Naza Italia Introduces Updated Maserati Levante Ahead Of 2019 Debut!

Maserati’s remarkably successful SUV, the
Levante
, is now available to the Malaysian market as an updated 2019 version. The MY19 (Model Year 2019) range has inherited new contents, which enhance its “Gran Turismo” character and set the Levante at the top of its class in terms of outright performance, driving dynamics and exclusivity. For the Malaysian market,
 Naza Italia
, the official importer and distributor for Maserati, will be offering the petrol-powered
Maserati Levante S
with
 GranSport
and
 GranLusso
trims, with prices starting at
RM788,800
.

The MY19 range introduces a high-end interpretation of the Levante. Enhancements made in the Levante S include the adoption of a redesigned gearshift lever with shorter travel and improved operation. The GranSport trim presents a distinct styling theme with new front and rear bumpers that were inspired by the Levante GTS and Trofeo. For the Malaysian market, the Levante S version features 21-inch Helios wheels and a High Glass Metal Weave interior trim.

SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman of NAZA Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd
 said,
 “Following Maserati’s entry into the SUV segment, the Levante has exceeded expectations and continues to be a leader in its class. Naza Italia is delighted to offer our discerning customers the latest evolution of the Levante, which sports a number of attractive enhancements. Whether customers opt for the luxury-oriented GranLusso trim or the sport-oriented GranSport trim, the Levante S promises them a first-class environment.”

The powertrain remains untouched in this version, which means the SUV still features a forceful
430hp 3-litre twin turbo V6 engine
. Designed by Maserati Powertrain in cooperation with Ferrari, the engine is manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello and is both powerful and eco-friendly, thanks to the Auto Start-Stop function. The twin-turbo V6 petrol driven engine is capable of
430bhp
 and
580Nm
 of torque. Its specific torque of 194 Nm per litre is the best in the luxury SUV class, as is its specific power (144hp/l). The Levante S accelerates from
0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds
 and has a top speed of
 264 km/h.

The design concept of the Levante combines coupé lines with interior space for five people and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. The Maserati of SUVs is instantly recognisable from a distance, thanks to its imposing grille, which was inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept, but also pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. The silhouette flows along the side of the car from the feline headlights to the characteristic Maserati rear pillar, creating a coupé look that is enhanced by frameless doors – a characteristic feature of modern Maserati cars. The muscular shape of the rear haunches underscores the car’s genuinely Italian style.

In the newly enhanced Levante S, this unmistakable design has reached new levels of sportiness with the restyling of the GranSport exterior. The elegant, sport-oriented restyling is focused on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper. Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior is also discernible for the front and rear Black Piano inserts, the GranSport badges on the front fenders, the red brake calipers and the
21-inch Helios wheels.
While the exterior of the baseline V6 versions remains the same, the characteristic features of the luxury-oriented GranLusso trim are elegant chrome inserts in the front fascia, chrome front/rear skid plates, body colour rear spoiler, silver-painted brake calipers, 21-inch Helios alloy wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.

The GranLusso trim also offers the choice of full premium Italian leather, Pieno Fiore natural leather or Ermenegildo Zegna silk upholstery. It includes standard 12-way power comfort front seats with memory function, Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound System, power-adjustable steering wheel and pedals, illuminated door-sills, parking sensors, navigation system and Soft Close Doors system. The MY19 Levante S is fitted with a new gearshift lever for the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox used on all Levante versions. The redesigned component features an intuitive, dual lane shift pattern providing shorter travel and improved functionality.

The driver has the option to use the gearbox in either automatic (RND) or manual mode (M) simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new ‘P’ button on top sets the transmission in parking mode. With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes cluster on the center console is even more user-friendly. The M button has been eliminated and the Off-Road mode button has taken its place leaving space for two separate buttons – instead of one – for the selection of the Sport driving mode and the Skyhook suspension sport setting. The selectable modes are Off-Road, I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency) and Sport.

The eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox ensures exceptional comfort, low fuel consumption and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). By default, the car is set to Auto Normal mode, which offers the right balance between ride comfort, reduced consumption and sportiness, performing smooth gear changes at low engine speeds. In Off-Road mode, when the driver selects a chosen speed the car continues at this pace, even when climbing. This is extremely useful on a challenging climb, as the car will effectively drive itself, with the driver only having to manage the steering wheel. In Auto Off-Road mode the transmission recognises the different types of terrain, interacts with the ESP and alters its shifting response accordingly. In I.C.E. mode, gearshifts are almost unnoticeable, providing unrivalled driving comfort.

The MY19 Levante S has a spacious cabin that blends innovative solutions, such as the state-of-the art infotainment system that has been mildly tweaked with improved display graphics and more user-friendly climate-control functions. The button that deactivates the Start-Stop function can now be dragged and dropped on the main screen so you can access it in every menu. The electric panorama sunroof with tilt and slide functionality comes as standard for all MY19 Levante S variants offered in Malaysia.

There is a palette of eleven colours in the MY19 catalogue only for the V6 Levante versions, with a brand-new tri-coat colour, the Blu Nobile with sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight. The matt grey-by-default calipers on the baseline Levante V6 versions are painted silver on the GranLusso. The Levante GranSport is standard fitted with red painted calipers. A wide range of colours with the Maserati logo is available as an option. The recently introduced
Nerissimo
 package, has also been updated for the MY19 Levante.

It is now available in eight specific body colours – seven of which are brand new – combining black elements (front grille, skid plates, daylight openings and door mirrors) with dark tail lights and exhaust tips. Details such as the grille upper bezel trim, the rear trunk accent, the side air vents, the Trident on grille and all Maserati badges and logos are finished in Black Chrome. The updated MY19 Nerissimo package has also adopted body-colour door handles and lower moldings and new 21-inch wheels with dark finish.

The Levante S MY19 enters Malaysia’s luxury SUV segment at the starting price of
MYR 788,800.00
 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a *Maserati Premium Service Plus of
3 years/60,000
 km whichever comes first. The public is invited to head over to Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view and test drive the Levante and speak with Naza Italia’s sales team in greater detail about Maserati’s newest offering. For the Specifications sheet, click to download this:
Press Release_Maserati Levante MY19

Follow
@maserati.malaysia
 (Instagram) and
www.facebook/maserati.malaysia
 for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.


Hap Seng Star Opens Upgraded Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Bukit Tinggi, Klang

The Klang Valley has the largest concentration of motor vehicles in the country and obviously, also a large proportion of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. For this reason, the network of outlets – known as Autohaus – is quite extensive in the Klang Valley to serve the many customers.

In Bandar Parklands, near Klang, Hap Seng Star has a Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in the Bukti Tinggi area which was set up in view of the prominent and established township. “We want to be where our customers are, and deliver to them the best customer services and retail experience. In today’s context, we are cognisant that the customer experience is equally as important as the product offering, and thus, together with Mercedes-Benz, we aim to capitalise on the immense auto business opportunities within the Bukit Tinggi region and growing it into a significant auto hub in the years to come,” said Harald Behrend, Group Chief Operating Officer of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad and Chief Executive of Hap Seng Group’s Automotive Division.

With enhancements and upgrades, this Autohaus now offers an exclusive luxury lifestyle experience to customers and owners. The largest Autohaus in Malaysia, with a land area of over 142,000 sq ft, serves as a one-stop auto centre. The showroom, with an area of 49,543 sq ft, can display up to 45 vehicles.

Among the new amenities available are the Star Lounge, self-service cafe, kid’s playroom and a luxurious ladies’ powder room. Complementing lifestyle retail experience is a luxury Mercedes-Benz accessories and collection boutique with a variety of collectibles and products.

The building has been certified with a Bronze award by GreenRE certification and includes a sustainability initiative in the form of a rainwater-harvesting system.

The integrated service centre can handle up to 900 vehicles a month, providing scheduled service maintenance as well as undertaking major repairs. All work is done by Mercedes-Benz-trained technicians who are fully equipped with required tools and diagnostic equipment.

Other services available are Express Service 2.0, pick-up and delivery, drop-and-go service booking, wheel alignment and balancing, electrical diagnosis and repairs, paint coating, glass tinting, along with assistance for insurance and warranty claims.

The Autohaus is also ready to look after Mercedes-EQ owners with electric vehicles. There’s a 120kW DC Charger for quick recharging and a dedicated area for charging of up to 4 EVs.

“The Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Bukit Tinggi is a testament of our joint commitment with Hap Seng Star  to redefine a luxurious brand experience for our Malaysian customers, at every point of their journey. Mercedes Benz-Malaysia has always been steadfast in growing the brand’s luxury retail presence which aims to further enhance our offerings and customer experience in the areas of sales and service to meet evolving customers’ needs,” said Sagree Sardien, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Picture yourself on a tropical adventure in the Great Barrier Reef, or an exquisite culinary experience in Italy, or a historical tour in Egypt. Come explore the world! Join the Monthly Travel Bonanza 2023! Spend a minimum of RM30 at participating BHPetrol stations and stand a chance to win great prizes every month! Exclusively for BHPetrol eCard app members only.

The Autohaus in Bukit Tinggi joins eight others in the Hap Seng Group’s Mercedes-Benz network, two of which are in East Malaysia. Hap Seng Group also operates a stand-alone Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre in Kinrara and a stand-alone Body & Paint centre in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Mercedes-Benz To Develop Global High-Power Charging Network


GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup Race 1

It was a wet race yesterday for the first part of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup held at the Sepang International Circuit. But even with the challenging conditions, the pair of Eddie Liew and Putera Adam kept their cool to win the race. The Laser Motor Racing duo finished the 1-hour race well clear of Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Tengku Djan Ley and Mika Hakimi, while in third place was Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang and James Liam Russell.

Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin had led the opening stages of the race when he shot into the lead from fifth place on the grid, with team mate Liew in the second Laser Motor Racing car in close pursuit, followed by Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho and Axle Sports’ Hayden Haikal in third and fourth places, respectively.

Darwin led for 6 laps, but in spite of trying hard, his lead never grew beyond 2 seconds and eventually, he was passed by Hayden in the seventh lap. The position would remain unchanged even after Naquib Azlan took over from Hayden in car #17. With a gap of more than 5 seconds, it appeared that the two young drivers were en route to another textbook finish.

How the outcome changed

But as seasoned racers will tell you, the outcome is never for certain till the chequered flag is waved and 3 laps before the finish, Naquib made a rare mistake when he came into contact with car #68’s Vincent Ng from Team Fokus. The collision sent Ng spinning off the track while a puncture resulted in Naquib having to make an unscheduled pits top that essentially lost the team the race. This promoted Putera Adam, who had taken over from Liew as the second driver, into the race lead.

“I was just trying to run my own race and do my best in the difficult wet conditions,” said Putera who set a blistering pace around the 5.543-km circuit. Naquib’s misfortunes also enabled Tengku Djan Ley to move into podium contention after a sterling drive in the wet. He had clawed up the leaderboard from as far back as 12th place when he took over driving duties from Mika in the 10th lap of the race.

“We had a gearbox issue during the qualifying stint and maybe that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Mika started the race and he did a great job of holding the pace in his stint. I basically had to put it together, keep my calm and take it to the finish line. It was a great team effort,” said Tengku Djan.

“We had a better car for the conditions today and it was a question of trying to find the fastest line around the track to post the fastest time. The weather was a bit erratic. It was raining heavily in certain sections and it didn’t even rain in some sections. I was trying to keep my cool. I saw Putera gradually pulling away and I was trying to find a quicker line just to keep up with him. It was a good race overall,” he added.

For the pair of Freddie Ang and James Liam Russell, the result was outstanding having started from sixth on the grid. “It was my first time back racing and also my first time racing in the wet. I didn’t bother trying to fight the top two cars. In the first few laps, I was well off the pace and I did my best to just try to follow them and learn my way around the track,” said Russell.

RM60,000 prize money

Held in conjunction with the Malaysia Championship Series, the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup is a one-make race with 2-driver teams competing in a 1-hour race and vying for total prize monies amounting to RM60,000.

The GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup is run independently of the Vios Challenge but it retains the format of a one-make series whereby competitors drive identical race-prepared Toyota Vios cars with stock standard engine and transmission, as well as suspension, tyres and fuel – to ensure that the emphasis is on racecraft, driving skills and experience.

The second race will be run today (Sunday) and the starting order will be reversed to make things more interesting. Entrance is free to the Grandstand for those who want to see the action at the circuit. But for those who can’t go, you can still watch the race live as it will be broadcast on the
Toyota Malaysia Facebook page
.

The Father and Daughter racers in the Vios Challenge


Mitsubishi UK lets you buy a car online

The advent of the smartphone and fast cellular data speeds have contributed to the popularity of online shopping. Unlike the old days, where one would need to travel to a brick and mortar store to browse through items, now its just a tap away. Online shopping stores have made it really easy too, with free shipping and delivery to your doorstep.

Most of what we need can be purchased online, with the exception of the automobile, or so we thought. A customer in the UK named Antony Deane has managed to purchase his Mitsubishi ASX through the automaker’s online purchasing portal. Called Mitsubishi Buy Online, it is designed to offer users better convenience and transparency.

The portal is linked with Mitsubishi Motors UK website, allowing customers to access the Mitsubishi showroom in the comfort of their own home. All current Mitsubishi models are included in the programme and online customers can enjoy the same rebates and offers that are offered in the brand’s dealerships.

This revolutionary service was developed in conjunction with leading online vehicle retailing specialist, Rockar. Adding to that, Mitsubishi also partnered with automotive auction specialist BCA, which will facilitate the trade-in services of customers’ current vehicles. Besides competitive part-exchange services, it can also predict future trade-in values.

Deane’s ASX was purchased in the same way. After browsing through Mitsubishi’s online showroom, he made his choice and opted to trade-in his current vehicle via the trade-in valuation facility. The entire process can be done on Mitsubishi Buy Online, which can be completed in a mere 20 minutes by following the step-by-step guide.

“Buying a new Mitsubishi is a very big thing for me, it’s the first new car I’ve bought in 25 years of driving and the whole experience was brilliant throughout. Other than uploading some documentation, I completed everything on my phone and if I had a question, the Mitsubishi Buy Online team were a fantastic help.”

“The experience has been so enjoyable that there’s a good chance we’ll use Mitsubishi Buy Online when we replace my partner’s car in the near future,” he added.

Expect to hear more of such services in the near future as automakers start to deal directly with customers rather than go through a ‘middle man’. Tesla has attempted a similar strategy in the US but with mixed results. Legislation in certain countries or states forbid manufacturers from directly engaging with customers, hopefully that will change soon.


All-new BMW Z4 Roadster price revealed – RM479,800

BMW Malaysia has officially introduced the
all-new BMW Z4 Roadster
, the brand’s latest open-top sports machine designed to be one of the sexiest road-legal BMWs ever made with performance and interior to match. Those who are interested can get one for only RM479,800 (OTR without insurance).

According to Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, “BMW has a rich history of creating roadsters that have stood out as icons of pure driving pleasure; from the BMW 315/1 up to the second-generation BMW Z4 Roadster.”

“To this day, both BMW Z3 and the previous generations of the BMW Z4 are among the all-time best-selling two-seater drop-tops in the premium segment. The All-New BMW Z4 is back! More captivating than ever to rewrite a new chapter for BMW in its brand-defining roadster history.”

The only variant available is the BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport and we wouldn’t want it any other way because this beauty can basically hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 5.4 seconds. This is all thanks to its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which produces 258hp and 400Nm. Top speed? 250km/h.

The BMW Z4 sDrive30i offers its industry leading eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, M Sport Suspension and Variable Sport Steering to ensure that the all-new BMW roadster provides nothing but blissful driving no matter where you go.

Other unique features of the BMW Z4 sDrive30i are:

BMW Live Cockpit Professional

BMW Digital Key

BMW Connected App

Intelligent Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant

Connected Package Professional (optional)

Want one? BMW Malaysia is offering the new Z4 in four different colour options; San Francisco Red, Misano Blue, Black Sapphire and Alpine White. Interior finish comes in three choices; Black décor with Black stitching, Magma Red with Black stitching, or Cognac with Black stitching.

Owners of the All-New BMW Z4 will experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program

BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services

BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card

BMW Service Online

To know more, head over to any of the authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from today. Alternatively, visit
www.bmwbethefirst.com.my
 for more details.

BMW Malaysia previews the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster!


Biodiesel upgraded to B20 from today, but B7 will still be available for Euro5 diesel

The government today moved to the next step in promoting the use of biodiesel which is a blend of diesel and palm oil (palm methyl ester). The new level will be B20 which means there is 20% of palm oil and diesel is reduced from 90% to 80%. B20 is intended for the transportation section and will be available at selected stations of the main petroleum brands (BHPetrol, Petronas, Shell, Caltex and Petron) in phases.

The conversion of stations to B20 will be done in phases with the aim of having over 3,400 stations by the middle of 2021. Incidentally, Indonesia, also a major palm oil producer, made B20 mandatory from January 2016.

However, Euro5 diesel which has B7 formulation (7% palm oil) will continue to be available at stations that currently supply it. This is to cater to passenger vehicles with modern turbodiesel engines using advanced technologies that are more fuel-sensitive.

DBKL has assisted in testing B20 as well as B10 (below) to provide MPOB with technical data on the performance of the fuels in real-world conditions.

Prior to the launch of B20, the MPOB has carried out extensive test programs with companies like Mazda Malaysia and agencies like DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur) which has been using it in its fleets.

To ensure consistent and high quality, SIRIM has formulated two new standards for biodiesel – MS123-4:2020 (High PME Diesel Fuel specification) for Euro2M fuel and MS123-5:2020 (High PME Diesel Fuel specification) for Euro5 fuel.

The turbodiesel engines of the mighty Ford Ranger Raptor (left) as well as the Nissan Navara are compatible with B20.

The biodiesel program began as far back as the early 2000s with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) taking a lead role in developing and testing formulations which could be commercialized. Being a leading producer of palm oil, it only made sense to maximise its utilisation by developing biofuel.

Actually, biodiesel is nothing new and there’s even an International Biodiesel day on August 10. The date commemorates the day in 1893 when Rudolf Diesel successfully started the engine he invented and it ran on peanut oil. In later years, various formulations blending vegetable and plant-based components would be developed.

The government announced its Biofuel Policy in 2006 but it was only in mid-2011 that commercial supply began, with PETRONAS being the first company to offer it at a station in Putrajaya. The program started with B5 (5% palm oil) and then moved to B7 in December 2014. Though biodiesel actually costs more to produce than normal diesel, the pump price was not increased as the government provided subsidies.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) began its biodiesel program 17 years ago and has been constantly running a fleet of vehicles to gain technical data.

While commercial vehicle engines were not so fuel-sensitive, the increasingly sophisticated passenger vehicle engines require fuel of high quality and there was concern that biodiesel would cause problems. Nevertheless, the MPOB did extensive testing on a range of vehicles and also had JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) to evaluate and provide assistance.

After much testing, B5 was found to be okay as long as it met the MS2008:2008 Malaysian standard which is based on the international EN14214: 2003 for such fuels. The first company to confirm that its cars could use B5 was BMW Group Malaysia, assuring owners that use of Malaysian biodiesel in their cars would not void their warranties.

BMW Group Malaysia ran tests on biodiesel and had no concerns about damage to its engines up to B7.

As the government was planning on continuing to increase the palm oil content in biodiesel, there was concern among the car companies that going beyond 7% could cause issues with engines. The higher moisture content in the fuel from having 10% of palm oil (B10) could cause corrosion of the components which transport the fuel and promote oxidation in the tank which can cause a blocked fuel filter.

BMW Group Malaysia ran tests using B10 and found that damage could occur. According to the company, the engines ran fine with B7 which had been sold at the pumps since December 2014. Nevertheless, the government pressed ahead with moving to B10 in June 2016 and made it mandatory for the transport sector from last July.

Euro5 Diesel will still continue to be B7 (7% palm oil) to cater for passenger car engines.

The compromise was that B7 would still remain available – and this remains the case with B20 now being introduced – so that owners of passenger vehicles would not have problems. However, it will only be available for the Euro5 grade which costs 10 sen more a litre than regular diesel (which is subsidized to maintain the price at RM2.18).

There are plans to someday reach B100 – the fuel being having only palm oil – but the next step will likely be to B30. DBKL, which wants to create a Low Carbon City, will test a B30 blend in up to 50 vehicles in its fleet from June 2020. Technical data from using the fuel will be shared with MPOB.

Apart from helping the palm oil industry, increased use of biodiesel will also help in reducing air pollution and Malaysia’s carbon footprint. Air quality can be improved as biodiesel has almost no sulphur that gets into the air with exhaust emissions. It also  benefits the smallholders who own 40% of the oil palm plantation areas in the country.


Volvo SELEKT now available in northern region

Volvo Car Malaysia has extended its pre-owned car programme, Volvo SELEKT, beyond the Klang Valley with the inclusion of a second dealership in Penang to handle pre-owned vehicles. Previously exclusively offered through Sisma Auto Glenmarie, Western Circle, an authorised Volvo dealer in the state of Penang, will now also house SELEKT cars, with additional listings available on Carlist.my.

Located in Juru on the mainland, Western Circle services customers and clients in the northern region. Now, besides offering the latest models, the dealership can also offer pre-owned units. All Volvo SELEKT cars undergo Volvo-approved checks to ensure that they meet the safety, performance, and appearance standards. This check and selection process can only be done by authorised Volvo Car dealers.

12 month warranty provided

Consequently, each dealership’s vehicles will meet the same high standards for all pre-owned vehicles and conducts a series of checks and updates. Additionally, those who purchase Volvo SELEKT vehicles will get a complimentary 12-months warranty and a 1-year maintenance service package (VSA 1) for peace of mind.

In addition to physical dealerships, the public can also browse and shop for Volvo vehicles – either Volvo SELEKT or Volvo quality used cars – from the safety of their homes through the Volvo Used Car Locator, an online platform that holds an inventory of all Volvo pre-owned cars available across 14 dealerships in Malaysia.

“When customers purchase a Volvo under our Volvo SELEKT programme, they are not just getting a more streamlined shopping experience of quality cars at a more accessible price but also peace of mind through our dedicated service and assurance of quality,” said Charles Frump, the new Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Similar concept in other countries

Volvo SELEKT was launched in 2020 and follows a similar concept in some other countries. Once qualified for the programme, the pre-owned vehicle will receive a 125-point inspection and have its software upgraded to the latest versions so the engine will function optimally. Genuine Volvo parts will be used for any parts that need to be replaced. Most importantly, all the services and upgrades will be conducted by trained Volvo technicians who would know the cars best.

Volvo Selekt pre-owned vehicles programme goes online


Dato’ Razlan Razali resigns from Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM)

Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali has resigned from his position at Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) on 21 March 2019. The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO has announced his resignation for the position to focus on his newly-appointed role as the Team Principal for the PETRONAS Yamaha SRT squad in MotoGP.

This is seen as a good move by Dato’ Razlan considering that being the Team Principal for the PETRONAS Yamaha MotoGP team is in itself a monumental task. What’s more is the fact that he too will be handling the PETRONAS Yamaha Sprinta Racing squad in both Moto2 and Moto3 as well as the latest MotoE electric motorcycle race series.

The letter of resignation has been submitted to the current MAM President, Tan Sri Mokhzani Tun Mahathir who replaced Tan Sri Azman Yahya as part of MAM’s restructuring exercise. Dato’ Razlan also announced that Muizz Azli will be his replacement at MAM.

Muizz Azli

Having involved in many legal cases involving motorsports events, Dato’ Razlan stated that Muizz would be the perfect candidate for the now vacant position to not only structuring MAM but also take it to the next level.

For more information, please contact MAM secretary at email address
secretary@mam.org.my
.

Petronas Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Mobile Bike Workshop, Announces 2019 MotoGP Contest!


Honda stays at No.1 position in Non-National segment for 6th year

Honda Malaysia has again claimed the No.1 position in the Non-National segment of the Malaysian car market, with a total of 60,469 vehicle delivered in 2020. This is the sixth consecutive year that the company has been in the lead position after the two Malaysian makes.

Announcing the achievement, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The year 2020 may have been challenging but we have managed to maintain our undisputed No.1 position in the Non-National Segment for the sixth consecutive and for that, we are truly humbled by the support we have received.”

City accounted for 34% of sales

Mr. Ishiyama said that the City, being the most popular Non-National B-segment model among Malaysians, was the biggest contributor (34%) to the total volume. “Officially launched in October 2020, the all-new City recorded highest monthly sales in its history with over 5,500 units sold in the month of December 2020. It also received positive response from the market with more than 15,200 bookings to date, making it one of the highest booking figures for a newly launched model in Honda Malaysia in the second half of 2020.

The second best-selling model was the Civic, followed by the HR-V, which contributed 20% and 17% to the total sales volume, respectively.

Mr. Ishiyama also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government extending the sales tax exemption incentive. “We sincerely thank the Malaysian government for the
extension of sales tax exemption
 until

June 30, 2021 which will allow many Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings. As we move on in 2021, we will continue to support the government’s efforts to curb the pandemic which is still active nationwide,” he said.

City RS e:HEV due this month

While the City S, V and E variants (priced from RM74,191.27, excluding 10% sales tax) with the new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC powertrain have been on sale since October, the
all-new City RS e:HEV variant
 will be available from this month. The RS e:HEV variant is a world-first with its intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain.

The new City RS e:HEV will be available this month.

This electrified powertrain is an advanced hybrid powertrain with 2 motors and an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT). Together with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the i-MMD powertrain can generate up to 253 Nm of torque, an exceptional output for its size. Maximum power output is 108 ps which can take the City beyond 170 km/h and yet consume fuel at a claimed rate of 26.5 kms/litre.

Test-drives and viewing of the new City can be done at all authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. To locate a dealership, visit
www.honda.com.my
 and
bookings can also be made online
.

The Game-Changer Strikes Again with the 5th Generation Honda City


The world’s most extreme battery for an extreme off-road event

The advancement of battery technology over the past 20 years has accelerated as electrification by the auto industry becomes more extensive. The battery has a vital role in an electrified powertrain (hybrid or fully electric), influencing performance and operating range. New technologies, materials and chemical processes have enabled the batteries to be more compact and store more energy, a trend which will continue.

Inevitably, motorsports are also going electric with Formula E and Extreme E, the latter a pioneering off road championship which is in its first season this year. These events push electric powertrains to extremes and will certainly help in the development of new technologies that can be used for road cars.

Supplier to Formula E and Extreme E

To get the best available batteries, the organisers of both Formula E and Extreme E brought in Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as a partner. The company (which is related to the racing team) is a major force in the electric motorsport arena, having been the original and only battery supplier to the Formula E series when it began in 2014.

Williams Advanced Engineering provided the batteries for Formula E (above) and with all the expertise gained in developing and manufacturing batteries for motorsports, it was in a good position to also be a supplier for Extreme E (below).

“Following the on-track successes we’ve had at Le Mans (providing engineering support for Porsche’s sports car racing programme), through the hybrid F1 era, then 4 seasons supplying batteries to the first-generation Formula E grid (and due to supply the Gen 3 batteries), together with being technical partner for Jaguar Racing, we have learned a lot about how to extract the highest levels of performance from a battery,” said Craig Wilson, CEO of Williams Advanced Engineering.

Greater challenges with Extreme E

Their expertise put them in a good position to gain a sole developer role in Extreme E. But while the basic technology would be the same, Extreme E presents a greater challenge because of its off-road nature. “In Extreme E, we are taking battery technology away from the traditional race circuit and into hostile environments, where humidity, dust, extremes of temperature, shock and vibration will play a huge part and to that end, the batteries have had to be uniquely tailored for the environment,” explained Glen Pascoe, WAE Principal Engineer.

“And with races being head-to-head over short distances, the batteries are sized to manage high intensity operation over a shorter time than in other e-racing series, but in a far harsher environment,” he added. “As a result, we have developed a whole new module that can produce 400kW peak power in a bespoke battery construction along with an entirely new pre-race conditioning system to maximise robustness and minimise mass.”

Simplicity, serviceability and modularity were all critical design requirements. Commercially available cells were selected and designed into a pack in conjunction with the series to align both with the race format and the vehicle performance duty cycle. “Working with limited space in the car, we had to meet tough power and mass performance targets and deliver a bespoke battery pack design in under 12 months!” recalled Pascoe.

Environments change with each round

Each venue of Extreme E has different environments and in the opening round in Saudi Arabia in April, sand and high temperatures were the big challenges, as well as thin air. “The first run simulation took part at the hottest time of the day and a battery rebuild we carried out was intensive and not helped by strong winds and even a sandstorm providing an unwelcome interruption, which covered all battery parts and electronics with a fine grit. We had to bring out the vacuum cleaner to deep clean for all components in time for the team-wide shakedown runs,” he said.

The Senegal event brought a mixture of similarities but also differences to Saudi Arabia in the challenges faced. Whilst not as hot, ambient temperatures in the seaside area still remained high, accompanied by 90%+ humidity levels. This brought its own unique challenges in actively managing the battery temperature both during the on-track action and between races.

“Alongside this, the Senegal event showed the cars tackling a very demanding, technical and aggressive track. The batteries were constantly punished with heavy impacts and harsh vibrations as the cars bounced around the dunes and deep ruts. Ensuring battery health throughout the weekend was key to ensuring a successful event,” Pascoe revealed.

He added that the batteries performed flawlessly even with the severe impacts that happened in the Desert X Prix as well as the intense head-to-head battles on the 6-km long harsh, technical course, through woods and beach sand of the Ocean X Prix.

The paddock area in the Desert E Prix in Saudi Arabia. On the left side is AFC Energy’s hydrogen fuel cell station to recharge the e-SUVs with zero emissions generated except water.

On-site servicing and recharging

Unlike being at a closed racing circuit, Extreme E’s tracks are in the open, without the usual facilities. Nevertheless, the WAE team was able to work on the batteries on location without difficulty. “Servicing and maintaining the batteries throughout the events went well, which is a reflection of all the design work that went into them,” said Pascoe.

After two rounds, the ODYSSEY 21 racing SUVs have covered 1,070 kms, of which 480 kms were recorded in Senegal. Cumulative energy discharge has been nearly 2,000 kWh, with about half drawn in Senegal. In total, over 12 hours of on-track running has taken place.

The first two rounds of Extreme E in Saudi Arabia and Senegal (above and top) have had a lot of sand and high temperatures. The third round – the Arctic X Prix – will be in a very different environment in Greenland (below).

The third round next month is the Arctic X Prix which will take place in Greenland. The engineers will be glad for no more sand, but the climate and track conditions will be vastly different. “There will be very new challenges of snow and of course, water and mud. There will be stone impact and less grip resulting in more drift and vertical impact. In addition to the physical challenges, the remoteness of the location means we need to forward plan for every eventuality before arriving on location as there will be no opportunity for late deliveries or freight, no additional transport available or indeed, supplies!” noted Pascoe.

Unlocking further vehicle performance

As the season progresses, the engineers at WAE will gain more data on battery and overall powertrain performance and behaviour. This will allow them to unlock further vehicle performance so the performance envelopes will be extended. “The batteries have been designed for multi-season use so WAE will inspect, re-test and go again.  Any incremental improvements available will be implemented during the turn-around. Once the batteries reach the end of their final racing season, the cells can be easily removed as module ‘building blocks’ and configured into a suitable second-life application. Some components are targeted for reuse in alternative applications, and some will be recycled in order to recover valuable raw materials,” said Pascoe.

Whatever is learnt during the events and the solutions found may be transferred into production cars. With the R&D opportunities that the series gives, innovations can filter into the consumer market. “Specifically in areas such as fast charging, battery management and software development,” said Wilson. “Essentially, affordability comes with volume production. By pioneering and showcasing EV technology in a series such as Extreme E, manufacturers will be able to ‘carry over’ technology into road cars and in doing so, enable the technology to become more affordable.”

After Formula E, Extreme E will take electric cars into off-road competition

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. 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.


Gordon Murray’s T.50 supercar will use a fan to increase downforce

Until now, Gordon Murray – the famous F1 engineer – has talked about the T.50 supercar which he is developing. He has shown some sketches and outlined the technology but this is the first official picture of the car and the world will see more in May 2020 when it has its global debut.

His company, Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), is partnering the Racing Point Formula One Team to further develop and test the aerodynamics of the T.50 supercar. According to Professor Murray, the model will have the most advanced and most effective aerodynamics ever seen on a road car.

Unique airflow management system

While the rear view of the car shows ‘purity and drama’, as GMA describes it, the most significant innovation which is now being revealed is a unique airflow management system. The most notable feature of the system, which can be seen at the rear-end, is a 400-mm diameter ground-effect fan.

Coupled with active underbody aerodynamics and dynamic rear aerofoils, the revolutionary aero system enables the T.50 to achieve considerably more aerodynamic performance and control than a conventional ground-effect supercar contributing to an unrivalled driving experience.

Reviving the ‘fan car’ concept that was banned

“I’ve dreamt of delivering a road car with a ground-effect fan since I designed the Brabham BT46B F1 racing car in 1978. The system on the T.50 is much more sophisticated than the Brabham’s and will benefit enormously from Racing Point’s expertise and resources,” Professor Murray said.

The Brabham BT46B Alfa Romeo (above) had a fan installed at the back which sucked air out from under the car, creating enormous downforce that enabled higher cornering speeds. However, it was quickly banned by the FIA because the rules stated that aerodynamic devices must be fixed and a spinning fan was not.

In the T.50, the fan and its associated ducting system build on conventional ground effect systems by actively helping control both the underbody and overbody airflow ensuring that both airflow systems interact to ensure absolute control of the enhanced aerodynamics and improve the car’s performance.

Six aero modes with power boost

Six aero modes enable the driver to optimise dynamic and outright performance, with Vmax Mode boosting output to 700 bhp. Vmax Mode – the most extreme – combines motorsport slipstream technology, extra power from a 48-volt integrated starter-generator, and ram induction to boost power.

Weighing just 980 kgs, the T.50 will deliver ‘the purest, most driver-focused performance and dynamics of any road car’, it is claimed. The car’s bespoke Cosworth V12 engine will be the highest-revving road car engine ever made, capable of an extraordinary 12,100 rpm.

The rear-wheel drive T.50 features Murray’s favoured 3-seat layout (used in the McLaren F1), with the driver benefitting from a central ‘jet-fighter-style’ driving position. Aligned with Gordon Murray’s claim that the T.50 could be the pinnacle of great analogue supercars, the driver-centric analogue controls are positioned to provide the ultimate, highly-intuitive, and totally-immersive driving experience.

Customer allocations of the T.50, priced in excess of £2 million (equivalent to around RM11 million), are now entering their final phase. Planned production is only 100 cars and the supercar has generated demand from a wider than expected global customer base. A significant number are customers in the USA and Japan and the first ones will get their cars in January 2022.

Creator of McLaren F1 looking to build new supercar


2019 Mazda CX-8 price announced! From RM176,000

Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd has officially announced the official prices for their all-new
 2019 Mazda CX-8
 here in Malaysia. Opened for booking earlier last October, the pricing for the seven-seater full-size SUV starts from RM176,000 to RM214,000 (basic selling price excluding insurance).

The OTR prices (On-The-Road) excluding insurance totals between RM179,960.40 to RM217,722.80 where four variants are currently on offer. They are the 2.5G 2WD MID, 2.5G 2WD MID Plus, 2.5G 2WD High, and the range-topper, the 2.2D 4WD High (diesel).

The new Mazda CX-8 comes with two engine configurations; the base SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 2WD variant (192hp and 258Nm torque) and the 2.2L SKYACTIV-D Engine AWD (188hp and 450Nm of torque) as the range-topper. These powertrains are fitted to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission with manual shift mode as well as the Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus).

During its official roll-out, we had the opportunity to test out the second model in the range, which is the Mazda CX-8 2.5G MID Plus. You can check out our full first-drive review in the link below but in short, the new Mazda CX-8 packs quite a punch in terms of comfortable power delivery with high-levels of cabin comfort, especially with those second-row captain seats.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Mazda CX-8 2.5L Mid Plus


Police car lookalike seized, owner arrested

Having a colour scheme on your car which is similar to that of the patrolcars of the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) is a big no-no, as the owner of a Nissan Skyline has discovered. According to
The Star
, the car (a R32 model) was among the displays at a local autoshow and was seized by the PDRM.

The police also arrested the owner, who will face charges of unauthorised usage of the PDRM logo and livery. The arrest and seizure was confirmed by the Sepang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Wan Kamarul Azran Wan Yusof, who also said that the car and owner were detained last night.

“We received information that the car belonging to the man which was placed in the autoshow resembled an official PDRM Mobile Patrol Vehicle. Acting on information about the car that was circulated on social media on Saturday, a team from the Sepang Criminal Investigation Division carried out observations and arrested the suspect who is the owner of the Skyline R32,” he explained.

It is understood that the owner of the car had been released on police bail. The case is being investigated under Section 89 of the Police Act 1967 for possessing items used by the PDRM to perform their duties. “Investigations are still ongoing by the police on the suspect who works as a car accessories dealer,” he added.

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


1,000hp electric race car in DTM’s future plans

The future of world touring car championship is looking brighter than ever as DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters or German Touring Car Masters) promoter, ITR, unveiled their latest conceptual vision in the form of a 1,000hp electric race car that will be powered either by battery or hydrogen fuel cell technology.

As Europe’s top premium touring car series, DTM’s future will start focusing on creating a ‘visionary new electric-drive series’ which hopes to get a lot more manufacturers into the electric touring race car scene. It’ll be quite a spectacle to watch as even the current DTM car are already running high-tech carbon fibre parts, supreme aerodynamics, and the all-powerful 600hp turbocharged engines.

The visionary project of ITR plans to power this electric race car series either using batteries of hydrogen fuel cell technology with plans to include mandatory pit stop using large industrial robots instead of the usual pit stop crew members. These robots will not only swap out the tyres but also able to replace the batteries or hydrogen tank to ‘refuel’ the machines.

The most interesting part of this whole vision is the electric race car itself with the capability to produce 1,000hp. In theory, it’ll allow the car to push beyond 300km/h and since they’re electric, exceeding those speeds will most likely take a very short amount of time thanks to the nature of electric vehicles and their almost instantaneous torque delivery.

According to ITR Chairman, Gerhard Berger, “This is a courageous and innovative concept. You have to look far ahead if you want to shape the future of motorsports and offer racing with alternative drive systems that inspire the fans. It is obvious that manufacturers who want to become involved in motorsport are increasingly focusing on alternative drive concepts.”

Volkswagen I.D. R

“You have to look far ahead if you want to shape the future of the sport. Although hybrid and electric vehicles have established a foothold in the market, I think that a truly new and inspiring concept has been lacking up until now. In addition to millions of motorsport fans worldwide, we’re now talking with a large number of automotive companies and suppliers who would like to become more involved in motorsport. With this project, we want to demonstrate that we’re open to what the future holds and that we have something new to offer the world’s manufacturers,” added Berger.

Volkswagen ID. R sets new record on Tianmen Mountain


Waze Beacons makes it possible to get directions underground!

Waze, the popular GPS guidance app, has announced a new initiative at Kuala Lumpur’s Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) which will help drivers find their way around the 70-acre site. The initiative sees the installation Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices – called Waze Beacons – across TRX’s basement roads leading to carparks in the development which will have 30 buildings.

Under the 70-acre TRX site will be many roads leading in and out of the basement carparks.

The collaboration between Waze and TRX City Sdn Bhd is the first program of its type in Southeast Asia. It will make use of Bluetooth connectivity underground and provide seamless navigation to drivers where there is limited or no GPS signal reception. This will help ensure better location services, increased driver safety, and better visibility of real-time traffic events while driving underground in TRX.

“We are thrilled to partner with Waze, to be the first in Southeast Asia to put Waze Beacons to the test. Our underground roads are an ideal test ground as they lead out to key exits, and we look forward to enhancing TRX’s level of services. Ensuring seamless connectivity is critical to support TRX’s status as an international financial hub.” said Dato’ Azmar Talib, CEO of TRX City.

“The Waze Beacons Program will help realise the TRX masterplan of making the district the best-connected address in Kuala Lumpur. The development will have direct access to major highways such as the SMART Tunnel, Maju Expressway (MEX) and the future Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE), as well as connections to Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail via many ingress and egress points,” Dato’ Azmar added.

The Waze Beacons, installed and owned by TRX City, do not collect data and work by emitting a signal that can aid navigation apps (not only Waze), making it easier for drivers to navigate underground areas with multiple exits and roundabouts during periods of poor connection, and prevent traffic confusion and congestion. The signals are available for use by all developers looking to make it easier and safer to get around TRX. These installations will also serve as a pilot-scale project for other parts of Kuala Lumpur.

Waze’s collaboration with TRX has seen these devices installed across TRX’s Basements 2 and 3 which have up to 3 and 21 decision points, respectively, leading out to parking spaces, and various connecting roads and highways.

Waze Beacons are small units installed in the walls and send out signals using Bluetooth connectivity.

With Waze Beacons emitting signals, route guidance will still be available even when there is no GPS signal underground.

Waze Beacons was launched in 2016 and has successfully been introduced in the USA, Brazil, France, Italy, Australia, Norway, and Czech Republic. In total, they are found in roughly 260 kms of tunnels and roadways worldwide.

“The Waze team and I are pleased to bring the Waze Beacons Program to Malaysia, the first Southeast Asian country to adopt the technology,” said Gil Disatnik, Head of the Waze Beacons Program. “Seamless navigation can be enjoyed in TRX when its underground roads are open to the public, but this is just the beginning and we hope to expand into more areas nationwide across Malaysia soon. No matter the navigation apps used, Waze Beacons technology is open and free to use, and we ultimately hope to empower road users to outsmart traffic together.”

Malaysian motorists can now find out toll charges on Waze


Jeep’s new Rubicon Recon is the the toughest of the lot

Jeep’s new Wrangler 4×4 family, which was launched at the recent Geneva Motor Show, has grown larger with the introduction of the Rubicon Recon, which is said to offer better capabilities and is able to take on much tougher off-road terrain.

What sets it apart from other varaints is the addtion of a stronger front axle, heavy-duty cast rear differential covers, ‘off-road’ stylying, 18-inch low gloss Granite Crystal painted aluminium wheels, dual-vented power dome hood with a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal  featuring red accent lettering on both sides. There’s also a trail rated logo with red accents, a black fuel filler door, and a black hard spare tyre cover.

As for the inside, there’s a black and red themed upholstery, which is rather unique for a Jeep.  Red accent stitching contrasts the standard black leather heated seats with a “Rubicon” embroidered logo.

Other subtle hints that tell the Rubion Recon apart from the rest of the line-up include, Black vinyl-wrapped front door armrest and console lid with black stitching, red accent netting on front door pockets and the centre console, unique leather-wrapped steering wheel and red accent colored seat belts.

Under the hood of the Rubicon Recon is a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 284bhp and is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Buyers will be able to choose between having a two or four-door body configuration as well as three different exterior colours, which are Gobi, Bright White, and Granite Crystal.

This particular Jeep is on sale in the UK right now but we do hope the options trickle down into what we are currently being offered. The aesthetics and off-road capabilities will definitely be appealing to the more adventurous Malaysian car buyers.


Beach party in Europe organised to celebrate the Beetle

The Beetle, the most iconic and longest surviving nameplate in automotive history, will be celebrated by its fan base on the beach of Travemünde (German Baltic Sea). This year, marks the the 13th time that the Beetle Sunshine Tour has been held to date. And according to the organizers, the number of participants keeps growing each year.

Now, there are about 721 Beetles and original Beetles that are currently registered to take part, which the organizer and creator of the tour, Gabriele Kraft touts as being a new record. This year’s event is themed “Welcome to America” in celebration of how well received the various iteration of the nameplate were, including the original Beetle in the USA.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations, include a ‘converging rally’ where participants will drive their cars from different points to the meeting point at the Brügmanngarten festival meadow in Travemünde. A 560 PS Beetle GRC from the American GRC Rallycross series is also taking part in the rally.

Like many car events, the Beetle Sunshine Tour will be a fun-packed activity for the whole family with food, drinks and music on hand for added entertainment. Tourists, locals and fans alike are welcome to participate in the festivities and mingle with various celebrities including Karoline Schuch, Devid Striesow, Luna Schweiger and Sidney Hoffmann.

The original Beetle is beloved by many because it was a car for the people. Invisioned by Adolf Hitler as a cheap mode of transportation for the German masses, Ferdinand Porsche was tasked with building the iconic car. Several iterations and prototypes later, and the original Volkswagen was born.

Mind you, back then, the Beetle name was non-existent and the cars were referred to as the Volkswagen Type 1. In its home country of Germany, it was known as the Käfer, which is the German word for Beetle. Eventually VW, adopted this name for the car’s future marketing strategies.

However, in other parts of the world, it was known only as the Volkswagen with the exception of France, where it was referred to as the Coccinelle, which is French for ladybug. Marketing aside, the Beetle came from humble beginnings and a rather minuscule 25bhp engine.

Sporting gender neutral looks and the practicality to seat four full-sized adults, the Beetle was a hit around the world. That coupled with the fact that the air-cooled flat four engine was simple, easy to work on and quite reliable, made it the of choice for many.

In later years, the car developed a cult following and came to symbolize the care-free attitude of the 1960s. It was eventually phased out around the world due to the introduction of more stringent safety and emissions requirements as well as evolving trends. However, in countries like Mexico and Brazil, the car continued to roll off the production lines till the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Its descendants, the New Beetle and Beetle cars had very little in common with the original car apart from the design. Unlike its ancestor, the new cars are built on the Golf platform with the engine mounted in front. Despite that, many still consider them homages to the original.


9th Art of Speed Malaysia date postponed till end of December 2020

With the rising number of COVID-19 cases and now the imposition of CMCO in the Klang Valley for 2 weeks, companies and event organisers are reviewing their activities in the next few months. One of them is Art of Speed Malaysia (AOS) which had an event planned for November 12, 2020 at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

With the CMCO in operation, the organisers have decided to postpone the 9th Annual Art of Speed Malaysia event to run from
 December 30 until January 3, 2021.
 The venue will remain at the 1Utama Shopping Centre as the AOS people are satisfied that ‘the shopping centre’s proactive actions and readiness to host the event have been exemplary’.

The date for the
Hot Wheels Legends Tour Malaysia Virtual Finals
 will remain unchanged on November 12, 2020 as it is essentially an online event. The jury will consist of judges from Malaysia and the USA and judging will be done LIVE online, with the winner being announced  on the same day.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have been working behind the scenes with various parties to ensure our decisions are for the best interest of all involved especially with regards to health and safety. We can only pray that this new wave will soon subside, and we can continue with our plans to support the various communities and industries that contribute so much to the socio economic fabric of Malaysia,” the organisers said.

Malaysia is first stop in Asia for 2020 Hot Wheels Legends Tour


Genuine PETRONAS engine oils for cars and motorcycles on Shopee and Lazada

PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (PLMMSB), a subsidiary of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) which distributes and markets PETRONAS engine oil, is now further expanding its marketing network through an e-commerce platform.

The engine oils, for 4-wheelers (Syntium) and 2-wheelers (Sprinta) have been on sale on the Shopee platform since the middle of last year at the PETRONAS Official Store. Customers can easily choose from a range of premium products (fully synthetic, semi -synthetic or mineral) by vehicle type and viscosity and place their orders online as well as make payments.

PLMMSB Chief Executive Officer Hardeep Singh said: “This is part of our effort to ensure that customers always get genuine, high quality PETRONAS engine oil. Through the e-commerce platform, customers can now get various PETRONAS engine oils more easily, quickly, and reliably.”

In addition, PETRONAS AutoExpert car service vouchers have also been introduced on the Lazada e-commerce platform. All transactions and appointments are done online and through the official PETRONAS Official Store platform.

Besides affordable prices, customers will also receive exclusive gifts with every purchase of PETRONAS Syntium and PETRONAS Sprinta products, as well as services at PETRONAS AutoExpert.

For those who want to get official PETRONAS items, including PSRT MotoGP and AMG Mercedes F1 team t-Shirts, jackets, hats, and duffel bags, they can also find them at the PETRONAS Official Stores.

Click here for other news on PETRONAS.


Sime Darby Auto Performance celebrates 10th anniversary as Porsche representative in Malaysia

2020 is the tenth year of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) as the representative of Porsche in Malaysia. As the sole authorized importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles and parts, the company has developed a robust dealer network around the country.

Since 2010, SDAP has launched no less than 36 models and constantly offered more dynamic driving experiences, upgraded its current state-of-the art facilities to match the products sold, and even introduced the Porsche Pre-Owned and Porsche Approved programmes.

“We can’t help but feel a little nostalgic on all the Porsche moments we’ve created with our supporters and enthusiasts throughout the decade. From modest beginnings and only one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie at our inception, we’ve invested substantially to continue to grow our dealer network in major cities across the northern, central and southern region to bring new levels of quality customer and ownership experience. We hope to continue to achieve greater heights of sports car fascination and evolve the brand in the country even more with our iconic sportscars,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP, who has been with the company from its very first day.

“SDAP has remained committed to develop the sportscar dream of enthusiasts across the country, and this is only the beginning. Delivering first-class customer service within all aspects across our dealer networks: this is our promise for the journey in developing the Porsche fascination for the next decade to come. With the upcoming opening of our new flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the debut of the Taycan locally in the near future, the evolution of the brand and our progression into the new era of electromobility is inevitable,” he added.

Sime Darby Auto Performance began with one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor, and over 10 years, it has grown the Porsche network nationwide.

Over 10 years, SDAP has organised 50 driving programmes for owners and customers to enjoy the Porsche Experience.

Offers and activities to celebrate anniversary

To commemorate this milestone, SDAP is having a
#10YearsSDAP
 celebration campaign with various activities. Between now and
September 17, 2020
, customers who place a booking for new or pre-owned Porsche model, or make a Service Appointment from the dealer webpage, will receive (while stocks last) the 10 years SDAP special edition Porsche Driver’s Selection polo tee shirt.

There will also be a creative contest on its
Facebook
 and
Instagram
 platforms in conjunction with the anniversary. To participate, visit any Porsche Centre in Malaysia and take your most creative selfie with a Porsche vehicle in the showroom, add a creative congratulatory wish to SDAP for its 10th anniversary and you could win a 1:18 911 GT edition diecast model from the Porsche Driver’s Selection.

Visit
www.porsche.com.my
 to know more about the products and services available in Malaysia and the locations of Porsche Centres.

Launched in Malaysia – the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder


New Perodua Ativa awarded maximum of 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP assessment

Perodua has always been in a challenging position as an entry-level carmaker in Malaysia. Although its models are priced at the lowest levels in the market, it has had to also provide features that are expected by Malaysian consumers, regardless of how cheap the car may be. Where, in other markets, an entry-level model can have minimum features – and customers accept it – Malaysians are often not happy if, say, there are no power windows.

Thus, the challenge for Perodua has been to keep its production costs as low as possible so that it can still provide all the ‘must-have’ features in its models. Being affiliated with Daihatsu Motor (which is part of the Toyota Group) has made it easier as there is a lot of sharing of technology and components, so economies of scale push costs down.

Higher safety standards with ASA 3.0

Apart from its services being a much higher standard than would normally be expected of a brand in the entry-level segment, Perodua has also been pushing ahead in the area of safety. With the third generation of the Myvi, Perodua introduced its
Advanced Safety Assistance (ASA) system
 with, among other active safety features, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). Unlike ABS, this is something that is not common in all cars yet but Perodua customers have it.

With the
new Ativa
, the company has raised its safety standards further with ASA 3.0 which has even better capability. ASEAN NCAP, the independent safety assessment organisation, has also tested the Ativa at its own facility in Melaka. It released a statement that commends the company for making ‘a remarkable performance by achieving 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating with a total score of 83.40 points’.

Click here to read the full ASEAN NCAP assessment report.

New, tougher protocol

The Ativa is the first model ASEAN NCAP has assessed under its new and tougher 2021-2025 protocol. In this first assessment using the new assessment protocol, the Ativa obtained 37.48 points over 40.00 points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, 17.36 points over 20.00 for the Child Occupant Protection (COP) category, 18.57 points over 20.00 for Safety Assist Technologies (SAT) category, and 10.00 points over 20.00 for the Motorcyclist Safety (MS) assessment category.

Detection capability of the third generation of the Perodua Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system works at higher speeds – up to 120 km/h for vehicles; up to 60 km/h for pedestrians); and it can now detect 2-wheeled vehicles as well as function at night.

Many standard safety systems

ASEAN NCAP noted that the new compact SUV offers as standard fitment on all its variants items such as SRS airbags(6 in total), Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Seatbelt Reminder System for both front and rear occupants, Autonomous Emergency Braking City, AEB Inter-Urban and AEB Pedestrian.

In addition to these technologies, other advanced safety assist technologies are also available either as standard or optional fitment (depending on the variant). These are Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning System, and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). These are systems which you would find in more expensive high-end models nowadays but the Ativa is priced no more than RM72,000 (excluding insurance).

The model has successfully met the items requirement under the new MS assessment pillar in which it offers Blind Spot Detection and Auto High Beam as optional equipment and a Pedestrian Protection technology or vulnerable road-user as standard fitment.

“We would like to congratulate Perodua Ativa for being the first car model to be assessed under the new ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 protocol. As the motorization industry advanced, ASEAN NCAP has ensured the new protocol will enhance the safety performance of the vehicles in the ASEAN region,” said MIROS Director-General who is also ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General and Acting Chairman, Adjunct Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim.

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

“With this protocol, we are not only protecting the safety of the vehicle occupants but also taking into consideration the safety of other vulnerable road- users especially motorcyclists as statistics showed a high number of fatalities amongst this group of road-users in the South East Asian region,” he said.

“Thus, we are proud our own local manufacturer has stepped up to the challenge and true to their words, they have successfully claimed the 5-Star rating under this newly stringent protocol. We hope the achievement by Perodua Ativa will be an example for other new vehicle manufacturers to follow in their development process of producing safer cars for the ASEAN road users,” he added.

All-new Perodua Ativa SUV launched with three variants, priced from RM61,500


New Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: Why other pick-up truck brands should be worried

Would you believe us if we told you that Isuzu now builds one of the coolest pick-up trucks in its segment? There’s a pretty good chance you may think we have lost it and would say anything just to get some advertising revenue from companies.

But the fact of the matter is, the new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain (pronounced as ex-terrain) is among the coolest pick-up trucks in its segment right now. Notice that we used the term “among the coolest” instead of “the coolest”. That’s because the lifestyle pick-up truck is so hotly contested right now that all the trucks in the segment have their own value proposition.

The Ranger Wildtrak is the one that seemingly has it all in order, but reliability seems to be the only chink in Ford’s armor.

The Hilux Rouge too is quite a good balance of everything, but the ride quality is still very much utilitarian. And Toyota really needs to get its entertainment system to be more intuitive.

The Mitsubishi Triton too seems faultless but is still more of a workhorse than anything else. The new design too is very much love it or hate it. This writer still has a tough time digesting it. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes it doesn’t.

Enter the new Isuzu D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain.

The new X-Terrain is the ultimatest Isuzu pick-up truck there has been. Not ultimatest in the sense that it is indestructible, but ultimatest in the sense that there has never been an Isuzu that has so finely balanced on-road and off-road needs.

The X-Terrain is basically Isuzu’s first salvo at the premium lifestyle segment for pick-up trucks. And it is a mighty fine effort by a brand that has been synonymous with dependability and as a workhorse, but never one that you would buy if all you ever wanted to do is to carry some bicycles, some work items and that’s it.

But now though, you could consider buying an Isuzu just for your lifestyle needs, because it seems to have it all. Almost.

Let’s begin from the outside. I do think that the overall design could be better. You won’t really believe your eyes when you first see the truck, but that is because you don’t expect Isuzu to build such a truck, so it makes you go, “wow, is that really an Isuzu?”

Its design cues were supposedly shaped by learnings from the same wind tunnel that shaped Japan’s iconic bullet train – the Shinkansen. It may be aerodynamic, but that doesn’t make it a great looking truck. Perhaps it is just something very un-Isuzu like. Don’t get us wrong though, it not not ugly and it still has presence, lots of it and most of that is because of the sheer size of the truck. Visually, it looks about the same size as the Ranger Wildtrak.

The rims are of a love it or hate it design, and we imagine that some buyers would swap those at the first chance they get.

The truck bed though has a unique ‘sliding cargo tray’ that rolls out and makes it easier to store heavier items. This is especially handy when you use anti-slip mats and want to store items towards the back of the bed. Isuzu even thought of drilling holes at all ends of the cargo tray so you can use a cargo net to hold your ‘barang-barang’ in place. This is the type of thoughtfulness you can expect from a brand that has been making work trucks for eons.

The interior is again un-Isuzu like. A 9-inch touch screen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Apple Carplay connects wirelessly, though this feature is sadly not mentioned in the brochure but is one of the most useful technologies when trying to run a business while driving. Yes, Apple’s Siri is that good.

Entertainment and comfort has never really been the hallmarks of an Isuzu, but the company has hit it right in the nail.

The seats for example, are in brown combination leather, and feature something called the Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort foam. This means that none but the harshest of vibrations will be felt by your body. I am happy to report that the ride on the highway and at low speeds was comfortable and you don’t really feel it creeping up your spine.

The ambient sounds that protrude back into the cabin though is still very much like a 90s pick-up truck. But this is a typical character of a pick-up. In fact, the only pick-up that has successfully made the cabin sound like that of a premium sedan (nevermind feel like one) is the Ranger Wildtrak thanks to the clever usage of anti-noise cancellation technology.

On the topic of technology, if you are of the opinion that pick-up trucks don’t need all that luxurious finishing since it is going to be used for work and perhaps parked out in the sun most of the time, well, Isuzu has a trick up its sleeve. The windscreen in the X-Terrain features a layer of infrared absorbent material (the first of its kind in its class) that reduces the penetration of infra-red , UVA and UVB rays into the cabin and thus reduces premature damage.

The ride character though is also typical of a pick-up truck, but it feels sure footed thanks to a bigger than ever chassis that is also 20% stiffer. Which means more strength and road compliance. And to ensure the truck doesn’t hop and skip on the road with all that stiffness, Isuzu now uses three leaf springs instead of the previous four. To further ensure passenger comfort, the semi-elliptical leaf-springs are complemented by gas shocks. Not entirely new technology here, but one that has proven to be reliable, and somewhat comfortable.

At heart of the new X-Terrain is the same 3.0-litre engine (code: 4JJ3-TCX), but massaged and revitalized to produce 190PS and 450Nm of torque. This is lower than the power figures put out by the Ranger Wildtrak and the Hilux Rogue, but somehow the X-Terrain feels more eager to accelerate. Probably because of the lightweight aluminium propeller shaft that requires less effort to transfer power to the rear wheels, making the car feel more eager during acceleration.

For the curious among us, the aluminum propeller shaft saves 4kg’s in weight as compared to the regular steel shaft. Isuzu says this also helps to extend the lifespan of the drivetrain as the reduced weight requires less inertia, which in turn reduces the amount of torque needed to spin it, thus reducing wear and tear.

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain had proven itself to be a worthy entry into the world of premium pick-up trucks. Even when it comes to safety technologies, the new X-Terrain boasts two pages of safety systems in its brochure. It literally has everything you could want in a pick-up truck.

Adaptive cruise control? Check.

Pedal mis-application mitigation? Check.

Autonomous emergency braking? Of course.

Rear cross traffic alert? This truck may be the first to offer such a technology.

There is no denying the fact that the new D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain is a great pick-up truck. Anything the competition has, this Isuzu has too. And the one thing that Isuzu has that the rest don’t – a seven-year warranty! Isuzu has finally shown its hand, and it is a royal flush.

The only thing that Isuzu could have done better is to perhaps give it a shorter name.

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross X-Terrain is now available in Malaysia for a little under RM142,000.


Volvo is a pioneer again with the first locally-assembled battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Volvo was the first company to assemble its cars in Malaysia in 1967 when the government began its localisation policy to accelerate industrialisation. 55 years later, the Swedish carmaker (part of China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group like Proton) is again a pioneer by being the first company to assemble a pure electric vehicle or battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Malaysia at the same plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.

The first car assembled in Malaysia in 1967 was a Volvo (above), and 55 years later, the first electric vehicle assembled in the country is also a Volvo (below).

Although it may seem like this move has come about because the government is allowing duty-free import and sale of BEVs now (and for the next few years), it is not the case. To plan for local assembly takes many years and it’s not as if Volvo Car Malaysia could send a message to Sweden to ask for CKD (completely knocked down) kits for assembly in 2022 when they can be imported duty-free. Furthermore, the plant would also have to be set up, especially with safety measures to handle the high-voltage systems of BEVs. Of course, Volvo Cars Manufacturing Malaysia (originally known as Swedish Motor Assemblies) already has experience with electrified vehicles since it has been assembling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for some time.

Regional production hub

In line with Volvo’s plan to have 50% of its global sales volume to be made up of BEVs by 2025, it has been quickly switching focus to BEVs around the world. Malaysia, being its production hub in ASEAN, is naturally a part of this plan which will see the brand being fully electric by 2030. From the plant in Selangor, BEVs will be exported to other countries in the region and because they are assembled in Malaysia, they can also be imported duty-free (provided they have a minimum of 40% ASEAN-sourced content) as part of the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.

The first model, which will be officially launched on April 4, is the XC40 Recharge which was also the first Volvo BEV when it made its debut in 2019. Recharge is the umbrella name given to models which are electrified and in the coming 5 years, Volvo Car Malaysia will be launching one new BEV each year.

The XC40 Recharge has a similar appearance as the XC40 with a combustion engine (below) but the grille is different. With no need for radiator cooling, the space can be closed off.

While the price has not been announced yet, the technical details are already known since it would be the same model as sold elsewhere. It has two electric motors that draw power from a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned between the front and rear axles. The system output is 300 kW (equivalent to 408 ps) with 660 Nm of torque, which gives a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. A maximum range of 418 kms is claimed for a fully charged battery pack.

As with other BEVs, the XC40 Recharge can be recharged in various ways although DC fast-charging would have the shortest time. From one report we have read, the battery pack can be recharged to 80% of its capacity within 33 minutes when a fast-charger is used. Of course, this assumes that the level is very low and in practice, it may be that people recharge whenever they can and ‘top up’ so the time spent charging might not be as long.

Similar appearance to XC40

The external appearance of the XC40 Recharge is similar to that of the XC40 SUV but you can immediately tell that the model is the BEV version from the front end. With no need to cool a radiator, there is no real need for the traditional grille so that space is closed off. That’s better for aerodynamics too, which need to be as efficient as possible to minimise wind resistance.

The equipment for the locally-assembled model may differ a bit from those sold in other countries but would still be high as Volvo wants to position itself as a premium luxury brand. With the emphasis on sustainability and recycling, a large percentage of materials would also be eco-friendly.

Android-powered?

The Volvo Car Group is the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android so it is likely that this will be available. The infotainment system is fully integrated with Volvo On Call, the company’s digital connected services platform, and includes Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store built-in. The new system also offers full integration of Android Automotive OS, Google’s open-source Android platform, with real-time updates to services and automotive apps created by the global developer community.

New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

This being a Volvo, it does without saying that safety has a very high priority in every area. In terms of active safety systems, the XC40 Recharge has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) platform with an array of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This gives it a broad range of capabilities to scan its surroundings and identify potential hazards, enabling a degree of autonomous motoring.

To help keep passengers safe and the battery intact in the event of a collision, there is a new and unique safety structure for passengers and battery alike in the XC40 Recharge. The battery is protected by a safety cage which consists of a frame of extruded aluminium and is embedded in the middle of the car’s body structure, creating a built-in crumple zone around the battery. The battery’s placement in the floor of the car also has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity of the car, for better protection against roll-overs.

Additionally, the car’s body structure has not just been reinforced in the front but also at the rear. Here, the electric powertrain has been integrated in the body structure for better distribution of collision forces away from the cabin and reduce the strain on people inside the car.

First deliveries will start towards the end of April and buyers will get a charging cable, service package, 5-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, 8-year battery pack warranty and 5 years of complimentary Roadside assistance.

Volvo is preparing infotainment systems for the future when the driver doesn’t have to drive


Isuzu D-Max “Buy One, Free One” for two lucky customers!

It has been a day to remember for two very lucky
Isuzu D-Max
 owners as they were greatly rewarded with a brand-new Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Auto 4×4 earlier today. The Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win Contest was held earlier this year where Isuzu customers stand a chance to win the grand prizes.

These two lucky winners are Ghanie Entalang and Sugumaran A/L Nagappan. According to Ghanie Entalang, “The first thought that crossed my mind was that this was some kind of a scam. It was only upon listening further to the caller that I recalled filling in a contest form when I bought my car. I was so excited from the news that I didn’t sleep that night.”

As for Mr Sugumaran, who was equally surprised with the announcement, he said “I just thought it was an ordinary lucky draw to win something small. When I got a call from the dealer, I was quite shocked and thought it was a joke. But later, I got a call from Isuzu head office confirming that I won a car. I was so happy.”

Both of these lucky Isuzu customers initially chose their pickup truck for its reasonable price, great usability, and remarkable fuel efficiency. Working and living near road conditions that are deemed unideal for normal vehicles, the Isuzu D-Max remains to be one of the main choices of transports with all of its capabilities bundled up in a great pricing package.

For more information on the latest 2019 Isuzu D-Max 1.9, check out our official review in the link below where we drove it from Krabi all the way to Phuket, Thailand a few weeks back.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 – “Blue Power”


Porsche reveals interior of Taycan fully-electric sportscar

The Taycan represents a new era in the history of Porsche cars as it is brand’s first all-electric sportscar. Unlike its entry into the SUV segment, Porsche has not been slow to develop a fully-electric production sportscar model and not surprisingly, offering pioneering technology to go with the high performance the brand is expected to deliver.

Both inside and out, the Taycan will be truly a car of the electric age and Porsche is now letting the public take a peek at the interior before the sportscar makes it world debut next month. Commenting on the interior design, Ivo van Hulten, Director Interior Design Style Porsche at Porsche AG, said: “The Taycan interior combines design elements typical for the brand with a new type of user experience, and impresses with its simple elegance. Less is more applies here too.”

Typical Porsche cabin

The original 911’s cleanly styled dashboard from 1963 was the inspiration. The stated goal was to bring it into the present day. The cockpit signals the start of a new era with its clear structure and a completely new construction. It is clearly driver-focused, the instrument panel clean and minimalist with an ultra-modern design. The free-standing, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. It is clearly focused towards the driver and ensures that everything that’s needed for driving fast and safely is in view.

The innovative instrument cluster consists of a curved 16.8-inch screen with the rounded look that’s typical of Porsche. A cowl has been omitted, which ensures a slim and modern appearance in the style of high-quality smartphones and tablets. Real glass and a vapour-deposited, polarising filter give anti-reflective properties.

4 display modes

The Classic mode (power meter) evokes the rounded instruments typical of Porsche. This display delivers information that’s clearly arranged, allowing for fast readability. A power meter replaces the rev counter in the middle instrument.

Next is the Map mode which replaces the central power meter with a map layout. Full Map mode, when chosen, intentionally omits the round instruments in favour of a navigation map displayed across the full display. The Pure mode displays only essential driving information such as speed, traffic signs and navigation using a minimalist arrow.

There are also small, touch-control fields at the edges of the screen for operating the light and chassis functions. The instrument cluster is therefore wider than the steering wheel and reminiscent of the iconic original 911.

The steering wheel has a light appearance, with two models to choose from. In addition to the basic version, which can be customised with coloured inserts as part of the accent package, Porsche also offers a GT sports steering wheel option. It has a distinctive design with visible screw heads and features a typical Porsche round mode switch which can be used to select the various driving modes.

The upper and lower sections of the dashboard stretch across the entire width of the vehicle in the shape of a wing. A central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look, thereby blending in visually with the interior.

All-new user interfaces

All user interfaces have been completely re-designed for the Taycan, possible since it is an entirely new car from the ground up. The number of traditional hardware controls, such as switches and buttons, have been greatly reduced. Instead, control is intelligent and intuitive – via touch operation or a voice control function that responds to the command “
Hey Porsche
”.

The elevated centre console intensifies the feeling of a low seating position, as you would expect from a Porsche. It features a large 8.4-inch touch panel with haptic feedback. This allows the air-conditioning settings to be altered directly. Integrated handwriting recognition also allows quick address inputs.

Every detail has been reduced to the essentials. Like the 918, the Taycan has a compact direction selector switch in the instrument panel instead of the classic selector lever. This gives the centre console a tidy look and creates storage space.

A reduction to the essentials and a clear approach are also evident for the air vents. These have been fully modernised and can be operated intuitively. Traditional, mechanically-operated louvres belong to the past, as airflows are now controlled both digitally and fully automatically (Virtual Airflow Control).

An optional 4-zone automatic climate control system installs an additional 5.9-inch touch control panel with haptic feedback allows the system to be operated from the rear seats.

Innovative material concepts

The Taycan’s colour and material design allows for individualised equipment, from traditional through to sustainable and modern. A new feature is the fully leather-free interior with state-of-the-art surface textures. ‘Race-Tex’ material is used, a high-quality microfibre material partially consisting of recycled polyester fibres. Its production has 80% less carbon dioxide than traditional materials. The floor covering uses the recycled fibre ‘Econyl’, which is made from, among other things, recycled fishing nets.

Prototype Taycan that was displayed at a Formula E event

Related story:
Porsche Taycan Completed 3,425-km Endurance Run In 24 Hours

Click here for other news and articles about Porsche on PISTON.MY

Visit
www.porsche.com.my
 for information on new and pre-owned models sold in Malaysia


Mazda marks 100th anniversary with exclusive range of models

In 2020, Mazda celebrates its 100
th
 anniversary, a milestone in its history from being a company making cork products to the highly respected and admired carmaker it is today. Among the many activities the company had planned to mark the milestone is the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series.

This is a range of special versions of all the key passenger models in Mazda’s global line-up. The range was to have been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month which, unfortunately, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic growing in seriousness.

Designed to celebrate the company’s centenary, the 100th Anniversary models adopt a white-and-burgundy two-tone exterior/interior combination, inspired by high-grade versions of Mazda’s first passenger car – the Mazda R360 Coupe.

The R360 Coupe was Mazda’s first passenger vehicle, introduced in 1960. The company had its sights set on becoming a full-line automaker, and its first undertaking made a memorable splash with a futuristic design and unique technologies.
 Developed with extraordinary passion, the car was designed for people who wanted to fulfil their dream of owning their own car and contributed to the motorisation of Japan. Symbolizing that intention was a 4-stroke engine — unprecedented among micro-mini passenger cars of the time — and an automatic transmission that made driving easy.
 Also noteworthy were the extensive weight-reduction efforts aimed at making the R360 Coupe nimble on the road. The powertrain used a good deal of light alloy materials, and the body adopted a monocoque construction.
 A distinctive and stylish coupe form also contributed significantly to the weight-savings. These factors combined to provide — at an affordable price — driving performance that eclipsed the era’s preceding micro-mini passenger cars.

The 100th Anniversary series consists of all the global models in the current Mazda range.

With Snowflake White Pearlescent exterior paint contrasted with burgundy interior carpet and burgundy leather seats, the 100th anniversary cars are a stand-out celebration of Mazda’s centenary.

Additionally, they feature a host of customised touches to further add to their exclusivity. This includes the unique 100th Anniversary badge featuring on the burgundy floormats, on the key fob and embossed into the headrests. Externally, the same badge is on the wheel centres and the side of the car. Additionally, the 100th Anniversary MX-5 Convertible features a Dark Cherry fabric roof.

A special 100th Anniversary symbol overlays the current Mazda badge atop the original round logo of the Toyo Kogyo company. The design reflected the desire of Jujiro Matsuda, Mazda’s founder, to contribute to the world through engineering and the determination to constantly strive forwards.

The 100th Anniversary Special Edition series is also intended to express gratitude to the millions of people who have had dealings with Mazda over the years. It represents a pledge that though it may aim for the stars, the company will never forget its roots in the car-making business.

The exclusive series will be offered in Japan and certain other markets but
Bermaz Motor
, which represents the brand in Malaysia, says that they will not be available in Malaysia.

Mazda starts 100th anniversary celebrations in Hiroshima


Beam e-scooters offer a practical solution for ‘first and last mile’ transport in cities

Back in the 1970s, as traffic congestion in many cities increased, the idea of ‘park and ride’ was promoted. Motorists were encouraged to park their cars at bus stations or train stations and use public transport to travel into the city. This would reduce the number of vehicles on the restricted road network within the city and thereby reduce congestion.

The idea works to varying degrees in different cities. Where the public transport is efficient and desirable, many will ‘park and drive’ as it would make sense. However, there are places where the public transport system may have a network that is not comprehensive enough, and people find it inconvenient to get to stations or get from stations to their destination.

This is where a solution to cover the ‘first mile’ and ‘last mile’ is necessary. One solution offered by Beam Mobility is the share e-scooter service that is now available in Malaysia. The service is said to solving the everyday issue of completing first and last mile journeys when using public transport.

The e-scooters, which are for a single person, are for use within the city and apart from being useful for motorists entering the city, it would also be good for tourists and urban dwellers who want to get around without having to sweat it out.

Complementary service

Beam’s service thus complements the existing public transport ecosystem, reducing dependency on private vehicles. In a recent poll among micromobility riders in May 2022, almost 50% of the 1,800 Beam riders surveyed said that access to e-scooters for the ‘first or last mile’ of a journey had made them more likely or much more likely consider using public transport as an option for long journeys rather than using cars or ride-hailing services. This attitude flows into real behaviours, with 77% of regular riders saying they always, usually, or sometimes use an e-scooter to connect to or from public transport.

The surveys illustrate that Malaysians urban dwellers and visitors are open to the possibility of shared e-scooters operating in their city, with just 9% of the 1,544 interviewees saying they felt any degree of negativity to the idea. This number halved once the safety features, convenience, and environmental benefits of shared e-scooters had been explained to them.

Environment-friendly too!

Apart from being an easier and quicker way to move around, the Beam e-scooters are also good for the environment. According to the company, for every 10 kms that an e-scooter travels, it can save 2.65 kgs of carbon dioxide emissions which a car would generate over the same distance.

Anyone should be able to use an e-scooter and Beam incorporates technology to ensure users’ safety. Underneath the e-scooter’s sturdy aircraft-grade aluminium chassis is an efficient electric powertrain with a high-grade IoT (Internet of Things) communications device. The battery packs that are used for the e-scooters are certified to the very highest standards of fire safety as well.

User-friendly features include Beam’s proprietary virtual parking technology which encourages proper use and return of e-scooters, while its speed-limiting technology (capped at 25 km/h) keeps users from going too fast – even when riding downhill.

No worries about restricted areas

You may have read news reports about e-scooters being banned but this only applies to certain areas. The public can still use them in other areas and with the geofencing technology in each e-scooter, users will not stray into restricted zones. If they do, there will be an alert sound and if no action is taken the e-scooter will stop (the operations team will also be aware).

Using a smartphone app, the various locations where the e-scooters can be collected can be found.  Like rental cars, they have to be returned to designated locations. The charge is 60 sen a minute, which is paid using a credit card. If the user does not return the e-scooter to a designated spot, there will be a penalty charge.

The Beam app for smartphones shows where e-scooter parks are for collecting and returning them. The QR code on the e-scooter unlocks the machine for use.

“Beam’s e-scooters are built for convenience and to encourage people to opt for greener commutes within the city centre. With its growing availability in key transit points and destinations around the Klang Valley, the ability to quickly hop on and off an e-scooter to travel door-to-door in minutes gives Malaysians an easy and convenient solution to the first and last mile challenges of public transport usage. Moving between places that are too far for a comfortable walk, and too short a distance to drive, is solved with our e-scooters,” said Taty Azman, Head of Public Affairs, Beam Mobility Malaysia.

Toyota Mobility Foundation’s CATCH offers two solutions to address Kuala Lumpur’s mobility and city planning challenges