VW to build direct descendant of the original Bus

Fans of the original VW Bus can rejoice because the automaker has decided to put the I.D. Buzz concept, a vehicle that’s loosely based on the ever popular people mover, into production. According to a recent article on
Road and Track
, The German automaker has seen it fit to give the project the green light.

The vehicle will utilise VW’s modular platform for electric cars or MEB and like Tesla, will have its battery pack stored underneath its floorpan. Interior space is said to be revolutionary with Volkswagen touting total volume to be similar to that of an SUV.

This was achieved through the clever use of space as well as the ability of the rear seats to be moved and adjusted to suit the occupants needs. Volkswagen will also be offering this people carrier as a cargo van too, which should make it a favourite among delivery companies.

As far as styling is concerned, the I.D. Buzz bears more than just a passing resemblance to the original Bus because the German automaker probably intends on the former being a reincarntion of the latter.

It sports the same tubular design with maximum emphasis placed on passenger and cargo space. Though the original had a rear mounted air cooled engine, the new one may have a central motor or individually mounted wheel motors.

Like most of the current line-up, the I.D. Buzz should feature a whole host of safety tech from pedestrian warning to emergency city stop systems. In addition to these, is the ability to drive without human intervention. That’s right, VW will be outfitting the car with autonomous driving.

If all this has you excited and anxious for its impending release, we’ve got bad news for you. Reports say that VW will only begin building it as late as 2022, which is still quite a long way off. But that said, we are thrilled that VW will eventually get around to building this amazing vehicle.

Source:
Road and Track


Your Car Is Secretly Stealing Your Data & Sharing It

It’s bad enough that we are being spied on through our electronic devices, now our cars can do the same. Yes, with up to 25 gigabytes of data produced every hour, modern cars are already on par with smartphones in terms of data collecting.

Despite not exactly knowing where you are heading, your new car does know where you have been. Additionally, it may occasionally disclose all of your private information to shady third parties as well as automakers like Ford and Toyota.

The data consists primarily of information that makes sense, such as the full names, residences, phone numbers, emails, and licence numbers of the drivers. Every transaction now seems to come with a courteous request for your phone number or email address.

Modern cars, however, also store specific driving information, such as the date and time of use, the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, and braking, as well as the specifics of any given trip, including the destination, the weather, and the route taken. Some of the most recent versions additionally monitor “refuelling activity,” battery life, onboard camera photos, and even biometric information like fingerprint and facial recognition.

When you get inside one of its automobiles, some Toyota models can also scan your face for face recognition. According to Toyota, this can confirm a driver’s identity and the profile that is saved on a vehicle. Any facial traits are solely stored on the vehicle and not sent to Toyota and this data cannot be read by humans.

According to a study, owners of Toyota models including the
Camry
,
Rav4
, and Tacoma (not available in Malaysia), do have the choice to refuse Toyota’s request for their approval before transmitting any information to the company. Owners can also “turn off all data transmission on their vehicle” by getting in touch with customer support.

Honda gathers personally identifying information, like contact details, personal identification numbers, information from your driver’s licence, and your location, just like other manufacturers. All of this largely fits within what Honda refers to as “covered information”—basically, information that has been obtained about you.

Honda can get data on the status of your airbag system, the petrol level in your car, the tyre pressure, and the battery charge. They can also gather trip log data. There is also information about how you utilise the connected features of your car, like search results, call logs, and voice commands (which might capture audio). Pedal position, engine speed, and steering angle are additional examples of driver behaviour data that can be collected.

The collection and use of personal data by cars and their associated systems raise important privacy considerations. Regulations and guidelines differ across regions, but companies generally have to adhere to data protection laws and seek user consent for data collection and usage. It’s essential for car manufacturers and service providers to be transparent about the data they collect, how it is used, and how long it is retained.

It’s worth noting that the specific implementation and extent of data tracking can vary depending on the manufacturer, model, and associated services. If you have concerns about a particular car or system, it’s advisable to review the privacy policies, terms of service, and user agreements provided by the manufacturer or service provider.


China to end subsidies for New Energy Vehicles after 2022

There were electric vehicles 100 years ago; in fact, even Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, drove and electrically-powered car because it was easy to start and had no transmission. However, battery technology at that time was not advanced and poor performance made electric cars unappealing, allowing cars with internal combustion engines to grow and then dominate the planet. With poor interest in electric cars, the manufacturers stopped developing them and would not consider them again till the 21
st
 century.

During the 100 years, many technological advances have been made and in the past 20 years especially, battery technology – an important element for electric vehicles (EVs) – has advanced greatly. The incentive to accelerate technological development has been the tightening of emission regulations, especially in the more developed nations, which has forced carmakers to start switching to emission-free powertrains. There is urgency as well due to climate change, with exhaust emissions of motor vehicles being identified as one of the causes.

The technology and manufacturing processes for the internal combustion engine (ICE) have been developed over more than 100 years so production costs have stabilized and as volumes grew, economies of scale kept pushing the costs down. EV technology is relatively young and the volume of EVs has not reached a point where economies of scale have fully kicked in. As such, the technologies – which are still evolving and advancing – are still expensive and EVs equivalent to ICE vehicles are still more expensive.

In order for EVs to be adopted by more people, the auto industry expects governments to help. Obviously, funding cannot be provided directly but the prices to buyers can be offset by subsidies. The lowering of retail prices can then attract motorists to consider them, while other elements like infrastructure and performance continue to get better.

Many countries have subsidies for EV buyers and the nature of the subsidy varies. Typically, there is a fixed sum provided based on the price although in Malaysia, from this year, the government has decided to exempt battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from duties and other taxes and even the annual roadtax will not be charged. It’s a bold move but it does not necessarily bring prices down below RM100,000 so a large segment of the population will still not find it easy to buy one. And there is no point using the argument of ‘saving the planet’ because many Malaysians today have to save themselves and their families from financial difficulties, so they certainly won’t care to pay more for their car.

China, as the world’s largest car market, has had an incentive program since 2009 when it introduced subsidies for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), ie BEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs). The NEV program actually began in the 1980s but the incentive policy only began in 2009, with nationwide adoption from 2013. To qualify for subsidies, the vehicles must meet minimum technical and performance requirements, and the size of the subsidy is indexed to a variety of vehicle specifications and utility parameters. Every few years, the qualification criteria have been tightened, forcing manufacturers to push their technology further.

As qualification criteria for subsidies tightened during the past decade, the manufacturers had to keep improving their EV technologies.

By the end of 2020, the NEV push had resulted in 4.92 million NEVs being put on China’s roads, or 1.75% of the vehicle population. The number almost meets the 5 million target set in 2013 and having reached this level, the government now believes that acceptance has been achieved and NEVs are in the mainstream of the car market. This year NEVs are expected to account for 18% of all vehicle sales in China (13% greater than in 2019) and add another 5 million NEVs according to industry forecasts.

With this year being the final year that EVs will be subsidised, there should be increased interest and higher sales in China.

And with that target achieved, it has now decided that subsidies can be phased out completely. In fact, in April 2020, there was already an indication of this when it was announced that subsidies would be reduced by 20% in 2021. This year, the cut will be 30%, after which there will be no more subsidies provided from January 1, 2023.

The subsidies have typically applied to vehicles costing less than RMB300,000 (about RM197,130). A typical subsidy has been around RMB18,000 (about RM11,800), and in 2022, it will fall to around RMB14,400 (about RM9,500).

Tesla Model 3 was among the best-selling NEVs in China last year.

The domestic carmakers have already reached large volumes that allow them to have economies of scale. BYD, an early EV manufacturer, was already doing over 753,000 EVs in 2019, second after world leader Tesla which sold 900,000 EVs.

Toyota to step up investment and development of fully electric vehicles during this decade


Expansion of Takata airbag inflator module recall list for Nissan vehicles in Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), together with Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Centre (TCEAS), have announced an expansion of the ongoing recall campaign relating to the Takata Airbag Inflator module. The campaign, which is also undertaken by many other carmakers around the world, covers the Driver and Front Passenger Airbag Inflator module.

After investigations conducted by Nissan Motor, it has been found that there are approximately 11,971 units of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia which are affected and require replacement of the module. The affected models are listed in the chart below:

Current models not affected

ETCM stresses that other new Nissan models currently on sale at authorised Nissan outlets are not affected by this exercise, including the NP300 Navara which was launched in Malaysia in November 2015.

Customers of the affected vehicles will be notified by letter through TCEAS. They are advised to call the nearest TCEAS outlet for an appointment as soon as possible. Selected TCEAS outlets have extended operating hours and are open every day of the year, making it easier for customers to service their vehicles on weekends and public holidays, as well as to alleviate capacity surge during this recall campaign.

Current Navara (NP300) is not affected by the recall

If you don’t get any notification

ETCM/TCEAS also understand that there may be some owners of affected vehicles who may not receive the notification letter as they may not be the original owners. Their contact details might not be with TCEAS and therefore they should contact a TCEAS outlet for clarification. Customers may also all the Nissan Customer Care Centre toll-free line at
1-800-88-3838
 for assistance or visit
www.nissan.com.my
 (click on ‘Owners’ tab followed by ‘Recall Campaign’) to find out if their Nissan vehicle is involved in this recall campaign.

Full list of Nissan vehicles recalled in Malaysia. These refer only to vehicles assembled or imported and distributed by ETCM.

Don’t ignore this very serious matter!

This being a very serious matter that can result in injury or death (if the replacement of the module is not carried out), action must be taken quickly. As at June 2019, TCEAS has completed 99,670 vehicles or 56% of Takata airbag inflator module replacements. All costs relating to this recall (labour and replacement parts) will be borne by the company.

Additionally, ETCM is also providing Takata Airbag Inflator Replacement for affected Nissan vehicles during Nissan Test Drive Carnival over 2 weekends of
August 17/18
, and
August 24/25
 at selected ETCM showrooms across the nation.

Click here for other news and articles about Nissan, ETCM and TCEAS at PISTON.MY


Audi Charging Hub concept could be refuelling station of the future

The petrol station of today has evolved through many decades from being just a small shack by the roadside with a fuel pump, to a spacious facility that not only sells fuel but also has a convenience store and motorists can have their cars washed as well. The layout of these facilities is pretty much standardised, apart from the buildings which may be more than mere blocks.

With the increasing number of electric vehicles – fully electric and plug-in hybrids – the role of the station will have to change and besides supplying fossil fuels, facilities for recharging will also be expected. However, because recharging at this time still takes a while, the concept of such facilities will need to be adapted.

Pilot project with new concept

Audi, which plans to have a range of more than 20 fully electric models by 2025, is also looking at this aspect since the key to success of electrification greatly depends on the  charging infrastructure. The carmaker has come up with a concept which will be assessed in a pilot project in the second half of the year.

The concept is the Audi Charging Hub with high-power charging (HPC) stations that can be reserved in advance to provide a high level of planning security. A lounge area directly nearby will provide an attractive, premium place to pass the time.

Cubes form the foundation of the Audi Charging Hub and these flexible container cubes fulfil various technical requirements and house charging pillars as well as used lithium-ion battery packs for energy storage. The use of second-life modules from disassembled development vehicles doesn’t just give the battery cells a new, sustainable purpose – it also provides a great benefit in their suitability as ancillary storage for direct current. This makes complex infrastructure with high-voltage lines and expensive transformers unnecessary.

Thanks to this huge interim storage – roughly 2.45 Mwh – the 6 charging stations, which will have a charging output of up to 300 kW, only need a standard 400Vt high-voltage hook-up. That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight.

Premium lounge area

Different electric vehicle models will have different charging times for their battery packs. The latest Audi models take a little longer than a coffee break; the e-tron GT, for example, can be recharged with enough energy for up to 100 kms in about 5 minutes, with a charge from 5% to 80% taking roughly 23 minutes under ideal conditions. Audi customers need not stand around waiting as the pilot facility will have a lounge for them to relax in, with amenities commensurate with the premium image of the brand.

Photovoltaic modules on the roof will provide additional green energy. This not only makes it easier to selection possible locations, but it also reduces the planning time required and the costs while also saving resources. In addition, the modular concept provides maximum flexibility and scalability. The hub can be transported, installed and adapted to the individual location quickly, largely independent of local network capacities.

“The charging hub embodies our aspiration for the electric era and highlights Audi’s commitment to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ A flexible high-performing HPC charging park like this does not require much from the local electricity grid and uses a sustainable battery concept. Our customers benefit in numerous ways: from the ability to make exclusive reservations, a lounge area and short waiting times, thanks to high-performance charging. This is consistent with the premium concept,” said  Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Audi AG.

Trials and practical test

The search for a location in Germany for Audi’s pilot project and talks with possible partners are currently underway. It is planned to go into operation in the second half of the year. The findings about day-to-day operations and customer acceptance generated from this will be decisive for further implementation of the concept.

“We are testing what the optimal technical solution is in a very realistic way. The focus in doing so is firmly on the needs of our customers,” said Hoffmann. ”The plan for the pilot phase also calls for drivers of other brand cars to be able to use charging stations that are open and not reserved as well as parts of the lounge.”

The approach being taken by Audi could be a practical way in the transition period as vehicles with combustion engines are gradually phased out (which will take some time). The Audi Charging Hub can complement the existing fuel station infrastructure and could be set up adjacent to an existing station, if the space is available.

Audi A6 e-tron concept (w/VIDEO)


Singaporeans Encounter Fake Cops On JB Highway Car Chase

The Malaysian police have detained two men for allegedly impersonating police and pursuing a car heading from Singapore to Genting Highlands.

Freeman Gan WT, who was driving his pals to Genting Highlands, posted a video on Facebook showing that the passenger of the car that was pursuing him was holding a blue beacon light. But police officers in reflective vests driving a fourth-gen Honda City with a portable blue beacon light? Freeman could sense that something was off.

In addition to that, the “policeman” at the back was wearing a clown facemask and flashing his torch light! “The car had always been at my back. The driver drove into the R&R station before he caught up with me again,” said Freeman.

Freeman made the decision to go on and finish the “race”. When Freeman called the police during the incident, they instructed him to head straight to the station. But the men gave up pursuing Freeman.

On June 5, a report containing a video of the event was given to the Kulai police department at about 5:40 am. Two Malaysian men, aged 43 and 48, were detained by police around 6pm on June 5 as part of an operation, according to confirmation from Johor police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat on June 6.

According to police records, it was also discovered that one of the two individuals who had been detained had previously been convicted of drug-related offences.

A variety of things, including a headlight, a torch, a luminous vest, and a portable beacon light, were taken from the Honda City that was seized by the police.

If they are also charged under the Customs Act, they may be jailed between six months and five years and fined as It’s a criminal offence to impersonate a police officer.

Although a third individual is thought to have been in the car with the two who have been detained, it is unknown if a third arrest has been made.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, hit the gas and find your way to the nearest police station. Do not stop if you feel suspicious about these things as it could end badly.


F1/Round 10: Preview & Sprint Race Starting Grid For 2021 British Grand Prix

Sprint Qualifying Race starts today at 4:30 pm in England/11:30 pm in Malaysia

As the pandemic seems to be easing, health authorities in the UK are willing to allow spectators at events again and this will be the case for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend. 140,000 spectators will be allowed into the circuit to watch the 10
th
 round of the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship and to see if their countryman, Sir Lewis Hamilton, can improve his position in the championship.

For this round, there is something extra in the form of a sprint race which will offer additional excitement for spectators and also a different challenge for the teams. The Sprint Qualifying Race is 100 kms long which is 17 laps of the Silverstone circuit. Being run over a shorter distance, drivers will be flat out from start to finish, with no pit stops needed. The best effort will be necessary as the finishing order will determine the starting positions for the main race, so there is a chance to improve on the position gained in Qualifying. There are also points for the top three finishers of the race.

The starting grid for the Sprint Race has already been determined by a qualifying session yesterday in which Hamilton took pole position with Max Verstappen alongside. With the running of this extra race, the normal schedule has been changed and there is less practice time for the teams to fine-tune the cars’ set-up. They had one free practice session yesterday and there will be another one today before the Sprint Race. This will place more pressure on the mechanics and engineers who have less time to work.

“The start and first lap is one of the riskiest moments for a driver and sets the driver up for the race they have to come, so having two standing starts to contend with, firstly in the Sprint Qualifying Race and then the standard Sunday event, will add extra drama and pressure. Losing out in the Sprint Qualifying Race will have a big impact on the main race, and could make your Sunday very tricky,” said Mercedes-AMG’s Toto Wolff.

Drivers love racing and the Sprint Qualifying format means some extra racing. “The usual format has been pretty standard apart from a couple of weekends where there has been less practice, so it will be nice to try something different and see if it is going to really mix up the weekend,” said Valtteri Bottas. “I guess it can go really against you or for you, but we will find out.”

Red Bull stays ahead

With 5 consecutive victories, Red Bull Racing has a strong hold in the leading position of the championship. Better results in recent races by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team have kept the gap to 44 points, though. It’s the same thing in the Drivers Championship where Max Verstappen remains at the top with Hamilton 32 points behind and surely eager to change that as soon as possible.

Where the F1 championship began

This will be the 72
nd
 British Grand Prix and it is one of the two events that has been consistently a part of each year’s championship. In fact, the current Formula 1 World Championship had its start at Silverstone in 1950 but the former airbase runway was not always used. In some years, the Aintree circuit in Liverpool was used and between 164 and 1986, the Brands Hatch circuit hosted F1 races.

Lewis Hamilton has been the most successful driver in the history of the British GP, having won his home race on 7 occasions, the first win with McLaren in 2008. However, among the teams, Ferrari has the most – 17 wins since their first one in 1950 at the first F1 race.

Scuderia Ferrari’s first F1 win was at Silverstone in 1950, the year the world championship series began.

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. but it may help reduce the severity of the effects. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing. #kitakagakita


External designers create Virtual Interiors for Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept

Lexus, like the Toyota brand, is headed along the electrification road and more fully electric models will be added to the range in coming years. This next chapter has been started by the LF-Z Electrified, concept vehicle which made its world debut at the end of March this year. While a model looking exactly like the LF-Z Electrified might not be in showrooms, the concept car suggests the direction of the evolution of Lexus styling.

The interior of the concept car was developed by Lexus’ own designers and has many futuristic elements, as would be expected. Now, in a new approach, the brand has introduced the LF-Z Electrified Virtual Interior series to create a synergy between art, fashion, lifestyle, and technology that challenges the status quo of the automotive space. Conceived as a platform for collaboration, it  brings together ambitious and innovative talent across a range of creative practices.

The LF-Z Electrified concept and the interior developed by Lexus designers (below).

For the Virtual Interior series, Lexus has partnered with three pioneering artists and designers to re-imagine the concept car’s interior. Star footwear designer Salehe Bembury, digital artist Ondrej Zunka and Japanese fashion label Hender Scheme bring virtually rendered interiors with future-inspired design, Japanese heritage and takumi craftsmanship, and an enhanced human-machine connection.

“LF-Z Electrified embodies the future of the Lexus brand, so it is exciting to see that future represented by such diverse talent across the design space,” said Brian Bolain, General Manager at Lexus International. “Each of the collaborators brings a fresh energy that not only reinterprets the interior of the LF-Z but also examines the themes of Lexus’ next chapter.”

Salehe Bembury

Kicking off the series is award-winning footwear designer Salehe Bembury, whose interior design concept embraces the future. Bringing his nature-inspired design approach to the LF-Z Electrified, Bembury conceptualized a virtual interior that blends both a futuristic aesthetic with organic materials alongside his signature use of bright colour.

His concept interior uses colours inspired by sandstone landscapes and other natural tones, setting aside traditionally futuristic materials in favour of natural materials like cedar, cork and granite. These natural materials sit alongside textiles and patterns that reference Bembury’s background in sneaker design, such as a ‘hairy’ suede used on the seatbacks, and a fingerprint motif that is often found in the designer’s work, applied here for a personalized control panel.

Ondrej Zunka

Forgoing traditional notions of car design and transporting the LF-Z Electrified further into the future, Ondrej Zunka’s cabin concept features space-age mechanisms, sci-fi materials and multidimensional hues that transcend both time and space.

“This interior design is purely speculative, so I allowed for free associations and pure imagination and creativity,” explained Zunka. “I wanted to make the interior feel as if it wasn’t made by humans, but maybe designed by a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence. I wanted to go past any known language and design concepts and forget about what is usually used in automotive interior design.”

Looking at Lexus’ commitment to intuitive technology, Zunka, through the lens of his digital art practice, renders a virtual interior that pushes the boundaries of functionality and design. The tech-forward interior imagines intelligent lighting along the car’s panels that emit an entirely visceral sensation that subtly regulates mood. Translucent silicone seat cushions with memory foam-like properties and a panoramic ceiling, crafted from brushed chrome, complete Zunka’s hyper-futuristic vision for the Lexus LZ-F Electrified.

Hender Scheme

With their deep focus on the natural material characteristics of leather, Tokyo-based fashion label Hender Scheme was a natural fit to reflect Lexus’ Japanese heritage and
takumi
 craftsmanship. For virtual interior, Hender Scheme imagined an entirely leather interior juxtaposed with the concept vehicle’s groundbreaking technology. The untreated, organic material will develop a ‘patina’ over time, deepening in colour and becoming unique to each vehicle. The concept reflects the passage of time and the driver’s relationship to the vehicle.

In a process that mirrors the 60,000 hours of experience required of a Lexus
takumi
 craftsman, the design is rooted in the work of specialty craftsmen. At the beginning of the process, leather requires trained eyes to identify its natural material characteristics for use on the project such as thickness and elasticity. From there, molding methods would be introduced to shape the leather to the roof, doors and dashboard, beautifully finishing these sculptural parts.

Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept


F1 (Round 1): 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix Race Highlights & Results

As the lights went out to signal the start of the first round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen pulled away from the field cleanly. Ferrari’s  Charles Leclerc sneaked by Verstappen’s team mate Sergio Perez in pursuit of the world champion. .

Red Bull would be aiming to win at Bahrain for the first time since 2013 while Lewis Hamilton would hope that he could add one more win to the five previous ones that have made him the most successful driver at this circuit.

Although Fernando Alonso started from P5 and his team mate in the Aston Martin team was in P8, they somehow came in contact as the pack went through Turn 4. It appeared that Stroll was eager to get past Mercedes-AMG’s George Russell who had started from P6 but instead caused Alonso to drop to 7
th
. The Stewards considered the Aston Martin incident and decided that no action was necessary.

 Having dropped to 10
th
, Stroll quickly tried to work his way back up and passed Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas who had started in P12 but now found himself in P10. Meanwhile, Russell ran wide in Turn 10, losing time and allowing Alonso to get closer to take his 6
th
 place.

By lap 8, Verstappen was almost 5 seconds ahead of Leclerc and still pulling ahead. The Ferrari driver was more conscious of Perez tailing him and having to think about the high tyre degradation. Further back, Pierre Gasly (this year with BWT Alpine) was the first to head into the pits and took on hard tyres. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda also followed Gasly’s move and took hard tyres. Norris was delayed slightly as the team also fixed what seemed to be an engine problem.

By lap 12, Russell was telling his team that his ‘tyres are gone’ as Alonso pressured him, giving the spectators a duel to watch. Alonso tried once going into Turn 4 but the Mercedes-AMG driver held steady and pulled back alongside through Turns 5 and 6. However, by Turn 9, it was the Aston Martin that came out ahead. But it had cost him tyres and he had to pit after that fight. Nevertheless, he still managed to remain one position ahead of Russell.

Verstappen came in on lap 15 and his team mate took over the lead after Leclerc had given up his second position a lap earlier to head into the pits. For newcomer Oscar Piastri, it was a bad start as his McLaren had gearbox problems (the team would later say it was an electronics issue). He made it into the pits but that was the end of his first F1 race. As Piastri stepped out of his car, a message was sent to Norris to also ask him to come in.

By lap 18, Verstappen had regained his lead when Perez left the track to get his new tyres, and returning to third place behind Leclerc who had taken on soft tyres. Verstappen had a good lead of over 10 seconds and was looking at opening a wider gap. Perez was also putting pressure from behind, just 2 seconds away most of the time.

Williams Racing’s Alex Albon had made it into 10
th
 place in the running on lap 24 and trying to keep that position to get at least 1 point. Behind him, Tsunoda was struggling to keep up. Bottas and Haas F1’s Kevin Magnussen were back in the pits, but Alfa Romeo’s Zhou GuanYu, Williams Racing’s Logan Sargeant and Stroll had yet to pit a second time.

Leclerc had a hard time keeping Perez from passing and by lap 26, the Mexican made a forceful move and passed the Ferrari. With DRS, Perez was able to pull ahead and secure his second place.

Lap 28 – the halfway point of the race – saw Verstappen 13.5 seconds ahead of his team mate, with Leclerc another 6 seconds behind. Carlos Sainz, in the other Ferrari, was a distant 13 seconds away and pursued by Hamilton and Alonso.

As the race entered lap 30, a number of cars began coming in again. Russell came in and departed with Stroll on his tail. The tyres were not up to temperature for the Mercedes-AMG so he could not prevent the Aston Martin from taking 7
th
 spot. Alonso also came in and took on new tyres and prepared to go Hamilton for his 5
th
 spot.

As for Verstappen, his turn in the pits was on lap 37 and his cars was still for 2.3 seconds. As he emerged, Norris was ahead but the Red Bull driver very quickly regained his lead and still had a 13-second gap from his team mate.

Alonso caught up with Hamilton on lap 38 and the Spaniard dived down the inside into Turn 4. Hamilton tried to switch back and kept the challenge into Turn 5. But at Turn 10, Alonso pounced and shot past the Mercedes-AMG. Next on his target list was Sainz but the battle with Hamilton had also eaten much of his tyres.

As lap 40 started, a Ferrari was seen coming to a stop. It was Leclerc pulling over, no power left in his SF23. He was stopped on the track, which brought out the Virtual Safety Car (VSC). For the Ferrari driver, there was no more chance to repeat his victory of 2022 at Bahrain.

Sainz inherited his place and a chance to stand on the podium – if Alonso did not work harder. With the race temporarily off, many cars took the opportunity to head into the pits again. BWT Alpine pitted Gasly and he was able to return to the race in 9
th
 but team mate Esteban Ocon had to retire.

With 11 laps remaining, Alonso and Sainz were racing side by side, at one point almost colliding. The veteran F1 driver took advantage of Sainz locking up at Turn 8 and pushed forward to take over 3
rd
 entering Turn 11. For the two Red Bull drivers, things were relaxed with a 25-second gap behind Perez. Barring mechanical problems, it was going to be a 1-2 start for the reigning champion team.

There was still a battle between Hamilton and Sainz as the Mercedes-AMG driver was determined to try and improve his position. The Ferrari was not running well as Sainz kept sending messages about the car bouncing a lot.

But it was pretty much a cruise to the finish line for Verstappen as he took the chequered flag for Red Bull, finally registering a victory in Bahrain after 10 years. It’s also the first time since 2011 that the team has won the first race of the season so they’re off to a promising start for 2023.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Mercedes-Benz Introduces The Vision One-Eleven Concept

With a variety of turbo-diesel and Wankel rotary engines installed, the Mercedes-Benz C111 prototypes from the 1960s and 1970s served as test beds for cutting-edge powertrain technologies. Currently, as the automobile industry transitions from internal combustion engines to electric power, Mercedes has introduced the Vision One-Eleven concept, which, like its ancestor, serves as a forecast for how the company will adapt to the changing automotive scene.

The initial C111 prototype, which was painted a striking shade of orange and equipped with dramatic gullwing doors, is clearly where the sleek supercar styling of the Vision One-Eleven got its start. The concept’s single line, shallow curve profile is reminiscent of the cab-forward aerodynamics of Mercedes’s existing EV models, such as the
EQS
 and
EQE
.

The design is supported by hefty black side skirts, a front splitter, and a vast rear diffuser with blue backlighting. The roof is only 46 inches tall at its highest point. This, according to Mercedes, gives the One-Eleven the appearance of being “fused with the road surface,” and it also alludes to the C111’s black highlights.

The One-Eleven’s front end does not have a grille; instead, it has an oval panel with pixelated LEDs that resemble the C111’s fog lights and can also transmit messages to other cars and pedestrians. A similar panel can be found on the back, and the opaque windows have a similar pixelated pattern, a design element we’ve seen on other Mercedes ideas like the Vision AMG. The huge wheels’ intricate shape is designed to resemble the windings found within electric motors.

 1970 C111

The One-Eleven’s interior can be converted into a lounge, a feature shared by many futuristic electric ideas, despite the exterior screaming high-performance supercar. Given the low body, the interior is surprisingly spacious and since there is no engine to take up space behind the driver, there is plenty of room for the seats to recline backwards. The seat rises back to an upright position in “race” mode.

The One-Eleven’s interior also has the characteristic orange colouring, with the white dashboard material manufactured from recycled polyester standing out against the vividly coloured leather, which Mercedes claims was tanned using coffee bean husks. The dashboard is plain, with a full-width LED pixel display that is designed to evoke vintage news tickers that show crucial data like speed. Additionally, it displays QR codes that lead to digital artworks that later appear on a touchscreen.

The polished aluminium clocks, switches, and accelerator and brake pedals contrast with the shining silver seats, which are reminiscent of vintage astronaut suits. A small touchscreen that protrudes from the steering column and is aimed towards the driver is mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which has an unusual rectangle form. Mercedes also discussed an AR headgear that transforms the entire interior into the user interface, complete with 3D controls, navigational indicators, and maps. The One-Eleven’s A-pillars and hood will appear translucent thanks to the AR technology, increasing external visibility.

The axial-flux motor that powers the One-Eleven idea is made by a British battery manufacturer named YASA, which Mercedes fully acquired in 2021. Mercedes defines this motor as being “exceptionally powerful” in their vague description. Axial-flux motors, which are currently used by the majority of EVs, weigh one-third less than an equally powerful radial-flux unit, according to Mercedes, who claims that this technology is being developed for its next generation of EVs. Additionally, it only occupies a third of the space.

According to Mercedes, the battery is made up of “liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a novel cell chemistry” that took inspiration from Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrain, which produces the engines used in the company’s Formula 1 racers. Because the One-Eleven is a styling exercise and not a powertrain testbed, there have been no reports on power outputs.

Although the Vision One-Eleven isn’t likely to go into production, the stylish design should influence upcoming Mercedes vehicles, and we anticipate the axial-flux motors to appear in the company’s EVs within the next several years.


BMW Vision M NEXT – The future of driving

The automotive industry is now entering the next level of mobility and according to BMW, it won’t be long before drivers are able to choose whether they want to drive of just let go of the wheel completely and let the car drive itself. Their future is called the BMW Vision M NEXT.

Based on the next evolution of the BMW M brand’s electrified future, the use of intelligent technologies in their up and coming models will provide ‘comprehensive yet carefully targeted assistance to turn them into the ultimate driver.’

According to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, “The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving. Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging. In both models, the focus is firmly on the people inside. Design and technology make the ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’ experiences more natural and more intense.”

What is ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’? The former will be focusing on providing a worry-free journey for the driver where all passengers are provided with safety and security as the car takes over the task of driving. This is where all occupants can truly enjoy the journey whether it’s relaxing or enjoying in-car entertainment.

‘BOOST’ on the other hand is all about the ultimate driving experience. The EASE and BOOST concepts are underpinned in equal measure by the building blocks for the BMW Group’s future, comprising the innovation areas of Autonomous driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services (ACES).

The BMW Vision M NEXT will also take the role as a progressive hybrid sports car with ‘emotion-stirring exterior design’ and drawing inspirations from the iconic BMW Turbo and ground-breaking BMW i8 plug-in hybrid by adopting a future-focused elements such as the low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors and striking colour scheme.

Talking about power, the Power PHEV drive system will offer an electrified all-wheel drive experience via an all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Their target is a car that produces 600hp and a limited top speed of 300km/h. 0-100km/h? Three seconds. Full electric driving range? 100km.

All in all, we’re super excited to see this concept to be brought into the real world. It’ll be a while before we will see a working prototype but knowing BMW, they might just surprise everyone sooner than expected. If the future of driving is already here, its evolution is just around the corners and the prospects are positively through the roof.

World’s first BMW  8 Series Gran Coupe unveiled!


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

For the auto industry, this decade is one which will require a major decision to be made on the type of vehicles to produce in future. It is clear that, besides going back to horse carriages, electrification of motorcars is the quickest solution to addressing one of the contributors to climate change. While there are ongoing debates about the actual benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) from a total perspective (including generating the lectricity), it cannot be denied that EVs generate no emissions and that can make a difference to air quality.

The industry has already begun its path to electrification and many have announced targets that will see 100% or almost 100% of the vehicles they produce and sell being fully electric by the end of this decade. But can this full-scale transformation take place globally? Can every country on the planet do away with combustion-engined vehicles and use only electrically-powered ones?

This is something the carmakers are grappling with and as Toyota has said, they do not want to leave any customer behind [by offering only EVs). Other carmakers have also said that they will introduce EVs in markets where conditions are acceptable and offer other solutions for those which cannot afford EVs in the immediate future. This can mean offering hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) which are a bit less costly or try to cleanse the emissions of the combustion engine as much as possible.

Ford’s approach

Ford has announced its approach which will be to cover both the EV segment and the ‘old’ segment where combustion-engined vehicles will still be in demand. It will have two business units in its company as part of the Ford+ plan introduced last May. There will be two distinct, but strategically interdependent, businesses – Ford Blue and Ford Model e – the former focussing on products with combustion engines and the latter to be fully focussed on EVs and have the agility of a start-up.

Driving the change was recognition that different approaches, talents and, ultimately, organizations are required to develop and deliver of electric and digitally connected vehicles and services, while also fully capitalize on the company’s iconic family of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Ford has over 100 years of experience in manufacturing motor vehicles and it will draw on this vast experience to continue making conventional combustion engine vehicles as well as the new generation of EVs.

“This isn’t the first time Ford has reimagined the future and taken our own path,” said Ford Executive Chairman, Bill Ford. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to lead this thrilling new era of connected and electric vehicles, give our customers the very best of Ford, and help make a real difference for the health of the planet.”

Dedicated EV division in China

The creation of Ford Model e was encouraged by the success of small, mission-driven Ford teams that developed the Ford GT, Mustang Mach-E SUV and F-150 Lightning pickup as well as Ford’s dedicated EV division in China.

“Ford Model e will be Ford’s centre of innovation and growth, a team of the world’s best software, electrical and automotive talent turned loose to create truly incredible electric vehicles and digital experiences for new generations of Ford customers,” explained Ford President & CEO, Jim Farley.

Continuing with iconic models

“Ford Blue’s mission is to deliver a more profitable and vibrant ICE business, strengthen our successful and iconic vehicle families and earn greater loyalty by delivering incredible service and experiences. It’s about harnessing a century of hardware mastery to help build the future. This team will be hellbent on delivering leading quality, attacking waste in every corner of the business, maximizing cashflow and optimizing our industrial footprint,” he said, adding that the company will continue to invest in combustion engines.

Ford’s President stressed that company will continue to invest in internal combustion engines and offer them in some models under the Ford Blue brand.

Ford Model e and Ford Blue will be run as distinct businesses, but also support each other – as well as Ford Pro, which is dedicated to delivering a one-stop shop for commercial and government customers with a range of conventional and electric vehicles and a full suite of software, charging, financing, services and support.

Making ownership experiences better

Back in the ‘dotcom era’ over 20 years ago, Ford was an early promoter of online media for its business. In this decade, Ford Model e also will lead on creating a new shopping, buying and ownership experience for its future EV customers that includes simple, intuitive e-commerce platforms, transparent pricing and personalized customer support from Ford ambassadors. Ford Blue will adapt these best practices to enhance the experience of its ICE customers and deliver new levels of customer connectivity and satisfaction.

The carmaker expects to spend US$5 billion on EVs this year, a two-fold increase over 2021. By 2026, Ford aims to produce more than 2 million EVs annually, which will represent about one-third of the company’s global volume. This is expected to rise to half by 2030, capturing with EVs the same, or even greater, market shares in vehicle segments where Ford already leads.

“This new structure will enhance our capacity to generate industry-leading growth, profitability and liquidity in this new era of transportation,” said John Lawler, Ford’s Chief Financial Officer. “It will sharpen our effectiveness in allocating capital to both the ICE and EV businesses and the returns we expect from them – by making the most of existing capabilities, adding new skills wherever they’re needed, simplifying processes and lowering costs. Most importantly, we believe it will deliver growth and significant value for our stakeholders.”

Ford spends another US$900 million in Thailand to upgrade two factories


Surge in demand for BMW electrified vehicles

The BMW Group, which is comprised of the BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI and Rolls Royce brands, has announced its recent sales figures. And based on these numbers, we can say that the Bavarian automaker has had a decent run so far.

Compared to the same period last year, the company has managed to sell 1,401,551 vehicles in the first seven months of 2017. This is a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year and in July’17 alone, sales increased by 0.4%.

Speaking of the achievement, Dr Ian Robertson, Management Board Member for Sales and Brand BMW, said, “Following a record first half-year, our sales in July remain at a very high level, with profitability our primary focus.”

He added, “Despite continuing headwinds in the USA, as well as the model changeover of the BMW X3 and the BMW 5 Series in China, we were still able to achieve last year’s high sales levels, due to our policy of balanced global sales growth.”

July also happens to be a great month for the sales of BMW’s electrified vehicles. And since the beginning of the year the company was able to deliver more than 50,000 BMW i, BMW iPerformance and electrified MINI vehicles. This is a 74.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

Currently, there are total of nine electrified vehicles that are made by BMW. This product portfolio and the fact that it has sold a record number of such vehicle this year has made the automaker the 3rd biggest BEV/PHEV manufacturer in the world.

Supporting this notion is the fact that the i3 has been the company’s best selling compact battery-electric vehicle in the premium segment since 2014. These figures are expected to improve even further as car buyers around the world begin to embrace electrified vehicles as the future of personal mobility.

That said, we shall have to wait and see if these sales figures are affected in anyway by the introduction of Tesla’s affordable family sedan – the Model 3. Touted as the affordable Model S, Tesla hopes to reach a much larger customer base with this relatively inexpensive yet premium EV.


Volvo Car Malaysia Introduces All-New XC40 SUV! [+Video]

Stunning
. Photos really don’t do this SUV any justice whatsoever folks. First-off, in terms of physical size, the
XC40
 was built using Volvo’s
Compact Modular Architecture (CMA)
, and this in itself should allude to the fact that the XC40 is not a
large
 SUV. In fact, it’s about the size of a Honda HR-V or BMW X1. Here’s the walk-around video…

Despite its compact exterior dimensions though, the XC40’s CMA build-philosophy seems to have pulled-off that all-so-important
 “small on the outside, big on the inside”
 trick quite well. Just from casual observation, it’s clear there’s a lot of room within the cabin, which by the way, is beautifully crafted and put-together.

There’s only one variant on offer, the
 XC40 T5 R-Design
, which is powered by a turbocharged, petrol-driven
2.0-litre Drive-E
 powertrain that churns out
 252bhp
and
 350Nm
 of torque, allowing the XC40 to sprint from a standstill to 100kmh in just
6.4 seconds
. More sedate driving will see it return a combined fuel-consumption figure of 7.7L/100km. For the full specifications, click this
link
. (The full press release is below the photo gallery)

Priced at
RM255,888
 (OTR w/o insurance), the all-new XC40 will be at all VCM’s dealerships starting
 6th October 2018.
 Stay tuned for the full review coming soon!

Introducing the new Volvo XC40

GENTING HIGHLANDS
 – Volvo Car Malaysia, the premium car maker, will bring a new standard of safety and user experience to the premium small SUV segment with the launch of the 2018 European Car of the Year, the new Volvo XC40. The new XC40 is developed around the challenges of modern city life, aimed at making the daily urban commute less stressful and more enjoyable, as drivers and passengers within this segment can now enjoy Volvo’s award-winning safety, semi-autonomous driving, and infotainment technologies that are well-known with Volvo’s 90s and 60s range.

“The new XC40 builds on our heritage as a human-centric brand that focuses on the well-being of the driver and passengers through the combination of innovative technologies that offers the best in safety standards, driver-assistance technologies, and intuitive design,”
 said
Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the new XC40 will enjoy a range of ground-breaking technologies that were first introduced in its larger siblings, based on the larger Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

These technologies include Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving), the latest generation of City Safety (autonomous collision mitigation and avoidance, including pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection), Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake, and many more.

“On top of these innovations that we’re introducing into this segment, the new XC40 will also seek to end clutter inside the cabin by carefully designing practical and functional storage areas that was done based on extensive consumer insight,”
 adds Stegland. During the development phase of the XC40, Volvo Cars’ customer research team spent a considerable time investigating how city dwellers across the globe use their cars, and more importantly, how their belongings are stored within the cabin.

For instance, to provide better storage space in the doors of the new XC40, Volvo designers chose a radical new approach. By moving speakers from the door and developing a world-first, air-ventilated dashboard-mounted sub-woofer, Volvo created enough storage in the door compartment for a laptop and a tablet, or a couple of water bottles.

“The core tenet of Scandinavian design is the perfect balance of aesthetics and function. For example, the tunnel is not only designed to be visually pleasing but the cup holders themselves provide areas for coins, card, charging cables and a usable space for your phone which offers wireless charging as well as USB ports,”
 said Stegland.

The XC40 also offers slots for credit and service cards that can be neatly inserted into the dashboard, making them readily available when needed. In the tunnel console, under the armrest, there is a large storage area with room for a tissue box. A special, removable bin allows you to discard and quickly get rid of waste. A small fold-away hook has been added to the glove compartment, allowing you to secure small shopping or take-away bags. The driver’s side offers a storage space under the seat, large enough for a mini tablet or other smaller items.

Malaysians will get to enjoy the R-Design as a standard trim level for the XC40 T5 which reflects a more dynamic and premium feel, matching the demands of the local market.
 “We have acted on the feedback from our customers and the media to explore more vivid exterior colours, on top of having the R-Design trim level as a standard – with this new selection of exterior colours, we hope to offer our customers a greater range of self-expression,”
 said Stegland.

Customers will have the option to choose between four distinct colours: Bursting Blue, Fusion Red, Cyrstal White and Osmium Grey. In terms of performance, the XC40 T5 R-Design will be equipped with Volvo’s highly-innovative, 2-litre Drive-E powertrain which will output a total of 252 hp (metric) and 350 Nm of torque, returning 7.7 litres for every 100 km travelled (NEDC, combined cycle) and recording an acceleration to 100 km/h of only 6.4 s.

The XC40 T5 R-Design will be priced at
RM255,888
 (on-the-road, without insurance, inclusive of excise duty and sales tax). The new XC40 will be available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide starting tomorrow.


Maserati Levante GT Hybrid Now On Sale in Malaysia

In 2020, Maserati began its electrification journey with the
Ghibli Hybrid
, followed a year later by the Levante Hybrid. By the end of this decade, the Italian brand plans to have its entire range composed of fully electric models.

The brand’s electrification has also been taking place in Malaysia as Naza Italia began selling the Ghibli Hybrid at the end of 2021. Now it is also offering the latest Levante GT Hybrid for those who want the versatility of a SUV. Priced at
RM738,000
 (including duties, other taxes but without insurance premium), the model comes with a 3-year warranty with no mileage restriction.

The mild hybrid powertrain of the Levante Hybrid is similar to that used in the Ghibli Hybrid consisting of an electric motor working with a 4-cylinder, 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Total system output is 330 ps with peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,250 rpm, with more than 90% of this generated from 1,750 rpm.

The Maserati DNA includes the signature soundtrack and despite being a hybrid, it is still present. The sound is achieved with no use of amplifiers, solely by acting on the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and using resonators, tuned to produce the characteristic sound.

All-wheel drive is standard and besides having a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 6 seconds, the Levante Hybrid can also get up to a maximum speed of 245 km/h. Apart from having lower CO2 emissions from the tailpipe, the SUV also consumes 20% less fuel than the 350 ps V6 model – while having the same level of performance It’s not only using the electric motor that helps achieve better fuel efficiency but also a ‘sailing’ function which disconnects the gearbox when decelerating.

The Levante GT Hybrid powertrain also has a 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG). This component supports the engine when more power is needed, recovering energy during braking and deceleration, charging the lithium-ion battery pack in the boot.

The eBooster works in tandem with the conventional turbocharger, sustaining the engine’s power output even at low rpm. Together with the BSG, it also provides the extra boost when peak rpm is reached (in Sport mode).

Five metres in overall length and sharing the same overall design as the other Levante versions, the Hybrid version comes with the new Maserati logo on the bonnet), new Trident logo on the C-pillar and refreshed lettering on the rear.

For the model imported by Naza Italia, the standard equipment includes Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights, chrome-plated accents and 20-inch alloy wheels. Interior equipment includes an 8.4-inch Touchscreen MTC+ with Navigation, leather-covered comfort seats and Piano Black Trim.

Fully electric Folgore models to dominate Maserati’s range by the end of the decade

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


MID-WEEK FEATURE: BIMS 2018 – Why It’s Still THE BEST In the Region! [Full Photo Gallery]

It’s been about 10 years since I first attended the Bangkok International Motorshow, commonly known as “BIMS” at the IMPACT Challenger just outside Bangkok, Thailand, and I have to say, both in terms of displays and organisation, this is one of the best motorshows in the region, if not THE best. Here was the first walk-around video upon arriving…

BIMS 2018 was held from
28th March to 8th April 2018
, and from the time I touched down in Bangkok, till the time I left the show four days later, once again, GPI (Grand Prix International) the organisers of BIMS did a remarkable job ensuring that the media were well taken care of. Facilities included a full-fledged media centre for both local and international media, stocked with food, drinks, lockers, and tables replete with laptops for our use, printers, fax machines (yes, some still use those) and photocopiers. Having settled, it was time to head for the official opening ceremony…

The BIMS show itself is unlike anything in the region, literally. Not so much in the way it’s presented, but for the fact that BIMS is a
 ‘sales motorshow’
 as well, one of the only, anywhere. While the actual display pavilions set-up by the various carmakers are of international standard – i.e. both the
BMW
 and
Mercedes-Benz
 pavilions look like they were brought in wholesale from Geneva or Frankfurt – behind the scenes, or rather display areas, and away from the main gaze of visitors, a frenzy of selling is taking place.

This year, a total of
42,499
 vehicles were sold at BIMS, far surpassing their set target of 40,000; a conservative figure set forth from the 38,000 vehicles sold at BIMS 2017 . I also heard from the organiser that in 2017, one particular German brand sold more cars at BIMS than they did for the
whole year
 on the outside. Such is the importance of this show, so much so that Ford decided it would be the perfect venue to launch the much-anticipated Ranger Raptor…

A staggering
1.6 MILLION
 visitors attended BIMS 2018, and while undoubtedly this was the truck everyone was waiting to see, it was just one of the many attractions to be found at BIMS, which really wouldn’t be complete without the lovely ladies that adorn every pavilion. This year, however, the organisers did something different; a catwalk! So in the span of 30min, everyone was able to meet and say hello to all the girls that would be part of BIMS 2018…

While in this day and age, many may question the need for girls to still be part of a motorshow, as
Dr.Prachin Eamlumnow
, (below)
Chief Executive Officer of Grand Prix International
himself put it…

“Cars and beautiful girls go hand-in-hand, both are lovely and both are unique, so why keep them apart; they should both always be celebrated and honoured at a motorshow; one compliments the other.”
 We tend to agree. So Formula One, you can just
suck it
for dispensing with them. And it’s not like they just stand there doing nothing at BIMS, for example this Suzuki girl was definitely waxing lyrical about the new bikes that were launched at the show…

Apart from new metal, BIMS holds the distinction of having the only
“Used Car Fair”
 as well. Yes, you read that right, if the new cars don’t tickle your fancy, about a week after the official launch of BIMS, the organisers hold a second launch for the Used Car Show. All the cars sold here are certified and come with warranties, in addition to special ‘motorshow financing schemes’ that offer better and more flexible rates.
Krungsri Auto
, an official partner of BIMS for five years running, is at hand to assist anyone wishing to buy a used car at the show.

Another attraction of BIMS is the annex hall of IMPACT Challenger, which by the way is the
largest piller-less hall in SEA
, in which the Car Accessories section is housed. This is a must-stop for anyone visiting BIMS, because car accessories wise, it’s like a one-stop, anything-you-want-under-the-sun type of place. Here’s my walk-around, which in retrospect was ill-advised because I ended up spending half my money here later. Get this, I even found an aftermarket high-flow air-filter from
Hurricane
 for my classic 1983 Mercedes W126 280SE… who the HELL sells stuff like that at a motorshow??? Trust BIMS to have it…

As night falls, the action doesn’t stop. Out the back of IMPACT Challenger, and at one of the many open air venues that’s home to external exhibits as well as test-drives, the car clubs and modders would take centre stage to show off their wares. I caught the tail-end of the modded truck show, and was (almost literally) blown away. The crazy amounts of
bass
that some of these trucks produce can apparently
stop
 a heart from beating if you get too close….

Well, like I’ve always said, nobody wants to read about a motorshow, so until next year and the 40th Edition of BIMS, here’s the FULL photo gallery of the
39th Bangkok International Motorshow 2018! –
Chris Wee
.

BIMS 2018 Photo Gallery… (More Videos after the jump)

:::::::: MORE Videos ::::::::

BMW @ BIMS 2018…

Aston Martin @ BIMS 2018…

Suzuki Bikes @ BIMS 2018…

Bikes, Accessories & MORE GIRLS @ BIMS 2018…

Acknowledgement: With heartfelt gratitude, Piston.my (and me personally) would like to thank the organisers of BIMS, Grand Prix International, for the invite to cover this yearly event yet again; GPI are the most gracious hosts I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting, and it’s a genuine pleasure and honour to cover this event annually.Thank you! – Chris Wee.


Fuel Price Updates For December 16 – December 23, 2021


Mitsubishi delivers Triton to Sarawak Forestry

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, in an effort to support wildlife conservation efforts in Sarawak, has handed the keys of a brand new Mitsubishi Triton to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation to be used for wildlife rescue and conservation works at Matang Wildlife Centre (MWC).

Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi, personally handed over the new pick-up truck to Wong Ting Chung, CEO of Sarawak Forestry in a ceremony at MWC. This good deed is said to be part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme to promote a sustainable future.

During the ceremony, Shinnishi, said, “Mitsubishi Motors is proud to assist and support SARAWAK FORESTRY, an organisation that devotes its’ time for a good cause. We acknowledge their efforts in rescuing wildlife of various species which are brought in to Matang Wildlife Centre for rehabilitation purposes.”

Speaking of the latest addition to Sarawak Forestry’s inventory, Wong, said ““Due to increasing public awareness on wildlife conservation and protection, Matang and Semenggoh wildlife centres are facing growing demands for additional capacities in rescue, rehabilitation and other operational aspects such as transportation. Therefore, contributions such as this Triton pick-up truck by MMM is timely, practical and very much appreciated for our works here at Matang Wildlife Centre.”

At the Matang Wildlife Centre, several endangered mammals, birds and reptiles are looked after and given the protection they deserve. The centre also has an orangutan rehabilitation programme where these endangered animals are cared for in order to increase their population. Initially, rehabilitation efforts were concentrated at Semenggoh Wildlife Center at Semenggoh Nature Reserve but in 1998, due to the increasing population of orangutans, the programme was launched in the Matang Wildlife Centre to reduce in an effort to reduce overcrowding at the Semenggoh facility.

The Triton is Mitsubishi’s answer to the Hilux, Ranger, D-Max and Navara. It features a MIVEC turbodiesel engine and can be had in either a 4×4 or 4×2 configuration. Visit the automaker’s website to learn more about the models that it currently sells in the country.


Ford Mustang Remains World’s Best-Selling Sports Coupe [+Video]

Global demand for the Ford Mustang, which was introduced in Malaysia in 2016, has driven the Mustang to its
third
 straight year as the best-selling sports coupe in the world. Global Mustang registrations in 2017 totaled
125,809
 cars, according to Ford analysis of the most recent new light vehicle registration data from IHS Markit. This data – compiled from government and other sources and capturing 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries – puts Mustang ahead of all other sports coupe competitors worldwide.

“The world is falling in love with Mustang,”
 says
Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst
.
“Mustang represents the best of American design, performance and freedom, with an unmistakable personality that’s appeals – regardless of your postcode.”
Speaking of postcodes, here’s what our friends at
Autobuzz.my
 had to say about the Mustang…

Of the nearly
126,000
 vehicles registered worldwide in 2017, Ford reported
81,866
 of those were registered in the United States, meaning just over one-third of all Mustang registrations are occurring in export markets. Demand remains particularly strong in China, where Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe last year based on 7,125 registrations.

The most popular configuration worldwide is the
Mustang GT
 with the
5.0-liter V8
. While sports cars have traditionally skewed toward male buyers in the United States, Mustang is increasingly finding favor with women. In an environment of relatively flat sports car sales to women, Ford research shows a 10 percent gain in women buying Mustang in the last five years.

Since global exports began in 2015, and up till December 2017, Ford has sold
418,000
 Mustangs around the world. Sports coupes, as defined by IHS Markit, include two-door and convertible models. Malaysians who are interested in owning this world’s best-selling coupe can call 012-3333873 for further information.


Hyundai Veloster N ETCR finishes first track test

Hyundai Motorsport is well on its way in the testing phase for their first electric race car project, the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR. The company spent two long days in Budapest last week testing out the all-electric race-spec Veloster at Hungaroring without any issues or hiccups.

The tests were mainly to look into finetuning the Veloster’s chassis balance as well as maximising its mid-mounted electric motor for better all-round performance and efficiency. Needless to say, Hyundai still has a lot on their plate in terms of development but luckily, they have the touring car championship-winning i30 N TCR and Veloster N TCR as huge points of references.

The Hyundai Veloster N ETCR is the first race car from the manufacturer to be fitted with a floor-battery design and double wishbone suspension package to further improve their chances against other electric competitors ahead of its racing debut in the year 2020 in ETCR.

According to Hyundai Motorsport Team Director, Andrea Adamo, “The first test for any new project is always a very important date, but with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR it takes on greater significance. It is our first electric race car, and our first chassis to have a mid-mounted motor and rear-wheel-drive.”

“We have shown with the i30 N TCR and Veloster N TCR that we can produce a very strong Touring Car, but now we have a lot to learn about this new package before the racing starts in 2020. The next few months will be very busy – we essentially have two challenges; we have to develop the chassis, but also learn to use the power from the batteries and motors effectively. However, with the testing schedule ahead I am confident that our engineers will be able to produce another race winning car.”

45 EV Concept defines Hyundai Motor’s Future through Heritage


Design of new generation of Genesis G90 flagship revealed

The G90, flagship of Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, has undergone a full model change. This is the model which originally began life as the Hyundai Equus. In 2015, when the Korean carmaker launched its new luxury brand, the Equus became the Genesis G90 (EQ900 in Korea). The model was then facelifted and now enters its second generation.

Athletic Elegance design philosophy

Much of the new design adopts the Genesis design cues that are guided by the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’. The frontal presentation consists of a new Crest Grille which has a luxurious look with its Layered Architecture finish. This comprises two G-Matrix patterns layered on top of one another to create a 3-dimensional effect.

Resembling the brand’s emblem, the Two-Line headlamps located on both sides of the grille feature the thinnest such lamp designs by Genesis. Intercrossing the lens of the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with low beam powered by MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology has made it possible for thin lines of the headlamps.

Clamshell Bonnet

A special design feature is the Clamshell Bonnet, a single panel that combines the bonnet and fenders in order to eliminate panel gaps and create a sleek impression. This sleekness is also embodied in the Guilloche (a decorative technique) pattern-applied emblem, which is nearly 80% thinner than seen on previous emblems.

First generation G90 (2017)

Viewed from the side, the Parabolic Line design can be seen to start from the bonnet and flows along the bottom of the window to the boot in a seamless line. The voluminous body has been further enhanced with the Athletic Power Lines on the fenders around the wheels, projecting power and dynamism.

The DLOs (Day Light Openings) that surround the first and second-row seat windows are designed to harmonize with its thick C-pillars. This offers second-row passengers both an open atmosphere and privacy at the same time, a clear complement to the model’s image as a best-in-class luxury sedan.

The elegant proportions of the wide rear create a strong and well-balanced image. The Two-Line rear combination lamps – key elements of the Genesis design language – are elongated along the boot, with Genesis’ lettering emblem placed concisely between them.

To draw focus to the iconic Genesis design elements on the upper rear part of the car, functional elements, such as the license plate, various sensors, and the reverse lights, have been placed toward the bottom to ensure that the rear offers a clean look.

Long-wheelbase version

Genesis will also offer a long-wheelbase version with more space for the second-row door and C-pillar area. This allows more space for the rear seats. This longer version also comes with an exclusive design for the 20-inch wheels. There are also exclusive front and rear bumper designs with chrome decorations on the rims.

G90 Long Wheelbase version.

“The G90 will redefine the flagship luxury design experience in a unique way only offered by Genesis,” said to Head of Genesis Global Design, SangYup Lee. “The G90 is the ultimate expression of Athletic Elegance that carefully balances dynamic driving and an elegant rear seat experience.”

With the G90, Genesis plans to expand its presence in the luxury sedan market not only in Korea, but across the globe.


24 Rounds For 2023 Formula 1 World Championship

The 2023 Formula 1 World Championship will have the most number of rounds since it was inaugurated in 1950. Starting on March 5 in Bahrain, the championship will consist of 24 rounds and run until November 26 when the final round is run in Abu Dhabi.

“I am delighted that we will be able to take Formula 1’s new era of exciting racing, created by the FIA’s 2022 Regulations, to a broader fan base in 2023. In framing the 2023 F1 calendar, World Motor Sports Council Members have also been mindful of the timing of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans [which will be run for the 100
th
 time next year],” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The increased number of rounds is not something many teams and drivers are looking forward to because of having to be on the move all the time. This not only puts pressure on logistics but also affects the personal lives of team members who will be on the move around the globe during the 9 months of races. And 24 might not be the final number – Liberty Media has also been thinking of increasing to 30 races a year!

Las Vegas again after 41 years
A new addition is the
Las Vegas Grand Prix
, a seemingly odd place to have a F1 race. However, the city, well known for its casinos, has hosted F1 before – in 1981 and 1982 – when a racetrack was created in the carpark of the Caesar’s Palace hotel and casino (yes, the carpark was big enough for a track within it). It was considered one of the worst circuits in F1 history.

This time round, it won’t be a carpark race. The circuit in 2023 one will be on the streets with one straight along the famous Strip. The race will also be held at night, a feature of the sport since the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix when the first night race was held.

With the Las Vegas GP, the US will have 3 F1 races in 2023. This is not the first time the country has had 3 rounds in one season as there were also 3 rounds in 1982. In total, there have been at least 50 rounds of F1 held in America though it is not so apparent.

Other American cities which have had Formula 1 rounds in the past have been Detroit/Michigan, Los Angeles/California, Dallas/Texas, Riverside/California, Sebring/Florida, Watkins Glen/New York,  Indianapolis/Indiana, Austin/Texas, and this year, Miami, Florida.

Chinese GP returns
Also ‘new’ on the calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix which had to be postponed and then cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and then left out uncertainties due to lockdowns in 2021 and 2022. The 2023 event at the Shanghai International Circuit is included but the FIA will still have to wait and see what the situation is in China with regards to entry by foreigners.

The last time a F1 race was held in China at the Shanghai International Circuit was in 2019. With a Chinese driver, Zhou Guan-Yu (below), taking part in F1 for the first time, fans in the country would definitely want the race to be run.

F1 fans in China would certainly want the event to be run, especially when the sport now has a Chinese driver
– Zhou Guan-Yu
 in the Alfa Romeo ORLEN Team. Zhou, 23, is in his first season this year and had a promising start with team mate, Valtteri Bottas.

However, bad luck has followed him around many of the races as mechanical problems forced early retirement. He was also involved in a terrifying crash at Silverstone in July when a collision flipped his car and he skidded along the track upside down at a very high speed, crashing into the barriers. Fortunately, the HALO safety feature saved him from what could have been very severe injuries.

Monte Carlo gets another 3 years
There was uncertainty about the Monaco Grand Prix which has its contract expiring this year. Though a legendary street circuit of Monte Carlo, its narrowness has made overtaking difficult with today’s longer and wider cars. Furthermore, there have also been operational issues between the organisers and Formula One, the commercial company promoting the event. However, a 3-year contract was signed so there will still be a Monaco race till 2025.

Monaco will still have its F1 event for at least 3 more years.

“The presence of 24 races on the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is further evidence of the growth and appeal of the sport on a global scale. The addition of new venues and the retention of traditional events underlines the FIA’s sound stewardship of the sport,” said the FIA President.

F1 tyres to go from 13 inches to 18 inches in 2022 (w/VIDEO)


Latest information for those planning to drive to Singapore when the border reopens next month

With the border between Malaysia and Singapore due to be opened for free movement between the two countries from April 1, 2022 (that’s next Friday), many may be making plans to drive down. It has been two years since the border was closed off when the COVID-19 pandemic started and apart from shopping, many would also want to go and see relatives and friends.

Apart from the usual immigration requirements, the regulations for driving a vehicle into Singapore have not changed. You still need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for each vehicle and unlike before when you could drive up to the checkpoint at Tuas or Woodlands, you must now do so prior to arrival and you can only do it online. This is to be done at the
OneMotoring
, the website of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) which also has all the information required for entry and driving around Singapore. Those who are unable to show the confirmation email from the LTA will be denied entry.

All applications must be done online now at the Land Transport Authority’s website known as OneMotoring. It also contains information on driving in Singapore and all the charges you have to pay.

It goes without saying that your vehicle’s roadtax and insurance must be valid, and with regards to insurance, Singapore law requires passenger liability insurance to be included. This is usually an ‘add-on’ option for motorists in Malaysia so you will need to contact your insurance company and ask for the inclusion (which will carry a small charge). If you regularly drive to Singapore, then it would be a good idea to just make it part of your policy renewal each year. Details of insurance and roadtax will have to be provided and kept updated at the LTA website.

VEPs have validity period of 14 days which starts on the date of the vehicle’s entry into Singapore, and thereafter on the date of payment during VEP renewal. To extend your vehicle’s stay in Singapore, you will need to renew your VEP.

VEP fees are waived for the first 10 days in each calendar year and on Saturdays, Sundays and Singapore public holidays, or if you enter Singapore from 5 pm and exit by 2 am the next day. During Singapore’s June and December school holidays, if you enter Singapore from 12 noon and exit by 2 am the next day, you also do not have to pay VEP fees. If VEP fees are applicable, the charge is S$35 a day for cars and $4 a day for motorcycles.

You also need an Autopass card to pay for parking and charges for their Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) scheme. The Autopass card is like our Touch’Ngo card and has a stored value which can be reloaded at convenience stores. It can also be used for purchases at many places.

Unlike before when you would be given an Autopass card (which has a validity of a certain number of years) at the entry point, the LTA now instructs motorists to collect their Autopass card (if they do not have one and have applied for it via the website) on the Johor side. The LTA has a service centre in Johor Bahru  at 34, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1, 80000 Johor Bahru which handles this.

There are certain areas in Singapore which motorists must pay charges to use (ERP) and these charges vary according to the time of the day. The LTA offers two ways to make the electronic payments – either a flat rate for an entire day or rental of a unit like a SmartTAG (which uses the Autopass card. The flat rate option is convenient as nothing needs to be done and no fee (S$5.15/day + refundable deposit of S$124.65) has to be paid for the device. Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will detect your vehicle when you pass under the gantries and the charge will be made which is to be settled when departing. The flat rate allows for any number of passages through ERP areas which is very convenient for those who are not familiar with the roads.

There are charges for using certain roads in Singapore under the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. You have two options to pay the charges – a daily flat rate or renting a device and paying whenever you do enter an ERP zone.

It is important to note that Singapore is very serious about settlement of fines for offences, and they are very efficient at record-keeping (‘
don’t play-play
‘, as the Phua Chu Kang always advises). So if you committed an offence 2 years ago or are not sure if you have any outstanding fines to pay, you can check at
this website
. If you have committed an offence, you would normally be stopped before departure (it’s a small country) but if you managed to ‘escape’, the record is still there and if you return with the same vehicle, you will be asked to pay the fine and if you do not, you will be detained until you do.

Be sure that you e-wallet (for RFID) or Touch’NGo card have sufficient balance to cover the toll charges on the highways. You can check the amount of toll you will have to pay on the route you are planning to use at the PLUS website.

In anticipation of a significant increase in the volume of VEP applications, the LTA has been carrying out a system upgrade on its website since March 24 and the expected downtime will be until March 30, 2022. Vehicle owners will be able to access the system from March 31, 2022.

Travellers are advised to plan at least 2 weeks ahead of their intended travel dates to allow sufficient time for VEP application and approval. The LTA says that processing may take a longer during this period so it hopes that those who are only going to Singapore for a holiday can defer their plans so that others who have more important needs can have faster processing.

Naturally, all travellers must also be fully vaccinated and adhere to whatever pandemic-related procedures are in force in Singapore. Full vaccination means having at least 3 doses and if you have not gotten the third booster dose, do so even if you are not going out of the country. After March 31, 2022, the Health Ministry has warned that the status of those who have not had their third booster dose will be downgraded to
partially vaccinated
 which might prevent them from entering certain places.

Have a safe journey and remember, social distancing and facemasks are still required.


TGR Malaysia To Continue Support For Malaysian Motorsports

With the conclusion of the GR Vios Sprint Cup and the introduction of the GR GT Cup Malaysia, e-racing competition, UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia have declared their continuous support for Malaysian motorsports for on-track and virtual racing activities.

The GR Vios Sprint Cup was staged as part of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) and was held independently of the GR Vios Challenge (Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival). On Saturday and Sunday, two driver teams competed in two one-hour races that included a mandatory pit stop and driver change. It was included in the national series for the second time this year.

Laser Motor Racing
 won its third race in a row and finished on the podium for the fourth time in a row to round off a successful season. The team claimed a double victory in the series’ second and final round, with Putera Adam and Jwan Hii winning Race 1 and teammates Eddie Lew and Amer Harris dominating Race 2.

The launch and rebranding of the GR Velocity Esports Championship, now known as the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) GT Cup Malaysia, was also announced. The series, currently in its sixth year, is one of the most profitable online racing events in the country, with cash awards of up to RM90,500 this year, the biggest in GR GT Cup Malaysia history. Toyota is the sole car manufacturer and brand active in e-racing.

Since its inception in 2018, the GR GT Cup Malaysia e-racing tournament has drawn over 900 participants each year.

This year, UMW Toyota Motor presented the simulator racing experience to universities around Malaysia for the first time. These included stops at UNITAR, UiTM Pasir Gudang, UiTM Shah Alam, INTI Subang, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Sunway University, and INTI Penang.

The tournament’s qualifying stage begins on July 15, 2023, with the goal of selecting the top 20 quickest drivers for the semi-finals and, ultimately, the top 10 finalists for the finale, which will be held at Sunway from August 19-20, 2023.

Ahead of the 2023 tournament, UMW Toyota Motor calls all aspiring e-racers bidding to be  Malaysia’s fastest sim-racer to sign-up and have a go at the prize monies. Registrations for the  qualifiers are open now at
www.toyota.com.my/gtcupmalaysia/


F1/Round 1: Highlights and Provisional Results of 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix

The first race of the new Formula 1 season started as the sun disappeared and the lights came on around the Bahrain International Circuit in the Sakhir Desert. Unusually, there was no car with the Mercedes star at the front row, and it was a red Ferrari with Charles Leclerc in it occupying pole position. Alongside Leclerc was Max Verstappen, the World Champion, and his arch-rival was further back in the fifth spot – ironically alongside his former team mater, Valtteri Bottas who is now in Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN.

As the lights went green for the first time in the 2022 season, Leclerc used his position to sprint forward ahead of Verstappen as the rest of the pack followed. While Hamilton managed to move up a couple of positions, his old buddy Bottas lost ground and fell further back before Turn 2.

The two Haas drivers were not having an easy time getting into the ‘groove’ as Kevin Magnussen locked up his tyres and Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, who had fallen down to seventh (due to a poor start), got past him, while Mick Schumacher had an ‘incident’ with BWT Alpine’s Esteban Ocon which got the attention of the Stewards. The latter was given a 5-second penalty but both cars were able to remain in the race.

By the time the first tenth of the 57-lap race had passed, Leclerc and Verstappen were steadily pulling away from the rest, separated from each other by about 2 seconds. Third place was being contested by three drivers – Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Hamilton and Perez, while Geroge Russell was pushing hard to get closer to his new team mate in the Mercedes-AMG team.

On lap 8, it appeared than McLaren’s Lando Norris was pushed wide by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll (which also caused Daniel Ricciardo to have to go wide) and after the Stewards looked into the incident, it was decided that no action or penalty was necessary.

By lap 13, Verstappen and Hamilton were frustrated with quickly diminishing grip from their tyres as degradation was faster than expected. Hamilton chose to come in for a change to Hards. When he rejoined, he was down to 11th and then 12th when the Alfa Romeo of newcomer Zhou sped past him – but he was ahead of the 7-time World Champion only briefly.

Other drivers began to come in after that, with Leclerc – still leading – coming in on lap 16 together with Perez. However, where the Ferrari driver switched to Softs, Perez got Mediums. Leclerc’s departure from the track was short and quick and he kept his lead position but with less than a second’s separation from Verstappen as he rejoined.

Once Hamilton got his tyres warmed up, he began to move up but it was a long way to the leaders who were about 18 seconds away. He made it up to fifth and then there was a 5-second gap to Perez which was going to need a lot of effort to close. Russell was next in line but 7 seconds behind and steadily working his way forward, mindful of Magnussen pursuing.

On lap 19, Verstappen made a strong effort going into Turn 1 but miscalculated and locked up, not making t pass the Ferrari. In the process, he flat-spotted his tyres and had to back off a bit to let the brakes cool down as well. While he was doing that, the other Ferrari driver, Sainz, was moving closer but had to watch out for the other Red Bull as well.

As the race reached the halway point about 50 minutes after the start, Hamilton came into the pits to switch to Mediums. As he rejoined, he slotted between Pierre Gasly and Ocon to take eighth place. The other drivers who had also come in a second time to change tyres were Fernando Alonso and Yuki Tsunoda.

Verstappen came in on lap 31 and Ferrari brought Leclerc in right after that. The pitstops dropped the Dutchman to fourth and Leclerc to third, while Sainz inherited the lead with Perez about 3 seconds behind.

On lap 34, Sainz and Perez departed from the race to get their tyres changed and Leclerc got back his lead, with Verstappen 2 seconds behind and told by his team that he could go all out.

By lap 38, the frontrunners were encountering the slower cars and Sainz had a scare as he passed Alexander Albon and the Williams driver almost collided with him. Actually, the Thai driver was not up to speed as he had just come out from the pit lane. However, no contact occurred and the Ferrari managed to quickly speed away.

The two McLarens were way down the field (almost at the end), unable to move up and Lando Norris tried to do with just one stop but couldn’t, while Ricciardo was having problems with his radio. Tsunoda was trying his best to keep his tenth place as Alonso kept trying to take it from him.

Magnussen was showing that Haas should never have dropped him and given his place to Nikita Mazepin who didn’t do anything positive for the team in 2021. On his first race back with the team, he was able to move into a secure seventh by 15 laps from the end, almost certain to collect points that Haas never saw at all last year.

On lap 46, as Verstappen was reporting steering problems, Gasly’s car suddenly caught fire and he quickly pulled to the side and managed to get out safely. The Safety Car was quickly sent out to lead the racing cars and Leclerc took the opportunity to get into the pits, switch to Softs and have fresh tyres to fight better in the remaining 11 laps. As he sped back to take his place, he almost rammed into the Safety Car! Unhappy that the Mercedes-AMG was not going fast enough, Leclrc complained to his team, hoping they would pass on the message that it must go quicker and not cause him a ‘big disadvantage’.

The Safety Car came in on lap 50 and Leclerc was ready to slingshot away from the Red Bull which was just behind. However, Verstappen could not focus too much on the car ahead as he had another Ferrari in his mirrors as well. Perez and Hamilton were also jostling for fourth and perhaps in desperation, Hamilton almost collided with the other car.

Verstappen’s race ended suddenly as he pulled into the pits on lap 55 and the last conversation heard over the radio was something about the battery, which his engineer said was not the problem. He had been having steering problems but was not informed what exactly was the fault.

The departure of Verstappen left the way open for Sainz to close in on his team mate and give Ferrari not just its first win since September 2019 but also a 1-2 finish. Perez also began having loss of power and before he could get around Turn 1, his car spun and the other cars had to avoid it. For Hamilton, at least the sudden retirement of the Rd Bulls allowed him to get onto the podium, while Russell finished just behind in fourth. That’s racing… it isn’t decided till the finish line is crossed by someone.


BMW Group Reports 41.7% Growth In Electric Vehicle Sales In 2018

In the first four months of 2018, BMW Group Electrified vehicle sales worldwide totalled 36,692 units, a growth of 41.7% over the same period last year.

Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG
 responsible for Sales and Brand BMW said,
“We are delighted to announce that there are now over a quarter of a million electrified BMW Group vehicles on the world’s roads. Combined sales of BMW i, BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles were up 52% in April (9,831), bringing the total number of electrified BMW Group cars sold to over 250,000 and we are well on track to deliver on our stated target to sell over 140,000 electrified vehicles this year.”

Up until April 2018, BMW Group Malaysia contributed to this success with electrified vehicles, as the premium automaker’s portfolio of Plug-In Hybrid deliveries in the country now accounts for
52.7%
 of its total vehicle deliveries.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia
 (above, second from right) said,
 “Our portfolio of Visionary Mobility vehicles have been developing from strength to strength here, and we now have a Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for almost all models which makes for the largest portfolio currently available in the Malaysian automotive industry.”

In the first four months of 2018 alone, BMW Group Malaysia introduced two new plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country – the All-New BMW 530e Sport in January, the first-ever BMW 5 Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology which was also the fifth BMW iPerformance model to be introduced in the country. The premium automaker then introduced the New MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the first Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for the MINI brand.

The premium automaker also expanded accessibility to electric vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid vehicle charging facilities nationwide, installing new BMW i Charging Stations at WEIL Hotel in Ipoh, the first in the state of Perak with its dealer partner Tian Siang Premium Auto; Holiday Inn Melaka and The Equatorial Melaka, the firsts in the State of Melaka with dealer partner Seong Hoe Premium Motors, and at CityONE Megamall Kuching, the first in the State of Sarawak with dealer partner Regas Premium Auto Sarawak.

Collaborating with the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation, BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of Visionary Mobility with the BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles are also supported by the ChargEV platform, which has a growing network of more than 270 charging facilities nationwide.

Driving the Future of Electro Mobility further in Malaysia, the premium automaker also showcased the BMW i3, the BMW Group’s best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment worldwide at the recent 2018 Malaysia Autoshow. The dynamic electric car was made available to be test driven by the public. Over 40 members of the public took the opportunity to test drive the car.


Hyundai Filled With 2,710 Packs Of Cigarettes Busted In Singapore

A Hyundai Accent was disassembled with brute force in a TikTok video uploaded by the Singaporean border control agency, ultimately revealing hundreds of illegal cigarette packs stashed throughout the vehicle.

When Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers assessed a Malaysian-registered car for additional checks on June 12, 2023, at Woodlands Checkpoint, they discovered cigarette packets concealed not just beneath the bonnet but also behind the front and rear bumpers, in the door panels, and underneath the seats. Ultimately, 222 cartons, 2,710 packets, and 35 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found, according to ICA, after their checks.

The car was ripped apart and even hammers were used to break apart the bumpers. The side panels inside the doors were torn apart, windows were broken, and they basically checked every corner of the car where cigarettes could be hidden.

Four days after it was broadcast, the video received 1.4 million views and plaudits from online users who applauded the police for their efforts in stifling contraband smuggling.

The department says it was successful in halting 35,000 attempts to transport illegal goods and drugs into Singapore via land, air, and sea checkpoints, according to information posted on the ICA website.

A few netizens and even we were surprised by the amount of cigarette packets that can be hidden in a single car. However, some people found the ICA’s choice of background music, a parody of “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift, to be amusing. Not sure why they used this song, but we had a good laugh.