

This partly enabled the completion of the
SEVEN concept car
 project (shown above) in time for the 2021 AutoMobility LA event. It is the first fully-digitally designed model of the group and benefited from this virtual process. “When we completed the digital design sign-off of the car, Luc Donckerwolke (Executive Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group), SangYup Lee (Senior Vice President at HMC and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center) and I were all in completely different locations, while our European team were in the discussion, too. We were in the same virtual location looking at the model, and did a complete virtual sign-off of the whole car: both exterior and interior. Remarkably, I hadn’t seen the physical model at that point, which must be a world-first for a lead automotive designer!” said Loasby.

Loasby’s ‘James Bond suitcase’

To enable Loasby to connect from anywhere, he has a specially built portable device which he refers to as his ‘James Bond suitcase’. Shaped inconspicuously like a travel bag, it is equipped with a laptop, VR goggles, cables and handsets. He is able to take it anywhere and participate in virtual design reviews with colleagues from all around the world.

“I’m very fond the carry-on bag I call my ‘James Bond suitcase’, because it ensures I can connect to our virtual conferencing space and conduct design reviews from anywhere, at any time,” he revealed. “In fact, one of the craziest design reviews I did was at Incheon Airport [in Korea]. I was about to fly somewhere but I needed to check in on the progress of a development quickly. So I took the gear out, plugged it in and set up my virtual studio next to a Starbucks and conducted a review from the departure terminal!”

Technology with a sustainable future

VR technology is continuing to evolve and in the future, it will offer much higher levels of detail and operate at far quicker speeds. It is therefore set to play an increasingly prominent role for Hyundai’s designers and engineers. In addition, advances in AR and mixed reality will enable the company’s colleagues to interact with one another even more immersively.

However, one fundamental benefit that should not be overlooked is its positive environmental impact. A digital design process produces a much lower carbon footprint, as far fewer clay, paper and waste materials are used in the process. For the development of SEVEN concept, Hyundai produced just one clay model for verification at the end, rather than a multitude of scale clay models. By meeting in a virtual conference space, Hyundai’s designers are no longer required to frequently travel around the globe, expending thousands of air miles in the process.


Drunk Truck Driver Rams Car Causing Serious Injuries To Two Small Children In Accident

Source: Harian Metro

A collision between a pick-up truck and a passenger car in Mersing recently resulted in serious injuries to a 1-year old infant and 6-year old child. Their parents, who were in the car, also had bone injuries. Witnesses who saw the accident take place were angered by the recklessness of the truck driver and also  the fact that he sped off after the accident.

According to reports in various media, the pick-up truck (a Nissan Navara) had rammed into the Toyota Vios at Km57 Jalan Batu Pahat in Mersing, Johor. The impact caused the car to skid and crash into a tree. Both children suffered brain haemorrhage, with the younger one also having an injury to her hip bone while the older one had a swollen jaw bone.

Two victims in induced coma
As a result, both children had to be put into an induced coma and undergo a brain scan to determine their condition. If their injury is serious and there is severe bleeding, they will have to undergo surgery. They are currently at the Intensive Care Unit of the Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang.

The 29-year old driver of the truck was suspected of being drunk and arrested by police from the Kluang District Police Headquarters. His blood samples have been tested and police applied for a remand order to investigate the case which is classified under Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Even one accident is unacceptable
While the police have stated that
drunk driving
 is the lowest cause of road deaths in Malaysia, and is said to be the lowest cause of death from the thousands of fatal road accidents over a 10-year period, the fact remains that even one accident is unacceptable. An innocent person’s life could be lost or changed by severe injuries as a result of the accident.

It is an individual’s choice to consume alcohol but it should be done responsibly. Those who realise they have had too much to drink and their judgement is poor should be responsible enough not to drive. The thing to do would be to call a taxi or be sent home by someone else. Ideally, one person in the group who is a non-drinking person can be a designated driver. Note that accompanying someone driving the car who is obviously drunk can also put your own life at risk.

Drunk driving and how you can help to deal with it


Perodua posts records sales for 2017

This year is shaping up to be a great one for Malaysia’s second largest local automaker. Perodua has recorded decent sales figures this quarter by registering nearly 50,300 vehicles so far which is an increase of 6.5% compared with last year’s 47,200 units. The company now commands a 35.9% market share with a total of 140,000 vehicle being sold so far this year.

In March alone, Perodua sold 19,500 vehicles compared with 17,300 vehicles it sold last March, which is a 13% increase. The company attributes its sales success this year to the launch of the face-lifted Axia and a number of aggressive sales promotions for various Perodua models.

“On our after sales business, with both service intakes and parts and accessories sales seen growth in the first quarter. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect sustained growth in our after sales business,” Perodua President & CEO Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

The Malaysian automaker’s parts and accessories division has also posted a rise in revenue. It said that revenue rose to a notable 5% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year by raking in RM65 million. It’s body and paint business on the other hand, saw a much higher increase in revenue at 17% compared to the same period last year. This has led to the automaker’s CEO acknowledging that the decision to delve into the body repair and paint business 7 years ago, was a savvy business decision on the part of Perodua.

In the first three months of this year, Perodua has produced 49,218 vehicles which is slightly higher than that recorded last year with 48,300 vehicle rolling of the production line. The slight increase was said to be due to the high-demand for the automaker’s B-segment sedan, the Perodua Bezza and the face-lifted Axia.

Things weren’t all rosy for Perodua though, it recorded a decrease in exported vehicles for the first quarter of 2017  with 941 vehicles shipped to six countries compared to 1,600 vehicles in 2016. Despite this, Perodua’s CEO is still confident that the company will hit the 5,000 units export mark in 2017, which was the same target set last year.

“We aim to steadily grow our regional reach as we further improve our operations to become globally competitive. Overall, we are cautiously optimistic of achieving our sales target of 202,000 units for the year. We also foresee that despite the challenges in the automotive industry, there will be modest growth for the industry this year,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Despite the current economic situation, Perodua has defied the odds by posting better and better sales each year. It has launched a number of value added vehicles recently, which have enticed many Malaysian car buyers to flock to Perodua dealerships around the country.


Kia developing more advanced vehicles for military use

Transport for armed forces are required to be very tough and reliable, given the sort of conditions they are going to be used in. As such, they would usually have proven and mature engineering and technology, not necessarily the latest or most advanced. However, automobile technology is changing significantly with the move towards electric vehicles, autonomous driving and alternative fuels. Therefore, even development of military vehicles will have to move in this direction.

Business with the military is often confidential for security reasons but Kia Motors has provided some insights into the future vehicles it is developing for the Korean military. A mid-sized standard vehicle development project will see the replacement of 2.5-ton and 5-ton military standard vehicles currently in operation, and the development of new 5-ton bulletproof vehicles.

Joint investment project with miltary

The project is a joint investment by the Korean military and Kia Motors. Prototypes  are expected to be running before the end of this year and undergo rigorous evaluations in 2021. The company’s goal is to begin supplying the new vehicles for military deployment from 2024

The standard vehicles will be equipped with a range of the commercial technologies, including high-torque 7-litre diesel engines and automatic transmission systems, ABS and Anti-Spin Regulator. Other features will include Rear Parking Assist, Around View Monitor and satellite navigation.

Modular approach

Kia is using a modular approach to developing new vehicles on the platform so as to be able to develop variants in future. These would be vehicles equipped with a range of weapons systems, and those designed with more specialized
specifications and technologies.

The company has developed a conceptual brief for its new military all-terrain vehicles (ATV). These  will not only be deployed for military purposes but will also be used in various fields, such as industrial and leisure sectors, drawing on bare chassis from the robust Kia Mohave SUV. The company will also apply technology and know-how from military vehicle development to improve the durability of its road-going SUVs.

Autonomous vehicles

The advanced R&D covers autonomous driving technology for military vehicles which could assist with delivering supplies. Additionally, Kia is exploring the potential for hydrogen fuel cell technology across diverse military applications, including fuel cell vehicles and emergency power generators. Fuel cell technology is considered suitable for future military vehicles as it can supply large amounts of electricity in combat environments.

To-date, Kia has supplied 9 model types and 100 derivatives, and produced a total of 140,000 military vehicles. It created Korea’s first multipurpose tactical vehicle and established a full line-up production system for military vehicles ranging from small to large segments.

At the start of 2020, Kia announced its ‘Plan S’ mid to long-term strategy, encompassing a range of diversified business activities which include the development of Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs). Kia’s plans for PBV development are based on small-volume production of specialist, similar to the way in which military vehicles are developed.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia


F1/Round 17: 2022 Singapore Grand Prix Preview And Starting Grid

Race starts at 8 pm Singapore/Malaysia time

After being unable to run in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore F1 Grand Prix is on again this weekend as Round 17 of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship. Singapore has never had a permanent racing circuit and created one in 2008 for its first ever Formula 1 event. It was also the first ever night race in Formula 1 history, to be followed by Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and more recently, Jeddah. Next year, the Las Vegas GP will also be run at night.

The circuit that was created in 2008 is on reclaimed land and named the Marina Bay Circuit. Singapore did have another circuit long ago along Thomson Road, with single-seater racing races between 1966 and 1973, after which Singapore’s stance on cars saw motorsports being depopularised.

The Marina Bay Circuit is a street circuit that has 5.063 kms per lap. The cars race from the startline up to the Padang and across bridges and underpasses, tackling no less than 23 turns. According to Haas F1’s Kevin Magnussen, who set the lap record in 2018, it is a very tough race, made even tougher with the high temperatures as well as humidity. To quickly get used to the tropical conditions, drivers have been spending time in sauna rooms. They can lose as much as 3 kgs sweating through the 61-lap race.

“It’s really a physical race for different reasons,” Magnussen said. “One, it’s really hot. Two, you don’t ever really get any rest on the lap. You’re constantly working the steering wheel. There’s not a lot of straight line on the track. Three, because the average speed of a lap is so low, the race usually goes to the 2-hour time limit.”

Cornering speeds and gear selections by the Mercedes-AMG drivers.

However, whatever the teams and drivers remember of the track from 2019 may not fully apply in 2022. Though most of the drivers on the starting grid tomorrow have raced F1 in Singapore before, the cars have changed, particularly the tyres.

“With 18-inch tyres that have a completely different compound and structure compared to the ones used 3 years ago – as well as new asphalt this year – it’s almost like a totally new race!” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director. “Singapore is all about slow corners – all 23 of them – and maximising traction. We’ve got the three softest compounds for maximum speed and grip but looking after the rear tyres in order to ensure the drive needed will be key. With the tendency of the latest cars to understeer, it will be even more important to find the right set-up balance to ensure a strong front end without compromising acceleration at the rear.”

The new asphalt for Singapore this year isn’t as smooth as the asphalt usually seen on street circuits. However, as a street circuit, the Marina Bay circuit is used by normal road traffic most of the time – and the surface contains street ‘furniture’ such as white lines and manhole covers. A high degree of track evolution is expected; plus there are not many support races scheduled, which usually help to lay down rubber.

With the race starting at 8 pm and continuing for about 2 hours, track temperatures are generally stable for most of the race. The high humidity levels provide a big physical challenge not only for the drivers and the cars but also for the tyres which can have thermal degradation. The stop/start nature of the track also impacts the tyres because the surface temperatures can never properly cool down. The tarmac is also aggressive on the tyres, increasing wear and degradation.

There’s also an interesting issue on this particular street circuit which the engineers had to prepare the cars for. The concrete used on the Esplanade Bridge is underpinned by steel beams which are magnetized. The magnetic fields involved are strong enough to interfere with certain sensors on the cars, requiring teams to replace a number of sensors with special versions, less susceptible to interference. Fitting magnetic shields to the gear shift valves has become a normal part of Singapore prep but it has previously caused cars to stop on track, particularly in the first years of running in Singapore.

The Marina Bay Circuit is the longest race of the season, in terms of total race time. It has the biggest fuel effect of the year, which means the amount of time you lose each lap for every kilogram of extra fuel in the car. This is because of the stop-start nature of the track, as you have to constantly re-accelerate that mass and slow it down. The track also has the highest fuel consumption of the year, alongside being one of the toughest for heat rejection (risk of overheating the car, engine, brakes and driver).

Like Monaco, pole position is critical: 8 of the 12 races in Singapore have been won by the driver who started from P1. The only times when it has been won from further back are in the first year (Fernando Alonso from P15), 2012 (Sebastian Vettel from P3), 2017 (Lewis Hamilton from P5) and 2019 (Vettel from P3).

While most drivers have raced in previous F1 GPs, four of those entered this weekend will have their first experience of the Marina Bay Circuit. They are Nicholas Latifi (Williams Racing), Zhou GuanYu (Alfa Romeo ORLEN), Yuki Tsunoda (Scuderia Alphatauri) and Mick Schumacher (Haas F1).

“I don’t think Singapore will be an easy event for me as it will be my first time at this circuit. I’ve driven the Singapore circuit on the simulator, and it is definitely a busy track, where you are constantly moving the steering wheel with no place to rest on the lap,” said Tsunoda.

“It will be physically demanding because of the weather being humid and hot, but we get similar conditions in Japan at certain times of the year, so I have an idea of what to expect. I’ve been doing specific training to prepare and adapt for these conditions for some time now, and I also think getting used to working on European time should not be too much of a problem,” he added.

The championship race
Coming to Singapore, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen is 116 points clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and could win the 2022 title tomorrow night. There are many permutations but essentially, the Dutchman has to win the race and outscore Leclerc by 22 points. He also has to outscore team-mate Sergio Perez by 13 points. and Mercedes-AMG’s’ George Russell by 6 points to end their slim title hopes.

In the Constructors’ battle, Red Bull Racing already has a commanding lead. Going into this weekend, the team has collected 545 points. That’s 139 points ahead of Ferrari, and 174 points ahead of Mercedes-AMG.

PETRONAS And Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Renew Partnership


Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus is the most powerful convertible in company history

Audi has announced its fastest series-production convertible – the R8 Spyder V10 Plus. Like the Coupe, it will have a naturally aspirared 5.2-litre FSI V10 engine that produces nearly 610bhp and 560Nm of torque. It has nearly a 70bhp power advantage over the standard R8 Spyder V10, giving it that little bit of an edge.

A seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission is tasked with sending the engine’s power to the all-wheel-drive quattro drive system. This level of performance will allow the R8 Spyder to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 327km/h.

It takes just 20 seconds to open or close the hood at speeds of up to 50km/h, which is on par with that offered by competitor supercars in the same category.

The car will also be fitted with an array of equipment which include an infotainment system, Audi Drive Select, sophisticated suspension setup, ceramic brakes, R8 bucket seats, Audi virtual cockpit, exclusive micrommata green paint finish and carbon trim panels both inside and out.

Like its Coupe brethern, the Audi drive select system alters the vehicle’s accelerator pedal feel, gearchanges, steering sensitivity, flaps, exhaust sytem and mangetic ride damper control based on the individual drive mode that is selected.

The body is made from the Multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) and incorporates aluminum and CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) in its construction. In total, the R8 Spyder body, weighs just 208kg and is said to have exceptional structural rigidity. It is about 25kg lighter than that of the R8 V10 thanks to the various different materials used and other weight saving measures.

This is the first time in the German automaker’s history that the Plus version has been made available as a Spyder. And as a whole, Audi says that the car will deliver exceptional levels of performance thanks to a powerful engine, lightning quick DCT gearbox and an intelligent quattro system. The car should go on sale by the end of this month in Europe.