BMW Group Malaysia Appoints Millennium Welt Kuantan As Newest BMW Motorrad Representative On East Coast

BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Millennium Welt as its newest representative for the BMW Motorrad brand in Kuantan and the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia
 (below) said,
 “We see great potential for growth in the East Coast for premium motorcycles and Millennium Welt has been a valuable partner for us in delivering the promise for BMW premium experience to our customers in Kuantan. We are confident they are the choice dealership to help us further cement our position in the region, now extending the impeccable premium experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the East Coast as well.”

Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia
, meanwhile said,
 “With Millennium Welt Kuantan’s appointment, we look forward to welcoming more riders from the East Coast region to Make Life A Ride. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia with its great windy roads down the coast is perfect for motorcycle riding but more importantly, the area delivers over 50 motorcycles annually and has the potential to grow steadily year on year.”

Millennium Welt is no stranger to BMW Group Malaysia with a proven track record as a representative of the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in Seremban as well as a representative of the BMW brand in Batu Pahat and Kuantan. At the BMW Group Malaysia’s 8
th
 Dealer Awards ceremony held earlier this year, Millennium Welt took home 13 awards, including the BMW Excellence Club Award.

Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies
 said,
“As the official dealership for the BMW brand in Kuantan since 2016, we have built solid credibility with our customers in Pahang and its surrounding areas. Riding on this momentum, we believe the addition of BMW Motorrad to our portfolio of premium vehicles will translate into a higher number of deliveries in the area.”

Millennium Welt Kuantan now offers a wider range of products and services consisting of BMW and BMW Motorrad models, as well as MINI Service.

By consolidating the sales and service of BMW automobiles and BMW Motorrad under one roof, Millennium Welt Kuantan will be able to communicate a more focused brand identity to the market. This also enables BMW to serve its customers more efficiently through a more streamlined channel.

Millennium Welt Kuantan operates from the 28,000 sq ft showroom facility, capable of displaying up to five BMW vehicles and eight BMW Motorrad motorcycles. The showroom is located at
32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
.


BMW i5 Closer To Production

The i5 will be the sixth BMW model to carry the
i badging
 when it is officially introduced later this year, but it is just as important as any other BMW.

The i5 is launching in conjunction with combustion-engined variants of the new 5 Series, with PHEVs to follow, and is arguably the biggest step for the 5 Series in more than fifty years. The 5 Series is an iconic nameplate with a rich and extensive history, with BMW having sold more than 10 million units over seven generations.

It is certain that the BMW 5 Series Sedan’s all-electric model will provide an excellent driving experience, just like all the other variations. The BMW 5 Series has always been recognised for its ability to mix sports prowess and ride comfort, but innovative Vertical Dynamics Management takes it to a new level.

There will be at least two powertrain options:

The eDrive40
The M60 xDrive.

The Highway Assistant, for the first time, uses eye activation to manage the distance to the vehicle in front, make steering adjustments, and make lane changes. This has also advanced the car’s automated driving capabilities.

The BMW i5 has successfully navigated a richly varied testing schedule over the course of more than a year. Navigating everything from the snow-covered and icy surfaces of the winter test centre at Arjeplog, Sweden to regions offering extreme heat and dry conditions, in city driving and on country roads, on motorways, and on hand-picked test tracks.

The BMW Group’s testing facilities outside of Miramas, in southern France, were then used to carry out the fine-tuning work for all the elements involved in the driving experience. Wide differences in vehicle weight result from the variable drive system technology provided by the new BMW 5 Series range, which now offers consumers a choice between conventional internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid options, and completely electric drive systems.

With its broad array of automatic driving and parking features, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan also sets a higher standard for its sector. The ingredients for an automated driving experience with innovative highlights that further improve safety and comfort are high-resolution cameras, high-precision radar sensors, and control units from the BMW Group’s most recent technology toolkit, as well as a software programme improved over countless kilometres of testing.

The BMW 5 Series Sedan’s automated lane change, which is part of the Driving Assistant Professional and Highway Assistant, can be operated via eye activation, a world first, thanks to the assistance of an interior camera that also helps monitor the driver’s degree of alertness. There is a new degree of contact between people and cars as a result of this convenience feature.

No powertrain details have been revealed yet but what was revealed are the power consumption for the two variants. The i5 eDrive40 uses 19.7–16.0 kWh per 100 km, whereas the i5 M60 xDrive uses 21.2–17.9 kWh per 100 km.

At the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Bavaria, production of the new, eighth-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan will start somewhere in June 2023. The market introduction of the vehicle will begin in October 2023.


Proton provides new communication channel with X70 Whatsapp chatbot

The current COVID-19 pandemic crisis is depressing and everyone is uncertain about the future. Hopefully, it will come to an end before long and we can return to normalcy although we may need to be more conscious of personal hygiene and care more for each other’s safety.

Where cars are concerned, some may be considering buying a new vehicle, perhaps as an overdue replacement to their old one which may be costing too much to maintain. Or there may just be a need for an additional car in the home.

The latest X70, made in Malaysia.

You can’t go to the showrooms at this time due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which, hopefully, ends on April 14, 2020. In the meantime, if you are considering the latest Proton X70, the carmaker has launched its WhatsApp chatbot which can provide information on the details, promotions and features of the popular SUV, now made in Malaysia.

The chatbot serves as an alternative channel of communication with Proton and is one of several initiatives the carmaker is taking to provide convenience for customers – while also keeping in mind their safety. It does not, however, respond to natural language or questions from users. Instead, users just need to send replies in the form of numbers to get more information on corresponding topics.

Through the chatbot, accessible via
https://bit.ly/HiProtonX70
, customers can learn more about X70 variants and their prices, specification, sales offerings, trade-in offers, and Proton Financing. They can also register their interest in making a purchase.

Incidentally, for those who wish to make a booking at this time, you need to pay only RM99.00 for a new X70 and RM.9.99 for an Iriz, Saga,Persona or Exora. This offer is applicable only for online bookings at
www.proton.com
.

Proton assures customers of warranty validity during MCO period


SDAP Ushers In 2019 With Upgraded Cayenne & Panamera + Invests In More Porsche Centres

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP)
, the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, starts the year on a high with strategic investments in expanding its sales network. With the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, SDAP marks another milestone for Porsche in Malaysia whilst assuring an outstanding experience for customers in the Southern region. Later this year, SDAP will also open a brand-new
Porsche Centre Ara Damansara
 in Kuala Lumpur.

This expands the sales network to four Porsche Centres across the country by 2020, the year that Porsche anticipates to launch its first fully-electric vehicle in Malaysia, the Taycan. The recent opening of the Porsche pop-up store in Penang, which will be open to the public until May 2019, also marks the importance of the development of the business in Malaysia.

Ushering in the year on a strong note, the
Cayenne
(below)

and
 Panamera
 (above) models now come with a newly enhanced
Premium Package
, with additional comfort and luxury features such as
14- way power seats including memory function for both driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, automatic dimming mirrors, electrical sun blinds, ambient lighting, and BOSE Surround Sound System
. – In addition to the Premium Package,
Power Steering Plus
and
 Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
 are included as standard for an even sportier driving experience.

SDAP also announced the new competitive base prices for the Cayenne and Panamera including Premium Package. The third generation Cayenne starts from RM780,000, while the second generation Panamera starts from RM890,000.

Furthermore, the dream of owning a Porsche is much closer than one could imagine. Porsche 360 Financing offers a flexible financing programme that is personalised to the owners’ unique lifestyle with up to 30% lower monthly repayments, offering the opportunity to own a new Porsche from every three to five years. For example, based on 90% loan margin for five years, the new Cayenne with the base price of RM780,000 may be driven away for as low as RM9,700 per month. All Porsche vehicles sold via SDAP come with a four-year warranty and free maintenance package, which includes complimentary service, labour and parts.

“Together with Porsche Asia Pacific, the Premium Package for the Cayenne and Panamera is an initiative to enrich the product substance to elevate the customer’s ownership experience even further. We are giving a wider spread of comfort and sportiness in our vehicles, yet with even more competitive pricing. With this enhanced product line-up, we certainly look forward to a great year ahead,”
 said
Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP.

Arthur Willmann, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific
, said:
“Malaysia is home of the Porsche Experience Centre Sepang, and also one of our most important markets with a strong following for the brand. We are very excited about the future potential here together with SDAP as our long-term partner, especially with regards to an even more competitive model line-up, the expansion of our sales network as well as our electrification strategy. Together we are already looking forward to the introduction of the Taycan, our first fully-electric vehicle, which will come to the market at the beginning of 2020.”

About the Cayenne…

The new Cayenne combines even more of the typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality. Its powerful turbo engines, new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, new chassis systems and innovative display and control concept with total connectivity is taking both sport and comfort to the next level. The Cayenne, with a 3.0-litre turbo engine delivers
250 kW (340 hp)
, 29 kW (40 hp) more than the previous model. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new Cayenne accelerates from
zero to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds
. This is followed by the Cayenne S, which is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, delivering
324 kW (440 hp)
. It accelerates from
zero to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds
 with Sport Chrono Package.

The Cayenne is based heavily on the iconic 911 sports car: The third generation of this SUV, which has also been enhanced visually, now has mixed tyres and rear-axle steering for the first time. In addition to these typical sports car features, the on-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension and the
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
 electronic roll stabilisation system.

Despite its significantly extended standard equipment, the Cayenne weighs up to
65 kilograms less
 than its predecessor and remains perfectly suited to off-road use. For the first time, the Cayenne is available with
 electric rear-axle steering
 offering agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speeds. The reduced turning circle also makes everyday handling of the SUV easier.

About the Panamera…

The Panamera is advancing to become a performance icon of the luxury class. In this transformation, Porsche has systematically improved the Panamera concept – with a four-door car that has been redeveloped and redesigned down to the last detail. Its engines and transmissions have been redesigned, its chassis perfected, and its display and control concept reinterpreted for the future. The new Panamera also extends the borders between the world of ambitious sports cars and the world of comfortable cruising cars with highlights such as
 rear axle steering, active roll compensation
and
 three-chamber air suspension.

The second generation Panamera’s engines have been redesigned. They have all been made more powerful, while significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The new bi-turbo direct injection engines in the Panamera 4S – may be equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system and a new eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). A
 V6 twin-turbo petrol engine
 with
324 kW (440 hp)
 drives the Panamera 4S and a V6 turbo petrol engine with
243 kW (330 hp)
 drives the Panamera entry-level model.

More versatile than any other model in its class, the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo delivers
 243 kW (330 hp)
and
 340 kW (462 hp)
 drives the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. With a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a 4+1 seating concept, the new Panamera Sport Turismo model offers the perfect combination of everyday usability and maximum flexibility.

2019 Porsche Panamera & Cayenne Photo Gallery…

To make an appointment to test drive your favourite Porsche model, contact the following Porsche Centres near you.

Porsche Centre Glenmarie +60(3) 5030 9911

Porsche Centre Sungai Besi +60(19) 675 9911

Porsche Centre Penang +60(19) 400 9911

Fuel consumption and emissions:

Cayenne: combined fuel consumption 9.2–9.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 209–205 g/km

Cayenne S: combined fuel consumption 9.4–9.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 213–209 g/km

Panamera: combined fuel consumption 7.6 – 7.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 173 – 171 g/km

Panamera 4S: combined fuel consumption 8.2 – 8.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 186 – 184 g/km

Panamera 4 Sport Turismo: combined fuel consumption 7.9 – 7.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 180 – 178 g/km

Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: combined fuel consumption 2.5 l/100 km; electric power consumption 15.9 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions 56 g/km


Lotus offers classic heritage editions of the Elise

Lotus Cars has launched four new limited-edition versions of the Elise, each with a distinctive colour palette which pays tribute to the company’s pioneering and highly successful racing history. The exterior colour combinations are black and gold; red, white and gold; blue, red and silver; and blue and white.

The famous black and gold references the livery of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories over the course of the 1972 Formula 1 season. Red, white and gold echoes the Type 49B that Graham Hill raced in 1968, while the blue, red and silver is inspired by the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti.

The fourth new Elise, finished in blue and white, is in tribute to the Lotus Type 18 design from 1960. Exactly 60 years ago, it was the first Lotus car to achieve a Formula 1 pole position and victory, thanks to the late Sir Stirling Moss, at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Officially called the Elise Classic Heritage Editions, all four offer an enhanced exterior and interior spec over the Elise Sport 220 on which they’re based. They are on sale now across selected international markets, with only 100 units available globally.

As well as their unique colour schemes – instantly recognisable by motorsport fans worldwide – each car comes with an exclusive numbered ‘build plaque’ on the dashboard referencing the limited production run. The final numbers of each variant will be dictated by customer demand.

Each car has as standard a number of features which were previously on the options list. These include DAB digital radio with four speakers, air-conditioning, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with racing livery finish, two-piece disc brakes and black carpet with floor mats.

The Elise interior colour pack is also now integrated as standard. Elements include the upper door trim and central seat insert finished to match the exterior, with detailing on the door, gear selector surround and dashboard picking out key colours. The only one that’s different is the blue and white car, which has red alcantara seat centres.

Optional extras include a fibreglass hardtop roof, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust.

All four cars cost exactly the same in the UK at £46,250 (about RM247,000), about 16% more than a standard Elise Sport 220. However, the added features, said to be worth £11,735 (about RM62,500) certainly makes it very good value for money – not to mention the exclusivity.

Lotus Evija production to start soon as new factory is completed


‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’ You could get it by just spending RM40 at a Shell station

‘
Nak Ekstra RM20,000
?’ is the name of Shell Malaysia’s latest campaign to welcome 2020. Throughout December 2019 until February 9, 2020, Shell customers have the opportunity to cash in an extra RM20,000 each week! On top of the RM20,000 Grand Prize, Shell is also giving away RM1,000 to 20 consolation prize winners on a weekly basis.

Extra sum of money for a brighter 2020

Though a new year should bring hope for better things, we cannot deny some of the worrying thoughts running in the minds of most Malaysians. A study found that 86% of Malaysians are concerned about the cost of basic needs and high-priced homes, followed by 76% who are in debt to sustain their cost of living while the remaining 74% are uneasy about loss of source of income. This insight supports the ‘
Nak Ekstra RM20,000
’ campaign, which provides Malaysians with an opportunity to receive an extra sum of money for a brighter 2020.

“Just like Shell FuelSave 95, a fuel that is designed to go further, we hope the extra RM20,000 cash prize will help customers pursue the things that matter to them,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

“Whether it is starting a college fund for your children, an Umrah trip, paying bills, or a downpayment for a new car, Shell wants to give customers a chance to go a little further and start the year on a high note,” he added.

Just spend RM40 at a Shell station and you could get RM20,000 in 2020.

How to participate

To participate in the campaign requires only two simple steps:
 Step 1
 – customers need to spend a minimum of RM40 in one receipt at any Shell station nationwide;
Step 2
 – customers need to submit their details via a physical contest form with receipt or scanning a QR code to submit details and receipt online. They will then be eligible to win the weekly cash prizes.

Additional rewards

In line with the ‘
Ekstra
’ theme, Shell is also offering additional rewards to customers this December in partnership with
Touch ‘n Go
 and
BonusLink
. Throughout December 2019 until February 9, 2020, customers will receive an extra RM5 cashback when they spend minimum RM40 at Shell by paying with
Touch ‘n Go
 eWallet. This special offer is limited to two cashbacks per
Touch ’n Go
 eWallet account per month, and only for the first 300,000 transactions at Shell.

Additionally, Shell is offering extra rewards to loyal customers through
BonusLink
. On December 4,5 and 6, 2019, customers will receive 10x
BonusLink
 Points for everyone litre of fuel purchased with the swipe of a
BonusLink
 Card at any Shell station nationwide, which is 10 times extra than the normal Points offer. Thereafter, on December 12, 2019, customers can redeem their
BonusLink
 Points at Shell to receive a 50% rebate, allowing them to go further with their Points.

For more information on the extra offers at Shell, visit
www.shell.com.my
.

New & affordable Shell Helix HX8 0W20 launched – RM199


Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ honours the ‘Daredevils’ of the past

Hand-sketched racing scenes on and in the car, diamond-cut aluminium and a reminiscence that have come true of Bugatti’s glorious Grand Prix days. These can be found on the Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’, which honours the brand’s famous racing drivers from the last century.

“Bugatti has had close associations with aviation since the company was established more than 110 years ago. Many successful Bugatti racing drivers, such as Albert Divo, Robert Benoist and Bartolomeo ‘Meo’ Costantini, flew for the French Air Force, the French aviator legend Roland Garros privately drove a Bugatti Type 18 to be as fast on the road as in the air,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “It is therefore almost an obligation for us today to pay tribute to the legends of that time and dedicate a special edition to them.”

The ‘Daredevils’ who raced the car

Ettore Bugatti admired the fearless character and technical expertise of his drivers who were fascinated by high speeds – and also mastered them. On the road, the racing drivers benefited from the experience gained in aircraft cockpits. Known as the ‘Daredevils’, many of them were former flying aces, daredevils, technically skilled pilots who flew without fear.

They in turn admired Ettore Bugatti for his talent as an engineer and were fascinated by his agile, light and speedy cars, embodying on the road what their planes were in the sky. Roland Garros even called him the ‘incomparable artist who alone knows, how to give life to steel’.

The company’s founder was always inspired by aviation. Sometime around 1915, he personally designed aircraft engines and from 1937, he also developed an entire aircraft intended to break speed records. The project was stopped because of the outbreak of the Second World War, but Bugatti kept in close personal contact with the pilots throughout his life.

The ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ edition

These legends of aviation are honoured with the ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ edition, based on the Chiron Sport and limited to 20 cars. The new edition references many features of the historic aircraft in which Bugatti pilots flew. In addition to the unusual colour of the paintwork, each car comes with a special full leather interior with hand-drawn sketches and diamond-cut aluminium.

A striking feature of the Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ is its special, matt-grey ‘Gris Serpent’ paintwork. This is, a modern interpretation of the exterior colour of the aircraft from the 1920s. On the extending rear spoiler is a high-contrast, white gloss centre stripe.

The front wings are adorned with the ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ logo. The ‘Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge’ tricolour in Blue, White and Red decorates the front area of the side sills made of exposed black carbonfibre.

The horseshoe-shaped radiator grille also has a black gloss finish. The radiator grille mesh is made of laser-cut and deep-drawn aluminium, on which the dynamic pattern of the stitched seams is repeated on the leather seats, reminiscent of planes flying in formation in an air parade.

The door entry lights project the edition logo onto the ground when the doors are opened. The door sills are made of brushed aluminium with the special edition logo on the middle console inlays. The W16 engine cover is made of black exposed carbonfibre and the lightweight components are contrasted by white lettering. Black exposed carbonfibre and a black-coated exhaust trim cover made of 3D printed, high-temperature-resistant Inconel dominate the rear.

Interior almost completely in leather

The interior also visually evokes aircraft from the past century. Fine ‘Gaucho’ leather for the entire cabin, the light brown colour  reminiscent of natural leather in those aircraft of days gone by. The natural material is contrasted only by aluminium trim.

As would be expected, each car will have special edition numbering ‘1 of 20’. Customers can also specify comfort seats and the ‘Sky View’ glass roof to look into the sky like in open-top aircraft of the past century.

On the door panels there is a hand-sketched racing scene between the Nieuport 17 aircraft and a Bugatti Type 13, which symbolizes the two souls honoured by the edition. The Type 13 is a very special model in Bugatti’s 110-year history as it was the first model to bear the name ‘Bugatti’.

Capable of more than 420 km/h

The Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ has the standard W16 engine with a displacement of 8 litres. Delivering up to 1,500 ps/1,600 Nm, its maximum speed is somewhere beyond 420 km/h but limited to that speed.

Bugatti will start production of the special edition towards the end of 2020. In the meantime, if you are keen to own one of the 20 units, the price starts from 2.88 million euros (around RM14 million).

Click here to read other news and articles about Bugatti


Updated Volvo XC90 SUV launched – From RM373,888

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced that their best-selling
Volvo XC90 SUV
 now comes in an updated version for the Malaysian market and those who are interested can start viewing in from this month onwards. Labelled as the brands top-of-the-line flagship model, the XC90 marks the company’s next step into electrification.

The original XC90 design which was already an award winner will now be offered with subtle upgrades to further amplify the overall ownership experience. The exterior updates come in the form of new wheels, exterior colour options, and a new modern front grille.

As for the T8 variants, the internal battery capacity has been upgraded from 10.4kW to 11kWh which helps to extend its pure electric driving range by up to 50km. The T8 also comes with a redesigned Orrefors crystal electronic gearshift lever. Talk about fancy.

For those who are interested in the T5 model, VCM has included a set of third-row air conditioning c-pillar vents for extra passenger comfort. For the driver, the enhanced XC90 is fitted with road sign information system (RSI) and a four-zone electronic climate control with cooled glove box capability (previously only available for the T8).

Other notable features include:

Thor’s Hammer headlights

Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform

City Safety steering with Autobrake

Blind Spot Information System

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Cross Traffic Alert

The refreshed Volvo XC90 is priced from RM373,888 (OTR without insurance). Customers can now choose between five tantalising colour options; Crystal White Pearl, Denim Blue Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic, Pebble Grey Metallic, and Thunder Grey Metallic.

For more information, visit
https://www.volvocars.com/my
 or head over to the nearest authorised Volvo Car Malaysia dealers located nationwide.

New Volvo 3S centre opens in Ipoh, Perak


VIDEO: New 5th Generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Arrives!

As we get ready to test drive the new generation C-Class from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, here’s a first-look video!

What’s most impressive is not the delectable and all-powerful C43 AMG, but rather the C200 which is powered by a new 1.5-litre (1,497cc) engine capable of 184bhp and 280Nm of torque!

Stay tuned for more to come!


2020 Honda BR-V gets updates in features and looks, to be launched before end of month

After 3 years in the Malaysian market, the Honda BR-V for 2020 gets a facelift to freshen its appearance with additional features for more convenience. Prices have not been announced but bookings for the model are now accepted at 100 Honda dealerships nationwide with deliveries to customers expected to begin before the end of this month.

Over 36,000 units have been sold nationwide which translated into a 45% market share in 2019, which helped the BR-V maintain its position as the leader in its non-national segment.

The BR-V was specially developed for ASEAN markets and had its world premiere in Indonesia.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The BR-V was developed exclusively by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) for the ASEAN market. It is also the first HRAP model in Malaysia. It caters to the increasing market demand for a 7-seater car that is spacious and versatile at the same time.”

“To continue offering high-quality products and meeting customer expectation, Honda Malaysia conducted market study and collected customer feedback that can help us understand our customers better. Armed with significant insight of the market, the New BR-V received exciting enhancements that are able to further captivate the hearts of Malaysians,” Mr. Ishiyama added.

The changes for 2020

The exterior of the BR-V has an updated front design with a new bumper, grille, lower bumper garnish and new front foglight garnish. There’s also a new rear lower bumper garnish, new shark fin antenna and the 16-inch alloy wheels have a new design as well.

For added convenience, the driver can now enjoy keyless entry and start/stop the engine with the push of a button. These are now standard features for both variants. New leather seat upholstery with a red accent is also introduced for a sporty touch.

No changes to the 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine are mentioned. This powerplant produces 120 ps/145 Nm, the highest output in its segment, giving the 7-seater BR-V brisk performance.

To locate an authorised Honda showroom in Malaysia, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

Click here for other news and articles about Honda
.


First details of all-new Hyundai Sonata for Malaysian market

The 8th generation of the Hyundai Sonata, which made its global debut in March 2019, will be released in the Malaysian market before the year ends. Hyundai Sime Darby Motors is expecting the new model to be highly competitive in the D-segment with its design and technological advancements.

“Make no mistake. Hyundai’s roll-out of all its latest models is poised to disrupt the market. The all-new Sonata is no exception. It has surged ahead of competing models in terms of sales in several markets and the awards are accumulating,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of Hyundai Sime Darby Motors.

“The Sonata’s unique features in the D-segment is patently obvious. One look at it and you can already see that its Sensuous Sportiness exterior design, with its coupe roof line and elegant, sporty body lines, makes this the stand-out car in the segment. The conservative look of the D-segment has been totally discarded. This is a stunning, sporty, long coupe-like sedan for the business executive. Its design was conceived to emote. This is not your average D-segment car,” Mr. Low declared.

Under the sleek new design, the 4.9-metre long Sonata has a structure of Hyundai’s proprietary Advanced High Strength Steel. The expertise in steel that Hyundai today possesses is through its decades as an industrial steel company. The steel has been used for railway tracks, bridges and ships and is now also used in the motor vehicles to make them more resistant to deformation.

The new Sonata will have a Smartstream 2.5-litre MPI 4-cylinder engine with improved fuel efficiency. The long-stroke engine produces 180 ps/232 Nm which goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire link.

While full details of the features are not available at this time, it is known that there will be a blind-spot display which will be on a small screen within the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. This means the driver does not have to turn the head to look for alerts of other vehicles in the blind spot as the image will be right in front of him or her.

Mr. Low said that such a feature is not available in other D-segment sedans, adding that the new Sonata is also one of the safest cars in the world. It has already been assessed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and received a 5-star rating.

A Head-up Display will also be available, also allowing the driver to keep the eyes on the road ahead for better driving safety.

If you want to be among the first to own a new Sonata, you can place a booking now with a fee of RM888 while the price is teased as RM20X,XXX. The bookings are accepted at all authorised Hyundai showrooms nationwide.

The next Hyundai Tucson


Mattel Malaysia Celebrates 40th Anniversary, To Add Proton Saga To Hot Wheels Range

Mattel, the American toy and entertainment company, has over a dozen factories around the world which makes its various products, with the
Hot Wheels
 model cars probably the best known. And of its main factories in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and Thailand, the one in Malaysia is the largest
Hot Wheels
 manufacturing plant in the world. Malaysia therefore plays an important role in Mattel’s supply chain for the company’s manufacturing, tooling, and commercial operations.

The plant – Mattel Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MMSB) – located in Perai, Penang, was established in 1981 and is also the world’s only manufacturer of
Hot Wheels
 singles, the top-selling toy globally in 2021.

Currently producing around 9 million diecast car models each week for markets around the world, MMSB is aiming for a 20% increase in production capacity by 2025.

Strategic investment
To enable this, it will be making additional investment for plant expansion which will be completed in 2023. This announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of MMSB and is a targeted, strategic investment is in line with Mattel’s Capital Light strategy to increase manufacturing capacity, improve productivity, and leverage technological capabilities, while reducing cost and enhancing operational efficiencies.

The plant expansion is estimated to increase the total workforce by approximately 10% to nearly 4,300 workers at MMSB (currently around 3,900). The expansion will also benefit Mattel Development and Tooling Sdn. Bhd. (MDT). Established in 1985, MDT is Mattel’s second plant in Malaysia and a state-of-the-art facility for product development, digital model making, mold design, and manufacturing.

Proton Saga to join
Hot Wheels
In conjunction with Mattel’s continued investment and commitment to its Malaysian operations, Steve Totzke, President & Chief Commercial Officer of Mattel, announced that
Hot Wheels
 will be collaborating with Proton to produce a 1:64 diecast scale model of the first Malaysian National Car. The new addition to the
Hot Wheels
 range will be sold worldwide.

Speaking at the 40
th
 anniversary ceremony this morning, Ching Chiau Lee, General Manager of MMSB, said: “MMSB plays an important role in our global supply chain operations, providing a strategic footprint in the region and supporting our transformation strategy for growth as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company. Over the last 40 years, we have succeeded in developing a thriving ecosystem for the local industry in the Perai Free Industrial Zone across industries such as packaging, paint, material supplies, and machine design.”

“Today, we celebrate and reaffirm our long-term presence in Malaysia. We are excited for our future as we continue to exemplify progress in the technology-driven Malaysian manufacturing sector,” she said.

Custom Proton Suprima S Is Malaysian Entry In Hot Wheels Legends Tour Global Semi-Finals

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


10 years later, the Lexus LFA legend lives on

It was 10 years ago that production the Lexus LFA was born. Like the Toyota 2000 GT many years before it, the LFA was an authentic supercar from Toyota’s luxury brand. For all its exclusivity and rarity – production was to be limited to just 500 units (only 351 units of the 2000 GT were built) – the LFA left a legacy that has influenced every car Lexus has built since.

The story of the LFA actually began 10 years earlier, in early 2000, as a research and development project to produce a thoroughbred supercar. A Lexus Chief Engineer, Harahiko Tanahashi, was given free rein and the chance to work with new materials and processes. This ‘clean sheet’ approach echoed the way Lexus rewrote the luxury car rulebook with the flagship LS sedan that launched the marque 10 years before.

In 2001, Master Driver Hiromi Naruse joined the team and his skills would prove key to the LFA achieving its handling and performance goals. In the early stages, 500 key assets were identified, from the suspension design to the shape of the steering wheel; every detail had to be perfect.

The first prototype was completed in 2003 and a year later, it began running its first laps of the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the legendary racetrack that would be the cradle of the LFA’s development. The supercar pioneered new powertrain and materials technologies and exemplified the takumi hand-crafted approach to manufacturing and design that has become a brand-defining quality for Lexus.

The world had its first glimpse of what Lexus was planning with the reveal of a design study at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, followed by a closer-to-production concept car two years later. In 2008, the LFA – still a work-in-progress – made the first of 4 annual appearances in the gruelling 24 Hours of Nurburgring. This was the toughest possible test of the car’s performance and quality, prior Lexus confirming its production at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Manufacturing began at Lexus’ state-of-the-art Motomachi plant at the end of 2010. Such was the dedication to precision engineering, production was at a rate of just one car per day with each engine assembled and signed off by a single technician, complete with an engraved plate bearing the car’s production number.

The LFA was rich in revolutionary features. At its heart was an all-new, naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V10 engine, produced in a joint venture with specialists Yamaha. The company, well known for its motorcycles, had also been involved with Toyota with the 2000 GT as well as various high-performance engines.

Even though it was smaller and had fewer cylinders than some supercar rivals, its performance was exceptional, delivering a maximum 560 bhp at 8,700 rpm. Front-mounted, the engine power went to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automated sequential gearbox positioned on the rear axle. The LFA could rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and on to a 325 km/h top speed, as those who tested it confirmed.

Keeping the car’s weight down was essential to its performance, achieved by switching from the aluminium used for the original concepts to carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). This strong but lightweight advanced woven composite material was used for most of the bodywork, the passenger cell and the transmission tunnel and has since been used in other Lexus models (such as the GS F and RC F, members of Lexus’ exclusive F-performance car stable). Stopping power had to be as effective as the drive, hence the use of high-performance ceramic brake discs.

Lexus also developed an ultra-exclusive Nurburgring Package, a version re-engineered to maximise the car’s track potential. Drawing directly from the car’s racing experience, it gained stiffer suspension, lighter forged alloy wheels with performance tyres and extra aerodynamic features, including a new front lip spoiler, front winglets and a fixed GT-style high rear wing to maximise downforce. With ride height reduced by 10 mm, the car also hugged the ground more closely. To compensate for the extra drag, engine power was increased to 570 bhp.

LFA Nurburgring Edition

Production of this very special edition was to be just 50 cars, with each owner given professional instruction and a year’s driving pass to the Nurburgring. Its superlative performance was confirmed in 2011 when it set a new lap record at the track for a production car. Although the LFA never won the Nurburgring 24-Hour outright, in 2012 and 2014, LFAs claimed much-deserved class wins.

LFA ownership was the privilege of just a very people and because of the limited number, many units were sold or auctioned for charity. On December 14, 2012, LFA production came to an end and all 500 cars had been completed in two years – a production rate of one per day.

Another LFA in future?

There is always a desire within Lexus to build ‘another LFA’ but President Akio Toyoda was circumspect in commenting on this matter. “In Japan there is the Ise Shrine,” he said in 2019. “It is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shinto belief in the renewal of nature. The purpose of its rebuilding is to pass on skills to a new generation.”

“In the 1960s, we built the 2000GT sportscar; in the 1980s, we had the Supra. In 2000, the 20-year cycle should have continued but too many people at the time were interested in volume and sales, not in a special car. So we missed the turnover and now it has been 30 years. We will never catch up  but in 20 years’ time, we will come up with another new supercar. It will serve as a challenge for the next generation.”

New Lexus IS introduces ‘The Lexus Driving Signature’


Suggested Times to Travel on the N-S Highway this month

With increased traffic volumes on the highways from now till the end of the year, PLUS Malaysia Berhad is issuing a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for motorists planning to travel on the North-South Expressway (NSE) between December 21, 2019 and January 1, 2020.

The TTA is part of an effort to prevent congestion and traffic dispersal on the highway, rests areas and toll plazas during this period.

PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said: “Based on the TTA, highway motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards further destinations such as Perlis, Kedah, Penang, North Perak and Johor are advised to enter the highway before 9 am. Those heading to destinations closer to the Klang Valley are advised to enter the highway after 3 pm.”

“Those from Perlis, Kedah, Penang, North Perak and Johor travelling to the Klang Valley during the same period are advised to enter the highway before 9 am. Whereas those from other states or destinations that are nearer to the Klang Valley are recommended to enter the highway after 3 pm,” he suggested. “We strongly encourage the public to closely follow the TTA schedule as they stand a better chance of experiencing a smoother journey.”


F1/Round 19: Preview & Provisional Sprint Race Starting Grid For 2021 Sao Paolo Grand Prix

Sprint Race starts at 4:30 pm in Brazil/3:30 am in Malaysia (Sunday)

GP race starts 2:00 pm in Brazil/1:00 am in Malaysia (Monday)

After last weekend in Mexico City, the F1 teams continued 7,500 kms south to Brazil for Round 19 of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship. This will be the last of the three rounds in the western hemisphere which started in Texas on October 25. This round is known as the Sao Paulo Grand Prix and is held at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, usually referred to as Interlagos.

There was no race held last year due to the pandemic, so the teams have not been at the track for longer than usual. But they are familiar with it as it has been hosting F1 rounds since 1972. The events used to be called the Brazilian Grand Prix but for some reason, the organizers and FIA now use city names instead.

The short 4.309-km circuit (almost same as the circuit in Mexico City) has a tight layout which the drivers will go around for 71 laps. Its undulating sequence of mostly medium and low-speed corners have always presented tough technical challenges. It is also one of the relatively few circuits run anti-clockwise on the calendar. The short lap (around 1 minute 10 seconds) means that traffic can be an issue and there’s also a high safety car probability, so any race strategy needs to bear that in mind.

In 2019, when the last GP was held, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won with a 3-stop strategy, following 2 Safety Car appearances at the end of the race. There were 3 different strategies in the top 4, with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz (fourth at the flag) stopping just once from last on the grid. Without the Safety Cars, a 2-stop strategy would have been the favoured tactic.

“Interlagos is an old-school track that keeps drivers and tyres busy and often produces some dramatic races, as we saw last time,” said Pirelli’s Mario Isola, adding that the weather is another variable factor and it can be very hot or very wet. “As a result, this year’s more versatile tyre selection should be able to cope with all the wide-ranging demands of the race and provide some different strategies.”

For this round, as in the British GP in July and the Italian GP in September, there is also a sprint race to offer additional excitement for spectators and also a different challenge for the teams. The Sprint Qualifying Race, which was well received by the drivers, is 100 kms long. Being run over a shorter distance, drivers will be flat out from start to finish, with no pit stops needed. The best effort will be necessary as the finishing order will determine the starting positions for the main race, so there is a chance to improve on the position gained in Qualifying. There are also points for the top 3 finishers of the race.

In Qualifying, Lewis Hamilton took pole position for the Sprint Race to be held on Saturday afternoon in Brazil. But because of an engine change, he will get a 5-place grid penalty for the main race on Sunday. Verstappen, who was 4/10ths of a second slower will start in second, with Valtteri Bottas in third and Serio Perez in fourth on the grid.

However, there is more tension at this time at Interlagos as both Hamilton and Verstappen have been referred to the Race Stewards for different matters. In Hamilton’s case, there is an alleged technical infringement regarding the rear wing on his car.

Verstappen could be in trouble relating to the FIA’s International Sporting Code concerning rules on working on the cars after Qualifying. Video footage shows him getting out of his car and walking to check on his own rear wing and then walking over to Hamilton’s car and also examining it and seemingly touching it. Article 2.5.1 of the Sporting Code states that ‘no operation, checking, tuning or repair is allowed’ but what sort of penalty the Red Bull driver will get remains uncertain.

At the time of writing, the rest of the world still doesn’t know the outcome but starting from the front row has proven historically important. Out of the 20 races run since 2000, 16 of them have been won by the driver who started from the front row. For Hamilton, already resigned to starting 5 places back even if he wins the Sprint Race, worse could come if the issue of the wing leads to another penalty.

As things stand after Mexico, Verstappen’s win moved him to a 19-point lead over Hamilton in the Drivers Championship. After finishing third, the other Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, has moved closer to third-positioned Valtteri Bottas.

The double podium in Mexico for Red Bull also saw the gap narrowing to just one point in the Constructors Championship between leaders Mercedes-AMG and Red Bull Racing. The battle for third is also close after Ferrari collected a total of 18 points which moved the team ahead of McLaren with a 13.5-point advantage.


Infiniti QX60 Monograph concept

In the past, a concept model was mostly a work of fantasy intended to wow crowds at motorshows but which the company would not be able to make for showrooms. Perhaps the excitement of seeing something futuristic has worn off and these days, manufacturers often show concept models that are close to what they will launch in a year or in a few years.

Displaying a future production model as a ‘concept’ allows the designers to get last-minute feedback from the public on certain ideas they may want to use. They may learn that people don’t appreciate a certain styling element and omit or modify it before production starts.

Future 3-row SUV

Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, is displaying the QX60 Monograph this weekend at the Beijing Auto Show and it confirms that the concept model previews some of the proportions and design elements for the brand’s future three-row SUV.

“In crafting this concept, we wanted to change the tonality of the QX60 and transform the nameplate from a sculptural and architectural point of view. We raised the visual centre of gravity, giving it a strong, straight shoulderline that carries through to the bonnet, with a higher, more prominent grille, and longer-looking cabin to deliver a sense of muscularity and a commanding presence,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice-President, Global Design at Nissan Motor.

Japanese inspirations

“The QX60 Monograph embodies the Japanese concept of ‘Ma,’ a sense of minimalism where designers seek harmony, adding just the right number of elements with very specific meaning to create something special. This is evident on the body, where at a glance it is simple, but when you get closer, you see that there are elements that are playing against each other in a sense of harmony,” Albaisa explained.

Focused solely on the exterior, the designers imagined the QX60 Monograph as a sophisticated yet functional solution for a busy, modern family. The proportions include a wide stance, sleek greenhouse, horizontal shoulder line and muscular wheel arches. The combination of which creates a commanding posture and defined SUV persona.

Advanced lighting appearance

Intricate ‘Digital Piano Key’ lighting at the front and rear projects a futuristic appearance and showcases how Infiniti blends human artistry with the latest technology. The inner structure of the headlamp features a shape and pattern of lines inspired by an electrical heatsink device.

Bright white at the front, and ultra-red at the back, the QX60 Monograph’s lamps are accompanied by the glowing ‘infinite road’ brand emblem. Combined, the opening light sequence begins at the logo and fans out to the headlamps in a dynamic welcome for drivers.

Viewed from the side, the Monograph shows off its horizontal bonnet, muscular fenders and long wheelbase. Paired with the gentle rake of the A-pillar and tapered, teardrop-like glasshouse, the result is a long sweeping, sophisticated profile. The roof flows into a subtly integrated rear roof spoiler — also in gloss black — to further enhance the car’s aerodynamic appearance.

At the rear, the wide body and track, complementing the horizontal window line give the QX60 Monograph a sense of poise and stability. Embossed with the INFINITI name, the SUV features large alloy wheels that fill the pronounced fenders and reinforce the performance-inspired aesthetic.

The rear lamps are tinted and, when turned off, appear to wrap around the back of the vehicle and into the rear flanks in one continuous shape. Illuminated, the piano key lighting shines through to form a beautiful, futuristic light signature.

Platinum paint and black roof

“The platinum paint on the QX60 Monograph projects a sense of warmth. The highly reflective nature mimics the qualities of liquid metal, allowing the surface of the body to capture the shadows and lights of the environment in which it is displayed creating a sense of dynamism,” said Taisuke Nakamura, Senior Design Director, Infiniti Global Design.

A large panoramic roof features a ‘kimono fold’ pattern. This geometric feature, a series of intricate perpendicular lines, draws inspiration from the folds of a silk kimono and the structures of Japan’s modern architecture.

He explained that the black roof creates a strong contrast to the rich body colour for a dramatic visual statement. The pillars, roof, front, side and rear glass all seamlessly connect — giving a panoramic feel to the cabin and promoting a sense of openness. Slim-line roof rails provide a practical counterpoint to the QX60 Monograph’s sleek, sporty proportions.

“We commenced the design of the Monograph knowing this was an opportune time to start a discussion about where we are planning to take the QX60 in the future and more broadly, where we are heading as a brand with our design language,” said Albaisa, adding that the production version of the next generation QX60 can be expected in 2021.

Current QX60 has been around since 2012 (known as JX35 at the start) and was Infiniti’s first 3-row SUV.

Click here for other news and articles about Infiniti


Subaru To Replace STI With STe Badge

Subaru said a year ago that there wouldn’t be a WRX STI for the next generation since the company was focusing on electric models in the future.

With the now-standalone WRX being the brand’s only current performance vehicle in North America, it would make the most sense for either a hybridized performance WRX variation to replace the original STI or a totally electrified vehicle.

According to sources, Subaru has filed an application with Germany’s Patent and Trademark Office for the name “STe” on March 13. It is not yet known if the badge is intended for hybrid or all-electric vehicles.

Subaru’s family of boxer engines with an electric aid will only help to offer the extra power WRX enthusiasts have been longing for, we can see a hybrid STI functioning very well.

But there are rumors that the STI badge might even not be used, at least not exclusively, to describe a high-performance WRX. The name however might be applied to a performance-based variant of Subaru’s current all-electric vehicle, the

Solterra
.

On the other hand though, the STe moniker might take over from the legendary STI to denote a high-performance Subaru. And the fact that Subaru is building a dedicated EV factory next to its existing Oizumi plant just goes to show how serious Subaru is about its electrified future. And with that, the continuation of high-performance Subaru’s might just continue, but they may not be called STI’s anymore.

There has always been a rivalry between Subaru and

Mitsubishi
 fans as to whether the Lancer Evo or the Impreza WRX was the better car, but sadly that battle seems to be coming to an end. With the brands going electric in the future, will the rivalry be still as heated?


Suzuki And SkyDrive Form Partnership To Produce Flying Cars

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corp announced that it had reached an agreement with SkyDrive Inc to make “flying cars”.

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be manufactured by the businesses at a Suzuki Group facility in central Japan. Manufacturing is expected to start somewhere in June next year.

According to the automaker, SkyDrive will set up a fully-owned subsidiary to manufacture the aircraft, while Suzuki will assist with setting up the factory, including acquiring talent.

The principal shareholders of SkyDrive, which has its headquarters in a city in central Japan, include the trading corporation Itochu Corp, the technology company NEC Corp, and a division of the energy company Eneos Holdings Inc.

SkyDrive was formed in July 2018 and since then, they have been working towards the future and collaborating with several others to share and promote their vision of people being able to employ high-tech air mobility for transportation.

By creating a small, two-seat electric flying car and scaling up its full-scale production, they have made progress in the creation of flying cars and have already created freight drones. SkyDrive is the only business in Japan to have successfully completed manned test flights.

Suzuki and Sky Drive have formed a joint venture that will allow the former to focus more on research and development and add flying cars as a fourth mobility company.

eVTOL is a kind of aircraft that can hover, take off, and land vertically using electric power. It has a number of benefits, mostly as a result of its electric propulsion systems.

They have the potential to be more effective, quieter, and less polluting than conventional aircraft. Additionally, they have the ability to take off and land vertically, which makes them ideal for use in confined spaces like cities.

However, eVTOLs will need laws before they can start to fly. This is because they’ll carry passengers, fly autonomously, and travel around built-up areas. All this requires safety, so laws will have to catch up, and fast.

eVTOLs are not intended for weather that is less than ideal. Their performance is impacted by variables like wind speed, precipitation, and air temperature. There aren’t many cities where they could fly right now. If businesses want urban eVTOL to be well-liked, they must resolve these problems.

The main point of urban eVTOL is to ease congestion on the roads in cities. But would we really want hundreds of aircraft flying around city skies? Can you imagine the damage that will happen if there are accidents in the sky?


A Short Experience Of The ‘EV Life’ With the ORA Good Cat

With the government offering full tax exemption on electric vehicles (EVs), there has been an influx of EV models in the past 12 months. The new models have been from established brands as well as a few brands from China, where EVs – or ‘New Energy’ vehicles, as they are also called – are sold in huge numbers these days.

One of these China brands is Great Wall Motors (GWM) which is actually not new to Malaysia. It is the manufacturer of Haval SUVs which Malaysians may know better. Now that there is a lot of potential for EV sales in Malaysia, it has switched to selling these vehicles and GWM has also come in to manage the marketing itself.

Though it is a specialist in SUVs, GWM has also quickly entered the EV sector and has had a dedicated brand called ORA for EV models since 2018. There are currently 5 models in the ORA range, all with ‘Cat’ as part of their name.

Why associate with a cat? According to ORA, it’s inspired by something former Chinese Premier Deng Xiaoping once said: “Black cat or white cat, if it can catch mice, it’s a good cat.”. Basically, that line, which referred to the country’s economy, suggested that if it works, then it must be good.

Currently the cheapest EV
For the Malaysian market, ORA is starting off with the Good Cat, one of the models which it is selling globally. Apart from having a price starting from RM139,800 (without insurance) – currently the lowest for an EV in Malaysia – the appearance of the Good Cat has also drawn attention. It’s not necessarily avant garde but is nonetheless trendy (‘retro-futurism’, ORA calls it).

For those who see a bit of Porsche in the frontal area, it’s probably due to having an ex-Porsche designer in ORA’s studio. He must have become so familiar with the Porsche face that when he designed the Good Cat, he couldn’t help but adapt the same elements. Not a bad thing and he’s done it well too, so it blends in well with the modern body lines.

The ‘bug-eyed’ classic look at the front is contrasted by a form which is on par with the designs of European brands. It’s one of those cars that will certainly turn heads as it moves along the road quietly. Though the Good Cat looks compact in pictures, we found it was a bit bigger than expected when we actually got one for testing. For comparison, its overall length of 4235 mm and width of 1825 mm is slightly larger than a Perodua Myvi.

RM30,000 for another 100 kms of range
GWM Malaysia is importing two versions of the Good Cat, differentiated mainly by the capacity of the battery pack. The RM139,800 version is the PRO which comes with a 47.788 kWh battery pack that’s claimed to be good for a range of 400 kms. For RM30,000 more, you can get the ULTRA version with a 63.139 kWh battery pack and extend the range to 500 kms.

Apart from the capacity, the two battery packs also have different chemistry though both are lithium-based. There are pros and cons for each type, with one having longer service life while the other (the larger one) has higher energy density and is better at coping with high voltages.

450 kms range is okay
For our test-drive, we were given the ULTRA so we started off with no sense of ‘range anxiety’. Although the claim is 500 kms, we found it to be around 450 kms in real-world conditions. That’s still quite a lot when you think about it. Unless you travel long distances out of town frequently, it’s enough for many days of daily motoring.

And you could even go from Kuala Lumpur to places like Ipoh, Kuantan or Melaka – provided you have the battery pack full. But be sure you know where the charging stations are so you do not waste range going round and round searching for one.

With both DC fast-charging and AC slow-charging available, the Good Cat can be recharged at any of the increasing number of charging stations. You just need to have an app which will tell you where they are, and enable you to pay charging costs. You can also recharge at home if you have a wallbox but it will be slower than using a public fast-charger so that’s more for overnight charging.

The charging port accepts connectors for AC and DC supply for slow or fast charging. (Below) At places like the Ingress Auto dealership, there are high-speed DC chargers which the public can also use.

In our case, when the battery charged was down to 65%, we decided to top it up to around 90% and that took about an hour. Yes, it is some time and you will have to get used to with the ‘EV lifestyle’ but many places have cafes for you to have a drink while waiting so it’s not too bad. We went to Ingress Auto near Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, where there is a fast-charger that the public can also use.

A different kind of driving experience
Driving an EV is a totally new experience which begins right from when you are get seated in the Good Cat. There’s no key to turn or even button to press as it is just ‘ready’ (and tells you so). There is also no shift lever and you use a rotary control to select Reverse or Drive, moving back to Neutral if you are stopped. It’s different but in time, you might even find a lever inconvenient!

A gentle press on the pedal starts the car moving forward but not as silently as you would expect an EV to be. There’s still the muted hum of the 105 kW/143 ps and 210 Nm electric motor but virtually none of the vibrations or tremors that we have long been used to from a combustion engine. This gives a sense of ‘gliding’ along the road which is rather pleasant.

One thing that those new to EVs have to adapt to is the quicker acceleration. Maximum torque is available from almost standstill so it is strong in lower speed ranges. This means that you do not have to press the accelerator hard like you usually would with a small car. The surge propels you forward quickly, making overtaking easy.

As with many cars today, there are driving modes for different conditions and the Good Cat has four. Two of them are for balanced performance; an Eco mode reduces performance to maximise range, and a Sports mode makes full use of the torque available. For most people, leaving it in Normal or Auto mode would probably be fine.

Impressively high quality
The interior of the Good Cat will immediately dispel the notion of ‘Made-in-China’ being of low quality. The finish and materials around the cabin are of impressively high quality with a premium feel. This is also enhanced by the appealing colour schemes and a panoramic sunroof is provided for both versions.

A nice touch is the row of toggle switches for the ventilation controls in the middle of the dashboard. Finished in chrome, they look like they were inspired by the switchgear in the Mini. However, they are only for on/off operation and other adjustments need to be made on the touchscreen.

The ORA designers have followed the latest trend of having the infotainment display and instrument panel integrated as a single panel about half the width of the dashboard. The graphics for the display panel ahead of the driver are futuristic and take a bit of getting used to.

On the left side is the infotainment panel spanning 10.25 inches and it is really the ‘command centre’ as many functions are managed or adjusted from there. We’re not great fans of touchscreens and with the Good Cat’s display, there are so many icons that they are small. This is not good for legibility and also requires more precise touching… which can be tricky while you’re driving. On a few occasions, we had to come to a stop to just adjust the blower speed.

The little annoyances
The other issue was that the software seemed a bit ‘buggy’ and it could be that in this first generation, conversion from what might have originally been Chinese software was rushed. In time, they should improve it as feedback from international markets is received.

Like many of today’s EVs, the Good Cat is like a ‘smartphone on wheels’ or ‘computer on wheels’ and when you become an owner, one of the first things we recommend is to disable whatever warnings you think you don’t need. We found that there were many beeps and other sounds coming on for various reasons (mostly related to the driver assistance systems) and sometimes, we didn’t know what they were for!

GWM’s L.E.M.O.N. platform on which the Good Cat sits has been optimized for an electric powertrain, which also means that a lot of interior space is available. The rear legroom is especially good, complemented by the comfortable seats. Incidentally, for the ULTRA, the driver also has a massage function in the seat.

Aftersales support will be important
While the warranties (5 years/150,000 kms for the car, 8 years/180,000 kms for the battery) are reassuring, what will matter is aftersales support. Although GWM has been in the market for some time, it is still a new brand to most Malaysians and it will have to work hard to gain trust in order to be accepted.

The company has ambitious plans to grow in Malaysia but how fast it can do that will depend on the experience owners have. We had positive impressions with the Good Cat and if ORA is consistent with quality and reliability, then that’s half the battle won. The other part will require some time as the quality of aftersales support will have to be shown.


Denmark to reduce import taxes of vehicles from 180% to a more ‘reasonable’ 100%

Denmark, unlike many other countries in Europe, isn’t particularly welcoming of car enthusiasts. According to
Bloomberg
, the reason for this is that the Danish government imposes hefty registration taxes on new vehicles. Initially the tax was pegged at 180% but was recently reduced to a more moderate 100%.

This makes it considerably more expensive for someone to own a car in Denmark than in a country like Germany or Poland. Putting that into perspective, A base model Volkswagen Golf 1.0L Trendline costs about $34,000 in Denmark compared to $21,500 if it was purchased in Germany.

This difference becomes far more apparent for more expensive vehicles. A base model Porsche 911 Carrera costs about $306,600 in Denmark but only a mere $117,900 in Germany. As ridiculous as this may sound, the country began imposing these taxes at the start of the 20th century and has hiked it even further on several occasions.

The country has resorted to this as a means to increase its income, but has now decided that it wasn’t the best of strategies. Despite being one of the wealthier countries in Europe, car buyers in Denmark do not have the financial freedom to pick and choose the vehicle of their liking. However, that should soon change with this new tax revision.

Most Danish commuters get around town either by using public transport or resorting to pedal power with a bicycle. The exorbitant sums required for the purchase of a basic vehicle, have made the idea of owning a vehicle less desirable.

Source:
Bloomberg


SDAC Recognised As The Best Ford Distributor In Asia Pacific (Distributor Markets)

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), being the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, recently gained praise for achieving the highest level of overall customer satisfaction, exceptional business performance, and the most outstanding customer initiative in 2022, clinching the Henry Ford Excellence Award.

The Henry Ford Excellence Award, previously known as the Chairman’s Award, is the highest distinction in Ford’s annual rewards and recognition programme.

To qualify as a contender for the award, distributors are required to meet several core criteria, specifically 100 percent achievement on new vehicle sales and parts sales targets. They will also need a score of at least 90 percent respectively in sales and service customer satisfaction.

Additionally, for the fourth consecutive year, the company has also earned the President’s Award for Sales and President’s Award for Service for both the highest level of sales customer satisfaction and the highest level of service customer satisfaction.

“We are honoured to receive the 2022 Henry Ford Excellence Award, President’s Award for Sales and President’s Award for Service as a recognition of our achievements and the initiatives that we have implemented for our customers. We are equally humbled to be acknowledged for our commitment and investment in making sure customers are taken care of, well after the vehicle purchase,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

“We are committed to providing a richer and more immersive ownership experience for customers through holistic programmes like Ford Ranger Getaways, the first and only initiative of its kind, not just in Malaysia, but across Ford’s vast distributor network,” he added.

Ford also takes into account any outstanding customer experience initiatives, which led to SDAC receiving the award for its unique Ford Ranger Getaways initiative.


Lucid Air to rewrite book on electric cars

Most people would never have heard of Lucid Motors but that’s how the auto industry is these days, with many new players joining it. Lucid, originally known as Atieva and based in California, is one of those start-ups which has focussed on electric vehicles during the 13 years since its founding.

From making EV hardware (batteries and powertrains) for other companies, Lucid has developed its own technology and has embarked on developing and producing its own electric cars. Its first model will be the Lucid Air with up to 4 versions at prices expected to start from US$80,000 (about RM332,000).

“Lucid Motors is driven to make the electric car better, and by doing so, help move the entire industry forward towards accelerated adoption of sustainable mobility. The goal of this relentless approach to developing the world’s most advanced electric vehicle is to benefit all mankind with sustainable, zero emission transportation, and to also attract new customers to the world of EVs,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors.

Using space to create the Air

The Lucid Air is said to be the result of a revolutionary approach to automotive packaging called the Lucid Space Concept. It capitalizes upon the miniaturization of Lucid’s in-house developed EV drivetrain to optimize interior cabin space.

The concept is central to the architecture of the Lucid Electric Advanced Platform (LEAP) upon which the Lucid Air, and forthcoming Lucid vehicles, will be built. It’s a holistic, clean-sheet approach to advanced EV construction, without using existing ‘off the shelf’ solutions so often seen in EVs from legacy automakers.

By simultaneously making smaller yet more powerful electric motors and improving the packaging of the entire electric powertrain, Lucid is able to reclaim that space for passengers and their comfort. This extends the philosophy of hyper-efficiency embedded in the car, from energy to spatial efficiency, to achieve longer range, practicality, higher performance, and luxury.

The Space Concept

The Space Concept also contributes to the subtly different and modern proportions for the Lucid Air, without relying on any traditional automotive design cues, instead delivering a  car that can look distinctive on the road.

Lucid designers have also made the Air the world’s most aero-efficient luxury car. Tests  in an advanced rolling-road wind tunnel have returned results of a Cd of 0.21. This aspect is particularly important for EVs as wind resistance must be kept to a minimum so as to enable motor output to be used to propel the car.

Advanced lighting

The car’s headlamps employ advanced technology with the revolutionary Micro Lens Array system. This has literally thousands of ‘light channels’ to provide the brightest, most precise and advanced lighting. Digital ‘steering’ of light direction is possible by digitally switching light channels in different directions to give the best spread and coverage.

Lucid will also create special retail and digital experiences for the brand which will be different. These are summed up in the brand tagline of ‘Dream Ahead’, which is also the company’s vision for rejecting the status quo and always pushing the boundaries in EV technology.

Record-breaking performance and range

Initial specifications claimed for the Lucid Air show output of up to 1,080 hp available in a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive architecture. It is claimed to be able to do the quarter-mile (about 400 metres) as quick as 9.9 seconds on a consistent, repeatable basis. To date, no other electric sedan has been able to do a time under 10 seconds, according to the company.

High performance can usually mean less range; at least that is how it has been with internal combustion engines. But for electric cars, advanced technologies are continuously extending the range and up to 832 kms is the claim for the Lucid Air with a full-charged battery pack. The compact 113 kWh extended-range battery pack is developed in-house.

World’s fastest charging EV

When it arrives in the market in 2021, the Lucid Air will be the fastest charging electric vehicle ever offered, with the capability to charge at rates of up to 32 kms per minute when connected to a DC Fast Charging network. For owners charging their car in real-world conditions on the road, that can translate into 480 kms of range within just 20 minutes of charging.

To enter the market sometime next year, the cars will be offered in North America, and some countries in Europe and the Middle East.


UMW Toyota Issues Recall Of Alphard & Vellfire For ECU & EPB Fix

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT)
, distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to update the
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
 of the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
 system of certain units of
Toyota Alphard and Vellfire
. UMWT has assured that the safety of their customers is always Toyota’s top priority.

There are around
1,900
 units of the two models manufactured from
April 2016 to Feb 2018
 and distributed by UMWT involved in this campaign. The condition occurs due to improper programming of the ECU for electric parking brake system. There is the possibility that a voltage reduction during an engine re-start after an idling stop could be judged as an abnormality if the battery has experienced degradation. If this were to occur, a warning light would illuminate and the EPB system
 may not work
.

UMWT will notify all its affected vehicle owners officially to update the ECU programming at no charge to the customers. The work should take around an hour. For further information, owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at
1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Toyota owners can also visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage through this link:
toyota.com.my
 to check whether their vehicle is involved, through
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Checker
. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker.  Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.


TRD carbon aero kit & 19-inch wheels for A90 Toyota GR Supra introduced

During the recent “The Supra is back to Japan Fes” gathering, the folks from TRD took the opportunity to launch some funky parts for the latest A90 Toyota GR Supra. They previously promised to the fans that they’ll be launching several carbon aero body kits and a stunning set of 19-inch wheels and, boy oh boy, they did not disappoint.

Displayed on the new A90 Toyota GR Supra itself, the body kit comes with a GR front spoiler, GR side skirt, GR side door garnish, GR rear side spoiler, GR trunk spoiler, and finally, the GR 19-inch aluminium wheels.

These TRD parts are not just for show and tell, ladies and gents. TRD stated that besides enhancing the Supra’s overall look into a more aggressive beast, the aero pieces will deliver better downforce, suppress air turbulence, and increase overall stability of the vehicle.

Those 19-inch aluminium wheels also add a couple of extra advantages for the driver. By adopting analysis by TRD and forging method, it achieves both fine mesh spoke design and strong rigidity. This improves steering response and top speed stability while eliminating the unpleasant noise during braking.

There is some bad news. These lovely TRD parts are only currently available in Japan so if you want to get your hands on them, you need to find some folks who can import them directly to your doorstep. A bit of hassle but never impossible for you dedicated Supra fans, right?

Price are set between 40,000 – 640,000 Yen (RM1,515 to RM24,251). That’s RM1500 for a wheel lock bolt and RM24,000 for a complete set of those tasty 19-inch aluminium wheels.


ETCM Nissan Rawang upgraded to 3S facility

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially opened an upgraded Nissan 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet in Rawang, Selangor, to better serve customers and owners in the surrounding areas. The outlet, a branch of ETCM, was originally a sales outlet only but has now been enlarged to offer the full range of services required by customers.

Besides being upgraded, the new 3S outlet incorporates the Nissan Corporate Identity with the new Nissan logo, in accordance with NRC-NEXT (the global Nissan Retail Concept). This follows Nissan’s enhanced global plan to innovate Nissan showrooms and provide customers with an elevated brand experience.

Visitors to the showroom will experience a new and comforting environment with a modern interior layout and furniture design. Customers can view all Nissan models, with a Nissan Star Car as the highlight. Presently, the Star Car is the recently launched
new Serena S-HYBRID
. Information and test-drives are available at any time.

The latest Nissan Serena S-HYBRID.

There’s also a comfortable customer lounge with refreshments, and a private room is available for discussions between customers and sales consultants.

As a mini 3S outlet, ETCM Nissan Rawang also has a fully equipped service centre on the same site. Nissan owners can obtain aftersales support provided by skilled technicians as well as Nissan Genuine Parts.  The service centre has 2 service bays for Quick service and maintenance jobs as well as it is also supported by the existing Rawang service centre  which has 4 service bays.

The ETCM Nissan Rawang outlet’s showroom is open 7 days a week while the service centre operates from Mondays to Saturdays.

New Nissan dealerships
Besides the Rawang outlet, ETCM also has news dealerships in the Northern, Southern and East Malaysia regions. These are operated by Lofty World Sdn Bhd (Taiping, Perak), Da Kim Auto Sdn Bhd (Kluang, Johor), and Ngu Brothers Motor Service Sdn Bhd (Sibu, Sarawak).

Other authorised Nissan outlets in Malaysia can be located at the Nissan Malaysia website at
www.nissan.com.my
.

2022 Nissan Serena S-HYBRID updated with cosmetic changes and added safety features


Honda reveals sketch of 10th generation Accord

Honda has released a concept sketch of its upcoming 10th generation Accord. Based on what we can see, the new car should have a more muscular and sporty stance compared to the previous generation, which is a very good thing. Though the overall design language doesn’t detract much from that of its predecessor, the changes provide the silhouette more depth and the curvature of the front-end give the car a menacing look.

The all new 2018 Honda Accord will make its global debut in Detroit on July 14 and the Japanese automaker boasts that it will be the most ‘fun-to-drive, premium looking and dramatically styled Accord ever made’. Earlier in the month, it was revealed that Honda would be offering the car with two new direct-injection turbo engines that would be paired with either the new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission. The hybrid variant should feature the company’s next generation two-motor hybrid powertain technology.

Honda says that it will reveal full details regarding the performance of these powertrains as well as the new design and technology at the launch event, state side. North America is an important market for the Japanese company because for the past four years, it has seen the Accord top the sales charts in the midsize sedan segment. And in the first five months of 2017, it has held the title of segment leader in sales and is the best-selling passenger car overall after the new Honda Civic.

Expect more details regarding the car very soon as Honda prepares to reveal the highly anticipated 10th generation Honda Accord for the global market next month.


4-seater Lexus LM350 MPV coming to Malaysia in 2021

Finally, the Lexus range gets a MPV after 31 years of existence. Unveiled at the Shanghai Motorshow in China last year, the new model is designated LM350, the ‘LM’ referring to ‘Luxury Mover’. It’s no secret that the LM350 is adapted from
Toyota’s Alphard
 model, a practical move for the luxury brand. In earlier years, it had also adapted the Land Cruiser to become the
LX SUV
 before it developed its own SUV, the RX.

The new LM350 has been progressively introduced in various Asian markets and will be launched in Malaysia in May 2021 (deliveries to commence in June 2021). Orders are now accepted by Lexus Malaysia with a deposit based on the price of
RM1,148,000
 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration).

“In true Lexus fashion, the engineers have crafted a vehicle that heralds a new level of dignity in luxury motoring. From the immense road presence of the vehicle to the finite details of each interior component, the all-new Lexus LM350 is crafted to exceed the desires of those who appreciate the highest level of style and comfort on the move,” said the President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.

There are two powertrains for the LM range and as the hybrid LM300h would be more expensive, Lexus Malaysia has decided to focus on the LM350 which is powered by a 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine that delivers 296 bhp/361 Nm through a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

Biggest Lexus spindle grille

In adapting the Alphard, the LM350 gets Lexus styling elements on the exterior, notably the signature spindle grille with a chrome frame. Given the large frontal area, this is the largest version of the spindle grille in the Lexus range. Like the Alphard, it has ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlights on either side of the short bonnet.

Inside too, the Lexus treatment is evident with Omotenashi hospitality being the guiding philosophy. While the Alphard already offers a luxurious interior, the LM350 goes further to offer a mobile first-class lounge on wheels. If privacy is required, a standard glass partition can be raised or lowered at a touch of a button.

Only 2 seats at the back

To provide plenty of space in the cabin, there are just 2 VIP lounge seats for the passengers behind the front occupants. With the 5-metre body length and 3-metre wheelbase, this means that very generous legroom is available even when the Adaptipedic seats are fully reclined. The semi-aniline lounge seats are adjustable in numerous ways to achieve the most comfortable seating position and also have an Ottoman massage function with air-cooling within the seats.

Lefthand drive version for Philippines shown above.

The equipment and fittings installed ensure that every journey will be a pleasure with large cubicles on both sides of the cabin for stowing a handbag or even an attache case, as well as a mini fridge. A 26-inch full HD display panel is mounted ahead of the seats and the infotainment system has numerous functions and connectivity options.

On the dashboard in front is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with controls that be activated through a touchpad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system for superlative sound quality.

Lexus Safety System +

Occupant protection is a high priority and the LM350 comes with advanced active and passive safety systems. These include the Lexus Safety System + with its integrated driver-assistance systems such as the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive High-Beam System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There are 7 airbags around the cabin with 2 curtain airbags that will cover the side window areas and provide protection against injuries during side impacts.

Adaptive High-Beam System (above) and Lane Tracing Assist (below) are two of the active driver-assistance systems in the Lexus Safety System +.

Commenting on the new model, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama, said: “Lexus has once again delivered on the promise of elevating executive-class travel on the road. Whether your journeys are for urban commutes or inter-state travels, the notion of being transported in sophisticated elegance, top-level comfort and advanced safety is not compromised. Few vehicles on the road today are able deliver you in such a capable and dignified manner as the LM350 does.

Why buy an official import?

Although some may say that they can get lower prices at independent dealerships, they may not realise that there are some important points which can affect their ownership experience. One is the technical specifications which may seem the same for every market but according to a Lexus engineer, specific tuning is necessary for each market. For the Malaysian market, the tuning takes into account the higher cruising speeds as well as higher air temperatures.

Then there is aftersales support which Lexus Malaysia is committed to provide as the authorised importer and distributor. This means not just maintenance but also warranty coverage which is 5 years (unlimited mileage) and the provision of genuine replacement parts. And should there be a recall to rectify an issue, only those who have officially imported units will be able to get the support as the ‘unofficial’ imports may actually be recorded by Lexus as being in another country.

100% financing packages to buy new Toyota or Lexus models


Formula E: 1-2-3 Finish For Jaguar Powered Cars In Sao Paulo e-Prix

Formula E is a truly world championship: in just 6 rounds, the event has been held at venues in 5 different regions of the world – Central America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and this weekend, South America for the Sao Paulo e-Prix.

The Brazilian city hosted a round of the all-electric single-seater championship for the first time this year. Like the other venues, the event ran on a street circuit and this 2.96-km one was challenging with the high speeds possible. The drivers raced their Gen3 cars along roads with long straights normally reserved for carnival floats and revelry

Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) led home a first 1-2-3 for the Jaguar powertrain, with Nick Cassidy (Envision Racing) and Sam Bird (Jaguar TCS Racing) crossing the line together. Any thoughts of different tuning could be dismissed as the trio crossed the line just half a second apart.

It was a flat out push to the finish at the rapid 11-turn circuit, with Evans managing to navigate his way through constant position changes up-and-down the pack to take the chequered flag first from third on the grid. The fight for the lead was impossible to keep track of come the start of Lap 14 – absolutely wild with three or four changes for the lead over a single lap and Cassidy coming out on top.

Meanwhile, Dennis and Wehrlein came together at Turn 3 after Ticktum had clouted the former. Dennis suffered most and was forced into retirement, with another spell under the
Porsche Taycan Safety Car
 required. The restart came on Lap 19, with leader Cassidy and Vandoorne taking ATTACK MODE. Da Costa and Evans followed a lap later, with the top four shaking out in the same order of Cassidy from da Costa, Evans and Vandoorne – though the Jaguar made immediate moves for the lead.

The New Zealander took the initiative and the race lead from his compatriot Cassidy as the race headed into 4 TAG Heuer Added Laps (to make up for time lost to the Safety Car). Evan’s move on Lap 32 proved to be decisive, with neither Cassidy nor Evans’ teammate Bird able to undo the leader’s defensive driving – despite Bird having collected a couple of extra percentage points of useable energy during his climb from 10th on the grid at the start.

Cassidy had led the race more than once, but will be more than satisfied to score 3 podiums on the spin for the first time in his Formula E career. Polesitter Stoffel Vandoorne (DS PENSKE) had led the way early on, fending off Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa during the first round of ATTACK MODE activations until the race reached its half-way stage.

The Belgian would end up sixth after struggling for usable energy from his time out-front. Da Costa had slipped to fourth and briefly made designs on the podium but wound up settling for that berth just outside the podium positions. Jean-Eric Vergne headed his teammate home for an eventual fifth spot.

Standings leader Pascal Wehrlein had it all to do from 18th on the grid and sliced his way through the pack to seventh position at the chequered flag with Jake Hughes finishing eighth, just ahead of teammate Rast in ninth – Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing) rounding out the top 10.

Meanwhile, Jake Dennis (Avalanche Andretti) suffered another non-finish after contact from Dan Ticktum’s NIO 333 saw his 99X Electric shoved into Wehrlein’s Porsche. All that meant Wehrlein keeps a hold of his Drivers’ World Championship lead on 86 points from Dennis’ 62 points, while Cassidy clambered into third just a point behind the Brit. TAG Heuer Porsche heads Envision Racing 144 points to 103 with Jaguar TCS Racing third on 83 points.

I-TYPE 6 – The Most Advanced And Efficient Electrically-Powered Jaguar Racing Car

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