Jaguar’s “Art Of Performance Tour” Is Coming To Malaysia!

Jaguar’s
The Art of Performance Tour
 will make its debut in Malaysia this month, as part of its tour across the Asia Pacific importer region. First introduced in Europe in 2016, the multi-city tour is a unique driving experience that provides consumers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new, modern lineup of Jaguar vehicles.

Held from
16 to 18 March at the Setia City Convention Centre
, The Art of Performance Tour Malaysia promises an unforgettable and thrilling driving experience. The public can look forward to putting the Jaguar XE, XF and F-PACE through their paces on a dynamic driving circuit, an on-road drive as well as Jaguar’s innovative
Smart Cones
 course.

Unpredictable with a million different potential courses, Smart Cones is designed to measure the drivers’ skill and exploit the cars’ precise and agile handling. Inspired by the agility training game known as ‘Batak’, the system uses wireless technology to produce both a predetermined and a random course of intelligent illuminating cones, notifying drivers of their next target with only a moment’s notice.

As the car is driven, its precise co-ordinates are measured in relation to the cones and sent to a central computer system 100 times per second to track its performance. Every driver gets a score report that takes into account the model of the car used and driving conditions.

In addition to the driving experience, participants will also be among the first in Malaysia to preview and test drive the
F-PACE 2.0L model
, which will be launched in Malaysia this April. The F-PACE’s new 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium powertrain features a single twin-scroll turbo that produces
250PS and 365Nm
 of torque from only 1,200rpm. The F-PACE has also been designed and engineered for the most stringent global crash test requirements while reducing vehicle weight.

The 2017 Jaguar F-PACE has been named the winner of the 2017 World Car of the Year and won the World Car Design of the Year Award at the New York International Auto Show. In Malaysia, the F-PACE was a winner in the SUV and Crossover category (RM500,001 – RM700,000) at the 2017 Malaysian Car of The Year Awards, which was organised under the auspices of the Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI).

To participate in the Art of Performance Tour Malaysia, members of the public must register at
http://www.jaguar.com.my/promotions-events/the-art-of-performance-tour
. Existing Jaguar-Land Rover customers are also invited to the event.


Hyundai launches grassroots football program with Chelsea FC

Chelsea fans all over the world love their football club sponsored by Hyundai. Being at the highest level of football, Hyundai Motor UK knows that the way to further improve for the club’s future is to invest and support the sport from a grassroots level.

Hyundai Motor UK, the global automotive partner of Chelsea FC, has teamed up with the club and Hyundai dealerships across the UK to launch Hyundai FC; a nationwide grassroots football programme for junior teams.

Teams of eleven girls and boys from the Under-8s all the way up to Under-16s will partner up with Hyundai UK dealerships in the program that’ll offer unique football experiences throughout the season.

What’s even cooler is that each team will receive top-level coaching sessions from Chelsea FC UEFA qualified Foundation coaches, brand new playing and training kit and other Chelsea FC benefits to inspire the next generation of aspiring footballers.

This grassroots-level program is part of Hyundai’s ‘For The Fans’ commitment in English football by supporting fans at all levels of the sport. This includes grassroots players, coaches and parents at the eleven Hyundai FC clubs to the elite-level through the sponsorship of Chelsea FC.

David Pugh, Marketing Director at Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “One of the key aims of For The Fans is to put fans first – supporting and enabling all fans from grassroots to elite level across the country. With the help of our dealerships and Chelsea’s top-class Foundation coaches, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of players and fans through Hyundai FC. We are looking forward to giving the 11 teams involved a season they will never forget.”

Throughout 2019, each of the eleven teams will be visited by Chelsea FC Foundation coaches to implement their training programmes as well as each Hyundai FC club coach having the chance to visit the Blues’ training base in Cobham to participate in a hands-on coaching experience with Chelsea Academy coaches and teams.

Simon Taylor, Head of the Chelsea FC Foundation, said: “It is fantastic to see companies like Hyundai investing in football from the elite level right through to the grassroots. The Foundation is looking forward to working with the players and coaches, helping to deliver a programme that will stay with the clubs for years to come and creating a legacy for the Hyundai FC coaches, their teams and football in their communities.”


Weststar Maxus To Absorb 6% GST With Immediate Effect For All Variants

In the Ramadan spirit of giving, and with the Government’s revised GST to zero percent, Weststar Maxus, the sole distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in Malaysia, has reworked its pricing for the range of
G10
 luxury “people mover” and
V80
 commercial vehicles with 0% GST
effective immediately
.

The price reductions ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000 will remain in effect until end May pending the reimplementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) by the Government.
“This initiative is aimed at making the full range of our vehicles more affordable to Malaysians,”
 says
Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Group Managing Director, the Weststar Group
.
“We are now in an expansion phase and want to strengthen our brand and quality proposition to the widest target segments across the country.”

Plans are afoot to open two new showrooms within the next couple of months in
Penang
 and
Kota Bharu
. Weststar Maxus also opened a showroom in
Bangsar
, Kuala Lumpur, in February this year.
“The marquee value of Weststar Maxus has gained considerable traction among family and commercial segments in the last two years, and we are confident that our product range has the price, quality, and features advantages to succeed as a premium brand,”
 notes Tan Sri Syed Azman.

The Maxus G10 range of luxury vehicles is powered by a
225Hp
 (165kW)
2.0T turbo-charged direct injection engine
 pared with a ZF 6-speed automated manual gearbox for smooth power output and swifter response to gear shifting. With a maximum of
345Nm
 on tap, the Maxus G10 SE delivers a similar power ratio as that of a 3.0L natural aspirated engine, but with 30 percent less fuel consumption. Read more about the Maxus G10
here
.

The Weststar Maxus G10 is available at all Weststar Maxus showrooms throughout the country starting from as low as
RM130,000
. The Weststar Maxus G10 range is available in six colour options – Obsidian Black, Blanc White, Aurora Silver, Weststar Blue, Amber Gold, and Lava Grey. Below are the new prices:

Maxus G10

G10 Model

Current Price

New Price On the Road Without GST                               (OTR without Insurance)

Difference

Base Sport CBU

137,954.85

130,146.08

7,808.77

G10 SE CBU

157,348.50

148,441.98

8,906.52

G10 SE CKD

152,623.30

143,984.25

8,639.05

Executive CBU

179,935.11

169,750.01

10,185.01

Maxus V80

Window Van 12-Seater

130,678.60

123,281.70

7,396.90

Window Van 15-Seater

131,738.60

124,281.70

7,456.90

SWB

90,996.18

85,845.45

5,150.73

LWB

111,129.45

104,839.10

6,290.35


Volkswagen ID. R breaks Nürburgring electric record – by 40 seconds!

It’s been years in the making but the
Volkswagen ID. R
 has done it, folks! The 680hp all-electric race car has broken yet another record and officially gain the title as the fastest electric car to go around the infamous Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit aka “The Green Hell”.

Piloted by Volkswagen’s trusted mad genius driver, Romain Dumas, the Volkswagen ID. R successfully lapped the track at 6:05.336. To compare to the previous record set by Peter Dumbreck in the NIO EP9 back in 2019, the Volkswagen ID. R-Romain Dumas combo was faster by a whopping 40.464 seconds!

Travelling at an average speed of 206.96km/h using nothing but clean green electricity (and zero emissions), the ID. R is the future of racing and the racing flagship of the future fully electric ID. product family from Volkswagen.

According to Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group, “The ID.R has mastered this challenge with great distinction and has completed the fastest emission-free lap of all time. As further proof of its impressive performance capabilities, Volkswagen’s e-mobility can now proudly call itself ‘Nürburgring-approved’. I congratulate the team from Volkswagen Motorsport and driver Romain Dumas on the third record for the ID.R.”

As for Romain Dumas, who also happens to be a four-time winner of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, “To be a record-holder on the Nordschleife makes me unbelievably proud. For me, this is the best and most difficult racetrack in the world. I want to thank the team at Volkswagen Motorsport, who have once again done a fantastic job. The ID.R was perfectly prepared for the Nordschleife and it was so much fun to experience the blistering acceleration and rapid cornering speeds.”

Volkswagen ‘Sound & Style’ range announced – From RM174,990


Land Rover Defender is 2021 Women’s World Car of the Year

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

Since 2009, a group of female motoring experts from 5 continents has got together to pick the
Women’s World Car of the Year/Best Car of the Year
. It is the only car awards group in the world with only women motoring journalists.

Jury of 50 women from 38 countries

This year, the group that formed the jury numbered 50 and they were from 38 countries. Before casting their votes, they tested dozens of models and evaluated each accordingly. Nine models reached the final phase, each of them winners in their category, and all of them worthy candidates for the overall award which went to the Land Rover Defender.

The voting system of the
Women’s World Car of the Year
 was based this year on choosing in the first round the three best cars in each category, taking into account models launched between January and December 2020. The Defender won with high scores for aspects such as safety, performance, comfort, technology and value for money.

Peugeot 208 – Best Urban Car

Besides the Defender, other models which were tops in the various categories were:

Urban Car – Peugeot 208

Family Car – Skoda Octavia

Luxury Car – Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Performance Car – Ferrari F8 Spider

Urban SUV – Peugeot 2008

Medium SUV – Land Rover Defender

Large SUV – Kia Sorento

4×4 & Pick-up – Ford F-150

Electric Vehicle – Honda e

Lexus LC500 Convertible – Best Luxury Car

Honda e – Best EV

Of interest to women

“The
Women’s World Car of the Year
 is the only jury in the world made up entirely of women motoring journalists. This gives it enormous value because its decisions represent the liking and preferences of millions of women drivers around the globe. But cars have no gender and are not subject to stereotypes so the winners of these awards are, quite simply, the best cars in the world. And this year’s top winner is the Land Rover Defender,” said Marta Garcia, Executive President of the
Women’s World Car of the Year
.

The voting was verified by Grant Thornton, from its office in New Zealand, which has been certifying the results of the
Women’s World Car of the Year
 awards since its inception. Paul Kane, a partner in the company, said it is always a hard-fought process.

All-new Mazda3 is 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year


Second season of Toyota GAZOO Racing Velocity Esports Championship is on!

Last year, UMW Toyota Motor was the first Malaysian car company to be associated with the fast-growing Esports racing when it ran the inaugural TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP. With the extremely strong response, the company has decided to run a second season this year which will take place between
August 31 and September 15.

“We are very delighted with the overwhelming response from the public towards our very first TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship last year, which was one of the largest Esports event in the country. We are confident that it will be more challenging this year, as more talented drivers would want to compete in the competition,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“Esports is a rapidly rising industry in Malaysia, as well as regionally and globally. It provides thrills and excitement of racing experience for the younger generation and Toyota’s involvement in this activity complements the dynamic and sporty side of the brand through the Toyota GAZOO Racing banner,” he added.

The high-performance activities of Toyota include the
Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival)

which takes place 4 times a year at various locations around the country and enters its third season in 2019. Besides the TGR Festival and the Esports Championship, UMWT’s effort to establish a stronger presence in Malaysian motorsports will include the introduction of the GR Supra and GR Garage.

Scenes from last year’s inaugural event

Two phases in championship

The TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. All participants will first go through a time-trial phase at Cove Esports in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor on August 31/September 1 and September 14/15. The top 40 racers with the fastest lap times will then be eligible to enter the Grand Final event.

The Grand Final will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Centre Court) on September 21/22 from 10 am to 9 pm. From the top 40 qualifiers who will challenge each other in the final round of races, one will be crowned as the Champion for 2019. This year, winners will share a bigger pool of prize money which totals RM70,000.

For those who don’t buy the real car which will be launched in Malaysia later this year. participating in this event will let them experience Toyota’s flagship sportscar.

The car: 2019 Toyota GR Supra

All participants will use the latest 2019 Toyota GR Supra, Toyota’s flagship sportscar developed not only for real motorsports but also for Gran Turismo Esport. This year, they will be racing around the Fuji Speedway in Japan, the famous 1.475-km long circuit with one of the longest straights in the world. The top 10 finalists will be competing head to head in a 10-lap race on a best-of-three tracks which are the Kyoto Driving Park, Suzuka Circuit as well as the Fuji Speedway.

Thrustmaster will supply its T-GT ultimate racing simulators. The racers will benefit from unique new technologies which allow them to experience the superior driving dynamics of the GR Supra and drive to the limits.

For information on the TOYOTA GAZOO RACING VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP and registration for participation, members of the public can visit
ToyotaVelocity.com
 .

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


Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA to merge and become 4th largest global automotive manufacturing group

Just as in the late 1990s when the changing business environment forced companies to merge or form alliances to be more competitive, the same thing is happening as this decade ends. Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)  will enter a 50:50 merger of their businesses which will create the 4th largest global automotive manufacturing group (by volume) and 3rd largest by revenue.

The new combined company will have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, with revenues of nearly 170 billion euros, recurring operating profit of over 11 billion euros, and an operating profit margin of 6.6%, all on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results. At present, the combined balance sheet is strong and therefore provides significant financial flexibility and ample headroom both to execute strategic plans and invest in new technologies throughout the cycle.

The brands from FCA

Broad-based brand portfolio

The combined entity will have a balanced and profitable global presence with a highly complementary and iconic brand portfolio covering all key vehicle segments from luxury, premium, and mainstream passenger cars through to SUVs and trucks and light commercial vehicles. This will be underpinned by FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s solid position in Europe.

The new Group will have much greater geographic balance with 46% of revenues derived from Europe and 43% from North America, based on aggregated 2018 figures of each company. The combination will bring the opportunity for the new company to reshape the strategy in other regions.

The brands from Groupe PSA brands

Sharing platforms will be key to efficiency

As has been the case with mergers of other groups, sharing platforms will be key to efficiency. The efficiencies that will be gained from optimizing investments in vehicle platforms, engine families and new technologies while leveraging increased scale will enable the business to enhance its purchasing performance and create additional value for stakeholders. More than two-thirds of production volumes will be concentrated on 2 platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

While mergers often see downsizing exercises in facilities and manpower, it has been stressed that this one will not see plant closures or losses of jobs. In a letter to employees, Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA, said: “The success of this merger will be underpinned by the history of our companies – a history where we have shown our leadership ability to deliver the successful integration of multiple cultures, passionate care for our iconic brands and a smart, tough, creative determination to succeed.”

About FCA and Groupe PSA

FCA was established in October 2014 when Fiat and Chrysler merged into a new holding company with two main subsidiaries – FCA Italy (previously Fiat Group Automobiles SpA) and FCA US. The portfolio of vehicle brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Lancia, and Maserati from the Fiat side, and Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep from the Chrysler side. In 1998, as Chrysler Corporation, the company had merged with Daimler AG in what was the first of ‘mega-mergers’ in the auto industry. Described as a ‘merger of equals’, it never worked out and the two companies separated in 2007.

Groupe PSA, earlier known as PSA Peugeot Citroen (between 1991 and 2016) has brands with a very long history, notably Peugeot which was founded over 200 years ago and Citroen which celebrated its 100
th
 anniversary in March this year. The Group currently has 5 vehicle brands – Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall, the last two brands having been acquired in 2017.


Six pairs of original Jaguar E-Types to be restored to celebrate 60th anniversary in 2021

March 2021 will be the 60
th
 anniversary of the iconic British sportscar – the Jaguar E-Type. To mark the occasion, Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-types. The E-Type 60 Edition, as each car will be known, will be restored 3.8 E-Types with commemorative detailing and exclusive paint colours.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-types of all: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

Co-founder and Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, Sir William Lyons, introducing the E-Type in 1961.

Debut in Geneva

An Opalescent Gunmetal Grey 3.8-litre Fixed-Head Coupe registered ‘9600 HP’ was one of the first two E-types unveiled to specially-invited guests. Driven ‘flat out’ to Switzerland from Coventry the night before the launch, public relations manager Bob Berry arrived with minutes to spare for demonstration drives.

With an outstanding reaction to the E-Type resulting in overwhelming demand for drives with Berry, legendary Jaguar Test and Development Engineer Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and drive a British Racing Green 3.8-litre roadster registered ‘77 RW’ from Coventry to Geneva. He took did the drive across Europe through the night.

The very first two E-Types made available for public test-drives.

Both cars were also loaned to the media for their road tests, which confirmed the car’s performance, including its 241 km/h top speed. One of the contributors to the high performance was its jet aircraft-inspired lines on a bodywork refined in a wind tunnel.

Built by Jaguar Classic

Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility in England, the largest such facility in the world. There will be an existing 1960s 3.8-litre E-type fully-restored to exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.

Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one Flat Out Grey ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster, with unique paint formulations exclusively reserved for these cars. There will be a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details created in conjunction with Jaguar Design Director Julian Thomson.

A car that made an impact

Synonymous with the revolutionary zeitgeist of the Swinging Sixties, E-Types were owned by celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland. And, thanks to the beauty of its sculptural forms, its functionality and its impact on design, an E-Type became only the third car to join The Museum of Modern Art’s design collection in 1996.

“The Jaguar E-Type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961. It’s testament to the E-Type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.

“The E-Type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-Type admirers, honouring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team that created it – many of whom have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come,” he added.

1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe reborn


What The FXX K? Ferrari Wins 3 Red-Dot Design Awards Simultaneously! [+Videos]

Ferrari has received the
Red Dot: Best of the Best Award
 for the ground-breaking design of the
Portofino
, Ferrari’s most recent V8-engined GT car. This is the consecutive fourth year that the Prancing Horse receives this prestigious honour for one of its new models. The Ferrari Portofino (below) is an elegant and versatile convertible which features a retractable hardtop together with class-leading performance and luggage space.

Its styling impressed the international judging panel which stated:
“Embodying an impressive evolutionary advancement, the Ferrari Portofino fascinates with an exciting design language. It comes across as a fascinating sculptural statement. The integration of the retractable hardtop presents an optimal solution. The haunting elegance is further underscored by the uncompromising quality in material and workmanship. The Ferrari Portofino is the perfect embodiment of novel approaches that point to the future.”

During the Gala ceremony on the 9th of July at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany, the jury of international designers also assigned
two Red Dot awards
 for outstanding design quality to Ferrari for the
812 Superfast
 (above) and the
FXX K EVO
(below). The awards are testimony to the unmistakable design and ground-breaking technology that are at the basis of Ferrari’s production.

The 812 Superfast redefined the formal language of front-engined V12 Ferraris without altering either the exterior dimensions or interior space. With a distinct fastback sleekness to its silhouette, sharply slanted crease lines and impressively muscular wheel-arches imbue the 812 Superfast with the power and aggression warranted by its imposing 6.5-litre V12. Here’s our friend
GC Mah
 from
Autobuzz.my
 and his take on the 812 Superfast at Maranello!

The
Ferrari
FXX-K Evo

(arf arf, snigger, snigger.. still find this name quite epic! –
Ed
.)
 marks a significant evolution of the XX programme launched in 2005 with cars developed specifically to play an active role in this exclusive research and development programme. The FXX-K Evo features an evolved aero package developed by Ferrari’s engineers in synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre’s designers, to push to the very limit the performance of a model that already represents the state-of-the-art in terms of track-only supercars. Watch F1 ace Seb Vettel punish one around a track below!


Ford named one of world’s most ethical companies for eighth time

The Blue Oval’s green practices have not gone unnoticed

Ethisphere Institute named Ford in its list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eighth year in succession. The Michigan based automotive giant has long been committed to reducing its environmental footprint and has forged a partnership with suppliers by sharing its sustainability practices with them.

Ford calls it The Partnership for A Cleaner Environment (PACE) which originally focused on water and energy conservation. Now however, the company’s practices include reducing waste, carbon dioxide and air emissions.

Though such sustainability practices have been implemented for quite a while at the company’s manufacturing sites, it’s only recently that it began roping in its legion of suppliers to adopt greener methods for the completion of their day-to-day activities. Ford’s programme to suppliers include tools to help them reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and waste while help making water and energy consumption more efficient. Some of the practices that Ford wants its suppliers to inculcate in their strive for greener efficiency is to include optimising cooling tower operations, reducing compressed air usage in manufacturing operations and eliminating single-pass cooling systems.

More than 40 companies have officially joined the PACE programme which means that close to 1,100 supplier sites in more than 40 countries will have the technical know-how on how to reduce waste, carbon dioxide and water consumption while increasing efficiency.

Speaking of the programme, Marty Wroten who is senior manager of Ford Supply Chain Sustainability, said, “As a company, it’s important that we make quality products and minimise the impact on the environment by doing things the right way. Having suppliers that want to share that responsibility shows we can work together to reduce our collective environmental footprint, while still continuing to deliver great products.”

As part of the PACE programme, Ford offers monitoring tools that help suppliers track and achieve their own sustainability goals, which will allow them to share their environmental progress report and best practices.


Volvo XC60 earns top marks in crash tests

Thatcham Research is an independent advocate of automotive safety & repair as well as an adviser to motorists, insurers and vehicle manufacturers in aiding the reduction in accident frequency, severity and costs. This world leader in crash safety and research, has awarded the Volvo XC60 with top marks for vehicle safety.

In fact, the Swede scored 95% in the Safety Assist category, which is about 40% higher than the average for cars that were tested this year. Contributing to this stellar score was its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system that scored maximum points when tested at highway speeds and was successful at avoiding all collisions.

“The new Volvo XC60 has “aced” the exacting test protocols,” said Matthew Avery director of research at Thatcham Research. “It’s exceedingly rare for a vehicle to score so favourably across the board. The adult occupant protection result for the Volvo XC60 is one of the best on record.”

“But it’s in active safety that Volvo is really maintaining its lead. The XC60’s standard-fit safety technologies are excellent – or rather those that we were able to test, as its Turn Across Path and Run off Road systems are not yet a feature of the Euro NCAP programme,” he added.

Other SUVs that were tested during the same period included the Citroën C3 Aircross, Opel / Vauxhhall Crossland X, VW T-Roc, Skoda Karoq and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. All of them performed relatively well by achieving the Euro NCAP 5-star rating respectively.

Besides crash and track research, Thatcham Research also conducts tests and accredits crash repair parts, vehicle repair technicians, as well as others services. The acquired data is then used to benefit the collision repair industry for insurers, motor manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.


Proton Hits 3 Record Highs In January 2019, February Promo Announced [+Video]

PROTON
has kicked-off 2019 on a high note as total registrations climbed to
7,007
 units for
January 2019
. The 3 highs include:

– Sales growth rate highest among Top-3 automotive brands

– Proton X70 breaks single month registration record for C-segment SUVs

– 74 3S/4S outlets now open to support SSI and CSI targets

The estimated market share is
14.5%
, though the final figure will only be confirmed following the publication of industry sales data by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Following its launch on 12 December 2018, deliveries of the
Proton X70
 have gathered pace as more units of PROTON’s first SUV become available. Having set a Malaysia market record for most registrations by an SUV in its launch month, the trend continued in the new year with
2,777
 units registered in January 2019. The amount means the Proton X70 has set a new record for the most C-segment SUV registrations in a single calendar month.

Here’s our video of the new Proton X70 during the official media drive:

The large number of SUVs registered were instrumental in PROTON posting impressive sales growth figures. Compared to the previous month sales increased by 33.6% while year-on-year, the figure represents a 46.5% growth over January 2018, easily making PROTON the market leader in growth rate for the Top-3 automotive brands.

Another area where the Company leads the industry is in the number of 3S/4S facilities in its network. There are currently 74 PROTON 3S/4S outlets and dealers in operation as at the end of the month with more set to open throughout the year. Together they will assist PROTON in achieving their Sales Service Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI) target scores.

“PROTON is thankful to be able to start 2019 on a positive note. We already knew we would end the month with the most 3S/4S outlets in the industry but the market leading sales growth rate figure and the record setting number of SUV registrations is due to the humbling support we have received from Malaysian car buyers. There is still a long way to go for the brand to fully recover but we will strive to continue to deliver a premium experience at our outlets while improving our model offerings,”
 said
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON
(above).

For the month of February, PROTON is looking to maintain its sales momentum by running an
Ang Pow promotion
. Buyers of Proton vehicles are eligible for savings worth up to
RM4,000
 dependant on the model they choose.

“In conjunction with Chinese New Year, PROTON would like to continue to reward its customers with extra incentives for buying a brand new Proton car. The Company would also like to wish all Malaysians a Happy Chinese New Year and remind them to drive safely during the festive period,”
 added Dr Li.


F1 (Round 10): Results And Highlights Of 2020 Russian Grand Prix

♦ The first two retirements of the race were Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz, Jr. who crashed within the first few turns, bringing the Safety Car out for the first 5 laps.

♦ Pirelli said that early appearance of the Safety Car would help reduce tyre wear at a crucial point in the race with the cars on full fuel. It would also be advantageous for the soft tyre runners.

♦ As the race resumed with the departure of the Safety Car, news came that Lewis Hamilton had been given
two
 5-second penalties. The offence: doing practice starts in the wrong place.

♦ At that early point in the race, there were at least 6 cars within 10 seconds of Hamilton, who was in the lead, so he had to work very hard to stretch the gap. He served his penalty on the 17th lapas tyres were changed, rejoining the race in 10th position.

♦ At the halfway mark of the 53-lap race, it was Valtteri Bottas in the lead with a 10-second gap from Max Verstappen. A frustrated Hamilton was about 5 places back and contemplating whether to push harder or just manage the tyres and pick up as many points as possible by the end of the race.

♦ Daniel Ricciardo was another driver who got a penalty – 5 seconds for  ‘failing to follow the race director’s instructions’. Accepting the bad news, the Aussie driver told his team that he would ‘drive faster’.

♦ With 10 laps remaining, Hamilton was up to third, behind Verstappen and Bottas. But the gaps were fairly big and by race end, the Red Bull driver was about 14 seconds ahead.


Transformers Goes Old School With The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a completely new faction of Transformers, returning to the action and spectacle that have captivated moviegoers across the world.

According to Porsche, it chose to collaborate with Paramount on this movie and was given some input over the particular model selected for the character of Mirage (played by Pete Davidson). Therefore, it picked one of the most remarkable and uncommon examples it could.

Given that the film is set in the 1990s, it is fitting that the company chose a 964-generation vehicle, even if most spectators would have been satisfied with a normal 911. Porsche, however, went all out casting the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 as the Autobot Mirage.

The 1992 introduction of the Carrera RS was followed by the even hotter 911 Carrera RS 3.8. It made 250 hp, weighed roughly 155 kg less than the standard Carrera 2, and was based on the company’s Cup Car at the time. It also featured a stiffer suspension. Porsche’s machinists, on the other hand, had their way with the engine for this particular model, changing the 3.6-litre engine into a 3.8. This enabled the Carrera RS 3.8 to produce 300 hp.

However, only 55 units of the car were ever made and it was only sold in Europe. Therefore, no original model was utilised in the movie to avoid the chance of damage. Instead of risking the destruction of a genuine original Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8, five camera cars that appear just like the real thing was made.

These vehicles were altered to do stunt sequences, go backwards faster than a conventional automobile, and had controls outside the vehicle so that performers could be filmed without having to operate the vehicle themselves. Now you know why Porsche did not want to use an original vehicle for that.

Fortunately, the production firm insisted on the accuracy, so just because a real 911 Carrera RS 3.8 isn’t visible doesn’t mean one wasn’t utilised in the movie. In fact, a real example of the car was used to record the roaring engine noises for the movie.

So if you gearheads are excited to see this legend on screen, you can do so as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is currently playing in theatres.


BMW Group Malaysia & SDAE Open New Engine Assembly Facility In Kedah

(L-R) Mr. Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors; Mr. Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Berhad; Dato’ Madani Sahari, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Automotive Institute; Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Chairman of Sime Darby Berhad; Ms. Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President of Region Asia Pacific, BMW Group; Datin K. Talagavathi, Deputy Secretary General responsible for Industry, Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia; Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Senior Vice President of Production Engines and Electrified Powertrains, BMW Group; and Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group Malaysia

BMW Group Malaysia
and
 Sime Darby Auto Engineering (SDAE)
, a division of Sime Darby Motors today opened the doors to the new SDAE Engine Assembly Facility in Kulim, Kedah.

Speaking at the opening ceremony,
Datin K. Talagavathi, Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia
 said,
“I am pleased to officiate the opening of the new Sime Darby Auto Engineering Engine Assembly Facility here in Kulim, Kedah today. The new engine assembly facility developed through the partnership and initiatives of Sime Darby Motors and the BMW Group, will not only boost the local capabilities and regional competitiveness of the country but will also create employment opportunities and raise technical competency skills for Malaysians.”

She added that the new engine assembly facility, alongside the assembly plant and the Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Johor by premium automaker BMW Group would promote the exchange of technological know-how, thereby developing a more innovative and talented workforce in line with the transformation aspirations of the country.

Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Senior Vice President, Production Engines and Electrified Powertrains, BMW Group
 said,
“Today is a very special day: together with SDAE we have managed to establish a new engine assembly for BMW engines in Malaysia. Our strong cooperation with our reliable partner comes to fruition with the assembly of 3- and 4-cylinder petrol engines, alongside 4-cylinder diesel engines, as well as the 3- and 4-cylinder combustion engines for the Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle.”

Echoing her sentiments,
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Chairman of Sime Darby Berhad
 said,
“Sime Darby Motors’ vision is to be the preferred contract assembly partner for the most dynamic automakers in ASEAN. We aim to produce more than 50,000 vehicles as well as the engine parts and components for the vehicles by the year 2020. The new SDAE Engine Assembly Facility opened today takes us one giant leap forward in making this goal a reality.”

Established on a land site of over 6 acres with a built-up area space of
8,500 square metres
 and with a total investment value of over RM 132 million by SDAE, the new engine assembly facility will support BMW Group Malaysia’s growing demand for locally assembled vehicles with the newest capabilities in engine assembly technology as well as support the premium automaker’s export initiatives to other markets in the region.

Equipped with the newest innovation for engine assembly including EST tightening equipment, Dosing and Bonding Technology (DoboTech) equipment, engine engraving, engine oil filling and test machines for hydraulic valve play compensation, leak tests as well as hot and cold testing, the new facility employs an additional 60-person workforce demonstrating a commitment to increasing employment opportunities and career growth prospects within the local job market in the Kulim Hi-Tech area.

Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia
 (above) said,
“Malaysia has long played the role of a strategic partner to the BMW Group in South East Asia and this significance is reflected in our business performance here which mirrors our achievements worldwide. In the first quarter of 2018, the BMW Group is already on target for an eighth consecutive year of record sales with a delivery of 604,629 vehicles worldwide, a 3% growth as compared to the same period in 2017.”

(L-R) Mr. Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors; Mr. Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Berhad; Dato’ Madani Sahari, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Automotive Institute; Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Chairman of Sime Darby Berhad; Ms. Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President of Region Asia Pacific, BMW Group; Datin K. Talagavathi, Deputy Secretary General responsible for Industry, Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia; Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Senior Vice President of Production Engines and Electrified Powertrains, BMW Group; and Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group Malaysia

Hoelzl added,
“The positive performance worldwide echoes in Malaysia, where BMW Group Malaysia has already successfully achieved a 15% increase in the deliveries of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the country, delivering 3,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2018.”


TOYOTA GAZOO Racing getting ready new Toyota Hilux for 2022 Dakar Rally

Racing provides a good demonstration of the performance and durability of vehicles, and many manufacturers participate in various motorsport competitions for that purpose. Additionally, the participation also serves as a testing ground as the conditions are extreme, whether they are on a racing circuit or off-road in the desert.

Toyota has long been involved in motorsports and its official team – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) – has been active in the top-level events like the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and World Rally Championship (WRC). In recent years, TGR has also given attention to the Dakar Rally, considered the toughest in the world. To date, it has scored one overall victory in the event which goes back to 1979. That was in 2019 when the route was run in South America after the original west African route was unsafe due to the presence of terrorists.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been doing well this year in the World Endurance Championship as well as the World Rally Championship and will aim to add a second victory in the Dakar Rally to its list.

For the 2022, TGR will be trying hard again and aim to score a milestone victory in the Dakar Rally to complement the victories in the WEC and WRC. It is preparing a 4-crew team for the event which will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 2nd, 2022. Building on the experience from this year’s and last year’s events where the team’s best result was second place, TGR will continue to field a mix of experienced specialists.

As in 2021, the works team will be spearheaded by Nasser Al-Attiyah (the winner in 2019) and navigator Mathieu Baumel. Giniel de Villiers will be partnered with navigator Dennis Murphy; Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings will return for their second Dakar; and Shameer Variawa will now be partnered with navigator Danie Stassen.

The team will also be fielding an all-new Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+, which conforms to the updated regulations for the T1 category. The prototype car, in temporary raw carbonfibre finish, is currently undergoing testing and will be shown to the public later in 2021.

The Hilux used in 2021 (left) with the new version on the right which is now being developed for the 2022 event.

Qatari Nasser and Frenchman Mathieu have won in the Andalucia Rally as well as the Baja Spain Aragon. The pair, who won the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies on 3 consecutive times, will be aiming to add a fourth Dakar victory to their resume in 2022.

Giniel and Dennis, both from South Africa, have competed successfully in the South African Cross-Country Series (SACCS), which also serves as a testbed for the continued development of the Toyota Dakar Hilux. They were in the lead of the title chase after 3 of the seven rounds that make up the series.

With a crash on Stage 5 of Dakar 2021 forcing South Africans Henk and Brett to retire after posting highly competitive times on Stages 3 and 4, they will be keen to show their pace, and mix it up with the more experienced crews ahead of them. Henk’s Dakar debut drew global attention, and the young driver from Johannesburg, who has won the SACCS crown multiple times, will be looking to build significantly on that experience.

Nasser Al-Attiyah won the event in 2019 when it was run in South America.

Following TGR’s philosophy of ‘making ever-better cars’, the team has continued to refine the Hilux and the latest version will be used for the 2022 event. This version of the Dakar Hilux has been developed based on the latest rules. It will share components with the race-proven Hilux that was first introduced in 2018, and won the race in 2019, but will feature a host of improvements including bigger running gear – tyres of 37 inches, up from 32 inches; together with a tread increase from 245 mm to 320 mm. The new truck also has more suspension travel with the previous limit of 280 mm now increased to 350 mm.

Under the bonnet will be a powerful 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, also found in the latest Land Cruiser 300. In standard form, the engine produces 415 ps at 5,200 rpm and 650 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm but the more developed engine for the Dakar truck will certainly be significantly higher.

The Dakar 2022 route in the Saudi Arabian desert will follow a clockwise route this time. The race will start on January 2nd in the northern city of Ha’il and then head southward to the Empty Quarter. The rest day will be in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on January 8th before the race heads south-westward to the finish in the city of Jeddah on January 14th. The traditional Marathon Stage will see the crews race away from the main bivouac to an unsupported encampment for an overnight stop, before racing back to rejoin their technical crews at the main bivouac. This is a challenging part of the race, that often plays a major role in its outcome.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing takes first win of the new Hypercar era of the World Endurance Championship


Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell aims to give support to aspiring SME entrepreneurs

3 months ago, during the Ramadan period, Shell Malaysia created
opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to sell their delicacies at Shell stations
. The nationwide initiative involving 950 stations, was aimed at supporting local and small-time food vendors by providing them an avenue to market their goods, especially during the difficult time this year.

A new initiative by Shell Malaysia will enable SMEs with relevant products to sell them at the stations.

Now the petroleum company is again giving support to SMEs with a new initiative that encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to realise their dreams. Known as
Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell
, the Shell initiative is designed to help local SMEs expand their reach with an opportunity to sell their products through the Shell Select stores located at the stations.

The initiative is part of Shell’s continuous effort to serve and drive impact to communities while increasing its product offers in store.

“Shell Malaysia has a long-lasting commitment in making life’s journeys better for our customers and the communities where we operate. The positive outcome of our past partnerships with local SMEs have inspired us to launch
Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell
. This initiative is one of our contributing roles to raise the economic prosperity of SMEs in Malaysia and bolster the entrepreneurial economy, especially during this unprecedented time. We have worked on many collaborations with SMEs in the past, and it is inspiring to see the quality of products our local SMEs bring to the table,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

Shell has always opened its doors to local SMEs and provided them with an avenue to promote their products at Shell Select stores. For instance, Zainon Salleh, who runs a humble
keropok
 business in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, received the Private Label Contract with Shell earlier this year and her
keropok
 is now available nationwide.

Zainon Salleh’s small keropok business in Kelantan has grown, thanks to Shell choosing her as one of the suppliers for its station stores.

“When I first made my
keropok
, marketing it to local shops in my hometown was a challenge. Through Shell’s help, I can now see my products reaching more people in all parts of the country. I am truly grateful to Shell for not just giving me this opportunity but for also enabling me in providing a source of income for other women through my business,” she said.

With
Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell
, Shell looks to partner with SMEs who supply snacks, confectionaries, non-alcoholic beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. SMEs are encouraged to take this opportunity to register their businesses and stand a chance to place their products under the Private Label Contract with Shell. This initiative is open for Malaysians aged 18 and above whose businesses must be registered and have a valid business registration number.

This initiative will award three deserving SMEs with a Private Label Contract with Shell that consists of a permanent store offering in Shell Select stores nationwide. On top of that, 27 other SMEs will also have the opportunity to promote their products at a national, regional, or specific site listing as decided by Shell.

Aspiring SME owners can find more information and submit their entries online at
www.shell.com.my/MalaysianDream
 from now until
 September 11. 2020
. Entries will be evaluated according to the product quality, innovation, and distribution capabilities of the business. In addition to this, Shell invites Malaysians to vote for the products that deserve to be on Select shelves nationwide on the ‘
Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell
’ website.

Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period


PLUS urges highway users to observe SOPs at all times

With 1.5 million vehicles using PLUS highways each day, interaction between motorists and PLUS personnel is inevitable. As such, the highway concessionaire is reminding highway users that they must strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health (KKM). These procedures include wearing of facemasks in public areas and social distancing in areas where there are a lot of people.

This reminder comes in light of the increase of COVID-19 cases in certain states where PLUS highway network operates. Its is especially critical at this time to adhere to the SOPs to prevent further spread of the coronavirus by protecting each other.

Kita Jaga Kita

“We urge our highway customers to please follow the established SOPs set by the government. In the spirit of ‘
Kita Jaga Kita
’, the onus is on us to take good care of each other every step of the way. Every single PLUS employee, from our CSA, PLUSRonda Officer to Toll supervisors are fully compliant to the SOP’s of facemasking in public and maintaining a safe 1-meter physical distance when interacting with you our customer, we ask the same of you. Please reciprocate by doing the same when we serve you on the highway,” implored Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.

Under the New Normal practices by many organisations that manage premises which are open to public, customers are denied entry/transactions if face masks are not worn. PLUS is also adopting the same. There must also be 1-metre physical distancing when at the R&R areas, lay-bys as well as interacting with PLUS personnel at the toll lanes and toll plazas.

Remember to wear a facemask and stand 1-metre apart when visiting R&R areas along the highways.

SOPs strictly observed at R&R areas

All PLUSRonda personnel are required to wear face masks and practice 1-metre physical distancing when attending to highway emergencies. From compulsory body temperature checks at each R&R and contact tracing via
MySejahtera
, PLUS prioritises food hygiene as well as the cleanliness at all the R&R premises as well as lay-bys and toll plazas via regular routine cleaning and periodical sanitisation.

PLUS customers now have PUTRI to help them with their enquiries


BMW Group Malaysia’s initiative to bring festive cheer to children at Shelter

The festive season is a time when people can take a break and celebrate; in this case, Christmas for those who celebrate it and the coming of another New Year. It’s also a time to think of the less fortunate who may not be able to enjoy the festive spirit and for those at
Shelter, a local children’s home
, BMW Group Malaysia is undertaking an initiative to bring them some cheer.

The company has set up a ‘
Joy of Giving
’ box inside the spacious boot of a BMW X7 on display at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can help fulfil a wish by purchasing an item off the Shelter children’s list and dropping the item in the box. In doing so, they will also be entitled to enter a lucky draw and receive an exclusive BMW Christmas gift wrapper.

“As we approach the end of 2019, we wanted to give thanks for all that we have achieved at BMW Group Malaysia this year. To share this gratitude with our customers who have remained loyal to the brand, we are inviting them to a month of celebration with us at the Bangsar Shopping Centre. This year is especially unique as well because we have partnered with Shelter, a local children’s home to spread the
‘Joy of Giving
’, to the underprivileged children of Malaysia,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

BMW X7

BMW X3 and 530e

There will also be opportunities to test-drive the new BMW X3 and 530e. Those who go for the test-drives will also be entitled to join the lucky draw to win exclusive BMW merchandise as well as get a special and exclusive BMW Christmas gift wrapper. If they purchase more than RM200 worth of items (in a single receipt) at Bangsar Shopping Centre, they can also receive the exclusive gift wrappers and get an entry for the lucky draw.

BMW Malaysia wants you to use child car seat ‘From Day One’


Lamborghini Urus sets record as brand’s best-selling model in the shortest time ever

Since the 1990s, SUVs have grown in popularity phenomenally – to the extent that event at the topmost segment of the market, manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce have had to include such models in their range. And further evidence of the importance of this type of vehicle can be seen in how many carmakers have chosen it to be the first bodystyle for their new electric vehicles.

Even among supercar manufacturers, demands for SUVs is evident from their customers and an example can be seen in the Lamborghini Urus setting sales records. Labelled by the company as a ‘Super SUV’, the Urus has set the record of being its best-selling model in the shortest time ever. Since its market debut in 2018, 20,000 units have been produced, with the 20,000
th
 unit being delivered to a customer in Azerbaijan.

“From the first moment we presented the Urus concept at Beijing motor show in 2012, to its market debut in 2018 and each year since, the Urus has proved its instant and continued appeal as a true Lamborghini, born from our super sports heritage and the world’s first Super SUV, the LM 002,” said Stephan Winkelman, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “The Urus is a perfect complement to our super sports model ranges, providing a luxurious and high-performance daily drive for those who identify with our authentic Italian brand.”

The overall growth in global sales has been impressive, reaching the record of 8,205 units delivered in 2019 – that was double the volumes achieved in the period before the Urus went on sale. From 2018 to the end of 2021, a total of 16,000 SUVs were delivered worldwide to 5 continents, with 85% of customers being new to the marque.

Catalyst for transformation

The Urus has been the catalyst for doubling company volumes and the size of the factory has gone from 80,000 to 160,000 square metres. To manufacture more efficiently, Lamborghini Manufacturing 4.0 was established as an innovative approach to production technologies to support assemblyline workers. In 2019, the Urus paintshop was inaugurated and since 2020, the Urus supply chain became more sustainable through replacing the Urus bodies’ transportation by truck with train, and the cut of CO
2
 emissions by 85%.

The environmental initiative followed the announcement of Lamborghini’s ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ future global program, involving a complete switch to hybrid technologies by 2024 and the vision for a new fully-electric model in the second half of the decade. Cor Tauri starts from a holistic vision of the company’s sustainability strategy: a 360° approach that spans from the products to the entire factory site, from production lines to offices.

Adventures all over the world

Over the past 4 years that the model has been on sale, it is estimated that Urus owners around the world have covered more than 360 million kilometres in total. Where Lamborghinis were once only seen on highways, the Urus gives owners new adventures away from the highways. Besides many private journeys, events organised by Lamborghini have seen the SUV travel along the highest roads to the most extreme off-road environments. To prove that it can ‘Unlock any Road’, the Urus has set a new high-speed record for ice-driving on Russia’s Lake Baikal and going up the world’s highest driveable road (India’s Umling La pass at 5,884 metres).

Soul of a super sportscar, functionality of a SUV

The Urus continues to have a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 650 ps at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm of torque at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 ps/litre, it boasts of one of the highest specific power ratings in its class, as well as the best weight-to-power ratio of 3.38 kgs/ps. This enables it to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.6 seconds and reach 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds, after which it will top out at 305 km/h.

After paying so much for an Urus, it is to be expected that customers will spend a bit more to personalise their SUV. For this, Lamborghini has its Ad Personam services which offer special exterior colours as well as other exclusive options.

Lamborghini Owners Malaysia aims to set new record for the largest number of Lamborghinis at an event


Apple to prevent iPhone use while driving for iOS11

According to a recent
Financial Times
 article, which was picked up by automotive website
Car Throttle
, the introduction of iOS11 later this year for iPhone could bring with it an interesting and controversial feature.

Apparently, Apple is reading software that might prevent or limit you from using your iPhone while driving. Users can turn on the ‘do not disturb while driving’ mode which will prevent any notifications appearing until the feature is disabled.

Alternatively, if the user forgets to turn on the feature, their iPhone can do so automatically if it detects that the vehicle is in motion. This can be identified through the use of GPS and WiFi systems. If users try to circumvent the feature by unlocking the phone, it will be considerably harder to achieve the desired action unless said person is truly a passenger.

This software can also to reply calls and messages to inform callers/sender that the driver is unable to respond because he/she is behind the wheel of a vehicle. This then, could potentially be a major life saver for those who have the incessant need to glance at their phones after every audible tone that emanates from it.

Now, having said that, drivers are free to interact with their iPhones through their infotainment system should it already be paired through Bluetooth. Its completely legal to use these features while driving, due to the many control options that are available at your finger tips.

The official iOS11 release should take place concurrently with the launch of the new iPhone, which is said to offer revolutionary new features and design elements that underlined the success of the original.

Source:
Financial Times
,
Car Throttle


35% increase in UMW Toyota Motor’s sales volume in first 6 months of 2022

UMW Toyota Motor has been having a good year so far, with sales headed upwards each month. And after 6 months, the cumulative volume for Toyota and Lexus vehicles delivered nationwide has reached 45,911 units. That’s an impressive 35% increase over the 34,111 units delivered during the same period in 2021.

Strong sales were evident almost every month, in spite of the supply issues that affect many car companies. June alone contributed 8,939 units (of which 69 units were of the Lexus brand), which was almost 1,500 units more than the May volume.

With the end of the sales tax exemption, UMWT is expecting some negative impact although it is not likely to last long. This is mitigated with some early signs of recovery on the global shortage of semiconductors and microchips in the second half of this year. This will enable production to ramp up and will allow the company to introduce further new models.

“Shifting gears into the second half of 2022, UMW Toyota Motor is focused on going the ‘ExtraMile’ to provide Toyota owners with the best ownership and after-sales experience by reimagining what ownership is about. Looking ahead, shifting consumer behaviour will likely place value on advanced automotive technologies and comprehensive security features supported by a host of value-added aftersales services,” said Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“At UMW Toyota Motor, we offer owners not only the best technological advancement at their fingertips for a smoother and safer drive, we go the ExtraMile to enhance their ownership journey. Through financial and insurance packages, top-notch servicing and Toyota 24/7 roadside assist, we are confident in delivering an unforgettable journey from the starting line by taking great care of our customers from the moment they enter our doors,” he explained.

Toyota Veloz coming soon (Thai version shown).

New Veloz coming soon

The company is looking forward to launching the all-new Toyota Veloz which is a premium crossover model. The 7-seater was launched in Indonesia last November and has been well received. Depending on the market, the Veloz is considered as a new model line or as a successor to the Avanza. In Malaysia, UMWT says it will replace the Avanza and comes with the highest specification and advanced features.

The model will have a 1.5-litre DVVT engine and have an estimated price of RM95,000 (without insurance). Bookings are now accepted prior to the launch and from what we hear, there’s a lot of interest, especially with its promise of good fuel efficiency, safety and extensive list of features.

All-new Toyota Veloz to replace Avanza, bookings now open


Kia offers a more advanced blind spot monitoring system in new Sorento

With many accidents occurring due to a driver not seeing another vehicle or motorcyclist in his vehicle’s ‘blind spot’, many carmakers have installed blind spot monitors which scan along the sides of the vehicle. When the sensors detect another vehicle nearby, the driver is alerted by warning lights on the door mirrors, or on the mirror mount inside the vehicle. Some systems may also use sound although this is often found to be too intrusive and irritating.

Honda has a good system called Lane Watch which uses a small camera on the left (or right) side of the vehicle to show real-time imagery. The image is displayed on the screen in the dashboard and the advantage of this is that the driver does not have to turn the head so much. With a mirror-mounted warning system, the driver has to have his head turned to the right to notice the flashing light.

Now Kia has gone further with such a driver aid with its new Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) technology. This ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers is designed to enhance driving safety by providing a good view of both the left and right blind spots of the vehicle. The view is shown within the instrument panel so the driver does not need to swivel his head.

This advanced driving assistance feature, activated whenever the driver uses the turn signal, displays a high-resolution video feed on the left or right side of the TFT-LCD instrument cluster. The video of the blind spot briefly takes the place of either the speedometer or tachometer display while still showing the driver the vehicle’s current speed.

The video feed comes from discreet wide-angle, high-resolution cameras, one hidden in each of the door mirror housings. These provide a wider viewing angle than the mirrors themselves to give drivers a clear view of other vehicles or motorcyclists coming up alongside

The BVM is one of a range of functions on the fully-digital ‘Supervision’ 12.3-inch instrument cluster of the latest Sorento. Other systems include a Surround View Monitor and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, along with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The ‘Supervision’ digital instrument cluster is designed to deliver information to the driver as clearly as possible. With a high-definition 1920 x 720-pixel display, the digital cluster replaces conventional speedometer and tachometer dials with a single, seamless display, incorporating pin-sharp digital dials for road and engine speeds.

A multi-function display between the dials displays turn-by-turn GPS navigation instructions, audio information, and in-depth trip information, as well as vehicle diagnostics alerts, and pop-up notifications linked to the car’s various active safety and driver assist technologies.

Details of the all-new Kia Sorento’s platform and powertrain revealed!


2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5 – first model of new IONIQ EV brand

Hyundai Motor Company today launched the IONIQ 5 as the first model in the Korean brand’s new IONIQ brand which will offer only battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Unlike other models which also have combustion engine variants, the IONIQ 5 and coming models will use Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated BEV architecture called
Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
. First deliveries in selected markets will begin in coming months.

Hyundai expects this universal platform for its BEV models will make manufacturing simpler and cheaper – for both the carmaker and the customer. It plans to introduce at least 23 BEV models and expects to sell more than a million of them worldwide by 2025.

Hyundai E-GMP for Battery Electric Vehicles

Using a platform designed from the outset for BEVs means the engineers can maximise the benefits of a BEV without the compromises that a conventional combustion engine model would impose. The interior can be more innovatively designed and planned and more BEV-specific features can be incorporated.

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to know more about promotions at BHPetromart.

Range of electric powertrains

The IONIQ 5 will be available with a range of power electric (PE) configurations to fit the mobility needs of every customer, with no compromises on performance. Customers can select from two battery pack options – either 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh – and two electric motor layouts. The latter can be  either with a rear motor only or with both front and rear motors for all-wheel drive (AWD). Range is said to be ‘outstanding’ with a claimed top speed of 185 km/h.

The AWD option paired with the 72.6-kWh battery produces a system output of 225 kWh and 605 Nm. This can give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds. With the 2-wheel drive set-up and 72.6-kWh battery, the IONIQ 5’s maximum driving range with a full battery pack is said to be up to 480 kms.

IONIQ 5’s E-GMP can support both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, along with 400-V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400 V to 800 V for stable charging compatibility.

As for recharging the battery pack, with a 350-kW charger, the time to ‘refuel’ from 10% to 80% is claimed to be 18 minutes. A 5-minute charging time can get up to 100 kms of range.

The IONIQ 5 also has an innovative V2L function which makes it a mobile charger. It can provide electricity for charging large electric devices such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power.

Departure from norms

Using the E-GMP, the IONIQ 5’s design represents a departure from past norms, exploring the new design freedom offered by a dedicated BEV platform. Its exterior design is characterized by profile of the Pony, a historically significant model for Hyundai. The 4.6-metre long body sits over a platform with a 3000 mm wheelbase. This extended wheelbase requires a more sophisticated approach to translate this new proportion into a contemporary EV typology.

The front of the car has Hyundai’s first clamshell bonnet that minimizes panel gaps for optimal aerodynamics. The front bumper is defined by an eye-catching V-shape incorporating distinctive daytime running lights (DRLs) that provide a light signature unique to IONIQ 5. The small pixel-like clusters also appear at the rear of the car.

On the sides, auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and obviously, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The front and rear forms of the car merge at its doors, offering another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design first seen on the latest Tucson and also on the Elantra. The strong C-pillar shape, inspired by the ‘
45’ EV concept
, gives a commanding presence clearly identifiable from a distance. Aero-optimized wheels further echo the Parametric Pixel design theme and are offered in a super-sized 20-inch diameter, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV.

Living Space within

The ‘Living Space’ theme runs throughout the interior, most notably embodied by the Universal Island, a moveable centre console that can slide back as much as 140 mm. This Universal Island, along with the flat floor where the battery pack is stored, allows more freedom of movement inside the cabin.

The front seats are electrically adjustable, with the ability to recline to an optimum angle that offers  a weightless feeling for the passenger. The interior designers reduced the thickness of the front seats by 30%, providing more space for those seated behind.

Many of the interior touchpoints — seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest — use eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced materials. Examples of such materials are recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

Enhanced digital experience

As would be expected, the IONIQ 5 has advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience. The wide, configurable, dual cockpit features a 12-inch, full-touch infotainment screen and hoodless 12- inch digital gauge cluster that can be customized to meet customers’ needs. For the first time in a Hyundai model, there is an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, essentially turning the windscreen into an informative display screen.

“A new mobility experience for the next generation—this was the mission from the first day we began this project, to look ahead towards the horizon, but stay fundamentally Hyundai,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Centre. “IONIQ 5 is the new definition of timeless, providing a common thread linking our past to the present and future.”


World’s first BMW  8 Series Gran Coupe unveiled!

Looking for the perfect luxury four-door sports car but don’t want the sacrifice space for the family? Introducing the first ever BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe with ‘distinctive character, smile-inducing driving dynamics, emotion-rich design, a luxurious aura and greater spaciousness in the rear.’

Built to enhance the daily usability and covering long distances like nothing, the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe was derived directly from a two-door sports car and injected with a huge dose of awesomeness from the BMW M8 GTE endurance race machine.

We’re talking enhanced performance capabilities with improved body structure, powertrain and chassis. The result is a beautiful looking beast that comes with a low centre of gravity, perfect weight distribution, construction mix of aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP, and a body so aerodynamic, it’s sexy. Two-door sports car sexy.

There will be four different variants that will make their official debuts next week during the BMW Group #NEXTGen event which are:

BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe (530 hp 4.4L V8 engine)

BMW 840i Gran Coupe (340 hp 3.0L six-cylinder in-line petrol engine)

BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe (340 hp 3.0L six-cylinder in-line petrol engine)

BMW 840d xDrive Gran Coupe (320 hp 3.0L six-cylinder in-line diesel unit)

All its power is controlled using an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system (except for the BMW 840i Gran Coupe which is rear-wheel drive).

The exterior design features BMW’s latest design language which comes with stunning lines and wide surfaces to match. Proportionally sculpted to further enhance the car’s alluring façade and overall presence, the latest 8 Series Gran Coupe is all about head-turning style.

Step into the cockpit and you’ll quickly find yourselves seating in sport seats wrapped in the luscious Vernasca leather as standard. Other readily available goodies include shift paddles on the steering wheel, ambient lighting, and full leather trim for the instrument panel and door shoulders.

There are also the BMW Display Key, telephony with wireless charging, BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with navigation system, fully digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display which further elevates your entire BMW driving experience to a whole new level.

Those who prefer sitting at the back seats will also come to realise how ‘special’ the 8 Series Gran Coupe can make you feel. Space is the name of the game and this baby is packed with spacious legroom, wider and larger door openings for easier entry and exit, and more headroom even for you taller folks.

Fancy a game of golf with your buddies but want to save the environment by carpooling? Its 440-litre boot capacity can accommodate three golf bags without any issues. Going on a long trip with your significant other? Just fold the 40:20:40 rear seats and more space for any shopping spree.

Other fancy specifications include:

Automatic boot lid operation and Comfort Access

Panoramic glass roof

Adaptive M suspension (standard) with active roll stabilization (optional)

Integral Active Steering

Driving Experience Control with four modes; COMFORT, ECO Pro, SPORT and SPORT+

Adaptive LED headlights and LED rear lights

BMW Laserlight with Selective Beam (optional)

Go for the M Sport package and your 8 Series Gran Coupe will be fitted with:

Extra-large air intakes

Specially designed side skirts and rear apron

19‑inch M light-alloy wheels

M Sport brakes

Multifunction seats

M leather steering wheel

Illuminated door sill plates with M logo

Driving a car this grand requires some serious safety features and knowing how the engineers work at BMW, the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is no exception. The list includes High Beam Assistant, Driving Assistant comprising Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, rear crossing traffic warning and rear collision warning, plus Parking Assistant including reversing assistant all fitted as standard.

Just add a few more dollars and you can get the optional Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Driving Assistant Professional including steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, Evasion Assistant, distance information, crossing traffic warning, road priority warning and wrong-way driving warning, and Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View, Top View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View.

There’s no news on the official prices of global availability just yet but rest assured that BMW Group Malaysia will do everything in their powers to get these babies on Malaysian shores as soon as possible. That, you can count on.


Castrol starts ‘Hari Mekanik Malaysia’ campaign, to run till September 2020

Castrol Malaysia has announced the launch of ‘
Hari Mekanik Malaysia
’, an initiative aimed at recognising and giving thanks to the unsung heroes in our lives; our mechanics. This comes following the success of the ‘
Castrol Super Mechanic Contest
’ which was held in 2017 and 2018 with the primary aim of giving mechanics a platform to upskill themselves whilst competing amongst each other.

Winners of the Castrol Super Mechanic Contest Asia-Pacific finals in 2018

“Mechanics play a significant role in not only restoring vehicle performance but also ensuring the safety of the drivers, riders, passengers and pillions in vehicles. This celebration recognises the contributions by mechanics to the automotive industry in the country,” said Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

The campaign, which starts in November 2019 and runs until September 2020, includes a series of events such as roving cars visiting workshops in major cities nationwide. Members of the public will be encouraged to nominate their favourite mechanic via an online nomination process. Nominators, under the car & truck category, would win a 1-year free service equivalent to 4 bottles of 4-litre Castrol MAGNATEC 10W-40 if their nomination produces a winner, whilst nominators under the motorcycle category would win 6 bottles of 1-litre Castrol POWER1 10W-40 if their nomination produces a winner.

Castrol offers an exclusive promo of RM30 off the total bill when the car is serviced at any Castrol Auto Service workshop or RM3 off the total bill when the motorcycle is serviced at any Castrol Bike Point workshops through participation of online activities during the campaign period.

The launch of Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia will be held on March 18 2020, marking its first celebration for the mechanics. From the nominations received, 10 mechanics from the car/truck and the motorcycle categories each would be shortlisted based on 3 rounds of short-listing process.

In the preliminary round, the nominated mechanics will be required to answer a series of online questions designed specifically to test their professionalism, attitude and qualities that would qualify them as an ‘
Unsung Hero
’. The top 20 nominees with the highest score will be shortlisted for the second round and only 15 individuals from each category will be shortlisted into the final round by an automotive professional body after conducting an evaluation with a set of criteria.

In the final round, members of the public will be called to vote and the top 10 winners each from the car/truck and the motorcycle categories would be presented the coveted
 ‘Castrol Unsung Heroes
’ Award and trophies. Winners in the car/truck category will also be rewarded with an automotive training course to elevate their skills, competencies and abilities at the School of Skills.

“We want to acknowledge the importance of mechanics – the unsung heroes who leave a positive impact in our everyday lives. The key areas requiring attention is longevity and continuity and therefore we want to enhance the profile and empower the mechanics community through this campaign. We hope this will inspire others to contribute to the Malaysian community, as mechanics do every single day,” said Ms Keow.

BIKES: Castrol Accelerates Ahead With The Launch Of The All-New Castrol POWER1 Oil!


F1 / Round 18: 2022 Japanese Grand Prix – Max Verstappen Wins His Second Title

The Japanese F1 Grand Prix has always been popular with the drivers, with the great Japanese hospitality and fans giving them a warm welcome at Suzuka after missing the races for two years. Polite as ever, the Japanese fans accord every driver – especially their home hero, Yuki Tsunoda of the Scuderia Alphatauri team – the same enthusiastic cheers.

As with many Japanese GPs in past years, it rained a lot and as the cars went on their formation lap, it was still raining. So Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, who could become world champion today, was glad to have received only a reprimand for the incident with McLaren’s Lando Norris during qualifying, allowing him to keep his pole position. Alongside was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who likewise would have a clear view of the track ahead as the cars headed to the first turn.

Behind, the other drivers would have to be super alert as they strained to see through the water spraying up from other cars. In some years, conditions could be really bad – as in 1976 when Niki Lauda chose to retire when he considered the risks caused by the heavy rain to be too great.

But over 45 years later, tyres have gained better grip and although the drivers’ eyes still see things the same way as Lauda did, racing can still proceed at a fast pace. And it was Leclerc who was quick off the line, taking the lead as Verstappen seemed to struggle to move off. But Leclerc’s lead was brief and at the first turn, the Dutchman braked a bit later and surged into the lead. Even then, his team boss, Charles Horner, would reveal later that Verstappen also had difficulty seeing ahead properly.

Impressive as that effort was, Verstappen could not start to extend his lead as various incidents behind brought the red flags and Mercedes-AMG Safety Car out. Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel had spun (alleging that Alpine’s Fernando Alonso had bumped into him) and though he didn’t hit anyone, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz slid into the barriers after the hairpin. Scuderia Alphatauri’s Pierre Gasly also hit something and collected a board on his car!

Williams Racing’s Alexander Albon and Alfa Romeo ORLEN’s Zhou Guan-Yu also had a near miss as Zhou spun but Albon later had to retire due to some damage to the car’s hydraulics. The conditions were too wet and visibility poor that the officials decided to stop the race. The weather forecasters said that the downpour was heaviest at that time but would diminish after 10 minutes. As the rain was so heavy and the cars were parked in the open in the pitlane, the teams were allowed to put up awnings over them for shelter.

The 10 minutes came and went, and the rain remained as heavy as ever. 40 minutes after the race had started, the Safety Car had already circulated for 19 laps around the Suzuka circuit.

The suspension of the race for so long allowed people to look again at the videos and many, including Gasly, saw that there was a recovery vehicle on the track
before
 the red flags had appeared. Recalling the Jules Bianchi tragedy in 2014, some teams began to demand an explanation from the race officials. In the 2014 accident, Bianchi (driving for the Marussia F1 team) slid off the track and hit a crane that was removing another vehicle while yellow flags were waved. He never regained consciousness after the crash and died in hospital.

During the race suspension, the officials stated that the red flag was shown before Gasly had passed the spot where the truck was. It seemed that, instead of focussing on the danger of the truck being there, they investigated Gasly for driving at 250 km/h when the red flags were allegedly shown and summoned him for a meeting at 6 pm (Japan time). This certainly angered and disappointed the F1 community who had been distressed by Bianchi’s death.

The race was to be restarted 52 minutes after the original start and all teams were told to fit only wet tyres on their cars. However, 12 minutes after that message was issued, another one came that the race would remain suspended. The teams were told that they would get at least 10 minutes advance notification of a restart. Only 3 laps of the 53-lap race had been run. Perhaps the Japanese GP needs to be run at another time of the year? Or maybe climate change makes it difficult to choose the best time now…

At 4:05 pm, the teams were given notice that the race would resume at 4:15 pm in view of reduced rain. The patient Japanese spectators (all tickets for the race had been sold out) would at least get to see cars racing around. However, the first laps would still be run with the Safety Car at the front so that conditions could be assessed. At that point, only around 45 minutes of racing time would remain. At least 27 laps needed to be completed for half points to be awarded.

As the cars went round, there were different opinions on conditions, with those further back uncomfortable with them. On what was lap 5 of the race, the F1 Safety Car pulled in and racing was on again.

Full wet tyres don’t last but the drivers had to keep them for a while although Vettel and Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi managed to get into the pits to switch to intermediates. Their haste would get the attention of the Stewards who saw an Unsafe Release but did not take any action.

The other frontrunners began coming in for intermediates 3 laps later. With the leaders coming in, it was Alonso who inherited the lead for a while until he too came in and Verstappen regained the top place. The Mercedes-AMG team suggested to George Russell to come in and switch tyres, but he felt that he had the advantage of a clear track and probably wanted to maximise his chance to move up first.

On lap 10, the order was Verstappen at the front, with Leclerc 4 seconds behind and Perez 8 seconds behind the Ferrari driver. Ocon and Hamilton were in a dual for fourth place. The track was beginning to dry but that also meant the intermediate tyres would overheat faster, not a good situation. The drivers may wished for a
little
 bit of rain again – which was forecast to be coming.

Lap 16 saw Leclerc fall as much as 10 seconds back from Verstappen, but he was reluctant to come in as pitting could mean a loss of at least 5 places. At the other end of the top 10, Russell had finally passed Norris and into the points-paying position – and hopefully, points would be awarded as 20 minutes remained and at least 11 more laps had to be finished.

The racing situation was such that drivers were reluctant to pit for a tyre change. To do so with the limited time meant they would not be able to regain the positions they lost, so it was deemed better to just race on till the end. Only 10 minutes remained by lap 22, so the aim would be to fight for the best finishing position and hope for some points.

As Leclerc dropped back, Perez closed in to less than a second, so it was going to be a fight for second place with 7 minutes remaining. His team mate was comfortable in the lead and on the way to take the chequered flag for the greatly shortened Japanese GP. The only question was whether it would end with a Red Bull 1-2 finish.

Lap 27 was completed with less than 2 minutes remaining so there were 19 points for Verstappen to collect. And when the time was up 28 laps had been completed, and Verstappen was the winner of the race – and the 2022 F1 championship.

However, just before the finish line, the Ferrari driver had slid off the track and then Perez also did the same, claiming he had been ‘pushed off’. The Stewards felt that Leclerc, who crossed the line after Verstappen, had rejoined the race in an unsafe manner and gave him a 5-second penalty. So Red Bull got their 1-2 after all.


Rolls-Royce provides a clue to decode messages in Wraith Kryptos cars

In July 2020, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the
Wraith Kryptos Collection
 of 50 cars. As clients around the world begin to receive this highly limited model, they will also embark on decoding the mysterious messages found within the Bespoke elements of the motor car’s interior and exterior.

It’s a unique challenge created by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer, Katrin Lehmann, and only two people know what the secret code is – the designer and the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Muller-Otvos. The answer remains in a sealed envelope in the CEO’s safe.

“Wraith Kryptos is a Rolls-Royce Collection like no other. It is embedded with a cryptographic cipher and filled with mystery and intrigue. The first client to decrypt this code will receive a unique gift from Rolls-Royce in recognition of their extraordinary talent!” he explained.

The subtle clue

Designer Lehmann said that finding the ‘key’ is the first step in uncovering the mysterious code. It has now been revealed that the Spirit of Ecstasy, the figurine that graces the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce limousine, holds the key to uncovering this code. The word KRYPTOS is engraved in Rolls-Royce cipher around the base of the figurine, and with this information, clients will be able to embark on their cryptographic journey.

Mysterious messages inside and outside

With that subtle clue provided, the owners can embark on decoding the mysterious messages found within the Bespoke elements of the motor car’s interior and exterior. The seven deciphered characters around the figurine will aid clients on their journey of discovery as they begin to identify these letters on Wraith Kryptos’ complex fascia.

Similarly, the embroidery on the headrests translates as the double-R monogram, rendered in the cipher. The Bespoke team hopes that, together, these clues may provide a ‘way in’ that enables owners to attempt the puzzle.

Owner are invited to submit their efforts at cracking the code via the marque’s
Whispers
 application for owners, from February 2021. The first to complete the puzzle will be awarded
a unique and prestigious prize
.

50 Rolls-Royce owners will have a special challenge with their cars


Aston Martin To Supply Official FIA Safety And Medical Cars for 2023 F1 Season

Since the 2021 Formula 1 season, the Official FIA Safety Car and Medical Car have been from two different companies, instead of just Mercedes-AMG as in earlier years. The other company has been Aston Martin which, like Mercedes-AMG, also has a team taking part in the F1 World Championship.

Aston Martin will again provide the Official FIA Safety Car and Official FIA Medical Car for the 2023 season. The Vantage will again be used for Official FIA Safety Car functions but for the Official Medical Car, Aston Martin is providing a new and very powerful SUV,
the DBX707
. It replaces the DBX used previously to transport medical personnel quickly to the site of an incident during the race.

Both cars will be on duty when the first race of the season starts off this weekend in Bahrain. They will be painted in the same Aston Martin Racing Green colours as the two Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team cars driven by Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.

Supplying the official cars has supported Aston Martin’s product development, with data gathered from the DBX being driven by a professional driver around the Grand Prix circuits helping its vehicle dynamics experts push boundaries while developing the high-performance DBX707. Driven by the vastly-experienced Bernd Maylander, the Vantage Safety Car is also packed with performance learnings from the many  Vantage racing cars that compete in various events worldwide each year.

The DBX707 is fully adapted and equipped for its role as F1 Medical Car. The essential equipment required, such as fire extinguishers, medical bags and a defibrillator all has its own place in the SUV so it is easy to check everything is onboard.

The car is fitted with FIA-approved racing seats, each with a six-point racing harness as it will be driven to the limits on the track. The passengers will have access to communications from Race Control, and be able to see not only the FIA Marshalling system but biometric data from the F1 drivers and live television images, which will allow early assessment of any incident.

One of the key upgrades for the DBX707 Medical Car is the introduction of a new wet clutch transmission, providing noticeably faster gearchanges and an improved launch capability known as ‘Race Start’ that is ready and waiting for the call to action from Race Control. Pirelli, Formula 1 Global Tyre Partner, provides specifically developed P Zero tyres for the DBX707.

The AMR23 of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team for 2023.

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“The updated FIA Medical Car is an impressive step forward and ensures that we will keep pace in the high-speed world of Formula 1. It’s definitely going to allow the Medical Car team to fully focus on the job and respond quickly and safely during any on-track deployments. It’s great to be heading into a new season well prepared and well equipped,” said Alan van der Merwe, who will be driving the Medical Car.

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Groupe Renault ready for changing auto industry with new Mobilize business unit

The auto industry is going through change, not only in the way its products are powered – electricity replacing fossil fuel – but even in the way it will do business in future. Where a carmaker just developed, designed and manufactured cars, its role is now expanding to services beyond cars. It has to offer new ways for people and goods to move around, either with or without a car.

‘Mobility’ is the catchword, and encompasses many different facets of transportation which the auto industry has long served with motor vehicles. A number of companies have even rebranded themselves as ‘mobility services’ companies rather than just car companies and at Groupe Renault, there’s a new business unit called Mobilize. It brings together activities in mobility, energy, and data-related solutions, while also helping to solve the major challenges faced by the automotive industry.

“We are very excited to embrace the disruption of the automotive world shifting from ownership to usage, whenever and wherever you need it. Beyond automotive, Mobilize will offer a wide array of innovative services in the mobility, energy and data fields. With a variety of partners, our goal is to maximize car usage with simplified, more sustainable and accessible mobility journeys for people and goods, while reducing the environmental impact,” explained Clotilde Delbos, CEO of the Mobilize Brand.

Mobilize will offer flexible mobility services for people and goods, adapted to evolving expectations and needs. It will address real-life issues and provide seamless solutions that are complementary to traditional models of car ownership. By promoting higher usage of goods through circular and sharing economies, Mobilize aims to help create a more sustainable future.

Existing infrastructure

There already exists an infrastructure of more than 6,000 Renault dealerships in Europe which, Mobilize can involve in its mission. Through this network, it will be able to offer mobility solutions for use, ranging from one minute to several years, in cities and towns throughout the region.

Purpose-designed vehicles

Mobilize has strong competitive advantages as it enters the mobility market leveraging Groupe Renault’s expertise in vehicle design and manufacturing, and EV-leadership. It can call on dedicated engineering and design teams and will propose a range of purpose-designed vehicles. Intended for heavy use, modular, robust and 100% electric, they will fulfil the most critical needs of new mobility: car sharing, ride-hailing, last mile delivery and on-demand transit.

Increased car usage

Mobilize leverages the Renault Software Factory, the Software Republique and partners to develop leading-edge algorithms and data processing software, allowing better prediction of user-side demand and better vehicle allocation. Mobilize aims to increase the rate of car use by at least 20%.

Maintenance and recycling services

When vehicles are no longer fit for use, they will be taken care of by maintenance and recycling services at the Renault Re-Factory. When batteries of electric vehicles are no longer fit for automotive use, Mobilize will recycle them, giving them a second life as a stationary energy source.

The Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype

The EZ-1 Prototype is an emblematic vehicle of the Mobilize brand. It embodies the brand’s design vision: service at the heart of vehicle design. This prototype is a new urban mobility solution that is designed for shared use. Users will only pay for what they use, in terms of drive-time or mileage. The vehicle is connected and has keyless access, and interacts with users via their smartphone.

The compact electric vehicle can accommodate 2 people within its 2.3-metre long body that creates a minimal footprint. Top-to-bottom glass doors give the EZ-1 Prototype users an unhindered view on the surrounding urban landscape which it can blend into.

Features include an innovative battery exchange system, an alternative to the traditional charging infrastructure means the vehicle can be used non-stop. It is built according to circular economy principles., made with 50% recycled materials. It will be 95% recyclable at the end of its life cycle thanks to the Flins Re-Factory.

2021 Renault 5 Prototype