Latest Ford Ranger Raptor gets added safety systems and upgrades

The Ford Ranger Raptor, imported by Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), has been updated for 2020 with an added safety pack and additional features. Additional upgrades to the include an additional USB charging port on the rearview mirror and LED projector headlamps for greater visibility while driving at night.

In the area of safety, which Ford trucks are highly noted for, the latest Ranger Raptor is now equipped with additional intelligent advanced driver-assist features. They are Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning and Assist.

These advanced technologies are first-in-class and complement other smart technologies that can be found in the rest of the Ranger line-up.

“With the new enhancements to the Ford Ranger Raptor, this ultimate off-road truck is now perfected to conquer the streets, making it ideal for everyday use in addition to commanding the harshest terrains at thrilling speeds. We are confident that the Ranger Raptor will continue revolutionising the market for pick-up truck enthusiasts in Malaysia,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

With Ford’s Performance DNA infused into the ‘
Built Ford Tough
’ Ranger line, the Raptor has set a new benchmark as the only factory-built performance truck for high-speed off-roading.

Its powerful 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine produces 213 ps/500 Nm which goes to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Extra ground clearance gives it class-leading water wading up to 850 mm while the long-travel FOX Racing Shox dampers can take on the roughest terrain. A Terrain Management System offers six modes, including a Baja Mode, which customise the engine and performance characteristics to the terrain for optimum grip and stability.

The Ranger Raptor is priced from RM208,888 (on-the-road, without insurance) and though it is more expensive that other pick-up trucks, demand for it has been surprisingly high. This could be because it’s not a ‘limited edition’ with just ‘look rugged and sporty’ bodykits but has genuine high-performance parts as well – and a factory warranty to go with it.

“During the Movement Control Order period, customers who have purchase enquiries on the New Ford Ranger Raptor may converse with us digitally via our newly launched
Digital Salesperson
, a WhatsApp Live Chat,” said Tuan Syed Muzri.

Related story:

SDAC’s Ford ‘Digital Salesperson’ at your service

For enquiries on the latest Ranger Raptor and other Ford models, contact the ‘Digital Salesperson’ from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday. Customers simply need to enter WhatsApp
+6019-204 1200
 to start chatting and queries will be attended to within 24 hours. Information can also be found at the
SDAC Ford website
.


R RYZR concept is a driving machine you ‘wear’

SAIC DESIGN London, an advanced design studio set up by China’s SAIC Group in England, celebrates its third year of operation this year. Earlier, it presented the
MG MAZE Concept
, one of two concept studies it developed to celebrate its 3-year milestone.

The second concept is more radical in appearance and is described as ‘a vision of future mobility that explores the boundaries between urban mobility and wearable technology’. Called the R RYZR, it is a fusion between a car and a motorcycle and is the ultimate symbiosis of man and machine. It is a car that you actually wear and enjoy the exhilarating feel of riding.

Designed to recognise the shift away from crowded public transport and the need for more instinctive experiences, it can offer the occupant an escape from crowded spaces by combining cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality.

‘R’ is the brand that SAIC is using for its future EVs so while the technical aspects are not provided, it would certainly be electrically powered, giving very zippy performance. The structure is also light and much like a frame surrounding the driver.

“R RYZR is an exciting and visceral vision of the future of urban travel,” said Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director. “By exploring the unconventional, it unlocks new modes of transports for the future, new experiences and new emotions.”

The concept is designed to achieve the ultimate ease of use – motorcycle agility with car-like stability, while the RYZR clothing concept means no need for an app or a key – the vehicle simply recognises the owner’s jacket instead.

“R RYZR is a useful, agile, practical, and exciting form of urban transport,” added Gotham. “It combines the aesthetic of cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality with futurism. It’s an exploration of unconventional mode of transports for the future – new architectures, new experiences and new emotions.”

The MG MAZE is certainly not the sort of MG your grandfather knew


Shortened course prevents Bentley Continental GT3 from setting new record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

As reported earlier, Bentley is participating in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which took place in the American state of Colorado over the past few days. The car used this year is the
Continental GT3 Pikes Peak
 and apart from its powerful 750+ bhp engine, it has also been tuned to run on renewable fuel.

On the course up the hill, the Continental GT3 proved to be the fastest car running on renewable fuel, finishing 2nd in the Time Attack 1 and 4th overall among all competitors. The car, driven by former ‘King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen, crossing the finish line in 6:36.281 despite suffering a late engine issue. The time was good enough to beat all other sustainability-focused entrants, including fully electric competitors.

The course was shortened due to snow and ice near the 4,300-metre high summit of Pikes Peak. For safety reasons, the organisers repositioned the finish line at a point at 3,896 metres. This  cut out the last third of the normal course which has 156 turns, many of them ‘open-air’ corners. The shortened route also meant that Bentley’s attempt to set a new record could not be achieved.

Nonetheless, the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak – regarded as ‘the most extreme road-going Bentley ever built’ – set a blistering pace over the first two sectors, entering the third and final sector 12 seconds ahead of its nearest rival. A few corners from the finish, a boost pressure problem meant 16 seconds were lost, dropping Millen back to second place in class.

“We know we had the pace today both to win our class, and to break the Time Attack 1 record. The weather sadly wasn’t with us though, with the shortened course meaning our assault on the record was never a possibility. While that’s a bitter pill to swallow, I’m proud to have entered such a strong renewably-powered racing car – the fastest at the event – and equally proud of the team that’s delivered this project. This is the first step on Bentley’s renewable fuel journey, and there will be many more opportunities to come. Perhaps we’ll even come back to Pikes Peak next year…,” said Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Paul Williams.

Bentley’s participation in the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was the company’s third in recent years, following successful record runs in both a specially-prepared Bentayga (Production SUV record) and a Continental GT (outright Production Class record).

With regard to the RON98 Renewable Racing Fuel, this fuel is a dedicated blend of advanced biofuels specifically designed for motorsport. It is a technological stepping stone to sustainably-created eFuel with a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 85%.

Steering wheel of Bentley Continental GT3 for Pikes Peak Hill Climb can also be used for sim racing (w/VIDEO)


Perodua revisits Selayang Hospital to contribute more and do more.

Car companies are in business to be successful and give returns to their shareholders, but they do not forget their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) too. With their financial resources, they can help communities in various ways and that’s one of the ongoing initiatives of Perodua.

“As a
People First
 company and a caring brand, Perodua is always looking for long-term and sustainable ways we can help and contribute to the people,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Recently, representatives of the carmaker revisited Selayang Hospital to contribute medical equipment and distribute goodies to patients and staff of the paediatric ward. Perodua last visited the hospital, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. in February, when it contributed 3 pulse oximeters (oxygen measurement devices) and 6 portable screens, as well as distributed money packets and gift bags to patients and staff.

“This is our small way of thanking the Selayang Hospital paediatric ward staff for their dedication and efforts in caring for the children, and for all the child patients here, we hope we can make their days a little brighter and their smiles a little wider,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Additional equipment

This time, Perodua contributed to the ward another pulse oximeter and 3 more portable screens, as well as distributed money packets and gift bags containing stationery to around 100 child patients.

The children’s play area was also given a new look after volunteers from Perodua cleaned the area, painted the cabinets, replaced the wallpaper and ceiling, installed a smart TV and new flooring as well as bought some new books and toys.

The refurbished play area features graphics with safety and environmental themes – topics which Perodua is passionate about. It plans to educate the child patients about safety and the environment through various activities in the coming years.

More activities planned

“Our efforts do not stop here – we have lots of activities planned for the children in the coming years, including story-telling, movie screenings, puzzle games and origami. We are also looking at doing a book donation drive to populate the play area’s library,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Visit
www.perodua.com.my
 to know more about the products and services available.

MOE-Perodua Badminton Talent Development Programme concludes second year successfully


BIKES: Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone – You Need BIG ‘Stones’ To Ride This!

I’m going to say this right off the bat so that I don’t forget to later: Do NOT buy this bike if you’re a beginner and just starting off in the world of 2-wheelers. I say that not as a
challenge
 of any kind, but more from the fact that this bike is definitely for a seasoned biker,
I kid you not.

I love this bike. I really do, because it reminds me of of my old 90’s Ducati 900SS, which was the most unforgiving bitch of a bike I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. Right off the bat, just like my old Ducati, this ‘Guzzi’ tried to spit me off…twice.

Let’s also get this out of the way right now too; that ‘unique’ V-engine will not be everyone’s cuppa tea. First off, unlike other
vees
, this one protrudes transversely, like a BMW
boxer
 engine; only this boxer is taking shots at your knees, and not your ankles like a BMW.

The vibration during start-up is very noticeable, because the counter-balancers will only smooth things out after about 2,000rpm. In fact, blip the throttle when the bike is idling on its side-stand and you might think it’s gonna topple over. That’s how severe the left-right pitch is, because unlike that aforementioned boxer engine where the pistons are low, the ones in this vee sit pretty high.

However, during highway cruising, the V7 III Stone is as smooth as you could expect any V-twin to be. Of course it’ll never be as smooth as an in-line 4, but manages to handle highway riding quite well, cruising steadily at 140kmh is not a problem at all for this bike, it just powers along, its engine thrumming away smoothly.

It has a 21-litre fuel tank, so long-distance rides will not be a problem at all, in fact I managed to see 260km on the trip-meter between fill-ups, and the low-fuel warning-light hadn’t even illuminated yet. The riding-position is as upright as you’re ever going to be when it comes to bikes, and power wise there’s a healthy
52bhp
 at 6,200 rpm, and
60Nm
 of torque at 4,900 rpm.

But here comes the part where I tell you why this bike isn’t for beginners. For starters, this bike’s acceleration is BRUTAL. I’m not exaggerating, it really is. Vee engines are known to be quick off the mark, but this thing has taken that to a whole new level.

It’s also this brutal acceleration coupled with the low-end wobble that makes for a rather daunting proposition when it comes to low-speed maneuverability with the V7, and here’s where most, if not all, riders are going to find it quite a handful. Utilizing ride-by-wire technology, the V7’s throttle is like a hair-trigger. It is overly responsive and requires a very precise, almost feather-touch, especially when negotiating around obstacles; for example: lane filtering during a traffic jam.

Another place that may get novice riders in trouble with the V7 would be when it came to powering-out while exiting a corner. As I mentioned earlier, the throttle has a hair-trigger, and just a bit too much twist could send the back-end out. Not knowing how to ‘catch’ this could be a painful lesson indeed.

I’ll put it this way; if you’ve just gotten your full-B license after passing your test and taking all your lessons on a JPJ issued Kawa ER6N/F, you are in for the shock of your life if you buy this as your first bike. It may actually put you off biking altogether.

Don’t get me wrong, the Moto Guzzi V7 is not a bad bike, it doesn’t
really
 wanna spit you off, but it
will
, if you haven’t got the experience to handle it, or more importantly,
counteract
 it. Think of it as a wild-stallion that needs to be tamed….slowly, eventually. Build-up your real-world riding skill (because the mandatory lessons to get your full-B license are an archaic joke) through the various categories before swinging a leg over something like this.

Moto Guzzi has never been a run-of-the-mill bike maker, I doubt it ever will be, but I can’t tell you how happy I am that they are being represented in Malaysia by
 The Gasket Alley
 in PJ.

For the northern region, over in Penang,
Sheng Fatt Motor Specialist
 takes care of the Moto Guzzi brand, in fact, this test bike came from them, and I actually rode it back from Penang during the
Petron Blaze RON100
 Media Ride recently.

In conclusion, priced at around
RM66,900
 (OTR without insurance) I have to say I really like this bike, but I just can’t stress enough how unsuitable it is for a beginner. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. –
Chris Wee
.

Moto Guzzi V7 Full Manufacturer Details:
PR Moto Guzzi V7 III ENG_ok

Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone Photo Gallery…

Moto Guzzi V7 III: Technical Specifications

Displacement

Bore

Travel

Timing system

744 cc

80 mm

74 mm

2 valves with light alloy pushrods and rockers

Max Power

38 kW (52 HP) at 6200 rpm

Maximum torque at crankshaft

60 Nm at 4900 rpm

Exhaust system

3-way catalytic converter with double lambda probe

Cooling

Frame:

Wheelbase:

Trail:

Headstock angle:

Air

double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable elements.

1463 mm

106 mm

26.4°

Front suspension

Travel:

Ø 40 mm hydraulic telescopic fork

130 mm

Rear suspension

Wheel travel:

die cast light alloy swing arm with 2 shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload (Öhlins fully adjustable for Racer)

93 mm (shock absorber travel 80 mm) (Stone/Special/Anniversario)

96 mm (shock absorber travel 75 mm) for Racer

Front Brake

Ø 320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo callipers with 4 differently sized opposed pistons

Rear brake

Ø 260 mm, stainless steel disc, floating calliper with 2 pistons

Front wheel

18″ in lightweight alloy (Stone), spoked (Special/Racer/Anniversario)100/90 (110/80 R18 as alternative)

Rear wheel

17″ in lightweight alloy (Stone), spoked (Special/Racer/Anniversario)130/80

Saddle height

Length:

Height:

Minimum ground clearance:

770 mm

2,185 mm

1110 mm

150 mm

Fuel tank capacity

21 litres (including 4 litre reserve)

Kerb weight

189 kg (Stone) – 193 (Special/Anniversario)

Kerb weight*

209 kg (Stone) – 213 (Special/Anniversario)

*
Weight with motorcycle ready for use with all operating fluids and with 90% fuel.


PUSPAKOM inspection not needed to renew roadtax that has expired up to 3 years

According to the Transport Minister, there are over 4.2 million registered vehicles which have not had their roadtax renewed. Many of these would have the roadtax expired for more than a year, which means that if they wish to use the vehicle on public roads again, it will have to be sent to Puspakom for a roadworthiness inspection first.

Now, that requirement has been abolished for vehicles registered for
private use
 by individuals. No Puspakom inspection will be required for vehicles which have not had their roadtax renewed for up to three years.

A car undergoing inspection at PUSPAKOM

Announcing this, the Transport Minister said that the change is in response to requests from vehicle owners. Particularly at this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many financially, removing the vehicle inspection requirement can help to save some money. Perhaps some of those affected have old cars in the house and now want to use them again as they do not want to avoid public transport.

However, the exemption from inspections does not apply to commercial vehicles which, in any case, are subject to periodic mandatory inspections to ensure they are in a safe condition for use.

Discount period extended to end September

Meanwhile, the discount of up to 70% offered for summonses has been extended. It was originally up to the end of August but will not still be available until September 30,2020. The discount given applies to all compoundable summonses issued by the JPJ and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) but not those issued by the police.

Again, the move is aimed at helping those who are in a difficult situation at this time and need to have a licence to work in jobs like e-hailing or food delivery. In some cases, not settling a summons would mean they are blacklisted and cannot renew their licence. Nevertheless, they still have to pay for the offence if they committed it.


Volkswagen still sees enough demand for the manual transmission to develop a new one

Depending on which segment of the car market you look at, manual transmissions are diminishing in popularity and some carmakers have even stopped offering them. The two giant markets of North America and China see more vehicles with automatic transmissions being sold each year but in Europe and other regions, there is still healthy demand for what is also referred to as the ‘stick shift’.

Until the 1980s, when electronics started to be used to manage automatic transmissions, they were seen as being a hindrance to performance. American drivers liked them as they worked fine with the big engines but on smaller engines, they took away the zip and worse, caused higher fuel consumption. So many motorists maintained the idea that if you wanted to have better fuel economy and you wanted to enjoy driving, stay away from an automatic.

Small number of innovations

The manual transmission has not evolved much since it is a simple unit. From the 1970s onwards, additional gears were added although five has been pretty much the norm for some time. There have been some innovations, a notable one being the TREMEC 7-speed transmission in the Chevrolet Corvette with its 1-4 ‘skip-shift’ strategy to improve fuel economy. Rev-matching technology, which first appeared in the Nissan 370Z, is another advancement that helped less skilled drivers enjoy shifting like a pro.

Although automatic transmissions have been the subject of much improvement and technological advancement, it appears that companies like Volkswagen have not stopped trying to make manual transmissions better. The numbers must still make commercial sense for the engineers to get money to work on them.

New gearbox can reduce CO
2
 emissions, raise efficiency

Recently, the carmaker announced its new MQ281 state-of-the-art manual gearbox which has better operating efficiency and is claimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 5 gms per kilometre. The new Passat is the first model to be equipped with the MQ281, and this will be followed by almost all models of the Volkswagen Group.

Latest Passat will be the first to have the new 6-speed manual transmission option in some markets.

The trend towards vehicles from the SUV segment with large-diameter wheels places high demands on the gearbox. “With the MQ281, we have developed a highly efficient manual gearbox that reliably meets these demands – and is soon to be introduced into a number of vehicle classes in the volume segment,” explained Helmut Gobbels, Head of Manual Gearbox and Four-Wheel Drive Development at Volkswagen.

The MQ281 has a torque spectrum of 200 to 340 Nm, which means it completely or partially supersedes the current Volkswagen gearbox designs with the internal designations MQ250 and MQ350 respectively.

It is based on a 2.5 shaft concept and boasts a high gear spread of maximum 7.89. On the one hand, this guarantees good driving off performance – even for heavy vehicles with large wheels – and facilitates, on the other hand, ‘downspeeding’, which is (fuel-saving) driving in high gears with low engine speed.

New MQ281 manual transmission will be used in many models in the Volkswagen Group in coming years.

New oil conduction system

Development of the new gearbox focussed primarily on improving efficiency. “Here we employed virtual development methods,” said Gobbels. “This enabled us to design a completely new oil conduction system. Using a variety of oil conduction measures, we are able to achieve a uniform and optimum lubrication of gear wheels and bearings, reducing the amount of lifetime oil required to just 1.5 litres.” To further reduce friction, a bearing concept adapted to the gearbox was developed. The design used friction-minimised bearings with low-contact seals.

Material use and its distribution for the gearbox housing was also optimised. With the aid of a further virtual development tool, a strength-optimised housing structure could be designed. The new housing supports the noise requirements of today (avoidance of undesired secondary noises) and therefore ensures improved driving comfort through less audible and noticeable vibrations in the vehicle.

The Volkswagen Group, with its huge production volumes, is one of the few carmakers that can afford to make its own transmissions, rather than source them from specialists like ZF or Aisin Seiki. It will be produced at two locations – Barcelona in Spain and Cordoba in Argentina.

The only time Volkswagen model officially sold in Malaysia with a manual transmission was the Polo GTI in 2008.

Don’t expect it in Malaysia

It’s unlikely that we’ll get officially-imported Volkswagen models with the new manual transmission in Malaysia. In fact, since the carmaker got into marketing activities about 15 years ago, only one model has been offered with a manual transmission and that was a Polo GTI 1.8. As most other companies have concluded, there is just insufficient demand for manual transmissions in this market. One company importing a small hatchback from Thailand had to stop doing so when the factory said that the volume taken was so low that the price would be
higher
 than for the automatic variant.


Most Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia open for business again

In line with the National Recovery Plan and the latest list of permitted activities and businesses, most authorised Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia have resumed operations. However, those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan are still awaiting approval to operate.

To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and employees, all the showrooms will adhere to strict Government guidelines and #SafeHands measures. These include
MySejahtera
 registration and temperature scans, mandatory facemask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and others specified in the Standard Operating Procedures.

Whether visiting the showroom or service, all visitors must follow the Standard Operating procedures which now include the requirement for full vaccination.

Must be fully vaccinated

Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and they should have completed no less than 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after receiving their vaccination. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer whether to the showroom or service centre.

“The closure of showrooms in the past months affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, who welcomes the government’s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations.

Use Volkswagen’s online channel to buy Volkswagen’s global bestseller in August and you can save extra money.

Special offers for Merdeka month

In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, authorised Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels this
August 27 – 31
. As part of the celebration, Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line
until August 31, 2021
. Remember that there are additional savings as sales tax is exempted until the end of this year.

For information on the Volkswagen product range and locations of dealers in Malaysia, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
.

Review: Volkswagen Passat R-Line – Very Nearly Perfect!


Lim Tayar Family licensing programme available for businesses wanting to upgrade for growth and profitability

Lim Tayar, a member of the CKL Group, an automotive services group, has launched the Lim Tayar Family (LTF) licensing programme for the aftermarket industry. The programme enables tyre retailers and car workshop owners to upgrade their business for growth and profitability. With the LTF programme, tyre retailers as well as car workshop owners will be able to get the expertise and support to drive and manage their business from Lim Tayar, which has been in the tyre servicing business in Malaysia since 1985.

Alternative to legacy dealership model

According to Clement Lim, Joint Managing Director of CKL Group, the pandemic which started last year has brought to light the struggles of the dealership model in Malaysia. “Hence, we have specially curated this programme to offer assistance to these owners who are looking for a better option than the legacy dealership model. This programme will also cater to those who wish to upgrade their business under the umbrella of a trusted and reputable vehicle servicing chain store,” he explained.

“Lim Tayar is one of the largest one-stop car service chains in Malaysia. Together with our sister company, School of Skills which offers technical vocational training, we are confident we will be able to help our partners to build up the skills of their current workforce and also to mitigate the skilled manpower shortage faced by the industry,” he added.

35 years of experience

Under the programme, the licensed workshops or tyre retailers will have the support of a Lim Tayar which has been acquired over 35 years of experience in the industry. Other benefits include inventory support like tyres, engine oil, spare parts, batteries, marketing, as well as a comprehensive business operations solution, which includes a point-of-sale system, a fixed price list and a ready-to-move in business premise located at a strategic location.

The LTF Programme will offer similar benefits as that of a franchise. However, the partner workshops will also have the flexibility to offer additional services or other areas of expertise, apart from what Lim Tayar has to offer. There will also be a flexible financing plan for the programme, which includes an installment plan for the licensing fee as well.

Complementing Lim Tayar’s network

The licensing programme will also result in an expansion of Lim Tayar’s services and network nationwide. Currently, the CKL Group owns 18 Lim Tayar outlets in the Klang Valley and one outlet in Seremban. “With this nationwide expansion, we will be able to offer the same experience through our licensed partners to our customers all over the country,” Mr. Lim said.

Run-flat tyres – an example of technology transfer from motorsports


Manifesto Concept Is Dacia’s ‘Rolling Lab’

Dacia, like Skoda, was established in 1966 as a government-owned carmaker but was sold off to Renault in 1999. Under the French carmaker, the company was able to develop further and is today the largest company (by revenue) in its home country of Romania.

Over the years, Dacia has had a firm niche at the lower end of the European market, offering cars with modern features and technology at affordable prices. Like other carmakers, Dacia is constantly looking ahead to see how its products can evolve as customer needs and social expectations change.

Its ‘rolling lab’ is the Manifesto, a concept car which contains new ideas and innovations that could be available in future models – though the company says its design is not necessarily related to any upcoming model.

The Manifesto concept  explores a connection to nature by being environmentally friendly, robust and by demonstrating usefulness in the outdoors. It has no doors, no windows, no windscreen – and that is a design feature to remove barriers between the passengers and the outside. Like riding a motorcycle, the driver and passenger are therefore fully immersed in nature and the surrounding environment.

While being closer to nature, the occupants can still maintain their connection with the rest of the world with the services available on their smartphone. Dacia has developed a simple, effective and economical ‘Bring-Your-Own-Device’ approach that makes it possible to fully integrate a smartphone into the dashboard and on-board computer. This system is already available on several of the brand’s current models and will evolve in the future.

Another example of smart thinking is YouClip, a very simple system to secure a variety of handy and modular accessories. This innovation is being refined by Dacia’s interior designers and will be offered in future models.

The interior is designed to be waterproof (important since it is so open) and can be cleaned with a jet washer. Not a new idea as Land Rovers also have washable interiors but it will be appreciated by anyone who goes off-road in muddy conditions. The seat covers can also be taken off to convert into sleeping bags.

Other interesting ideas on the Manifesto are the hard-wearing work surface that serves a variety of purposes, besides just being a tailgate. And if you’re wondering why there’s only one headlamp, it’s because that single unit will be powerful enough to provide the illumination needed. It can also be detached for use separately. However, that feature might be difficult to adopt as regulations in most countries require at least two front lights.

The roof rack can carry all sorts of loads as the carrier bars can shift into a variety of configurations. Dacia has already developed modular roof bars which are available on the Sandero Stepway and Jogger, and soon for the Duster as well.

Technical details are not mentioned but it appears that Dacia is not rushing towards electrification, unlike its parent company, Renault. Its CEO recently said that the company will continue to sell models with combustion engines ‘for as long as possible’.

The Manifesto therefore is likely to have a platform currently used by its SUV models with 4-wheel drive, a generous ride height, large wheels and a body built to withstand the roughest terrain. A dedicated and removable battery supplies power through a common socket, providing electricity for equipment or devices outside the vehicles.

Although it is not stressing electrification, Dacia still has considerations for the environment and the Manifesto has been developed to have a minimal eco footprint. By being compact and light, it requires less energy so if it uses a combustion engine, consumption would be low.

The main plastic body parts contain a significant portion of recycled material. Called Starkle, it is made from already processed polypropylene, with a flecked effect. The interior is fitted with natural materials such as the cork covering the dashboard.

The concept airless tyres are another innovative feature, as they aim for environmental friendliness as well as savings. The underlying principle is durability as such tyres are puncture-proof and are said to last for as long as the vehicle.

“At Dacia, we like to keep it real. As we were developing and exploring new ideas, we felt we needed to push them past 3D simulations and see what they look like in real life. As well as being a designer object, Manifesto Concept encapsulates our vision and combines a wide range of innovation – some involve extreme implementation, but they are still affordable for customers. We will be using a few of them on future Dacia models,” said David Durand, Dacia’s Design Director.

Dacia Bigster Concept previews new range-topper for Romanian carmaker


New Proton 3S Centre opens in Jelutong, Penang

A newly upgraded Proton 3S Centre in Jelutong, Penang is now officially opened by Autobinee Oriental Sdn Bhd which offers sales, service, and spare parts. The new facility offers better total ownership experience as part of Proton’s network strategy rollout.

Officiated by Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of Proton, the new outlet located off Jalan Air Itam is said to have invested around RM1 million for all of its upgrades. Easily accessible by the public, the service area consists of four bay and hoists to further facilitate the number of Proton vehicles on the island.

According to Yeap Teow Teong, Chairman of Autobinee Oriental Sdn Bhd, “The upgrading of the outlet is very important as we value our customers. We would like them to feel happy and welcomed when they walk into the showroom or when they deliver their cars for service. There are amenities such as free Wi-Fi, beverages, a customer lounge as well as ample car park space for their convenience”.

As for Dato’ Radzaif, he stated that “The northern region is a very important market for us. Penang in particular, is an affluent state with sophisticated buyers. In order to meet their expectations, we know that a strong product needs to be backed-up by an equally strong customer experience. This is where our network strategy has become a keystone within our growth plans. We are confident that with this new facility, our position here in Penang will only be strengthened further.”

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Proton Saga – “The OG”


UMW Toyota Introduces Upgraded Fortuner, Hilux & Innova, Plus A New Colour Option

In line with Toyota’s philosophy of
kaizen
 or
constant improvement
,
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)
 has announced that the
Toyota Fortuner, Innova
and
 Hilux
 have received upgrades and enhancements. Order taking for the models commences from 3 September 2018, with the sales launch and deliveries to customers to take place later in September.

Joining the colour range for the Innova and Fortuner is a new colour – Phantom Brown –a new exterior finish that Toyota introduced for the models internationally. The addition of this dark and bold colour gives Fortuner buyers up to six different choices while Innova buyers can choose from seven. Toyota is also striving towards the realization of the ultimate goal of a mobile society – zero casualties from traffic accidents. As a leading automobile manufacturer supplying millions of vehicles globally each year, Toyota has been ensuring that they are equipped with safety features and systems, which will help to make driving safer and reduce accidents.

In connection with this, the Fortuner has received upgrading in safety specifications with advanced driver assistance systems, now standard for all four variants. Specifically, the systems are Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Active Traction Control (A-TRC). While VSC, BA and HAC have been available for many years, A-TRC is a more recent development that provides more effective traction control in slippery conditions. It is therefore especially valuable during drives in off-road conditions when there may be muddy terrain. A-TRC detects wheel spin and distributes torque between front and rear wheels to suppress unnecessary wheel spin and control skidding.

The system can detect when one or more wheels have lost traction and automatically applies the brakes to the wheel with no traction, allowing it to send power to the wheel with traction. This way, the vehicle’s stability is maintained and the driver can safely drive around a turn. Developed under the same Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) program, the Fortuner, Innova and Hilux shares the common DNA of toughness, durability and reliability. Their engineering draws on experience in making vehicles that can provide safe and comfortable transport in all types of conditions around the world.

The Fortuner and Innova comes with a spacious cabin that can fit 7 persons and up to 8 persons for the latter. This latest generation has more convenience features such as power-operated rear cargo doors and cruise control (for Fortuner only), Smart Entry & Start system, LED headlamps and 8-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat. The infotainment systems with large touchscreen displays also have extensive features, including connectivity to compatible smartphones and to the internet while on the move (connection to internet is required).

The Hilux, with a 50-year history, is the King of every terrain. The latest generation is the best ever developed as it combines rugged engineering that has given the pick-up a long-lasting reputation with modern technologies to make driving more enjoyable and safer. The technology enhances the 4×4 capabilities of the Hilux and give the driver more confidence and control over any terrain.

Owners of the Fortuner, Innova and Hilux can enjoy peace of mind with a generous 5-year warranty. For the Fortuner and Innova, there is no limit on the mileage within the 5 years. Owners of all Toyota vehicles distributed by UMWT are assured of complete aftersales support through a nationwide network of authorised service centres.

The prices of the new Fortuner, Innova and Hilux, inclusive of Sales & Service Tax (SST) for Private Registration, without insurance are as follow:

Toyota Fortuner
 (4 variants) – from
 RM 170,500 ~ RM 195,600

Toyota Innova
 (4 variants) – from
RM 107,280 ~ RM 132,400

Toyota Hilux
 [Double Cab] (5 variants) – from
RM 100,000 ~ RM 138,000

Members of the public may visit
www.toyota.com.my
 for more information on the models offered or locate the nearest Toyota showroom in Malaysia.


Full Volvo pricelist with Sales Tax exemption

Note: Prices are on-the-road but do not include insurance premiums. Tax exemption is only valid for 2020 models between June 15 and December, 2020.

Locally-assembled version of the S60 T8 R-Design which was launched in Malaysia last month will be RM13,348 cheaper from Monday.

Click here for other new and articles about Volvo
.


Euromobil Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of Association With Audi

Euromobil, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON), today celebrated its 20th anniversary of association with Audi. The dealership was set up in 2002 to handle the German brand as distributor and provided sales and aftersales services to Malaysian customers.

Its 20
th
 anniversary celebration took place today at the Audi Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor, and had a football theme to coincide with the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Some 200 guests, including Audi owners, were invited for the event to mark the company’s milestone.

The Audi Centre (when it was opened in 2002)

During the event, visitors also had a chance to win exclusive Audi merchandise by taking part in various football-themed games. There was also the Affluent Women’s Personalities Engagement session where successful women entrepreneurs spoke about how they made it in the world of business. Steffi Sarge, Captain of the Malaysian Women’s National Football Team, also made a  special appearance to celebrate Euromobil’s 20th anniversary.

Malaysia Women’s National Football Team captain Steffi Sarge (left) at the Question-and-Answer session.

As a show of gratitude towards Euromobil’s customers, the dealership offered unique football-related lucky draw gifts for customers who had spent more than RM5,000 on repairs or aftersales services. Three winners were picked during the event, each of whom won authentic and signed national jerseys of stars playing in Doha this year. The signed kits were of Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne, Germany’s Ilkay Gundogan (both are also players of Manchester City FC), and England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who plies his trade at Liverpool FC.

During the event, Euromobil also recognised the dedication and loyalty of employees who had been with the company since its inception in 2002. Nine staff members received their long-service gifts comprising 5gm gold bars and corporate merchandise, as well as certificates from Shamsul Haq, Euromobil’s Chief Operating Officer.

All aftersales customers who send in their Audi vehicles for repairs or service during November and December 2022 will receive a special edition German national team keychain exclusive to Audi Centre Glenmarie.

For those keen on becoming Audi owners, Euromobil has a lucky draw for three purchasers who register their vehicles by December 31, 2022. The winners will be announced in January 2023 and each winner will receive an Apple iPhone 14.

Audi And Sauber Team Up To Enter Formula 1 in 2026


New Mercedes-Benz Pricelist with Sales Tax Exemption

Note: Prices shown are for private registration, excluding insurance premiums. CKD models have full Sales Tax exemption of 10%, CBU models have partial Sales Tax exemption of 5%.

Click here for other news and articles about Mercedes-Benz
.


Auditor appointed to oversee rectification of VW’s diesel-gate issue

Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few years, you would know about Volkswagen’s run-in with regulatory authorities in the US regarding its falsified claims of the CO2 emissions from its diesel powered vehicles.

The company fitted a clever cheat device that lowered performance and CO2 emissions when it detected that the vehicle was undergoing emission tests. Once the tests were offer, the system would revert to its original setting which allowed the engine to emit a much higher volume of exhaust gases than claimed to the authorities.

As such, the German automaker has seen the appointment of Larry D. Thomson as the Independent Compliance Monitor and Independent Compliance Auditor under the terms of Volkswagen’s plea agreement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a separate Consent Decree with the DOJ on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, respectively.

Thompson’s role is to assess, oversee and monitor VW’s compliance in the US with the terms of its settlements for three years which includes measures to further improve the automaker’s compliance, reporting and monitoring mechanism as well as its ethics programme.

“Volkswagen welcomes the appointment of Larry D. Thompson to this new position, and we intend to cooperate fully with his important work. We have taken significant steps to strengthen accountability, enhance transparency and build a better company and we look forward to working closely with Mr. Thompson as we press forward with the biggest change process in Volkswagen’s history,” said Ms. Hiltrud Werner, Board Member of Integrity and Legal Affairs at Volkswagen AG.

Part of Thomson’s job scope is to certify that VW’s compliance programme is able to detect issues like the the diesel issue and prevent it from happening again.


Control your Cadillac from your wrist

Customer Convenience seems to be of paramount importance to Cadillac when it comes to cramming new tech into its cars. As a result, they have now made it even easier for their customers to interact with its vehicles with just a smartwatch.

Through the use of the myCadillac app which is only available for iOS, Cadillac owners can now control functions such as:

Vehicle locate

Remote start and stop

Lock and unlock doors

Activate and cancel horn and lights

Walking directions to vehicle

These functions can be controlled with an Apple Watch (Watch OS 3) via its Apple CarPlay compatible infotainment system. The technology is standard across the automaker’s lineup and offers other features such as quick access to phone contacts, messages, music and navigation as well as wireless phone charging.

“The Apple Watch integration is another example of the seamless integration of technology Apple aficionados have come to expect from the Cadillac brand,” said John McFarland, director of Global Digital Experience.

For those who have an Escalade or CT6, things get a bit more intereting. Passengers of these vehicels will be able to stream their favorite shows from devices such as Apple TV to the rear infotainment screens using the HDMI port and the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi connection.

Apple CarPlay is a proprietary bit of software that allows vehicle infotainment systems to play nicely with iPhones and their various functions. Many carmakers offer this tech in their latest offering but very few are able to match the flexibility and ‘ease of use’ of that offered by Cadillac.

The myCadillac app was launched in 2010 but it was only recently that it became available across the entire model range starting with those of model-year 2011 and newer. The American automaker has stated that it has recorded an increase of 50% in usage of its app as of 2017. The seamless connectivity functions, especially with the Apple Watch has intrigued many and should boost sales somewhat.


Police Track Driver That Scattered Nails On Road

The owner of a Nissan Almera whose driver was recently caught on camera scattering nails on a road reported to be close to the traffic light area near Pusing, Jalan Ipoh-Lumut here, is being pursued by the police.

Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Roy Suhaimi Sarif, the head of the Batu Gajah District Police, claimed that yesterday his team discovered a trending video on social media about the situation.

He added that a road user who had a flat tyre after going through the area had given him a police report about the incident.

In response, he claimed, the Batu Gajah District Police Headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Division (IPD) initiated a case under Section 427 of the Penal Code for treachery.

“In regards to that, the owner of the concerned Nissan Almera, with the license plate AJK869, is being tracked for additional investigation.

In a statement released today, he asked anyone with information to get in touch with criminal investigation officer Inspector Siti Ramlah Abdullah at 0167676287 or the operation room (DCC) of IPD Batu Gajah at 05-3654322 or 05-3629050.

A 24-second video from another motorist’s car showing the driver of a black Nissan Almera throwing nails out the window at a traffic light has gone viral on social media.

@majoritiofficial

Sanggup pedajal orang. Selalu kalau kejadian tayar kena paku macam ni tiba-tiba nanti towing lalu.. Hati-hati yang memandu.
#batugajah

#perak

#paku

#khianat

#nissanalmera

#beritaditiktok

#trendingnewsmalaysia

#beritamalaysia

♬ News Headlines BGM(1075079) – ArcTracks

Video via majorityofficial TikTok


2019 Proton Persona Previewed! FULL Press Release From Proton

The 2019
Proton Persona
 was officially unveiled to the Malaysian media at PROTON’s Malaysia Design Centre in Shah Alam, COE, yesterday. The B-segment family sedan has been given an exterior redesign as well as an intelligent head unit identical to the one in the 2019 Iriz and based on the system used in the Proton X70. Both the Persona and Iriz are the first models in Proton’s current range to be updated following the collaboration with
Geely
 and the official launch of both vehicles is currently planned to occur simultaneously by end-
March 2019
.

The 2019 Proton Persona

Flash booking promotion to start on 12 March…

PROTON will be holding a
 ‘flash promotion’
 for the 2019 Persona. Interested buyers can place an online booking for only
RM9.99
, which begins on
11 March 2019
 and ends at
11.59pm on 22 March 2019
.
“PROTON aims to make its cars accessible to as many potential buyers as possible. That is why the RM9.99 flash promotion is being offered for the 2019 Persona. The low commitment fee is just one part of the deal. The convenience of being able to place a booking online from virtually anywhere there is a data line is the second part of the equation, making the act of booking a car simple and fast,”
 said
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON
(below, left).

Due to popular demand, the flash promotion offer for the
Proton Iriz
 will also be extended to end on the same day as the promotion for the 2019 Persona. This means customers will be able to place a booking for either car online until
22 March
. The first joint customer preview of the Persona and Iriz will take place this weekend
16 – 17 March at Proton Edar 3S centre in Plentong, Johor Bahru
. Previously, customer events had been held at Proton Edar 3S centres at Chan Sow Lin and Damansara but they only featured the Iriz.

Restyled to feature family design elements…

Penned by a team led by the head of PROTON Design, Azlan Othman, the 2019 Persona benefits from expertise drawn from other design centres within the Geely group of companies. Working to a design brief with the model slogan Intelligence That Cares the Persona’s design embodies its three USPs of peerless connectivity, practical functionality and proven safety. It also uses styling elements to create a visual link with other Proton models.

The design updates are subtle but make the Persona stand out from its predecessor. At the front, it receives a new outer grille inspired by the “Ethereal Bow” that debuted on the Proton X70 and also features on the Iriz. The radiator incorporates the “Infinite Weave” pattern sculpted into its design and sits on top of a redesigned front bumper. Sleek new LED daytime running lamps (DRL) are housed over a honeycomb mesh backing while a new bumper lower garnish ties together the new design elements of the front bumper and frames the lower air intake more elegantly.

At the rear, the most noticeable changes are the PROTON name proudly spelled out on the trunk lid garnish and a new bumper lower garnish that enhances the rear visual identity. A slimmer spoiler adds a sporting touch while a new bolder flowing typeface for the Persona name badge matches the overall exterior styling theme. A new 15-inch aluminium wheel design and a shark fin antenna provide the final exterior styling touches.

The intelligent car for families…

Similar to its sister car the Iriz, the 2019 Proton Persona features an intelligent head unit that is equipped with an embedded eSIM card and offers apps for music streaming, weather updates, navigation and voice recognition. Access to the system is via a 7-inch full colour touchscreen with 16GB of internal memory. There is also Wi-Fi connectivity and full mirroring capabilities for Android smart phones via an app.

“The Proton X70 introduced the concept of intelligence to our range of cars and the 2019 Proton Persona and Iriz have now received similar features. Their intelligent head unit offers voice command, weather forecast, navigation and music streaming functions and they can all be accessed using the Hi Proton! catchphrase. These are first in class features for cars in the B-segment so we hope to build on the advantage we now have over our rivals,”
 added Dr Li Chunrong.


8th generation of Volkswagen Golf nearing launch

The next generation of Volkswagen’s Golf – among the top ten bestselling cars of all time – is nearing launch. This will be the 8
th
 generation of the model which appeared in 1974 to take over from the Beetle as the modern ‘people’s car’. To date, over 35 million units have been sold worldwide.

7 generations of the Golf have been launched to date, with the current one having had its debut in 2013.

Designed for the 21
st
 century

The new Golf will be a product for the 21
st
 century, with design and digital innovations for the new era of electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services.

The camouflage lets onlookers identify that the black and white lines are disguising a 5-door hatchback. The DNA of the Golf, evolved over 45 years, is still evident but the camouflage still masks the finer details of the new design.

The design of the original Golf has evolved over the years but its DNA continues in the new generation.

Commenting on the all-new model, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, says: “At this time, we will not disclose all details of the new Golf, but you can already perceive its elegant proportions.” The next generation will be a genuine eye-catcher!”

The countdown to the global debut of ‘No. 8’ has already begun and Volkswagen says its world premiere will be in autumn 2019. That would almost certainly be at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

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


FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine

Three-cylinder engines in cars are nothing new; Daihatsu popularized the engine configuration in the late 1970s with its Charade and then it was widely used by Perodua. Since the 21
st
 century began 20 years ago, manufacturers have been downsizing engines as one way to reduce fuel consumption. However, unlike those older small engines, today’s downsized engines have a lot of advanced technology to help them develop high outputs and run even more efficiently.

The HR10DET engine in the
all-new Nissan Almera Turbo
 is a good example. It has a displacement of 1 litre but can generate up to 100 ps with 152 Nm. This is comparable to a 1.5-litre engine so the driver enjoys the benefit of a smaller displacement which will consume less fuel – without sacrificing performance, which was the case before.

Some of the features which helps the HR10DET engine, which has 3 cylinders, achieve its high output are 4 valves per cylinder for better breathing efficiency and two overhead camshafts in the cylinder head (DOHC).

Boost from turbocharger

A major contributor to the power output is the use of a turbocharger. Once found only in high-performance engines, the turbocharger is now commonly used for small engines to boost output and response. In the case of the Nissan engine, maximum torque is available between 2,400 and 4,000 rpm, a range that is frequently used in daily driving. With maximum torque available, overtaking can be done quickly and safely.

The turbocharger has an Electronic Wastegate which operates far more efficiently than a conventional mechanical wastegate. A sensor monitors compression levels and enables the wastegate to activate whenever necessary, allowing turbocharging to be maximized. As a result, turbo lag is virtually eliminated for strong acceleration when needed.

Cooling down the air

For a turbocharger to operate at its best, the air flowing through needs to be cool so it can be compressed as much as possible, maximizing the charge. For this reason, an intercooler is installed behind the front grille and effectively cools down the air.

Technology from GT-R engine

Friction robs an engine of power and engineers work hard to find ways to bring internal friction down. For the HR10DET engine, they drew on the Mirror Bore Coating technology from the legendary Nissan GT-R. Mirror Bore Coating technology can raise energy efficiency by reducing the friction significantly inside the engine.

Rather than inserting a cylinder liner, the technology uses molten iron sprayed onto the surface of the cylinder bore to form a layer of iron coating on the walls inside. This achieves a mirror-like finish that is exceptionally smooth, thereby bringing down friction levels.

Normally, the cylinder liner is 2 mm thick but with Mirror Bore Coating technology, the layer is just 0.2 mm thick, saving weight. The extremely thin layer allows better heat conduction which results in enhanced cooling performance and less engine knocking. The efficiency of the engine as a whole is improved, and fuel economy as well as engine power are enhanced.

D-Step Logic System

The powertrain of the Almera Turbo also includes a next-generation XTRONIC CVT with D-Step Logic System to improve shift feel and responsiveness. The D-Step Logic System is a computer program that uses dynamic inputs such as vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and application speed to determine ideal gear ratios needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration.

Drivers will feel the shifting being like a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter (which we can confirm after our short test drive) and with the flexibility and smoothness of a CVT. A Sport mode is available to gain stronger acceleration when required.

“The all-new 1-litre turbo engine is designed to meet our customers’ needs. It provides the highest level of fuel economy – up to 18.4 kms per litre – which can provide up to 650 kms on one full tank. The CO2 emission level has also significantly been reduced by 18% compared to its predecessor. making the All-New Almera Turbo even more environmentally friendly,” said Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

Selected Nissan showrooms around the country are offering test-drives of the new model so you can experience for yourself the performance of the car. Visit
www.almeraturbo.com.my
 to locate a showroom and by the way, when you take a test-drive, you could also win an Apple iPhone SE worth RM2,199.


AEHRA Aims For The Ultra Premium Car Market With Electric SUV

In the early part of the 20
th
 century, many car companies were formed to make and sell the new ‘horseless carriages’. But over time, it was a case of Charles Darwin’s ‘survival of the fittest’ which applied to businesses as much as nature. By the end of the century, the number was considerably less than when it started and mega corporations were formed as a few companies merged.

Now, in the 21
st
 century, the same thing is happening again as a ‘new’ type of motor vehicle – the electric vehicle (EV) – is poised to move into the mainstream – even displacing combustion engined vehicles in another few decades. And again, we see many new companies or start-ups appearing to try to get even a tiny slice of the growing EV market.

Some have been around a few years already, quietly developing their models and approaching investors and now, it seems that many are beginning to reveal themselves and present their products. One of them is AEHRA, an Italian company that aims to ‘disrupt the existing automotive ecosystem by distilling the values of Italian design, world-class engineering and American customer service to leverage the advantages of next-generation EV powertrain packaging and technology’.

After first showing sketches of its first model, a SUV, in September this year, the company recently revealed the exterior design the model which is simply known as the AEHRA SUV (perhaps for now). Taking advantages of the greater freedom afforded by being able to disregard conventional design approaches, AEHRA’S designers have come up with a radically different look with elegant futurism.

“With the AEHRA SUV, we have shunned the conservative constraints that have encumbered all other car manufacturers in their approach to designing EV vehicles to date. Instead, we have taken a highly courageous approach. And at AEHRA, this mindset drives not just the design of our vehicles, but every aspect, including engineering, the layout of the interior, the state-of-the art sustainable materials we use and how we are redefining the entire customer journey,” said Filippo Perini, AEHRA, Chief Design Officer.

The bodywork, sitting on a long 3-metre wheelbase, has a very low front end with exceptionally short front and rear overhangs. At night more than in the daytime, the SUV will draw a lot of attention with its narrow elongated headlights combined with LED lighting strips. These highlight the outer edges of the lower air vents to create a unique visual signature visible from afar.

While looking ahead and defying mass-market convention, the designers have also adhered to the pure values of classic Italian design. For instance, this sentiment is instantly evident in aspects such as the glassware, which appears to flow as a single piece from the very front of the car and over the roof, before sweeping down to the rear of the tailgate in an almost liquid-like fashion.

It is also dramatically expressed in the elytra-like doors, the name derived from the wings of certain insects to refer to the doors opening upwards. When open, there is ease of access into what is claimed to be an exceptionally spacious cabin ‘for four NBA-size players’.

“With the SUV, we have created a vehicle that goes far beyond the conventional standards set by the automotive industry for an SUV, and sets new benchmarks for style and comfort. We have used a monobody construction, which, while used widely in Italy in the past, is now normally reserved for supercars only. We have taken an equally radical approach to aerodynamics, which play a central role in the design, driving characteristics and efficiency of the SUV,” said Perini.

Using cutting-edge CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), which have an accuracy equal to and, in some respects, greater than those achieved in wind tunnels, Perini and his team have generated a groundbreaking flowing body, which is said to achieve exceptional aerodynamic efficiency.

The knowledge gained during this approach has been forensically applied to the design of the front and rear of the SUV to maximize aerodynamic drag reduction, cooling and battery thermal management.

AEHRA has also adopted innovative aerodynamic management, with movable elements at the front and rear, giving a sporty ride while also improving active safety. These solutions also optimize drag coefficient and thermal management of the batteries and help to extend the range of the SUV.

Low weight being of great importance to EVs, the AEHRA engineers have utilized the full potential of ultra-advanced, exceptionally light, highly sustainable composite materials, including forged carbonfibre technologies (which have only come to the market in the last few years), further enhancing the efficiency of the vehicle.

A sedan model will be revealed in February 2023 and the company plans to start first deliveries of its models to global markets during 2025.

Newcomer Apollo EV Malaysia Aims For 10,000 Orders In First Year With 3-Model Range

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Updated Nissan LEAF EV Launched, Priced RM20,000 Less Than Before

Although activity in the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia has increased substantially in the last year due to the government allowing duty-free importation and sale, with many brands (even new ones) introducing their EV models, we have not heard from Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) which began marketing the world first mass-produced EV – the LEAF – twelve years ago.

Using its own funding, ETCM had taken the initiative to provide information to the public about EVs and the benefit of their zero emissions to the future of the planet. However, the government then was not proactive in addressing climate change until it signed the Paris Agreement in 2015 and made the commitment to become carbon-neutral by 2050. This meant taking various actions, including promoting the use of EVs.

ETCM continued to offer the LEAF, and when it went into the
second generation in mid-2019
, it began importing the model for sale in Malaysia. However, without the government incentives, its price was high and interest was therefore limited.

The LEAF is still in its second generation and received improvements not so long ago, so ETCM was probably waiting for the updated and better model to be available and it is now ready for sale. With the tax exemption, it is now priced at RM168,888 which is RM20,000 lower than when it was launched in 2019. This would be as low as it can get unless it is assembled locally and would then get additional incentives.

The price is roughly within the price range of other EVs in the same class and unless the exchange rate changes drastically, it should be at that level till the end of 2025 as that is period o
f tax exemption given by the government for EVs
 imported CBU (completely built-up). If Nissan assembles it in Malaysia, then the exemption goes up till the end of 2027 and if the LEAF is assembled in another ASEAN country, it can be imported free of import duty under the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.

As the LEAF is already known in Malaysia, at least by those who are interested in such vehicles, ETCM is focusing on the Subscription Plan as the sales approach. With the subscription plan, no downpayment is required and owners pay a monthly subscription fee of RM1,800 for a 3-year contract (terms and conditions apply).

Furthermore, if there are any issues with the battery, this is covered as well. Thus, it allows ownership which is free of the worries that EV buyers have and one good thing is that it is also possible to switch to another Nissan model during the subscription period. While you don’t own the car at the end of the 3 years, you also do not have to worry about disposing of it. For those uncertain of whether they will like the ‘EV lifestyle’ in the long term, this is a good way to start as you will not be ‘tied’ to the car for a long period.

For those who prefer the traditional way using hire-purchase financing, ETCM can also sell you the LEAF that way and it comes with a 3-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty and 8-year/160,000-km warranty specifically for the lithium-ion battery. With 20,000-km scheduled service intervals, ETCM says that the LEAF should cost around RM300/year for regular maintenance

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Special Reward For ZEV Pioneers
As a reward for being among the ‘pioneers of Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV)’ in Malaysia, ETCM has a special offer for a limited period Those who purchase (H-P plan) the model will receive a complimentary 12 months of JomCharge membership (worth RM600) for recharging their car at public chargers as well as complimentary Ice Cool Tinting worth RM2,200. For customers using the LEAF Subscription Plan, there is a 50% discount on Ice Cool Tinting and a RM300 subsidy for 12 months JomCharge membership.

Understanding that owners may have special transportation needs occasionally, ETCM also has a special program for LEAF owners where they can use selected Nissan models for up to 23 days each year (terms and conditions apply) during the first 3 years of ownership. This will be useful for balik kampung trips or other  adventures. The models available are the X-Trail SUV, Serena MPV and Navara pick-up.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) is an integral part of all Nissan models. Introduced 13 years ago with the first LEAF, NIM is a suite of integrated technologies that increase not just safety but also comfort and control while driving. New safety features have been added to the LEAF, namely Intelligent Lane Intervention & Intelligent Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Rear View Mirror.

The Intelligent Rear View Mirror is a high-tech rearview mirror which uses a camera to capture the real-time view behind the car. It can be switched between the video view and normal reflected view. With the video view, the image can be clearer in all conditions and also unobstructed by the heads of rear passengers.

The LEAF has a 5-star safety rating from JNCAP (Japan New Car Assessment) which is the maximum score possible. As it is an EV, the organization also put it through a specific assessment related to electric shock protection. This is very important as there are many high-voltage systems in the LEAF and they need to be well built and protected so that there is no leakage in an accident.

Intelligent connectivity
Inside, the changes for the 2023 model year include a new brand Identity badge on the steering wheel, upgrade of the centre display panel to a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

The cabin accommodates 5 people and at the rear, the 60/40 split backrest allows for cargo/passenger flexibility. The minimum volume in the boot is 435 litres and can be expanded by 170% to 1,1176 litres, with the floor length able to accommodate a full-sized bicycle.

Proven electric powertrain

The electric powertrain is unchanged in specifications and has a 110 kW (150 ps) motor. Maximum torque of 320 Nm is available almost from the moment the car starts off and it can reach 100 km/h within 7.9 seconds, it is claimed. The range, according to testing based on the New European Driving Cycle) is up to 311 kms.

The LEAF has e-Pedal technology developed by Nissan which uses just one pedal. It lets drivers start, accelerate, decelerate to a complete stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to just the accelerator pedal.

To recharge the 40-kWh lithium-ion battery, three options are provided. The charging port can now accept two types of connectors – CHAdeMO for DC fast-charging up to 50 kW or Type 2 (previously Type 1) for AC charging up to 6.6 kW.  For emergencies, there is also a portable Type 2 cable which can plug into a 3-point electrical outlet. DC charging is fast and a 0% to 100% charge is said to take about an hour while AC charging from a wallbox required up to 7 hours so it would be more for overnight charging.

Updated design

For 2023, the design updates are a new Full-black Aero Front Grille (with the new Nissan logo) flanked by headlights with integrated LED day time running lights, now with black inner finishing for a more stylish appearance. The front bumper has also been redesigned while at the rear, the Aero Spoiler has a new design for enhanced aerodynamic performance and the diffuser panel below the bumper has grey accents.

To strengthen the visual effect of the floating roof, the LEAF is offered with the roof in Super Black and a choice of 7 colours – Stealth Grey, Opera Mauve, Akatsuki Sunrise Copper, Burgundy, Vivid Blue, Pure White Pearl or Midnight Black. The interior colour for the leather upholstery comes in either Graphite Black or Stone Grey.

The new LEAF is available for viewing and test-drives at selected Nissan showrooms and information can also be found at the
Nissan Online Showroom
. It is also possible to arrange for a test unit to be brought to your home or office for a test-drive.


Hayden Haikal Finishes Second in Thailand Super Eco Series In First Ever International Season

In his first international racing season, young Malaysian racer Hayden Haikal was forced to settle for overall 2nd place in the Thailand Super Eco series after experiencing a number of unfortunate setbacks. Trailing 20 points in the championship behind local hero Na Dol Vatanatham, Hayden needed to win the final two races, and for his nearest rival to finish out of the points in order to have a shot of becoming the overall champion.

Both drivers have been head-to-head in the championship, trading places on the podium throughout the six rounds going into the finale. The odds however, appeared stacked against Hayden from the beginning of the race weekend at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, northeast of Bangkok.

A broken gear selector pin in his Honda Brio’s gearbox benched him after only 5 laps in the 35-minute qualifying session. Despite the setback, he had managed to put in a fast enough lap to take 6
th
 place on the starting grid of 23 drivers for Race 1.

In the race, Hayden pushed his way through from 6th to reach as high as 2nd position in pursuit of Na Dol, but then an overheating engine and subsequent loss of power forced him to drop back and eventually finish 5th as Na Dol went on win the 12-lap race.

Hayden’s misfortunes would continue the next day when the bonnet of his racing car came loose during the warm-up session. As it lifted off and flew backwards, it hit and broke the windscreen. With less than 30 minutes before the start of the final race, the team scrambled to find a replacement windscreen but there was just not enough time to have it changed, forcing Hayden to sit out Race 2.

“It is what it is. Still, finishing 2nd in the championship is not all that bad considering it is my first time racing in Thailand and abroad. I’ll gladly take that result any day,” said Hayden, the only foreign driver participating in the Thailand Super Series, the country’s premier racing event. His determination during his debut season gained him recognition as a rising star.

“Overall, it has been a fantastic season for me in the Thailand Super Eco series. I never expected to be fighting for the top 3 positions from my very first race at the Bangsaen street circuit in June but I did. We went on to win 2 races and finish 2nd three times in 6 rounds, only missing out on the points in one race due to mechanical issues,” he said.

“This wasn’t exactly the finale weekend I had envisioned but that’s the uncertainty of motor-racing – you accept the result as best you can and live to fight another day. My parents and I now have to assess the season and decide if we will return next year. Competing abroad has certainly given me the invaluable exposure I require to move up the ladder but it is also a very costly undertaking – something that we will need to seriously look into given limited funds and the lack of sponsors,” Hayden said.

At just 18, Hayden has the distinction of being of one Malaysia’s rising young drivers. Karting since the age of 9, he clinched the Sporting Class overall title in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival Vios Challenge one-make racing series in Malaysia at the age of 16. He then went on to become series champion of the Super Sporting Class for professional drivers this year. He also finished second overall in this year’s Sepang 1000km endurance race recently.

Hayden Haikal (centre) has been a regular participant in the Vios Challenge one-make series since he was 16 years old.


Naza Group Steps Forward to Contribute to Tabung Harapan Malaysia

The Naza Group announced it will contribute
RM1,000
 towards Tabung Harapan Malaysia for every car sold by the Group, from
1
st
 June to 31
st
 August 2018
. The Naza Group is an importer and distributor for a diverse range of international automotive brands such as
 Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Kia
in Malaysia.

SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman and CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd
 said,
“The Naza Group is proud to play its part by contributing to Tabung Harapan Malaysia as a responsible and patriotic corporate citizen. Our contribution is also our way of thanking the Government of Malaysia for the stable economic and political landscape and most of all for the 3-month tax holiday which has spurred sales of cars to achieve record levels this year.”

“As a homegrown company, it is our obligation and responsibility to assist wherever possible for the betterment of our beloved nation, especially as we soon celebrate our 61
st
 anniversary of Merdeka and 55
th
 Malaysia Day,”
 added
SM Nasarudin.


3rd Generation Subaru XV To Be Known Only As Crosstrek Globally

When the Subaru XV (as Malaysians knew it) was introduced 10 years ago, it was also known as the Crosstrek in North America. Perhaps there was some other model in that market that also had a similar badge or Subaru wanted a more ‘substantial’ name for its biggest market.

For the third generation revealed recently, it has decided to use only Crosstrek globally which will begin sales in Japan in early 2023. Apart from simplifying communications, that should also save Subaru some money on making a separate set of badges!

Like the previous generation, the overall appearance has an evolved design that originated from the first generation. The size is fairly similar but the structural aspects are new and use the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) which has provided the architecture for all Subaru models since 2016, starting with the 5
th
 generation Impreza.

The SGP is noted for its structural rigidity and low centre of gravity contribute to handling stability and ride comfort, both of which have been improved. Full-inner-frame construction – used in models such as the Levorg and WRX S4 – has been adopted as well as expanded applications of structural adhesives, greater rigidity in suspension connections, and other refinements.

Normally, a vehicle body is constructed by assembling the upper body and underbody separately and then joining them together. The new full-inner-frame body design for the Crosstrek, however, entails sturdy assembly of the entire frame first, followed by welding on of outer panels, which increases body rigidity while reducing weight.

By achieving a highly rigid body that minimizes minor deformations and flexing, it is possible to get the best performance out of the suspension and engine mounts. This boosts vehicle handling while also improving absorption of vibrations caused by the road surface, achieving a high-quality, flat and smooth, all-around pleasant driving experience.

To mitigate harm during front-end collisions, the Crosstrek’s bumper beam has been enlarged so that it extends outside of the vehicle, and a collision sub-frame has been added to further absorb impacts. In a collision with another car, crash compatibility improvements not only protect occupants of the Crosstrek but also occupants of the other vehicle. Furthermore, just like in the Outback, new mobile progressive deformable barrier testing has been implemented to assess crash compatibility in head-on collisions.

This new model uses dual-pinion electric power steering which has almost no lag in response, while electric brake booster provides stronger boosting that improves pre-collision braking response. This, in turn, enhances responsiveness in dangerous situations, such as when bicycles dart out into the road.

Besides improved passive safety, the new Crosstrek also gets better active safety systems, with a wide-angle mono camera added to the latest generation EyeSight system (for the first time in the JDM Subaru model). This new mono camera enables recognition of motorcycles and pedestrians at an even wider angle than the new stereo camera when traveling at low speeds. It is therefore able to initiate pre-collision braking in an even wider range of situations and provides the best EyeSight performance ever.

The new stereo camera has approximately double the angle of view compared with previous camera. Furthermore, image recognition software and control software have been improved to enable recognition of objects at wider angles and farther distances, and the switch to windscreen-mounted installation and addition of a lens hood prevent accidental contact with the camera lens.

With a similar size as before, the interior of the new Crosstrek remains as roomy with seating for five, and plenty of cargo space with a large rear opening. As with other SUVs, the floor length can be extended by folding the divided rear backrests, which also increases the available volume.

The front seats have an innovative design that supports and aligns the pelvis, preventing vehicle swaying motions from being transferred to the head. This design makes for a more comfortable ride by reducing rolling motions during steering actions as well as swaying caused by uneven road surfaces.

The seat mounting structure has also been changed from the standard type in which a bracket is used between the seat and vehicle body, to one where the seat rails are attached directly to the body. This new approach increases mounting-connection stiffness and improves vibration damping while reducing seat sway, thereby enhancing comfort.

Designed using a multi-material, multi-layered structure, the redesigned instrument panel brings out the unique characteristics of each material’s texture for a more expressive dashboard appearance. The 11.6-inch centre information display (replacing the dual screen layout) has a its large monitor size for ease of use as well viewing. It also incorporates a Digital Multi-View Monitor which displays a 360-degree, 3D top-down view for the driver to see all sides of the Crosstrek

There is now better connectivity enhanced smartphone integration expanding the infotainment’s  functionality to be almost like that of a smartphone.

Layoutin the current XV Crosstrek Hybrid which uses an e-BOXER powertrain.

Subaru has not given much information about the powertrain for the new Crosstrek which is available with only a 2-litre e-BOXER engine with the Lineartronic CVT. This is Subaru’s hybrid powerplant which uses the well known Boxer engine with an electric motor and also has the Symmetrical – All Wheel Drive like many other Subaru models.

50 years ago, Subaru was already selling cars with 4WD


Scuderia Ferrari starts its 1,000th F1 race today

Today, at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari will start their 1,000th race in the Formula 1 World Championship. The team made their debut at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1950, the second race on the inaugural F1 calendar. In that race, the team’s Alberto Ascari finished second, a lap down on Juan Manuel Fangio, who won for Alfa Romeo. A second Ferrari driver, Raymond Sommer, finished fourth.

Scuderia Ferrari entered its first F1 race at the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, with Alberto Ascari finishing second overall.

First victory in 1951

Scuderia Ferrari, also known as ‘The Prancing Horse’, holds a record 237 victories (plus a win for a privately-entered car at the 1961 French Grand Prix). Their first victory was at the 1951 British Grand Prix, which was won by Jose Froilan Gonzalez, while the most recent win was scored by Sebastian Vettel at the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix.

Besides 16 Constructors’ Championships since the inception of that competition in 1958, the team hold numerous other F1 records. They have made 655 consecutive starts, in a string stretching back to the 1982 Italian GP, have 84 1-2 finishes and hold the record for consecutive appearances on the podium with 53 between the 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix and the 2002 Japanese Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher, one of the greatest racing drivers, won 5 titles with Ferrari.

F1 record books also show that Ferrari have had 254 fastest laps and scored 8,318.5 Constructors’ Championship points, while their drivers have cumulatively collected 9,220.27 points in the Drivers’ Championship. They hold the record for victories at a single grand prix, winning the German Grand Prix 21 times and have a record 228 pole positions from the 1,001 Grands Prix entered.

As an engine supplier, Ferrari has 239 victories. This includes the 237 wins for the works team, Giancarlo Baghetti’s victory at the 1961 French Grand Prix in a privately-entered car, and Sebastian Vettel’s win for Toro Rosso at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.

Celebrating the 1000th race

“Scuderia Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix is a very important milestone, therefore it had to be marked in a special way. That’s why we decided to run a unique livery on the cars for this event, with the SF1000s taking to the track at the Mugello Circuit in the Burgundy colour first seen on the 125 S, the first racing car to carry the Ferrari name,” said Piero Ferrari, Vice Chairman of the company.

“Only a few months ago, no one could have imagined that our thousandth race could take place at our own Mugello circuit. I am pleased that in the Grand Prix official name, Formula 1 chose to pay tribute to Ferrari, the only team that has always been present in the sport’s 71-year history,” he said.

Click here for news and articles about Formula 1.


PLUS to introduce Smartlane along NKVE to reduce congestion during rush hours

Development of the highway network in Malaysia began in the 1980s and with the announcement of each new highway project, there was the promise of ‘smooth, jam-free motoring’ between destinations. That was true for a while as the total vehicle population was still not very large. Furthermore, the number of townships and housing estates was also small, so there wasn’t a huge volume of traffic moving daily to the urban centres.

Today, a new highway seems to provide the ‘promise’ for a short while and then congestion starts. It gets worse and worse and sometimes, the highway concessionaire may try solutions like adding lanes. But it is often unsatisfactory, especially for those who pay toll.

The Smartlane initiative

PLUS Malaysia Berhad constantly looks for ways to reduce congestion on its highways and this
October 23
, it will try out a manual pilot SmartLane initiative to mitigate and evaluate the traffic congestion flow between the Setia Alam exit towards the Shah Alam Toll Plaza in Selangor.

After a period of observation and evaluation, PLUS plans to implement the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and establish an electronic SmartLane, similar to the ones presently applied in the United Kingdom and Holland.

The aim is to optimize the use of the left-most lane to enhance the flow of traffic with the aim of reducing congestion for highway customers who travel between Setia Alam to Shah Alam on the NKVE (New Klang Valley Expressway) during the morning rush hours.

Pilot sector covers 6 kms

This pilot implementation covers the NKVE stretch between Km 3.2 and Km 9.2 on the northbound side towards Petaling Jaya/Subang. It will be activated between 6:30 am and 9:30 am every Monday to Friday. During these morning peak hours, the left-most lane will be opened and used as a temporary additional lane to increase lane capacity and promote smoother traffic flow.

“Our studies have shown that the convergence of traffic as well as climbing areas contributed greatly to the congestion on the NKVE. The SmartLane pilot project is a proactive step towards providing our customers a smoother travel solution,” said PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi. The ITS SmartLane initiative is fully supported and endorsed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), the Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).

He added that various preparations will be in place before the SmartLane starts. These include deploying Police and PLUSRonda officers on-site, installation of directional signages, assigning additional tow trucks at strategic locations and providing an emergency bay at Km 5.6.

“Based on PLUS’ record, 302,000 vehicles ply the NKVE daily, where 22% of them enter the highway simultaneously during the morning rush hour. However, with the implementation of the SmartLane, we expect to reduce the Setia Alam-Shah Alam peak hour crawl by 30% to 40%, barring any incidents such as accidents and vehicle breakdowns.  Nevertheless, we have tow trucks on standby to address these incident” he explained.

Part of the 6-km stretch of the NKVE from the Setia Alam exit (picture at top of page) to the Shah Alam exit will have the Smartlane. This picture of the highways was taken on a Sunday but on weekdays, the volume of traffic is quite heavy with vehicles from Klang and Setia Alam heading towards Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.

Implementation in two phases

The implementation of this SmartLane initiative will be carried out in two phases. Phase One will operate manually via road signs placed at the designated stretch. Phase Two, planned to start in the  second quarter of 2020, will incorporate full-fledged ITS technology. The ITS system will enable PLUS to manage traffic enforcement and traffic distribution more efficiently. All systems will be managed and monitored through the PLUS Traffic Monitoring Centre at Persada PLUS.

“We do plan to expand the SmartLane initiative to other locations along PLUS highways in the future,” added Encik Zakaria. “In the meantime, we strongly advise highway users to always follow the traffic signages, adhere closely to the speed limit, give way to emergency vehicles and be extra careful when plying the highway.”


Mazda CX-90 Debuts In North America With 3.3-litre Inline 6-Cylinder Turbo Engine

Since 2022, Mazda has expanded its line-up of CX crossover SUVs with a
greater focus on electrification
 with a complementary range that has a double-digit designations, with a ‘0’ added. While  the popular CX-5 will remain one of the core models globally, alongside with models such as the compact
CX-30
, the company has additional models in the Large Product Group.

These models are the
CX-50
,
CX-60
 and CX-80 – primarily for the European and American markets, together with the wide-bodied CX-70 and CX-90. Most of the models have been launched in the past year or will be launched this year, with the first in 2023 being the CX-90. This new model, largest in the range, will take over from the
CX-9
 as the flagship of the brand.

The CX-90 is built on Mazda’s large platform which has been engineered for electrified powertrains and can also still accommodate just ICE (internal combustion engine) alone. The highlight of the new powertrains is the all-new e-SKYACTIV G 3.3-litre turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine. With an output of 348 bhp/500 Nm, this engine has the highest horsepower and torque from a mass production petrol engine developed by Mazda.

The engine, mounted longitudinally, is equipped with M-Hybrid Boost (a 48V mild-hybrid system) to provide efficiency without sacrificing performance. The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, allowing the motor to directly power the vehicle at low speeds.

A second powertrain choice is the new e-SKYACTIV PHEV(plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain, the first time Mazda is offering a PHEV in North America. The PHEV powertrain made its debut in the CX-60 launched in Europe last year as Mazda’s first PHEV. It used a SKYACTIV 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 100 kW electric motor powered by a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery pack. Total system output is up to 327 ps, with peak torque matching that of the 3.3-litre six.

All CX-90 powertrains are paired with an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform vehicles. The multi-speed automatic transmission does not use a torque converter, providing smooth and direct acceleration while improving drivetrain efficiency.

All-wheel drive is standard for all versions, but Mazda also emphasises that the power delivery is ‘rear-biased’ layout to give rear-wheel drive characteristics. This biased power delivery is an advancement in the i-ACTIV AWD system which was introduced with the CX-60. Up to 90% of the engine’s torque flows to the back axle in normal driving conditions, a major change from other CX models with AWD which have sent torque to the rear wheels only when required.

Besides the rear-wheel bias, driving dynamics are also enhanced with Kinematic Posture Control, which first debuted on the MX-5 Miata. This is a software feature that suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and allows all occupants to maintain a natural posture. It’s another way of achieving ‘
jinba-ittai
’ – the type of unity between rider and horse which Mazda also gives driver and machine.

The large platform allows for a wide body with a long wheelbase. The bodywork has a fresh  interpretation of the KODO design language with sleek, crafted curves. As with other models, Mazda’s designers use the reflections of lights and shadows over the bodywork to give a sense of motion even when the vehicle is standing still.

With this new SUV, Mazda introduces
Artisan Red
, a premium paint option developed specifically to suit the CX-90. It has a sophisticated, deeply saturated colour to emphasise refinement and performance.

Given its size, the CX-90 can accommodate three rows of seats easily. The expansive cabin ambience adopts of a modern, linear appearance with the positioning of the vents and chrome trim extending to the doors. Inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, multiple materials are used, such as Nappa leather, wood, and tone-on-tone fabrics.

One example is the distinctive fabric on the dash connected using hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as
Kumihimo
. This method deliberately uses negative space to create a unique design that echoes to the Japanese lineage of the CX-90.

The interior designers also made full use of the larger interior space to provide larger displays, accompanied by physical buttons rather than joining the trend towards excessive touchscreen operation. New Mazda technologies include a See-Through View monitor on the 12.3-inch centre  display which makes parking easier.

As the flagship model, the CX-90 gets the complete package of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features as standard. Camera and radar sensors around the vehicle constantly provide data on the environment to identify potential dangers and respond to them. For example, Smart Brake Support can brake the vehicle automatically in an emergency when a collision could occur, while Mazda Radar Cruise Control intelligently maintains a safe gap at all times.

Mazda to complete electrification of products by 2030, with major focus on European markets

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


37.3% Increase In Mitsubishi Sales In Malaysia In 2022 Take Brand To 3rd Overall Among Non-National Brands

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) finished off 2022 with a record high in sales, delivering 24,017 vehicles. Although the company’s range in Malaysia is limited to 2 models, they are so popular that, in 2022, the volume increased by 37.3% over the 2021 figure.

The record volume puts Mitsubishi Motors in third place among the non-national brands and with the Total Industry Volume expected to be over 700,000 units when the Malaysian Automotive Association releases the year’s data, the Mitsubishi Motors share is estimated to be 3.3%.

Of the two models that MMM has been selling, the XPANDER MPV accounted for the larger share of 14,316 units or 59.6% of the total volume. The increase in volume for the 7-seater MPV,
assembled at the HICOM Automotive Manufacturers complex
 in Pahang, was an impressive 93.5% over the 2021 volume. During the year, it remained the bestselling Japanese MPV in its class.

Despite fierce competition, the Triton pick-up truck also had its own followers and the 9,897 units delivered in 2022 were 4.6% more than in 2021. It remains as one of the popular trucks and is available in a wide range of variants to suit different requirements and budgets.

“MMM is delighted to achieve a record-high sales performance in 2022, and we thank each and every Mitsubishi customer across the nation for their unwavering support. One of our significant achievements of the year was that we celebrated the Triton pick-up truck reaching a
100,000-unit sales milestone
 in Malaysia since MMM’s inception in 2005,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“On the product front, we also welcomed great news at the end of last year as Team Mitsubishi RALLIART’s Triton was the overall winner despite being a first-time entrant at the
Asia Cross-Country Rally
 in November. The Triton Rally Car is built based on mass-production Triton, with only a few modifications on body weight and safety equipment for the competition. All the elements such as high performance, durability, comfort, and good handling have been engineered into the original products in the market. Now every Mitsubishi Motors customer can feel the motorsports DNA in their model,” said Mr. Ikeda.

Mitsubishi Triton Rally Car in the Asia Cross-Country Rally

He also thanked MMM’s business partners for their support, noting that 91% of the authorised dealerships upgraded their outlets with a new Mitsubishi Motors Visual Identity for a better customer experience.

Mitsubishi XPANDER Venture Event
This weekend (January 14/15), MMM will be holding The Mitsubishi XPANDER Venture Event at the Dataran Karnival, Perkarangan Stadium Shah Alam in Seksyen 13, Shah Alam, Selangor. Members of the public will have an opportunity to experience the XPANDER and find out why it should be on the top of the MPV shopping list. Besides test-drives, there will also be other activities to show off the MPV’s capabilities, with prizes to be won.

For more information on Mitsubishi products and services in Malaysia, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.

Seventh Mitsubishi Motors Outlet In Johor Opens in Kluang

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