MINIfest is back again to celebrate the MINI’s 60th anniversary

The Mini came on the scene 60 years ago and over 6 decades, the passion has endured for the little car that was loved by just about every class in society. Thousands of events have been held all over the world to celebrate anniversaries and this year, the
MINIfest
 returns in Malaysia for the second time to celebrate the MINI’s 60th anniversary.

The event will be held on
Saturday, September 7 2019
 (12 noon to 7 pm) at the Indoor Arena of Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. It’s going to be a fun day for MINIacs as MINI Malaysia has planned a host of exciting activities, all MINI-themed.

MINI-styled marketplace

Don’t worry about filling up your stomach before going because there will be a special MINI-styled marketplace with delicious food from a variety of popular food trucks. Live music performances will keep the atmosphere lively all day long, and there will be thrilling rides and games. Early birds will also receive exclusive giveaways.

The highlight of
MINIfest The 60 Years Special
 will be the new anniversary-exclusive
MINI 60 Years Edition
 (pictured above) on display, along with MINI Classic cars. Test drives will also be available throughout the day for 10 different versions. These include the Cooper S 3-Door, Cooper S 5-Door, John Cooper Works Clubman as well as the
Cooper S Countryman Pure
 that was unveiled this year.

Click here
 for more information and updates on
MINIfest The 60 Years Special
. Pre-registering will get you into the site faster so do so online.

Click here for other news and articles about MINI in PISTON.MY


LOOKING BACK: The Volvo that was late into the market… but became Sweden’s most valuable export product

Today, Volvo has six SUV models in its range (including electrified variants), all of which are selling well around the world. However, the company was actually late into this segment which began its rapid growth in the 1980s. Mitsubishi Motors and Isuzu had made 4×4 workhorse vehicles into more comfortable dual-purpose vehicles that could be used as alternatives to cars, and then Toyota and Honda lit the ‘SUV mania’ in the mid-1980s with their small SUVs.

Very quickly, other manufacturers began to come out with SUVs, with even the German premium brands including Porsche offering at least one model. But Volvo seemed slow to have a SUV in its range and on occasions when the Swedish executives would be asked, their response would be that they were working on a model but it had to meet the high safety standards of Volvo before they could offer it to the public.

Finally, in January 2002, at the North American International Auto Show, Volvo finally introduced its first SUV – the XC90. Some thought that the carmaker had joined the SUV segment too late although it was true that Volvo was preoccupied with the safety aspects of SUVs, which delayed its new model.

Volvo’s concerns were in part related to the truck-like driving properties which contributed to making them significant roll-over accident statistics. Such vehicles, with extra ground clearance, are taller than passenger cars and so the centre of gravity is higher up, making it easier for the vehicle to tip over in certain cornering situations.

Hans Wikman, Project Director of the XC90, recalls his feelings when the management team inspected the three design alternatives under the burning desert sun at the Arizona Proving Ground in America in May 1999. “We in the project team were a bit tense. The SUV program had been canned twice before. Now we kept our fingers crossed that our favorite design was so good that the executives would approve it without hesitation. And that’s exactly what happened,” he said.

Solving inherent safety issues

But they had to solve the safety issues and were determined to do so when the XC90 was cleared to proceed towards production by Volvo’s top management. And Wikman and his team were able to come up with ingenious approaches to addressing the known issues of SUVs. At that time, Volvo was part of Ford so there resources were shared in doing research on the issues. Ford too wanted active systems that could make its SUVs safer.

The solution was a system called Roll Stability Control (RSC), which was an automotive world-first when it was introduced in the XC90. Using a gyro-sensor, RSC measures the degree and rate at which the vehicle’s body is leaning and if it senses a rollover is about to occur, the system is activated. The electronic stability control system engages, engine torque is reduced and one or more wheels are braked until the car has regained its stability.

How Roll Stability Control in the XC90 worked.

Cooperation between the reinforced roof structure, seat belt pre-tensioners and inflatable side curtains helped create superb roll-over protection for all 7 occupants. This world-class safety level was demonstrated in an unusually tangible way when the Volvo invited the world press to watch a violent roll-over test with the XC90 outside the state-of-the-art Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Demonstration in front of media

The video from the 2002 event, still available on YouTube, shows how the XC90 rolls over three times before ending up on its right side. “The roof structure was more or less intact after the car finished rolling. The spontaneous applause from the media representatives confirms that we made a real impression with this unique demonstration,” said Wikman.

The strength of the XC90’s structure was demonstrated in front of international media when the SUV was rolled sideways a few times, and the cabin area remained intact.

The safety level is also emphasized in the Volvo Car Corporation’s research. The accident investigation files include remarkably few accidents where XC90 occupants have been killed or sustained severe injuries.

Besides the RSC system, the other world-firsts in the new SUV were inflatable side curtains for all three rows of seats, an integrated sliding centre booster seat for children in the second row and seatbelts with pre-tensioners for all seats. The pre-tensioners, now common in cars, remove slack from the seatbelt when there is a collision and the airbags are about to deploy. By doing so, the restraint is more effective and can help to reduce injuries in some cases.

Female feedback for the design

Doug Frasher, working at the Volvo Cars Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) in California, was the proud father of the winning design that became the production XC90. And just like the first Ford Escape, the model benefitted from having a female group provide feedback on the design and features. The multi-background reference group, including Swedish Hollywood actress Maud Adams, inspired the shape of the XC90 by asking for masculinity instead of the traditional ‘macho look’ of most SUV’s,

“The model we showed to the management was almost identical to the production XC90 we revealed in Detroit. We had done our homework well, much thanks to our female reference group. A majority of SUVs were driven by women and our ladies gave us great input,” said Frasher.

“I remember one of the ladies making a sweeping gesture that almost sketched the sleek shape of the bonnet flowing up on the A-pillar. We put a lot of effort into creating a design that felt strong and protective without the impression of sheer size. The XC90 was muscular, but not aggressive,” he recalled.

A success story for Volvo

Volvo’s original target for the first XC90 was 50,000 units per year worldwide. However, the model became so popular that the figures grew rapidly until they peaked at 86,000 units in 2005. The US market imported up to 38,800 units in one year. That made it Sweden’s most valuable export product, with total yearly export value over US$6.2 billion in the peak years.

Volvo’s SUVs range 20 years after the first SUV model was introduced. The three models are also available with electrified powertrains.

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


The most powerful Honda Civic Type R ever

2023 is the 50
th
 year of the Honda Civic and it has also been 25 years since the brand’s iconic high-performance Type R model stormed into the market. To mark this significant milestone year, Honda has launched the new Civic Type R as the most powerful Type R ever.

Based on the latest
11
th
 generation Civic hatchback version
, the new Civic Type R has advancements and application of motorsport-derived technologies that allow it to exceed the capabilities of even the stripped-out, lightweight version of the previous model.

Developed under the model concept of creating the ‘Ultimate Sports 2.0’, the new Type R builds on the sleek form of the latest Civic. To present a sportier look, the body is noticeably lower and wider in stance. The squat form is enhanced through wheelarches that flare out over lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, shod with specifically developed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

The exterior design now conveys a sense of unity, with uncluttered details on the front and rear bumpers as well as integrated design features such as the rear doors and arches, which have all been exclusively developed for the Type R and bring improved aerodynamic benefits.

The large lower grille (with a larger fan behind it) maximises airflow to the engine, and works in unison with the new, subtle bonnet that now features a vent to again maximise airflow around the front end. Other design details that help maximise aerodynamics include the large aperture vents behind the front wheels and a new, larger rear diffuser that is integrated directly into the under-floor – itself shaped to work in unison with the bodywork above.

The dramatic new rear spoiler design further contributes to downforce generation and has been angled rearward to suppress air resistance. Supported by new aluminium die-cast mounts, the rear wing sits lower but wider than the previous model, accentuating the sleek new roofline and wider stance.

Under its new vented aluminium bonnet, there’s an even more powerful version of Honda’s K20C1 engine. Horsepower, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new more efficient exhaust system that features a straight-through design and an active exhaust valve. The size, shape and number of the turbocharger’s turbine wheel blades have been optimized along with the flow path of the intake charge, enabling the turbocharger to generate pressure in a wider range and more efficiently.

The turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine now produces 315 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,600 – 4,000 rpm. This makes the Type R is one of the most powerful cars in its class per litre, with a specific output of 157.8 bhp/litre, up from the previous-generation’s 153.3.

The transmission is a manual 6-speeder, further improved with a lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system. The perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears helps maintain stability on corner entry. The high-strength gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gearchange. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential puts the engine’s power to the pavement effectively.

The driver can seamlessly switch between performance settings, with pre-set modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and +R modes, a new ‘Individual Mode’ has been introduced to enable customisation of the driving experience.

The upgraded Brembo braking system retains the 2-piece discs from the previous generation for improved feel and longevity. To further strengthen the driver’s connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.

The cockpit of the new Type R has emotive, performance-focused details and features, including the iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminium shift knob, and a serialized Type R plate on the dashboard. To better support performance driving, the exclusive new digital instrument cluster features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design has a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display.

A second new meter design is exclusive to Type R’s +R mode and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm, and gear position placed at the top. A racing-inspired illuminated rev indicator located above the gauge cluster gives the driver a quick indication of engine rpm during performance driving.

Technology has been smartly integrated into the new cabin with a focus on the driver, including a new 9-inch Colour Touchscreen – the largest touchscreen ever in a Type R – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Qi-compatible wireless charging and a Bose Centrepoint premium sound system, which was custom for the interior of the Civic are also standard.

Exclusive to Type R, a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger combines the Type R’s onboard computer and sensors with a new built-in vehicle app (no need to use the smartphone). This helps drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters in real time when driving on the track or other closed courses.

Key features include a stopwatch to record lap times, a tyre friction circle in 3D motion that displays the maximum tyre force the vehicle can achieve, and an innovative scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on the track. Users can share their lap times and other data with other Type R owners.

The driver sits lower than before in new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat, yet with greater visibility, thanks to the thinner pillars, relocated side mirrors, and a lower bonnet. The lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives.

Built at the Yorii Plant in Japan (but the engine continues to be built at Honda’s factory in the USA), the Civic Type R will be offered in body colours that include the historic Championship White, Rallye Red, as well as Racing Blue, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey Pearls.

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

All-new Honda Civic Type R sets new lap record at Suzuka before launch (w/VIDEOS)


Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties

Following the
supply of Honda Civic to the Royal Malaysian Police
 (PDRM) fleet, Honda Malaysia has announced that it has also delivered 40 units of the same model to the Malaysian Army.

This is the first time that the Malaysian armed forces are known to officially use a Honda model and the cars will be used for law enforcement and policing duties by the Royal Military Police Corps. The Civic variant delivered to the Malaysian Army has a 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which produces 141 ps/174 Nm. Army personnel using them will benefit from the 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.

“Previously, the Royal Malaysian Police had also chosen the best-selling  C-segment as their new mobile patrol vehicles and we are currently delivering more than 1,000 units of the Civic 1.8S to them to be used for their enforcement duties. Honda Malaysia is proud that the Civic has once again been selected as our frontliners’ vehicle of choice. The Civic will be used by the Royal Military Police Corps for enforcement duties and it is our hope that the ideal model selected will complement and assist the Royal Military Police Corps in their daily commute for their assigned tasks,” said the Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.

The Civic, which has been sold in Malaysia since its first generation was introduced in the mid-1970s, has been one of the more popular models of the brand in the market over the years. It has been assembled in Malaysia from the first generation, initially at Oriental Assemblers in Johor and then, from 2003, at Honda’s own plant in Melaka.

The Civic originally began as a compact entry-level hatchback model but evolved over the years into a larger and more sophisticated sedan. The latest generation is the tenth and has Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology.

Since being launched in February 2020, more than 5,000 units of the
updated 2020 Civic
 have been sold according to Honda Malaysia. The company also states that it is No.1 in the C-segment with a 78% market share as of July 2020. It is currently the second best-selling Honda model in Malaysia with prices starting from RM109,326.

To know more about the Honda range of models available in Malaysia, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

Honda Malaysia gifts a Civic Type R to King for use as escort car


Lancia Delta Evo-e RX To Debut In World RX of Germany Next Weekend

The
World Rallycross (RX) Championship has gone electric
 and since the first round of the 2022 championship in August, teams have been running cars which have been modified with electric powertrains. As in the WRC, the top tiers will run the new RX1e rallycross cars with twin motors, pushing out 500 kW (equivalent to 680 bhp) and 880 Nm of instant torque.

GCK Motorsport, which is entering its first event next weekend, is only starting as it did not make it in time for the first 9 races. However, its entry in the coming World RX of Germany is much anticipated by enthusiasts because Guerlain Chicherit’s GCK Motorsport will be running a car which was first launched in 1987 – the Lancia Delta.

With 6 consecutive titles from 1987 to 1992, the Delta remains the most successful car in the history of the World Rally Championship. Although the car went out of production 30 years ago, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s compact, angular design still commands admiration.

Chicherit was born in 1978 and is one of a generation inspired by Didier Auriol’s exploits while growing up. It was only natural, therefore, that the French entrepreneur turned to this emblematic model when he launched his car retrofit business in 2020. The Lancia Delta Evo-e ‘road version’ is currently in the final homologation phase in France and will soon go into production.

Underneath its true-to-original bodywork, the Delta Evo-e RX houses a tubular structure compliant with the safety standards in the FIA 2022 regulations. The chassis was designed and put together with special tooling was required, and took over 1,200 hours to build.

With twice the power of a Formula E (electric single-seater) racing car and, even more impressive, it accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds. That’s seven-tenths faster than an F1 car by the same measure!

The secret? 4-wheel drive and the combination of two electric motors delivering 250 kW each (the electric drivetrain kit is the same one used by all the cars competing in the championship). The powertrain kits are provided by Austria’s Kreisel Electric, the official supplier of the electrification kits for the championship. The kits are priced at 300,000 euros (about RM1.37 million).

The legendary Lancia Delta of the 1980s WRC scene.

GCK Motorsport has not its sights too high for this first outing against its more experienced rivals. The team is instead approaching the event as a full-scale test session to prepare for 2023 when they will be able to do a complete rallycross season.

“One thing is sure, our Lancia Delta Evo-e will stand out from the crowd of more modern cars that make up this spectacular championship. I know that it’ll impress plenty of people out there. We’ll now need a bit of time to get to grips with the car and make it competitive. I’m just eager to be on track!” said Chicherit.

After 9 races, Kristoffersson Motorsport leads in the championship with 274 points, followed by Hansen World RX Team with 235 points and Construction Equipment Dealer Team with 206 points, In the Drivers category, Johan Kristoffersson is leading with 162 points, 39 points ahead of Timmy Hansen. The round in Germany this coming weekend will see the finale of the season.


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

Today’s sophisticated electronic systems and connectivity are making it possible to a driver to access and view a considerable amount of information about a car’s performance. The latest example is an all-new datalogging app for the updated 2020 Honda Civic Type R. With the data and scoring information available, Honda says that a driver can improve his or her skills when racing around a track.

First of its kind from Honda, the new LogR app, as it is known, is designed for both iPhone and Android devices and will be available for download sometime during this quarter.

Drivers interact with Honda LogR, as the app is known, through three main functions: A Performance Monitor provides vehicle information to the driver on the Display Audio screen, while Log Mode records lap times on the track. Finally, the Auto Score function encourages smooth driving by monitoring braking, acceleration and steering, and generating a ‘driving smoothness’ score using proprietary algorithms developed by Honda with the help of professional Honda drivers.

While driving, all interaction with Honda LogR is through the car’s Display Audio screen. Both Log Mode and Auto Score also offer more in-depth analysis when the phone is unplugged from the car, including previous drives, performance traces and replays using GPS mapping and detailed vehicle information.

Unlike third-party datalogging apps, LogR features exclusive access to the Type R’s onboard computer, delivering more in-depth detail on the vehicle’s performance than aftermarket systems that’s only available through the factory onboard computer.

What’s new in 2020 Civic Type R

The 2020 Civic Type R has improvements that include new 2-piece brake rotors and brake pads which are designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency; suspension revisions with updated dampers for improved ride comfort; stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and revisions to the front suspension and steering for even better steering feel.

Additionally, the grille has been redesigned to allow better engine cooling under high demand. New for 2020 is Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert with the chosen drive mode while safety is taken to a higher level with standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assist technologies.

2020 Honda Civic Type R debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon, sales to start mid-2020


Exotic car collection belonging to rockstar heads to auction

Rockstars are well known for two things, over-the-top parties and having an extensive collection of valuable cars. The latter is true today as a number of exotics, belonging to the late J. Geils of the band and his namesake.

The collection of cars and motorcycles will be put up for auction at the upcoming Mecum’s Daytime Auction in Monterey, which we have covered in a previous article. These vehicles will go onto the auction block on 19th August without reserve, mind you, but should still fetch a respectable amount of money.

A number of noteworthy vehicles in J. Geils’ collection include a  blue and grey 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2, 1967 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C and a 1967 Fiat Dino Spyder. As for his motorcycle collection, the two-wheelers that stand out the most are the 1983 Benelli 900 SEI, a 1976 MV Agusta 125 SS  and a 1970 Ducati 350 Desmo.

Even if you aren’t a fan of this rocker, there’s no denying that he had an exquisite taste when it came to cherry-picking his vehicles. Besides this, most of them were probably well looked after by the late rockstar or his garage’s custodian and technicians.

This is especially true with his 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE. It still has its original 3.0-litre V12 engine and 5-speed gearbox. Though this isn’t surprising considering its value, but vehicles from that era would usually have had some repair work or replacement parts swapped onto them at some point in time.

Mecum’s Daytime Auction will be taking place from August 16th to the 19th and will see 600 vehicles rolling on and off the showroom floor within that timeframe. There are several big name cars like the Ferari LaFerrari, Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita and 1958 Lister-Jaguar that will be part of the auction event.

So, stay tuned and we will let you know the outcome of this auction and whether any records were broken. High profile events such as these are bound to attract those from the upper echelon of society with deep pockets.


Porsche Wet Mode: High Driving Stability Even In The Rain [+Video]

The eighth generation of the
Porsche 911
 is not just more powerful than its predecessor, but is also more comfortable and safer. With Porsche Wet Mode, the sports car offers even better handling on wet roads – a world first introduced exclusively for the 911. The innovative assistance system includes a function for detecting significant wet road conditions and a corresponding vehicle setup for increased driving stability on wet road surfaces.

How Porsche Wet Mode works

“Wet Mode was developed to provide the driver with consistent support in wet conditions. It does not restrict the maximum power of the engine or limit the top speed, and should therefore also not be used as insurance for driving too fast in very wet conditions. Instead, it should be seen as an assistance system in the truest sense,”
 says
August Achleitner
, who has been head of the model series for many years. Porsche Wet Mode can automatically detect a wet road and warn the driver about the risk of aquaplaning. For this purpose, acoustic sensors in the front wheel housing detect swirled-up spray water. This makes it fundamentally different from windscreen wiper rain sensors, which only react optically to water droplets on the windscreen independently of the road conditions. This is because there may still be standing water on the road even when a rain shower has passed. Here’s the video on how it works…

If the system detects a wet road surface, the response behaviour of the
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) systems
 is preconditioned. Both systems then intervene earlier and more sensitively than before. In addition, a warning is shown on the display on the right next to the rev counter. This informs the driver of detected wetness and recommends that the driver switch manually to Wet Mode. The corresponding function can either be activated in the new button bar above the centre console, or is integrated in the mode switch on the steering wheel with the optional Sport Chrono Package.

If Wet driving mode is activated, the PSM, PTM, adaptive aerodynamics, optional Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus and drive responsiveness are all adapted to guarantee maximum driving stability. From
90 km/h
, the variable rear spoiler is extended to performance position, the cooling air flaps open, the accelerator pedal characteristic is flatter, and the PSM Off function or Sport mode can no longer be activated. The torque build-up of the engine is smoother, and the shift strategy of the new eight-speed PDK transmission is automatically adapted to this. On the 911 Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive model, more drive power is transferred to the front axle than in normal mode in order to reinforce the stabilisation effect. Reduced locking ratios of the electronically controlled rear differential lock are also part of the 911 setup for wet conditions.

The effect for the driver is clearly noticeable: the 911 offers more confident handling, while the precisely matched interventions are particularly effective in the event of sudden changes in direction, spontaneous power requests or on changing road surfaces with different coefficients of friction. The electronic copilot does not just offer benefits in the wet. Wet Mode can also be activated manually on snow-covered roads with reduced grip in order to increased driving stability.

The eighth generation of the new 911 was presented in Los Angeles at the end of
November 2018
. The turbocharged flat-six engine of the
 911 Carrera S
and
 911 Carrera 4S
 now produces
331 kW (450 PS)
. This corresponds to an increase of 22 kW (30 PS) compared with the previous model. Both 911 models beat the four-second mark for acceleration from
0 to 100 km/h
: the rear-wheel-drive Coupé needs
3.7 seconds
 and the 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive just
3.6 seconds
. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case.

911 Carrera S: Fuel consumption combined 8.9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 205 g/km;

911 Carrera 4S: Fuel consumption combined 9.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 206 g/km;

911 Carrera S Cabriolet: Fuel consumption combined 9.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 208 g/km;

911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet: Fuel consumption combined 9.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 207 g/km

The consumption and CO2 emissions values were calculated using the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The NEDC values derived from this must continue to be specified for the time being. These values cannot be compared to the values calculated based on the NEDC measuring procedure used up to now.

Further information on the official fuel consumption and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars is available in the “Guidelines on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new passenger cars” [Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen], which are available free of charge from all sales outlets and from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT).


Legend reborn –  The 540 bhp Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm (w/VIDEO)

In 1965, Alfa Romeo’s competition department, Autodelta, developed the ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerita’ (GTA) which was based on the Giulia Sprint GT. The car was especially light (‘allegerita’ is Italian word for ‘lightened’) as the body of the Giulia Sprint GT was replaced with an identical version in aluminium, giving a total weight of 745 kgs, compared to the 950 kgS of the road version. With increased performance, it quickly became a legend, winning many races of that era.

This year, as the brand celebrates its 110
th
 anniversary, a new Giulia GTA inspired by its 1965 namesake will be launched. The new GTA is based on the Giulia Quadrifoglio and is fitted with a more powerful version of the Alfa Romeo 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo engine, now with 540 bhp.

The pursuit of lightness

Like the 1965 cars, lightness was pursued and extensive use of ultra-light materials gives a weight saving of 100 kgs compared to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, giving it a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 2.82 kgs/bhp.

Lightweight materials used include carbonfibre for the driveshaft, bonnet, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches and rear wheel arch inserts and the shell of the sports seats. Aluminium has been used in doors and suspension systems and various other composite materials have been used throughout.

Two road-legal versions will be available – the Giulia GTA and Giulia GTAm. The Giulia GTA will have 4 seats and the Giulia GTAm will be fitted with 2 race seats, roll-bar and six-point harness.

Functional style

On the Giulia GTA, the Alfa Romeo engineers have worked to improve the aerodynamics and handling but above all, to reduce the weight. The active aerodynamics were specifically studied to increase the downforce. These solutions contain technical know-how that comes directly from Formula 1, thanks to the synergy with Sauber Engineering and the use of the Sauber Aerokit. The same task is assigned to the side skirts, the specific rear spoiler and the active front splitter.

On the GTAm, the aerodynamic front has been optimised by adding a larger front splitter and a real carbonfibre rear wing, which ensure a perfectly balanced load at high speeds.

The titanium Akrapovic central exhaust system, integrated in the carbonfibre rear diffuser, is also new, as are the 20-inch centre lock wheels. Handling at high speeds has been improved by widening the front and rear wheel tracks by 50 mm and developing a new set of springs, shock absorbers and bushings for the suspension systems.

To achieve the higher performance, the Alfa Romeo engine, made entirely of aluminium, has received meticulous development and calibration work.

An Alcantara- trimmed dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars and the central trim on the seats, characterise the interior. Alcantara is used even more extensively in the GTAm version, where the rear bench has been removed, leaving room for a fully upholstered ‘basin’, with specific mouldings designed to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher.

The new matt carbonfibre inserts give the interior a distinctive technical and aesthetic elegance. In the new GTAm, the interior is unique in that it features a roll-bar, no door panels or rear seats and the door is opened with a belt in place of the handle, another touch inspired by the racing world.

In the GTAm, Lexan – a unique polycarbonate resin which comes straight from the world of motorsport – has been used in the side and rear window frames, further contributing to the weight reduction. The result is a weight of around 1,520 kgs which, combined with the increase in output to 540 bhp, making the Giulia GTAm capable of delivering very high performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, with the Launch Control system, is claimed to be 3.6 seconds.

500 lucky customers

The Giulia GTA and its extreme version, the Giulia GTAm, will be built in a limited run of only 500 units, all numbered and certified and ready to take up their place alongside their 1965 forerunner as one of the most sought-after collector’s items.

As an exclusive dedicated customer experience, the owners will receive a personalised experience package which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing set by Alpinestars (race suit, gloves and shoes) and a personalised Goodwool car cover for protecting their GTA or GTAm. Customers can also take part in a specific driving course devised by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.

Will Alfa Romeo be allowed to live under the new FCA+PSA merger?


Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is North American Car of the Year for the third time

It’s not surprising that the all-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been selected as the 2020 North American Car of the Year. This model, like the Ford Mustang, are icons of American sportscars and the latest generation has impressed with not only its revolutionary mid-engine design but also for its level of refinement and impressive performance.

The Corvette was previously honoured with this award in 1998 for the introduction of the fifth generation and again in 2014 for the introduction of the seventh generation.

“The 2020 Corvette represents a new era for the iconic brand,” said Lauren Fix, North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year President, representing the 50-member jury. “The excitement from consumers has been overwhelming. From a journalist’s perspective, this is one of the best-built GM products that exemplifies what it means to be the North American Car of the Year.”

First award for Kia

The Kia Telluride was named 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, the first time Kia has received this award. The 3-row SUV has also received many other since arriving at dealerships in North America early last year.

The Telluride prevailed over a field of 12 semi-finalists and 3 finalists in the utility category. Since going on sale, nearly 60,000 units have been delivered. The model was conceived, designed, developed, and is built in the USA. It’s also the first Kia vehicle to be exported from the USA.

Awards program since 1994

The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards honour excellence in innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value. Founded in 1994 by Christopher Jensen, who also formed the first committee, the awards are judged by approximately 50 professional automotive journalists from the USA and Canada who work for independent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and industry websites.

To be eligible, vehicles must be all-new or substantially new and must be available at dealerships close to the announcement of the awards.  After evaluating the field of competitors, jurors vote individually by way of Deloitte to determine finalists and winners in each category.

All-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray unveiled – and it’s finally a mid-engine sportscar!


Gulf Oil-themed McLaren Elva to debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek

McLaren Automotive today unveiled the McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO (McLaren Special Operations), a celebration of the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand which existed 60 years ago. It’s another example of how designs from McLaren’s racing history are inspiring the brand’s modern-day customers.

The unique McLaren roadster in blue and orange Gulf colours will makes its world debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek, a ‘closed-door’ live broadcast event bringing together the past, present and future of motoring and motorsport at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK.

New partnership with Gulf

McLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews a historic union between the two brands that originated in the 1960s, a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren’s Can-Am, Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973. Two decades later, McLaren F1 GTRs run by customer team GTC carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including at Le Mans.

McLaren F1 GTR in 1997

Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO. These follow cars inspired by the famous livery designed and produced by MSO prior to the renewed relationship being agreed.

Most recently, a
McLaren Senna GTR LM
 paying homage to the #24 McLaren F1 GTR that finished fourth in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race was completed as one of five MSO-designed customer cars celebrating the McLaren F1’s domination of that race.

2020 McLaren Senna F1 GTR LM Edition

“The McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO is a striking celebration of both McLaren’s history in sports car racing and our new partnership with Gulf Oil. McLaren Special Operations is committed to pushing the boundaries of the ‘art of the possible’ and projects like this showcase the increasingly extensive range of personalisation options we can offer customers – in this case, enhancing the authenticity of the livery by incorporating Gulf brand logos into the design,” said Ansar Ali, Managing Director of MSO.

McLaren Ultimate Series

The Elva, which follows the McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail in McLaren’s Ultimate Series, links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva sports racers of the 1960s. These were among the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded, and the new Elva evokes the true spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by this era.

In line with McLaren’s on-going commitment to super-lightweight engineering, the new Ultimate Series roadster retains the lightweight construction philosophy of its forebear and is at the cutting-edge of automotive technology.

The body design of the screenless, roofless Elva, for example, incorporates an innovative Active Air Management System that creates a virtual canopy over the seamlessly-integrated cockpit. It is powered by an 815 PS/800 Nm 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Only 149 units

With deliveries of the Elva commencing this year, MSO has already completed the specification of the first cars and is well-advanced in discussions with customers to create further dramatic paintwork and liveries. Just 149 examples of the Ultimate Series roadster will be available to customer order, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever produced.

New 765LT continues the McLaren ‘Longtail’ story


The ‘ti’ badge returns to the BMW range with new 1-Series variant

After an absence of over a decade, BMW’s legendary ‘ti’ model designation returns with the new 128ti. The 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification for the 1-Series. First deliveries in Europe will start towards the end of this year.

With M Sport specification as standard, the new 128ti is described as an authentic ‘Turismo Internazionale’, delivering on its sporting promise with features like the Torsen limited-slip differential, M Sport suspension, and a 2-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

Exterior design elements include distinctive front and rear aprons with additional trim such as outer air intakes from the M135i xDrive and the trim for the Air Curtains (in red).

The extended Shadowline trim with a black BMW kidney grille and dual 90 mm diameter black chrome tailpipe finishers come as standard. An even darker front-end appearance can be achieved with the optional BMW Individual lights Shadowline, which are largely devoid of chrome.

Suspension items from M135i

The exclusively front-wheel-drive model also has the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts from the M135i xDrive, plus stiffer modified springs and shock absorbers and a 10 mm drop in height. A model-specific steering setup minimises torque steer while there are weight savings of around 80 kgs (compared to theM135i xDrive).

18-inch Y‑spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are exclusive to the BMW 128ti. Michelin Pilot Sport 4) in 225/40 R18 size are available on request.

Customised control systems

The mechanical limited-slip differential is assisted by several electronic control systems. One system that has been specially modified for the 128ti is BMW Performance Control, whose ‘sharper’ yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility.

ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology is also utilised, as it is on all models in the 1-Series. This newly developed traction control system features a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, enabling ARB to work 10 times faster.

As a result, not only is operation smoother and more sensitive, the system can also make maximum use of the potential traction offered by different road surfaces. The ARB technology works with DSC to significantly reduce the power understeer that can affect front-wheel-drive cars.

The engine is a direct offshoot of the BMW Group’s most powerful 4-cylinder unit. With BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the 2-litre engine produces 265 bhp/400 Nm and is claimed to go from 0 to 100 km/h within 6.1 seconds.

Red to emphasise sporty character

Moving inside, the sporty character is emphasised by red accents which are a bold contrast to the black headlining. A large ‘Race Red’ surface adorns the front centre sections of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats (M Sport seats are optionally available). A red ‘ti’ is stitched into the centre armrest which – like the door armrests, the door panels, the instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching.

The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also feature red stitching. Standard equipment includes the M door sill strips on the front door openings, and M seat belts. The load compartment has a volume of 380 litres, which can be expanded to 1,200 litres if the backrests are folded down.

The infotainment system runs on BMW’s Operating System 7.0 with a display screen of up to 10.25 inches. Besides BMW Live Cockpit Professional, gesture control is also available and the customer can specify a 9.2‑inch Head-Up Display.

First details of new 6th generation BMW M3, to go on sale in early 2021


Mika Häkkinen + McLaren 720S GT3 = comeback at Suzuka 10 Hours!

It has been quite a while since we’ve heard the legendary name of double Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Häkkinen. After clinching his second Formula 1 world title 20 years back, the ‘Flying Finn’ is set to return to racing this coming August in the Suzuka 10 Hours endurance race!

News broke out that the legend will be racing a McLaren 720S GT3 in the grueling 10-hour endurance race set in the heart of Japan. Häkkinen’s debut in Suzuka will be accompanied by two-time Super Formula champion Hiroaki Ishiura and Japanese Formula 3 racer Katsuaki Kubota.

The trio will drive the new 720S GT3 for the fourth round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli on 23-25 August. Further information on the entry, including details of the customer team that will be running the car, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

To those who don’t know who Mika Häkkinen is, he was successfully crowned the Formula 1 World Champion back-to-back in 1998 and 1999. What’s even more impressive is the fact that the championships were secured at the Suzuka Circuit in both years.

Mika Häkkinen is also notoriously known for his razor-sharp driving skills and possibly the only driver that multiple Formula 1 world champion and legendary driver, Michael Schumacher found to be the most challenging during his illustrious career.

As for McLaren 720S GT3, it has been a competitive season so far with customer teams taking part in championships all over the world following an ‘intensive development program’. Will the Flying Finn able to secure another historic win? We’ll find out this August at Suzuka!


World Rally Championship organisers warn spectators of high-voltage dangers with hybrid rallycars

As reported earlier, the FIA aims to make motorsport more sustainable and more environment-friendly. The pursuit of these objectives cover various forms of motorsport, including the World Rally Championship (WRC) which, this year, sees the introduction of hybrid technology mandatory for what are known as Rally1 cars. The plug-in hybrid unit, including all necessary components and software, will be common, with the potential for more freedom of development in 2024.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford have fully committed to the WRC from 2022 to 2024 and will run Rally1 cars. They will use a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an existing 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and must also run on 100% fossil-free fuel to reduce CO
2
 emissions.

The system’s output is more than 500 ps, with 100 kW contributed by the electric motor which draws its energy from a 3.9 kWh battery pack. Hybrid Electric Vehicle Zones created close to service parks and ceremonial start areas during all rounds of the WRC will require Rally1 crews to demonstrate that they can run in full electric mode over a specified route highlighted in the roadbook.

New safety issues

The introduction of high-voltage hybrid powertrains brings new safety issues for the crew as well as spectators and the FIA has issued new requirements specifically for Rally1 cars. Firstly, there must be two pairs of Class-0 gloves carried in each car capable of withstanding 1,000 volts. These must be easily accessible for the driver and co-driver in the event of an emergency when they are getting out of their car.

Warnings on exterior of Rally1 cars

On the outside, the Rally1 cars are identifiable by an ‘HY’ graphic on the side door panels. Spectators are being warned to look out for this graphic so that they will take care. In rallies, it is not unusual for spectators to rush to a car that has crashed or gone off the road to assist and if a Rally1 car is damaged in certain areas, electric current could leak onto the bodywork.

The organisers therefore want to ensure that there are no incidents of people being electrocuted, and each car has safety lights on the windscreen and both side pillars. These lights will be green when the car is safe to touch. A flashing red light with an audible warning means a car is unsafe to touch.

Second round underway

The 2022 WRC is currently running its second round in Sweden after the opening round in Monte Carlo last month which was
won by M-Sport Ford
. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s Kalle Rovanpera got off to a strong start during the speed test in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. He gets to start first today though that is not necessarily an advantage in a winter rally.

With Sweden not part of Sebastien Ogier’s programme of selected rallies this season, Esapekka Lappi will make his first start with the team’ since 2018. Rovanpera will open the road as the highest-placed driver in the standings after finishing fourth and winning the Power Stage on Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Elfyn Evans was part of the lead battle on Round 1 before a small but costly mistake ended his chances of a strong result. He will hope for a repeat of the championship’s last visit to Sweden in 2020 when he scored his first victory for Toyota. As on every round this season, Takamoto Katsuta will drive an additional GR YARIS Rally1.

M-Sport Ford’s Craig Breen has a strong track record on snow to date. The Irishman is keen to show his ability on the high-speed snow tests in search of a second consecutive podium result. Off the back of his first ever WRC stage win, Gus Greensmith completed a small Norwegian National event in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 to help acclimatise to the specialist conditions and driving style. The young Englishman is aiming to build on his Monte Carlo result and looking for his first loose surface stage win.

The Hyundai Motorsport team, which had a bad first outing  of the season, has a previous winner of Rally Sweden –  Thierry Neuville who won in 2018. “Rallying is always a bit more spectacular on snow with the studded tyres,” he said . “Usually, as the stages are quite fast, you have to lean into the snowbanks and drive sideways a bit more. You have to be slightly more brutal to get the studs to grip into the ground.”

Closer to Arctic Circle this year

Conditions are extreme, though not unusual for Rally Sweden which is on ice and snow, with temperatures well below 0°C. There is also likely to be rain during the event which is run in the remote forests of north-eastern Sweden, closer to the Arctic Circle. There are 17 stages over 265 kms.

The various stages of Rally Sweden this year.

The stages will all be brand-new to the WRC but the characteristics that make it one of the most popular and spectacular rallies on the calendar will remain. Special studded tyres bite into the surface to provide grip on roads that are lined with snow banks, which drivers lean on to carry more speed through the corners.

Hybrid power for new era of World Rally Championship starts this year


2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan launched – RM348,888

The folks from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled their latest AMG model for the Malaysian market in the form of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan. This entry-level AMG model targets a specific group of folks who want a dynamic balance between high performance and overall comfort.

According to Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, “At Mercedes-Benz, we firmly believe in the AMG claim of Driving Performance. There is an undeniable intensity in our cars, having the most advanced and powerful hearts we produce. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan is an expansion to the compact car family and the perfect entry into the world of AMG Driving Performance. With our new A 35, we are transporting the history of AMG into modern times.”

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan packs quite a punch with 306hp and 400Nm of maximum torque. These power figures allow the five-seater Mercedes-AMG A 35 to propel itself from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h.

Designed to be sporty yet compact exterior, this beauty has all the AMG look and feel at a more affordable price. This can be seen from its radiator grille with twin louvres, the AMG Line front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter and silver chrome trim elements.

Perhaps its most profound exterior feature has to be its 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels which give the A 35 Sedan a sexier yet modern appeal that’s perfect for all ages. Although it might be compact in size, the additions of two-part tail lamps and the new rear diffuser give it a more emphasized width from the back.

The interior also carries the mark of a classic AMG machine with red and black accents found throughout the cabin. With seat made out of ARTICO man-made leather with DINAMICA microfibre, the new A 35 Sedan certainly looks sporty inside and out.

Another new feature found in the latest AMG offering is its AMG centre console with touchpad and additional switch for operating ESP® and manual transmission mode to give it a more dynamic yet fun driving experience.

It might look sporty but knowing how Mercedes-Benz works, the comfort element is also thrown in for good measure not just for the driver but also other occupants in the car. Worried about boot space? The new AMG A 35 Sedan comes with a 420-litre boot with wide opening for easy loading and unloading.

Mercedes-Benz also included their high-quality MBUX multimedia system with two displays blending into one Widescreen Cockpit to further accentuate its horizontal look. Connecting to car’s infotainment unit is easier than ever with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other impressive features include:

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs

Variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system

AMG RIDE CONTROL + many more

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has priced the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan at RM348,888 (on-the-road without insurance). For more information, head over to
https://www.mercedes-benz.com.my/passengercars.html
.

Vision Mercedes Simplex sculpture embodies heritage and future of luxury brand


Cadillac posts sales growth in 2017

According to GM’s latest sales report, demand for Cadillac vehicles is on the rise, which has been made evident by the automaker sales of 32,016 units this month alone. It’s part of an 18  consecutive month  of growth for the brand. Adding to that, year-to-date sales are up by 18.5%, totaling 321,721 units.

“We have positioned ourselves to have a successful 2017 and are on track to have one of the best sales years in the history of Cadillac,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “Our SUV sales remain strong and we are seeing growth in the sedan segment, with both the ATS and CT6 performing well globally.”

In its home market, the gradual decline in demand for luxury cars, has affected Cadillac somewhat. But it has managed to partially offset the deficit with stronger sales of the XT5 and the ever-popular Escalade. This has resulted in an 8.1% growth in SUV portfolio sales for the year.

Despite this, China continues to be a strong market for the brand. There has been an increase of 53.7% in Cadillac sales compared to the same period in 2016. Following suit are Canada, South Korea, the Middle East and Japan, all of which, recorded an increase in sales this month.

Cadillac’s XT5 luxury crossover is still the best selling vehicle in its product portfolio. It has recorded 129,971 units delivered worldwide this year, and the ATS did equally well too, achieving a 20.2% increase in demand.

Worldwide, the company has achieved a 3.7% growth in sales figures, which isn’t groundbreaking, but proves that Cadillac vehicles are still in demand. Though the luxury car market might be shrinking, the figures show that the American automaker is still going strong.


Genesis begins public testing of new GV70 SUV

Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s premium brand, has a brand new SUV under final stages of development. It has been announced publicly in Korea so that the R&D guys can start running real-world tests on public roads.

QR code on camouflage

However, the vehicle, designated GV70, is camouflaged as the teaser pictures release show. To use the testing exercise to do a bit of promotion, there’s a QR code on the bodywork which leads those who scan it to a web page that explains the camouflage pattern referred to as ‘G-Matrix’.

G-Matrix is inspired by the diffused reflection of light from precision-cut diamonds and is a core part of the Genesis brand identity. Drivers can look forward to the creative application of the pattern on the GV70 in different ways, emphasizing the details that are emblematic of the Genesis brand.

Second of three SUVs

While specific details are presently hidden by the G-Matrix camouflage pattern, the continued evolution of Genesis’ signature “Athletic Elegance” design language is evident. The new midsize SUV will join the
GV80
 in the model line-up for 2021, after which will come a smaller model (GV60?).

“We are thrilled to share this early sneak preview of our second SUV, the Genesis GV70,” said a Genesis official. “It telegraphs an exciting new design and reinforces the core brand values that run through our line-up. We look forward to sharing full details on GV70 with everyone in the near future.”

Shared platform likely

Given its size and positioning, the GV70, which will challenge SUVs like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, is likely to share architecture with the new Hyundai Tucson. It obviously doesn’t make sense for Genesis to have its own platforms, an approach which manufacturers discarded after the 1980s when it proved more and more expensive to develop a platform. The key nowadays is how many models can be derived off a platform with minimal modifications.

First pictures of new Genesis GV80 SUV released, launching in Korea this month


The Next-Generation Ford Ranger Is Here!

Ahead of its sales launch, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) previewed the new-generation Ford Ranger today. This can be considered the fourth generation of the pick-up truck which was originally conceived as Ford’s idea of an ‘ASEAN Car’ in the mid-1990s. Its development was partly inspired by the creation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) as a single trading bloc. Products could be exchanged among ASEAN countries without import duties so manufacturers could set up large factories in one location for economies of scale and supply to neighbouring countries without tax penalties.

Ford (in partnership with Mazda) chose Thailand to build a huge factory in Rayong on the eastern seaboard for its new model called the Ranger, which succeeded the Courier. For the Malaysian market, the timing was perfect as regulations has just changed (in the late 1990s) to permit private registration of pick-up trucks. With the Ranger’s stylish design and more passenger car-like features, it very quickly became a top-seller, accounting for 51% of all trucks sold in Malaysia in its early years.

2022 see a new generation of the model which has by now become a very global product, made in Thailand and South Africa, and exported to some 180 countries. For this new generation, Ford has no longer collaborated with Mazda (which has instead teamed up with Isuzu for its new truck) and has partnered Volkswagen (which makes its Ranger-derived product the
new Amarok
).

Familiar design

Pick-up trucks generally have similar profiles – a cab up front and a long cargo bed at the back, with lots of ground clearance. Apart from a few exceptions, they all sit on a chassis frame (or ladder frame) which has been the case for decades. This type of construction, with the cab bolted on, is stronger and can handle heavy loads better. It’s also more resistant to flexing, an important point when driving in rough terrain.

However, the styling is where the differentiation is, and Ford’s designers have kept the new Ranger stylishly rugged. According to Max Tran, who led the design team for the model, they looked at nature for inspiration as well as the F-Series trucks and also the previous Rangers.

The front end is bolder with more distinct elements but the most eye-catching are the two ‘C-clamp’ LED lighting units around the large headlights. These serve as daylight running lights (DRLs) and certainly make the new Ranger recognisable from a distance. The same theme is used for the tail lights as well.

The dimensions of the new Ranger are roughly the same as before, but the wheelbase is 50 mm longer, and the tracks have also been widened by 50 mm. The extended wheelbase moves the front wheels forward so that the overhang is reduced, making for a better approach angle. The widened tracks allow the body to be slightly wider, which makes a difference in the cargo bay.

Since the second generation, the brand badges have been enlarged to make them more visible from far. This time round, ‘RANGER’ has been stamped into the lower section of the tailgate panel, giving a rugged look to the vehicle. On the top of the tailgate is a hint of a spoiler, helping to influence airflow in some beneficial way.

As before, some versions have an ‘easy-lift’ bar under the tailgate which makes opening and closing really easy. The tailgate is normally a heavy piece and you need two hands and a bit of effort to lift it but with the Ranger, you can use one hand to close it.

Proven powertrains

As before, there are two 2-litre diesel powertrain choices – the Bi-Turbo and Single Turbo. Both have received improvements, particularly in reduction of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). The output remains the same, though, with the Bi-Turbo putting out 210 ps/500 Nm, and the Single Turbo generating 170 ps/405 Nm. Because the Ranger is sold widely in ASEAN, where governments are promoting biodiesel strongly, the engines can run on diesel blends up to B20 with no problem.

Also carrying over from before, the Single Turbo engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the more powerful engine gets a 10-speed automatic transmission which has been updated for more efficiency with closer ratios. Ten ratios is a lot but it does allow for higher ratios to keep revs down for efficiency while, at the same time, having low ratios for strong pulling power when needed. The manual transmission is actually new and was four years in development across 4 continents and has a new gear set for smoother shifts.

To improve cooling in the engine bay, the structure around the front end is hydro-formed. This allows for extra space in the structure around the radiator, and also makes it possible for other powertrains in future (an electrified one, perhaps?). There’s also a dedicated space under the bonnet for the installation of a second battery for use as an auxiliary power source to keep camping accessories running.

There are also two drivetrains and both have electronic management with shift-on-the-fly capability. However, only the top Wildtrak version has the sophisticated electronically managed 4×4 system that intelligently delivers power to the wheels. A rotary dial is used for the first time for selection and there are four modes – 2WD High, 4WD High, 4WD Low and automatic 4WD. The other versions have the more traditional 2-wheel drive High and Low range transfer case.

There’s also another set of drive modes to suit different types of surfaces conditions, from mud and sand to normal roads as well as for fuel-saving. The Wildtrak gets 6 modes which include the different terrain settings but the other versions get only 4 modes for normal, economy, towing or slippery surfaces.

The platform has similarities to the one used before but it is not identical. It’s an evolved version which has the rear suspension dampers shifted outboard of the frame rails. The aim has been to allow more tuning range with a better balance between comfort and durability. With trucks being used more on-road than off-road, the comfort aspect is desired more.

Flexible multi-function cabin

Each generation of the Ranger has seen a new approach to interior design, influenced by feedback from customers as well as themes chosen by the design teams. The third generation, for example, had some elements inspired by Casio G-Shock watches which the chief designer was impressed by. This time round, more than 5,000 people were interviewed to find out what to improve and what was expected.

The result is a flexible, modern cabin space that is more functional for family use as well as for work. To meet this requirement, Ford has provided smart and connected technologies and features, with more comfort and storage options. Digi-graphics are dominant on the instrument panel and also a tablet-like centre display which looks like the one in the Mach-E SUV.

The portrait orientation of the centre touchscreen display provides more surface area so that more menu elements can be displayed. With a horizontal orientation, the menu may need to be layered, adding time to the operation for the driver. The vertical panel also displays the 360-degree + overhead view that allows the driver to see all sides of the vehicle.

There are two centre consoles between the seats and the Wildtrak gets the ‘advanced’ one with an electric parking brake tab (no lever) and the rotary dial for the drive modes. The other versions continue with the conventional handbrake lever on one side. All versions have the option of manual gear selection and this is done by a rocker switch on the side of the shift lever knob. It’s been used for a long time and is common in American vehicles, instead of paddles on the steering wheel.

There are USB and 12V power points around the cabin (and even a 3-pin one in the cargo bay). With many people installing dashcams nowadays, the interior designers have also provided one USB socket at the top of the windscreen area to power the device without having a cable dangling down. And for those who have smartphones that can charge without cables, there’s also a charging pad.

With the second generation Ranger, Ford provided a slide-out tray for the front passenger but that idea probably didn’t catch on so they omitted it later on. For the latest Ranger, besides the rather small glovebox, there’s a horizontal space above it which can be used for a small umbrella or small items. There are, of course, the requisite cupholders with sizes that have been thoroughly researched for universal use.

The instrument panel is now fully digital with an 8-inch TFT display that provides the driver with a wide range of information. To ease the driver’s workload is SYNC4a which is the latest version of Ford’s own connectivity software that was introduced in 2019. It offers enhanced conversational voice recognition, OTA update capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With this new Ranger, the interior designers have gone even further in making the cabin feel like a car’s. In fact, if you were not told that it’s a truck, you would think you’re in a spacious sedan or hatchback. The materials used are soft-touch or well padded, and there are many convenience features. All versions now have rear air-conditioning vents and the rear backrest can be folded down to place items that can’t be left in the exposed cargo bed. Additionally, there are two compartments in the floor as ‘hideaway’ storage areas.

An even safer Ranger

Right from the start, the Ranger has been a leader in safety in the truck segment. For Ford, the lives of the occupants of a truck are no less valuable than those in a passenger car. So even with the first generation, Ford was providing safety features – including airbags – that other trucks didn’t have. This leadership position continues to the latest generation with the more advanced integrated active safety systems being provided (albeit in the Wildtrak only).

The Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) that you see in many cars and SUVs these days are also available in the Ranger Wildtrak. Using a camera and radar, these range from pre-collision warning to automatic emergency braking as well as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. There is also post-collision braking which brings the vehicle to a faster stop after an accident.

Additionally, Ford has also installed Evasive Steering Assist, a system which complements the Pre-Collision system. If the vehicle is rapidly approaching a stationary vehicle or a vehicle traveling in the same direction, the Evasive Steering Assist system can help the driver steer around the vehicle in a controlled and stable manner. Additional steering torque is applied to help steer around the vehicle. After passing, the system applies steering torque in the opposite direction to encourage a return to the original lane.

There’s also protection for the vehicle in view of it likely to be used in rough off-road conditions. To protect vital components, there are protective underbody shields for the steering, sump, transmission and transfer case. These shields are made from pressed and folded laser-cut steel. The recessed mounting bolts are protected from damage and easy to remove for servicing, and because the shields are bolted directly to the chassis, they add to the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Introducing the new Ranger

SDAC will have a series of events between now and October to introduce the new-generation Ranger before it officially goes on sale. If you sign up
here
, you can get an exclusive invitation to a debut event at a city near you as well as receive regular updates to keep you informed. To know more about the new-generation Ranger models available in Malaysia, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.

Click here for a new-generation Ford Ranger catalogue
.

From Model TT to Ranger – the story of Ford trucks


Proton starts off final quarter of 2019 with 9-month sales volume higher than for whole of 2018!

We’re into the month of October, starting off the final quarter of the year. It’s a period when car companies will be looking at how to clear their stocks before the year ends and prepare for new challenges in 2020.

For Proton, there must be a very upbeat mood running through the company as sales have been on an upswing. Another major milestone was achieved at the end of September when the company exceeded its total sales volume for 2018 within the first three quarters of 2019. With 70,330 units (including exported units) delivered so far this year, the sales volume is 8.6% higher compared to the 64,744 units delivered for the whole of last year. And there are still 3 months of sales to go…

Highest market share in 66 months

With 8,934 units (inclusive of exports) delivered in September 2019, Proton achieved a growth rate of 97% over the 4,524 units in the same month last year. By the company’s own estimation (pending official data from the Malaysian Automotive Association), it would have a market share of 20.2%, which suggests stronger sales growth that rival brands. The figure is a 66-month high for the brand and helps to increase its year-to-date market share to an estimated 15.8%.

Proton Saga leads in A-segment sedan class

The Saga used to be Malaysia’s bestselling sedan and being displaced was something Proton did not take lightly. Major revisions were made for the 2019 model – including a change in the automatic transmission type – and it’s clear that the buying public likes what has been done as over 20,000 bookings have been received since it was launched.

Click here for driving impressions of the 2019 Proton Saga

Proton reports that, during the month of September, it delivered 3,994 units nationwide and that’s the highest number of monthly deliveries for a Proton model in 2019. The company believes the number places the Saga at the top in the A-segment sedan category in Malaysia. The last time the Saga was No. 1 in this category was around 3 years back.

Extras for X70 customers in October

Based on its estimation, the X70 SUV has also maintained its position as the leading SUV in its class. To celebrate its performance this year, Proton is offering additional benefits to customers who purchase a unit in October. On top of the standard 5-year free labour service, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year Internet data packages already included with every unit, there will also be a subsidised insurance package and overtrade incentive worth up to RM2,000.

Click here for other news and articles about Proton in PISTON.MY

Visit
www.proton.com
 to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view/test-drive/buy a new Proton


Everrati Signature Widebody – an electrified Porsche 911 (964)

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

Everrati Automotive Limited, a British company specialising in converting iconic cars to run with electric powertrains, has unveiled its new flagship, the 500-bhp Signature. It is developed from a fully restored 1991 Porsche 911 964 and has been given widebody treatment with carbonfibre elements.

The Signature joins other Everrati electrified models such as the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda (its first conversion in 2019), along with 911 (964) Coupe and Targa models, a 911 (964) Gulf Signature Edition, and a Land Rover Series IIA.

Carbonfibre parts, including roof

To create the wide body, Everrati replaced the steel front and rear wings and bonnet with custom produced carbonfibre parts. The same material is also used for the doors, although these are reinforced with high-strength steel to retain side impact protection.

A carbonfibre roof is offered, along with the choice of a steel item for customers who wish to retain a sunroof where fitted to their car. The front and rear bumpers are refitted with genuine Porsche widebody items, to which RS Cup air vents are added. Thanks to this high-tech and meticulous approach to weight saving, the Signature widebody weighs less than the original 911 (964) Coupe.

A key part of the meticulous, sympathetic restoration and re-engineering process is the integration of the car’s new, sustainable-focussed heart – the electric propulsion system. “We install a state-of-the-art EV powertrain, which has its power delivery optimised specifically for the Signature widebody and is coupled to a 53-kWh battery pack and battery management system,” explained Everrati Director of Engineering, Mike Kerr.

500 bhp and 500 Nm

Sending 500 bhp to the rear wheels, the Signature widebody has more than double the power output of an original 1990s Porsche 964. With 500 Nm available from almost standstill, the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds and depending on driving style, travel for 240+ kms on a full charge, it is claimed. Recharging the battery pack to full from 10% is said to be possible in less than an hour with a DC fast charger.

Everrati retains the car’s aluminium rear trailing suspension arms, refurbished to new, with all bushes and drop-links fully uprated. Customers are offered a choice of two suspension settings:  standard suspension with fully adjustable motorsport-grade coil-over spring/damper units, and a fully adjustable package with adaptive dampers that are fully programmable from within the cockpit via a touchscreen.

Brembo stopping power

The EV powertrain provides regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, capturing energy that would be wasted. The driver can adjust the level of regenerative braking force available to enable one-pedal driving. The uprated mechanical braking system features fully renewed Brembo Porsche calipers with new drilled, ventilated discs all around. An optional, even more powerful braking system is available with larger Brembo calipers front and rear.

Customised and original

As for the interior, the cabin can be personalised to customers’ individual tastes in numerous ways, thanks to a wide range of optional materials and fittings. The original Porsche seats are fitted, which are significantly enhanced for comfort and replicate the look of the original RS Touring Seats, and optional Carbon RS seats provide an even more sporting ambience. The upholstery can be in leather, alcantara, or other materials and in a wide choice of colours and optional finishes and textures.

Customers can also have  custom-designed heating and air conditioning system and add a modern
Porsche Classic Communications Management
 with full touchscreen navigation, DAB+, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play. All of the car’s traditional gauges are replaced with Porsche-inspired EV gauges, and as with the internal combustion engine and transmission components, the original gauges can be retained for the customer on request.

Reversible engineering

“At Everrati, it is sacrosanct that all engineering is reversible, should current or future owners want to revert back to the car’s factory specification,” said Nick Williams, Everrati’s Founder and COO, who previously held senior roles with Daimler and the Volkswagen Group. “If customers wish, the car’s original internal combustion engine and transmission can be refurbished and placed in storage, or even incorporated into a piece of art, such as a glass gable or Perspex box. Whatever the customer can imagine, we will do our utmost to make it a reality.”

Over the coming months, the Signature widebody will continue to undergo its full development programme. For those who are interested in acquiring one, prices start at £250,000 (about RM1.47 million), based on a customer-supplied donor car.

Bringing modern connectivity to old Porsche models


2019 MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Wired & Cooper S Countryman Pure launched!

When It comes to being one of Malaysia’s most sophisticated and versatile compact premium automotive brands, MINI is indeed right there on top of the list and the launch of their latest 2019 MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Wired and Cooper S Countryman Pure proved that very fact.

According to Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, “The MINI Countryman is the ultimate all-rounder; the iconic symbol of urban living. Since its first introduction in 2010, the MINI Countryman has consistently evolved through the decade to suit the trendsetters of every generation.”

“In 2018, Malaysia was the first country in South East Asia to locally assemble the MINI Countryman. Following its tremendous success and in line with our strategy for electromobility, we also introduced the first Plug-In Hybrid variant to further demonstrate our commitment to shaping the future of the Malaysian automotive industry.”

2019 MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Wired – RM268,888

Electrify your journeys with the new hybrid Countryman Hybrid Wired which comes prepared with a TwinPower Turbo petrol-powered engine paired with an electric motor. This particular MINI is able to produce a whopping 224hp and 385Nm of maximum torque.

All that power is controlled via a 6-speed automatic transmission which allows it to propel from 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 198km/h. that’s not bad at all considering that it only uses 2.1 liters of fuel for every 100km.

So what else do you get with that added Wired package which costs RM18,000? Apart from its already beautiful ALL4 Design, this baby has been kitted with new 19-inch edged spoke rims and run flat tyres.

To further enhanced the car’s rugged personality, MINI Bonnet stripes, contrasting roof colours in black or white, as well as its hexagonal grille are added to further accentuate all its features.

The interior has been decked out with Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black upholstery on electric seats with memory function. Take the cabin to the next level with MINI Yours Illuminated interior trims as well as a MINI Yours steering wheel if you’re feeling a bit fancy.

There’s also a brand new high-resolution 8.8-inch Touch Screen Display and the latest technology housed in the MINI Centre Instrument. Other specs include the MINI Head-up Display and Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system to really shake things around in the best way possible.

There are a few colour combinations that you can choose if interested. The Chilli Red, Light White, British Racing Green, and Melting Silver all come with a black roof while the Island Blue is done with a white roof to keep things fresh and cool. Not bad for RM268,888 (on-the-road price without insurance).

2019 MINI Cooper S Countryman Pure – RM228,888

If you’re looking for something more rugged, then the MINI Cooper S Countryman Pure should be highly-considered as it comes with the iconic bonnet stripes, black roof, LED headlights with cornering lights, and that super sleek 18-inch Black Pin spoke rims.

The inside looks just as tough with its Carbon Black upholstery in the sporty Leather Cross Punch design which goes hand in hand with its very comfortable and stylish electric seats. There’s also the 6.5-inch Touch Screen Display with Navigation that further enhanced the vehicle’s overall versatility.

Armed with the TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine, the Countryman Pure is able to reach a top speed of 224km/h and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 7.4 seconds. That is all possible thanks to 192hp and 280Nm of torque being controlled with an 8-speed automatic transmission while only consuming 6.5 litres of fuel every 100km.

The exterior colour offerings for the New MINI Cooper S Countryman Pure include Chilli Red, Light White, British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Melting Silver and Island Blue; all paired with Black roof. One brand new unit will set you back at RM228,888 (on-the-road price without insurance).

To know more, head over to
www.mini.my
 or check them out during the Urban Liberation: The MINI Connected Roadshow which will take place at several locations listed below:

Locations

Dates

Vivacity Megamall

26 – 28 April

Starling Mall

26 – 28 April

Paradigm Mall JB

3 – 5 May

Empire Subang

24 – 26 May

Gurney Paragon

14 – 16 June

I-City Central

28 – 30 June

One Utama

3 – 7 July


Chery OMODA 5 launched in China, coming soon to Malaysia

Yes, the Chinese carmakers are going to be serious rivals to the established brands in due course. While they may have given a poor impression 20 years ago because of low quality, they have improved steadily and now have the volumes to fund R&D to develop their own technologies and invest in the latest advanced manufacturing processes to achieve high quality.

One of the latest examples of this new generation of Chinese cars is the Chery OMODA 5 which has just been launched in China, with exports to begin to many countries including Malaysia. Priced in China between RMB92,900-RMB126,900 (about RM61,300 – RM83,700), the OMODA 5 is a sporty new crossover SUV that was first previewed as the X-C concept at Auto Guangzhou in 2021.

B+ segment

Its overall length of 4400 mm and width of 1830 mm (on a wheelbase of 2630 mm) gives it a slightly larger body that Malaysian rivals like the
Proton X50
 and
Perodua Ativa
. So it’s a ‘B+’ segment model but not too big to qualify to be in the C-segment.

The OMODA 5 uses the brand’s ‘Art in Motion’ design language that makes much use of curves and molded surfaces to dynamic aesthetics even when standing still. The body panels are carefully shaped to create an interplay of light and shadow as the SUV moves. The borderless diamond-cut geometric matrix grille extends from the middle to both sides, as if to create a ‘parallel universe where dreams match reality’.

1.6-litre TGDI engine

The OMODA 5 is powered by a Kunpeng 1.6TGDI, the letters signifying that it is a turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection. The 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine produces 197 ps/290 Nm which goes to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 7.8 seconds and while on the move, the driver can activate a Super Sport mode for more engaging driving. In this mode, there is also simulated sound to enhance the perception of high performance.

AI in the cockpit

The cabin has Chery’s latest-generation Lion 5.0 AI (artificial intelligence) technology smart cockpit with intelligent technology. AI is used for emotion monitoring and adjustment, while entertainment is managed on a large 24.6-inch display screen. A Sony audio system collaborates with 64-colour rhythmic ambient lighting for immersive audio-visual entertainment.

Besides having European-standard environmental protection technology and ecological design, the OMODA 5’s C-PURE green cabin has a negative-ion air purification and filtration system. This will provide clean air to the occupants, an important consideration these days.

Global product

The Chery OMODA 5 has been designed with youth in mind, and through its technology-rich features, aims to project a new, more vibrant Chery to global consumers. The OMODA 5’s launch marks an important step in Chery’s global brand rejuvenation as it sets its sights on many other markets worldwide,” said Jia Yaquan, Chery Automobile’s Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Marketing.

Besides the OMODA 5,
Chery will be returning to Malaysia
 with the
Tiggo 8 Pro
 and Tiggo 7 Pro, part of the Pro line which has 4 SUV models and one sedan. Chery Malaysia has not indicated when they will have their launches although they should happen before the end of this year. Given how
GAC Motors
 and GWM have started their activities, Chery won’t want to lose potential customers who are keen to try new brands and are drawn to these two newcomers first.

Chery’s All-Domain Power Architecture ready for next 30 years


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

COVID-19, the coronavirus, is slowly impacting our lives and while we hope that there will be positive changes soon in the spread of the epidemic, event organisers in Malaysia are considering the situation seriously. This is of great importance as there is a risk of infection when large groups gather, as has been evident in other countries. Therefore, some events may have to be postponed or cancelled to reduce the risks.

Motorsports is one of the events which has large crowds of spectators and in view of the risk, the organisers of the 2020 Liqui Moly US Legend Cars Championship have decided that the inaugural championship will be postponed.

The first round of the 6-round championship series was to have been held on March 13 at Perak’s T-City Gopeng Motor Speedway (shown above).

In a statement issued today, the organisers said that US Legend Cars Malaysia is closely monitoring the situation. “Further to this, with various other uncertainties in the country, the management of US Legend Cars Malaysia has deliberated intensely and decided to postpone the championship. The decision was not an easy one to make, especially with much preparation already done,” the statement said.

New dates will be announced at a later date and would be dependent on how the situation evolves.

2020 Liqui Moly US Legend Championship starts first oval racing series in Malaysia


Perodua: New SST Structure Is Better For The Automotive Ecosystem, Says PDA & KVP

The
Perodua Dealers Association (PDA)
 and Kelab Vendor Perodua (KVP), or the Perodua Vendors’ Club, has welcomed the new
 Sales and Service Tax (SST)
 structure as it has managed to help
reduce
 the prices of Perodua vehicles. The SST structure, which imposes a tax of
10% for sales and 6% for services
, is only applied once at the beginning of the business value chain.

“Thank you very much to the government for engaging and explaining to the industry players how this new tax structure is implemented. Based on this new tax structure, the overall costs of Perodua vehicles was able to be brought down between 1% and 3% (compared with prices under 6% GST),”
 said
KVP President En Musa Zahidin Tan Sri Ahmad Zaidee
 (above).

On 3rd September 2018, Perodua
announced
 that the prices of its vehicles will be reduced by between
1%
and
 3%
 for most of its models compared with the price list under the previous 6% Goods and Service Tax (GST) era.
“To Perodua, we wish to thank you for providing the volume, which has significantly sustained the Malaysian automotive ecosystem through components and parts purchased,”
 Musa said.

According to the
Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)
, Perodua sold
140,900
 units between January and July 2018, which is an increase of about 18.8% from 118,600 vehicles in the same period last year. Musa hoped that the government would continue to engage the Malaysian automotive ecosystem stakeholders, ranging from the auto vendors and original equipment manufacturers to the dealers, on future policies.

Meanwhile,
PDA President En Khairul Nizam Ayob
 (above) said:
 “Thank you to Perodua and the government for supporting the independent dealers. The price reductions of between 1% and 3% compared to GST-era prices will go a long way in making the industry more attractive and competitive. We will work hard to serve our customers better and are proud to be part of the Perodua family”.

“To our valued customers, please visit Perodua showrooms and service centres nationwide to learn more about our new vehicle prices. Our authorised sales and service advisors will be more than happy to receive you,”
 he added.

Perodua offers cash rebate to 3,100 customers affected by Myvi production halt…

As a reminder, following Perodua’s 20 August release regarding the temporary production halt of its new Myvi, the compact carmaker will be reimbursing a cash amount to the remaining 3,100 identified customers who were originally set to receive their Myvi before 1 September.

“Our authorised personnel will be contacting each and every one of those customers whose booked Myvis were supposed to be registered before 1 September to capitalise on the zero-GST tax holiday prices,”

Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin
said.
“We wish to offer our valued customers a cash rebate upon registration of their vehicles, as compensation for the considerable inconvenience caused to them. In the meantime, we will keep them updated on their Myvi delivery times,”
 he added.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate was reduced from 6% to zero on 1 June, opening up a three-month tax holiday that led to a rise in vehicle demand. Buyers are clamouring to have their vehicles registered before 1 September, as that is when the Sales and Service Tax (SST) is set to be reintroduced. On 20 August, Perodua announced that production of its current best-selling model, the new Myvi, had been interrupted due to a vendor supply disruption.

“We sincerely apologise to not just those whose orders could not be fulfilled before the SST reintroduction, but each and every single customer who has booked our new Myvi after them, as this production disruption will evidently delay deliveries of Myvis ordered more recently. Customers always come first at Perodua. We fully understand the frustration and grievances caused by this unintended development, and are doing all we can to ensure Myvi production resumes as soon as possible,”
 said Dato’ Dr Zahari.

To date, over 68,000 Perodua Myvis have reached owners out of over 120,000 bookings collected since the hatchback’s November 2017 launch, making it consistently Perodua’s best seller throughout the year so far.


680hp electric Volkswagen ID.R eyes Nürburgring record

It was around this time last year when the manic and eco-friendly 680hp electric beast Volkswagen ID.R set not only the fastest ever time at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb but also smashed the record for the fastest vehicle ever in the ‘Unlimited’ category.

While that would be enough to prove to every single being on the planet that electric supercars and race machines are the future, Volkswagen intends to cement that status even further. Their target? The infamous Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Almost 21km worth of 73 corners with several elevation changes known as “The Green Hell”, it is by far one of the most iconic racetracks in existence and it is where a lot of car companies and fast individuals have chosen as the ultimate proving grounds.

As of now, the current record for electric vehicles stands at 6:45.90 minutes and was set by British driver Peter Dumbreck in a NIO EP9 in 2017 and this is the one that the Volkswagen ID.R has its eyes on. The man for the job? None other than Romain Dumais, the same Frenchman that drove the ID.R to victory at Pikes Peak last year.

According to Dumas, “The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is my favourite racetrack. Although I have driven thousands of kilometres there, it always gives me goosebumps every time I leave the pit lane for the first time. Driving through sections of the track that are so steeped in history, like ‘Flugplatz’, ‘Fuchsröhre’ and the ‘Karussell’, is a very special feeling in the ID.R, which is virtually silent.”

His attempt with the Volkswagen electric beast won’t be easy. With so many difficult sections, the Volkswagen ID.R will be pushed to its limits in terms of aerodynamics and vehicle structure with sections like Nordschleife where it is the slowest but most uneven part of the circuit.

There’s also the part where Dumas want to hit an average speed of 185km/h for the goal of setting the new world record. And also, not braking at places (and placing the utmost confidence to the car’s downforce and aerodynamics) where most people would.

The gap between insanity and determination is almost invisible at this point and we’re loving every moment of it.


BYD Dethrones Volkswagen As China’s Bestselling Car Brand

For the first time,
BYD
 Co. has surpassed Volkswagen AG as the most popular automaker in China, continuing its rapid ascent.

According to automobile industry figures published by Bloomberg, the Warren Buffett-backed electric vehicle manufacturer outsold its German rival in the first quarter by selling more than 440,000 cars in China. Last month, BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu declared his intention to surpass Volkswagen by the end of 2023.

Since at least 2008, when data from the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre became available, Volkswagen had been the best-selling brand among Chinese automakers. In China, Volkswagen sold 427,247 vehicles in the first quarter, with EVs making up just 6% of those sales.

“BYD is very, very strong. In the end, not everything is about volume. We want to have a successful business, and it is more important to be the best international group here in China,” Volkswagen chief executive officer Oliver Blume said during an event at the Shanghai auto show.

BYD sold 1.86 million vehicles in 2022, surpassing its four-year average. In the first quarter, it was responsible for two out of every five sales of new-energy vehicles in China.

Between January and March, BYD sold about 550,000 automobiles worldwide, surpassing the total number of passenger cars registered in the UK during that time. The manufacturer has been stepping up its international marketing efforts with a focus on countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. According to Wang last month, BYD doesn’t currently have any plans to sell its electric passenger cars in the US.

According to Joanna Chen, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, BYD has stated that it hopes to sell at least 3 million cars this year and perhaps as many as 3.7 million.

Results for the first quarter are expected Thursday from the corporation. BYD now has a market value of roughly US$95 billion (RM423.7 billion), compared to US$77 billion (RM343.4 billion) for Volkswagen, thanks to a 16% increase in its shares this year in Hong Kong.


F1/Round 1: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel (with Aston Martin this year) had a bad start to the first race of the season as he was hit with a grid penalty for not giving attention to yellow flags during the qualifying session. As a result, he was demoted to start from the last position on the grid, after Nikita Mazepin (Haas F1).

For Sergio Perez, with Red Bull Racing this year, it was even worse as his car developed a problem on the formation lap, almost resulting in another formation lap being run. But he managed to restart the car and rushed back to the pits from where he started.

As the light went green for the first race of the season, Max Verstappen had a good start but Russian driver Mazepin, who had spun during qualifying, went into a spin and ended his race. The Safety Car (and Aston Martin Vantage) was deployed right away to lead the cars around for 3 laps while the Haas racing car was cleared.

When the Safety Car exited, Verstappen made a quick start to start extending his lead. Behind hi, Pierre Gasle and Mick Schumacher had some drama on Turn 6, while Vettel managed to move up 5 places but had some contact with Yuki Tsunoda. Debris on the track activated the Virtual Safety Car, which slowed things down for one lap.

At the 10th lap, Verstappen was being pursued by Lewis Hamilton who was about 1.5 seconds behind, with Valtteri Bottas 5 seconds further back.The Red Bull driver was having problems with his car, but he held a consistent pace and Hamilton just kept him in sight… waiting. The general order of the field was roughly what it had been on the grid at that point.

Just before the 20th lap, Verstappen came into the pits for a tyre change and Hamilton surged into the lead. When Verstappen rejoined, he was quite far down and had to work hard to get back up front again.

And what of Fernando Alonso, back in F1 again with the Alpine team? He was somewhere midfield, constantly dicing with his old rival, Vettel and also Carlos Sainz. SDergio Perex and even Kimi Raikkonen.

Two laps after the halfway point, Hamilton returned to the pits for another set of tyres, allowing Verstappen to take the lead. When he rejoined, he was in third. Bottas was then asked to come in, but his stop was delayed up to 10 seconds as the tyre removal was funbled.

Alonso’s race came to an end on lap 35 as brake issues forced him back to the pits where the car stayed. A rather disappointing return for the Spaniard who was twice World Champion.

On lap 40, Verstappen rushed into the pits to have tyres changed to hards and when he got back out, Hamilton was trying his best to stretch the lead, But calculations shows that the Dutchman could close in on the British driver within 10 laps.

As lap 45 started, Vettel locked his brakes at Turn 1 and bumped into Esteban Ocon, and both cars came to a stop for a short while. But then they managed to restart and continue, so the Safety Car was not called out.

With 10 laps remaining, Hamilton had a lead of just under 3 seconds from Verstappen, while Bottas was 16 second behind the Red Bull car. Tsunoda was in 10th place and if he could maintain his pace, he would get his first F1 point in his first ever race.

As the remaining laps counted down, all eyes were on Hamilton and Verstappen closing the gap. Hamilton had older tyres but as he had shown before, he could make sure that he would make it to the end – in the lead.

4 laps from the end, Verstappen finally got past into the lead as Hamilton went wide, partly due to his rear tyres starting to lose grip. However, the Red Bull driver slowed down inexplicably and Hamilton grabbed back the lead with 3 laps to go. By the time the 56th lap ended, the separation was under a second and it was Hamilton who took the first victory of the season. A fantastic duel to the end which hopefully will be seen in coming races.