Movement Control Order (MCO) – only up to 10 kms to get essential items

There was a tiny bit of good news today during the daily briefing by the Health Ministry. According to the Director-General, there are signs of reduced cases which suggests that the curve is flattening. It’s too early to celebrate but if this sign can become a sustained trend, then we will be winning the war against the COVID-19 coronavirus.

If we can flatten the curve, the number of cases will become lower and the hospitals will be able to help more infected people and save more lives.

The reduced cases can be attributed to the Movement Control Order being initiated 2 weeks ago. Though it has restricted movements of the general population nationwide and requires people to stay in their homes, it has been necessary to reduce, if not prevent, the spread of the virus. However, there is some flexibility which allows people to travel out of their homes to get essential items and they must immediately return after that.

Because there are people (about 3% of road-users) who don’t appreciate such flexibility and take advantage of it, the police have had to be more strict in enforcing the MCO. Roadblocks have been set up in many areas, some roads are closed off, and only one person can be in the vehicle – and must have valid reasons for being away from the home. Those who do not obey orders to return home if their reason is unacceptable can be arrested.

Now, with the second phase of the MCO starting which will last until April 14, there is an additional restriction. You can only travel up to 10 kms from your residence to purchase the essential items. This new condition has been introduced since it was found that there were people who were using the journey as a chance to drive around, perhaps to enjoy the empty roads.

In Penang, for example, there were people who insisted on crossing to the mainland to buy their things. The police did not allow that and ordered them to turn around and buy from stores on the island. This is what happens when a few people are stubborn and disobedient and the rest of us also suffer.

Of course, the authorities are not considerate and if there is a valid reason to travel further, eg to a hospital or to visit sick parents at a different home, then permission can be given for travel to be undertaken.

During the MCO period, petrol stations must remain closed between 8 pm and 8 am and that includes their convenience stores.

Meanwhile, supermarkets, grocery and convenience stores as well as petrol stations will be limited to operating hours between 8 am and 8 pm. The same hours apply to places selling food which have not been permitted to allow customers to eat on their premises; they can only offer takeaways or cater to orders sent by food delivery services. So if you are ordering food, be sure to do so by 7 pm.

Therefore, other than an emergency, you should not be on the road after 8 pm. If you miss going out to the mamak stall with your friends at night, it’s too bad that we can’t do it now. But what you can do is help to keep the number of infected people from going up and that means…


Slavia open-top concept is seventh Skoda Students Car

Skoda, the Czech car company which is part of the Volkswagen Group, has been around since 1895 and over the many decades, it has ensured that the spark of creativity is maintained as different generations of employees come and go. One of the ways it has achieved this is through the Skoda Vocational School which was established in 1927 because of the need for qualified workers.

Each year for the past seven years, the students have been invited to come up with a concept car and for this year, the seventh Skoda Student Concept Car is one which links the past with the present. Designed by 31 students attending the vocational school, the open-top Slavia also concept pays homage to this year’s anniversary of the company by commemorating the name of the first bicycles produced by Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement after they founded the company in 1895.

The spider variant of the Scala production model combines the contemporary compact car’s bold and exciting lines with a common design standard from the earliest days of motoring, when most automobiles were open-top vehicles.

The Scala, from which the Slavia concept has been adapted.

The students also took inspiration from the 1957 Skoda 1100 OHC, a sports prototype developed as an open-top two-seater racing car for endurance rallies.

From the first draft to putting together this one-off car, the students completed every step themselves. Of course, there was also guidance and support from their instructors as well as experts from Skoda’s Design, Production and Technical Development departments.

“The Student Car is the Skoda Vocational school’s annual flagship project. For the seventh year running, our students are demonstrating the high standard of our in-house training by planning, designing and building an impressive one-off car. We enable them to design their dream car, working with professionals from our various departments. As a result, their training already familiarises them with processes that will become part of their working lives later on, when they graduate from our vocational school and embark on a career in our company,” explained Alois Kauer, who took over as Head of the Skoda Academy in February 2020.

The students designed the Slavia and then built it themselves as a project car.

The 31 students involved in the seventh Skoda Student Car marks the first time the project participants have chosen the Scala as the basis for their personal idea of a dream car, turning the compact hatchback model into a particularly sporty spider. The Slavia, as in the production version of the Scala, has a similarly distinctive design, defined by precise lines and sculpted surfaces.

The matching dynamic performance of the topless car comes courtesy of the familiar 1.5 TSI petrol engine with an output of 150 ps, which goes to the front wheels through a 7-speed DCT. Other carry-overs from the production model include the front and rear axle, steering, the complete electronics including cabling as well as the assistance systems. The instrument panel, Virtual Cockpit and infotainment system are also retained in their original form.

Whether the Slavia will serve as the basis of a future production model remains to be seen. But it is well known that the work of the students has always impressed the designers at Skoda and who knows, perhaps they will draw inspiration from it.

Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India


Honda and Hitachi join forces to build electric motors

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. have announced the establishment of a joint venture company that will develop and manufacture electric motors for vehicles. The company will use Hitachi Automotive Systems’ premises in Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Prior to the establishment of the company, both companies were engaged in various discussions based on a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed February 3rd. It will receive a financial grant from Ibaraki Prefecture as it has been recognized as a relevant project that “promotes the establishment of corporate head office functions” within the prefecture.

This joint venture will allow Honda better access to electric motor technology as well as give the company a head start at being a mass producer of EV motors. The advent of practical electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S has managed to convince many that EV vehicles can be a practical mode of transportation.

Unlike the old days, newer ones are able to travel longer before needing to be recharged and are fitted with batteries that last over time. Automakers have also increased the warranty period on these batteries as well as initiated programmes that make it easier for owners to have their tired batteries replaced at a fraction of the actual costs.

Mass production of electrical components such as battery packs and motors, should drive down costs of buying and owning an EV, which in turn will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Honda should benefit from this quiet a bit, especially if it manages to convince large automakers to buy Honda motors rather than build their own from scratch.


First MINI Charging Facility In Seremban Ready For Service

Along with Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad (MCHB), Millennium Welt, the dealer representative for the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands in the state of Negeri Sembilan, has introduced its first charging station for MINI in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Seremban.

The introduction of the new MINI Charging Facility significantly electrifies the environment for EV owners in and around Seremban’s surrounding districts, giving developing townships in the area greater access to charging infrastructure.

The new charging station, which has an 11kWh Wallbox powered by ChargeEV, is stationed at the d’ Tempat Country Club’s main parking lot at PT 12653, Jalan Pusat Dagangan Sendayan 1, Bandar Sri Sendayan, 71950 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

The public can now use the charging station from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day for a fee of RM5 for every 20 minutes of use.

Over 670 charging facilities have been made available by BMW Group Malaysia for EV owners thus far, with access to over 360 of these facilities provided through partnerships with ChargEV and Yinson Greentech.

In addition, 100 BMW and MINI charging facilities are also available at most authorized dealerships, as well as partnering venues across the country, with more to come as part of the strategic infrastructure expansion plan set for the year ahead.


Vietnam’s Vinfast to add 3 EV SUVs to range within 13 months

To know about other promotions, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

Vinfast, the Vietnamese carmaker which has been in operation for 3 years, has completed development of its first three smart cars. While the company aims to become a major global player in the EV (electric vehicle) segment, these new models are also available with 2-litre petrol engines.

The new range consists of the VF31, VF32, VF33, in which VF31 is a mid-size C-segment SUV while the VF32 will be one size up in the D-segment and the VF33 will be in the E-segment. The VF31 will be available with only an electric powertrain, while the VF32 and VF33 will each have 2 electric and petrol versions.

All 3 models have Level 2-3 autonomous features, with 30 smart features divided into 7 groups. These include intelligent driver assistance system, adaptive lane control system, cruise control system active, multi-point collision warning system, comprehensive collision mitigation system, intelligent automatic parking system and driver monitoring system.

Vinfast expects that, at launch, these will be the few SUVs in the world with many Level 3 autonomous features. For the high-end versions, high-performance sensor systems will be used. These will employ LiDAR sensors with 14 cameras capable of detecting objects up to 687 metres away. Around the vehicles will be 19 sensors to scan 360 degrees which can operate at high speeds above 100 km/h.

The self-driving system controlled by the Orin-X chip can process up to 200 GB of data per second, allowing control and navigation 8 times faster than current generations. In addition, the premium version of all 3 models is equipped with some Level 4 autonomous features such as automatic 3-dimensional map setting (market-dependent), allowing automatic parking and location, as well as summoning the vehicle.

In addition to autonomous features, Vinfast has applied a user-centric development philosophy. There are smart features in the e-cockpit virtual cockpit which makes use of artificial intelligence technology (AI), machine learning and deep learning, facial recognition, and a multilingual virtual assistant.

The objective of using advanced technologies is to provide comfort and enjoyment when travelling in the vehicle. The occupants will also have an extensive range of customization so that they can personalize the vehicle according to characteristics and usage habits.

The vehicles are engineered to meet the world’s highest safety standards and are expected to be able to score the maximum 5-star ratings in the US NHTSA and Euro NCAP assessments. Besides the usual active safety systems to assist the driver, there are also automatic detection, warning and notification systems to medical facilities in the event of an accident.

Vinfast says that the battery packs. Which can provide a range of over 500 kms, are situated under the floor of the vehicle. They are designed to high safety standards and will have the ability to update software remotely, automatically detect faults on the vehicle and automatically contact the service centre.

The first model to go into production this year will be the VF31 and orders from the domestic market will be accepted from May, with deliveries to begin from November 2021. Order-taking for the VF32 and VF33 models will start from September 2021, with first deliveries planned to start from February 2022.

Vinfast also has ambitions to export the SUVs to the US market by the middle of next year. It is not easy to get into the US market as the regulations are tough, especially for safety. Emissions should of course be no problem since it is electric, and the autonomous capabilities should put Vinfast ahead of others.

Vinfast to offer one of the most powerful SUVs in the world


Proton X70 set to become one of the official vehicles for Public Sector Super Scale officers

With over 500 confirmed orders – and over 400 having already been delivered – the Proton X70 is set to become one of the official vehicles for Public Sector Super Scale (JUSA) officers. The decision by the Malaysian government and SPANCO (the fleet management service provider for the government) to order the SUV for its fleet is an important achievement for Proton.

The X70’s role as an official government vehicle was strengthened recently when a unit of the SUV was delivered to the Ministry of Finance for Dato’ Shahrol Anuwar Sarman, Statutory Bodies Division Secretary for the Strategic Management Division.

From left: Fazli Hisham Shukor, Director of Proton Corporate Sales, and Hazrin Fazail Haroon, Director of Proton Group Engineering at the handover of the X70 to Dato’ Shahrol Anuwar Sarman, Statutory Bodies Division Secretary for the Strategic Management Division of Ministry of Finance, accompanied by Shaheeran Jalalludin, Operations Head of SPANCO.

While the delivery was of a single unit of the X70, the significance of the event is expected to have far wider consequences. “The Proton X70 has been an invaluable contributor to PROTON’s success in 2019 so we are proud it now plays a formal role for the public services sector. This proves its suitability for a number of tasks including representing various ministries at local and international level events. We are also therefore expecting to receive more orders for the Proton X70 from various government departments in 2020,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.

Earlier in December, it was announced a fleet of Proton X70s would be used to support the year-long Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020 forum. This should provide good exposure for the model as well as Proton at a major international event.

“Proton will continue to work closely with service providers such as SPANCO to ensure we can support the need for official vehicles by public sector agencies and government departments. As a Malaysian automotive brand, we want to continue to show our support for the country and play a role in nation building,” Dr. Li said.

First Made-in-Malaysia Proton X70 officially rolls out at Tg. Malim factory


The F1 Safety Car will have a new look for the first F1 race of 2020 this Sunday

It’s a familiar sight at the Formula 1 World Championship – the car that is in the lead when there’s been an accident on the track, or the weather conditions are very bad. It’s a Mercedes-AMG and it leads the field of F1 cars around the track while emergency work is being done or to await weather conditions improving.

It’s been this way for 25 years, and for 20 of those years, Bernd Maylander has been at the steering wheel of the Official FIA F1 Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG. Even the colour scheme of the car with its silver paint and black decor has stayed the same.

But for the 2020 season, things will change. The AMG GT R will take its position at the racetrack with a new look this weekend. The car will prominently support the Formula 1 campaign
‘WeRaceAsOne’
 by featuring its rainbow key visual on the flanks and on the bonnet of the car. The eye-catching design symbolizes the sports commitment for diversity and inclusion.

Formula 1’s return to racing this weekend in Austria – the start of the 2020 season – will be used as an opportunity to thank people all over the world for their strength and resilience in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic. The sport will also show its unity in the fight against racism and its commitment to do more to address inequality in Formula 1.

As a sign of this commitment, rainbow visuals and the hashtag
#WeRaceAsOne
 will feature on all Formula 1 cars and around the racetrack. The rainbow was chosen as it has become a symbol that is used internationally to bring communities together.

In addition to the ‘
WeRaceAsOne
’ campaign, the call to ‘
Drive Safely
’ will be visible on the bonnet the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, addressing fans at home who are watching the race on TV or via livestream and reminding them to always drive in a careful and considerate way.

Maylander’s ‘company car’ also uses the hashtag
#PurposeDriven
 to promote the FIA’s commitment to safety, sustainability, gender equality and diversity, and points out the FIA Action for Road Safety with mentions on the roof and tailgate of the car.

From a technical perspective, the Official FIA F1 Safety Car remains unchanged. It is still powered by a 4-litre 595-bhp V8 biturbo engine, and it has sophisticated active aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction. The installed AMG Track Package provides roll-over protection and the ceramic high-performance composite brake system ensures strong stopping power.

The FIA requirements for the Official FIA F1 Safety Car have always been. It must be able to maintain a high minimum speed so that the tyres and brakes of the Formula 1 cars do not lose too much temperature and the engines do not overheat. With a top speed of 318 km/h and 3.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, the AMG GT R has enough performance to qualify for the role at the front.

In addition to the Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate is also on stand-by at every race for emergencies. The Official FIA F1 Medical Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship will also have the new design.

In addition to the Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate  is also on stand-by at every race for emergencies as the Official FIA F1 Medical Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It will also sport the new design.

This weekend’s race will be the first of two that will be held in Austria’s Red Bull Ring. The second round will be held the following weekend. The weekend after that will see a round run in Hungary and then on August 2, the F1 teams will cross over to England for a race at the Silverstone Circuit. The British circuit will also host a second race the following weekend (August 9), after which will be events in Spain, Belgium and Italy.

The Red Bull Ring in Austria where the first two rounds of the 2020 F1 championship will be run. Spectators will not be allowed to attend and have to watch on TV or their mobile devices.

The series of races in Europe will end on September 8, by which time the organisers should have been able to schedule additional races. The plan is to have races resuming in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas and finish in the Middle East venues of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. In total, it is hoped that 15 to 18 races can be run before the year ends.

It will be a new environment for the participants as there won’t be spectators. The risks of close proximity of crowds spreading the coronavirus have led to an agreement that races can be run, but spectators cannot be present in the stands. The events will therefore rely entirely on TV broadcasts and livestreaming over the internet.

Participants will have to go through strict screening and minimise their numbers in the pits. The organisers say that should anyone show a positive result when tested for COVID-19, it should not affect the race which will go on. Hopefully, there will be no evidence of the event causing transmission of the coronavirus so that governments in other countries will have more confidence to allow races to be run in their countries.

2020 F1 championship to start in July with up to 18 races planned in 6 months


Fuel Price Updates For December 9 – December 15, 2021


Koenigsegg achieve new world record with Agera RS

We are sure you’ve heard of Koenigsegg’s earlier
0-400-0 km/h feat
, where it blitzed the previous record held by the Bugatti Chiron. Now, it has outdone itself yet again by using the same car, the Agera RS, to break the production car speed record.

Based on Koenigsegg’s official twitter page, the automaker boasted its latest achievement by tweeting that its Agera RS had achieved a 2-way average speed run of 444.6km/h. The vehicle was driven by the company’s factory test driver, Niklas Lilja.

This effectively makes the Koenigsegg Agera RS the fastest car in the world, beating the 427.6km/h record that was set by the Bugatti Veyron Supersport in 2010. The Swedish automaker has been playing second fiddle to the French automaker for quite sometime.

A Koenigsegg Agera RS driven by factory driver Niklas Lilja has recorded a 2-way avg speed of 444.6 km/h (277.9 mph).  A new world record!
pic.twitter.com/FXUjKpTW1q

— Koenigsegg Official (@koenigsegg)
November 4, 2017

Yes, we have video of today’s runs and will publish, along with our full story, ASAP.  For now, though, we celebrate ?
pic.twitter.com/JBRBHB1d0z

— Koenigsegg Official (@koenigsegg)
November 5, 2017

But recently however, it seems as though Koenigsegg has decided to challenge the status quo. It is now hell bent on smashing every speed record that Bugatti holds, which includes the title of Fastest Car in the World. The Swedes can now hold their heads high, knowing that they have bested the masters of the game.

Under the hood of the Koenigsegg Agera RS is a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 1,160bhp. That figure is bumped up to 1,341bhp if the car is equipped with the 1 MegaWatt package. That said, there’s no word yet on the specs of the car that shattered the Veyron’s record.

However, Koenigsegg have said that they will reveal the full story and more information about the car in due course. Until then, all we can do is speculate on the car’s setup. But stay tuned and we will let you know more as we find out.


20,000 euro penalty for bungled tyre-change during 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix

It was to be a pit-stop to make a precautionary change of tyres as the signs were good that George Russell could win the Sakhir GP. But it turned out to be a bungled move that not only ultimately took away the chances of the driver who was driving in place of Lewis Hamilton, but it would cost the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team 20,000 euros (about RM98,700) as well.

The pit crews practice and practice to get the stop down to seconds and these days, without refuelling, the car can be in and out in less than 4 seconds. Red Bull Racing holds the record – 1.88 seconds to changed 4 tyres. But the Sakhir GP presented new conditions that required quick decisions as each lap was less than a minute and it is believed that the sudden decision to make the precautionary change had created a bit of confusion, compounded by Valtteri Bottas also coming in.

Mix-up rectified a lap later

Russell’s car received a mixed set of tyres – two of which were the front ones for Bottas’ car – and when the mistake was realized, he was already zooming off so it was another minute before he could be brought back in to rectify the error. Fortunately, it was less than a minute to do a circuit of the track. But he was no longer within sight of the front of the pack where Sergio Perez was on his way to his first F1 win – which could also have been Russell’s.

But the 22-year old who had been released from Williams Racing at the request of the Mercedes-AMG team showed that he had the determination to win and though he was just out of points range, he managed to fight his way back up to ninth when the race ended, getting the first 2 points of his F1 career plus 1 point for the fastest lap of the 87-lap race (55.4 seconds).

Russell did everything he was instructed to do and drove a fine race, demonstrating how good he can be if he has the right car with the right resources. He must have been focused on not making a bad impression in any way so he could not, as Hamilton did in the Turkish BP, ignore the unplanned precautionary pit stop and keep his leading position. Hamilton had been asked to come in 2 laps before the end of the Turkish and chose not to.

The pit crews train hard to change all four tyres within less than 3 seconds (the record is 1.88 seconds).

‘Incorrect use of tyres’ offence

The offence committed was described as ‘incorrect use of tyres’ and the Stewards learnt that it was caused by a radio communications technical issue wherein the pit wall’s communication to the pit crew that Car 63 (Russell) was entering the pits prior to (and not after) Car 77 (Bottas), failed to be received by the crew of Car 63 because at the same time, the driver of Car 63 transmitted over the top of that message.  This resulted in the front tyres of Car 77 accidentally going onto Car 63, as the cars were ‘double stacked’ at the time.

The offence would normally involve a sporting penalty up to Disqualification but the Stewards also considered mitigating circumstances, besides the radio issue. It was noted that the team rectified the problem within 1 lap. Perhaps it was considered to be enough ‘penalty’ that both cars dropped down in classification.

The Stewards also pointed out that one of the regulations which was thought to be applicable was not actually catered for but considered to be similar in nature. However, the responsibility to fit tyres in compliance with the regulations, still rests with the team and therefore a penalty had to be imposed.

The Stewards have recommended that the FIA consider amending the regulation to accommodate this type of situation when it is rectified without delay. It is noted that this type of mix-up has not previously been experienced in Formula 1.


Proton Used Car Management division sees increasing business

According to the President of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), sales of used vehicles saw significant growth during the first 6 months of this year. While sales of all vehicles, new and used, were suspended for some months due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) and closure of businesses, when sales activity resumed, many people headed for used car lots to look for lower-priced vehicles.

The reason for this new buying pattern is believed to be concern about using public transport which has risks of COVID-19 infection due to the crowded environment. As such, many people would rather have their own transport and are buying a used car which would be more affordable than a new one.

While Proton’s main business is making and selling new vehicles, it also realises that the used car business represents a critical component of the automotive value chain. Therefore, as part of its overall strategy, it started to develop a Used Car Management (UCM) department so as to streamline the sales and distribution of used cars in support of new car sales.

Pilot project began at 8 outlets

The UCM division began operations in 2019 with a pilot project consisting of 8 outlets located in various dealerships. The initial period was used to establish operating procedures and to train used car inspectors who would manage transactions in each outlet. In 2020, the goal is to have operations established at 36 3S/4S outlets nationwide.

“With Proton’s sales growing quickly and expected to increase over the coming years, the role of used car management has become more important as we assist customers who need to dispose of their used vehicles. When we started the UCM division in 2019, the goals set were to support new car sales and to improve the resale value of Proton cars,” explained Brian Cheah, Head of Used Car Management.

The target set for UCM is for replacement sales, where a current owner trades in a Proton model for a new one, to account for a minimum of 10% of the volume for outlets with UCM operations. The company has also established programmes to help achieve the target such as Proton Xchange, designed to encourage current owners to replace their current cars with the latest Proton model.

Proton Certified Pre-Owned

With regard to the sale of trade-ins, cars sold by UCM will be marketed under the Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) banner. All PCPO vehicles undergo a comprehensive 201-point inspection and are guaranteed to have never suffered any flood or major structural damage due to accidents. They also get a 1-year extended warranty covering the engine and transmission and are eligible for a one-time free service (engine oil and oil filter only) up to 6 months after their registration date.

“In the future, UCM will set up a dedicated Proton used car portal with an online selling platform to attract tech- savvy used car buyers. Potential customers will be able to view our stock remotely and they can also browse the website to get estimated valuations for their current cars,” said Mr. Cheah.

UCM outlets get more sales

Despite being relatively new to the market, the UCM outlets have already had a positive impact. “We started the UCM program in October 2019 and it has helped our Sales Advisors to close deals as we can now offer competitive trade-in value for used Proton cars,” said Ryan Lai, MD of LHM One Stop Car Service Centre, a PROTON 4S dealership in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

Judith Yam, MD of Atiara Johan, a 4S outlet in Puchong, Selangor, revealed that the dealership has recorded over 130 trade-in transactions. “Since it was established, UCM boosted our sales by offering special incentives for customers who are current Proton owners. they see as a value-added service that allows them to easily purchase a new Proton,” she explained.

Revised Proton prices with additional ‘Tax Holiday’ Promotion


VW announces Polo rally contender

Volkswagen has introduced its newest entrant for the world of competitive rallying called the Polo R5 GTI. Based on the sixth generation road car of its namesake, the Polo R5 GTI will be made available as a complete rally version for professional teams and aspiring drivers to enable them to compete in championships across the globe.

“With the Polo GTI R5 we are hoping to transfer our expertise from four WRC titles to customer racing successfully, and offer a first-class racing machine for countless rally championships from national series to the WRC,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.

“Before the first race outing next year, we will subject the Polo GTI R5 to rigorous testing to make sure it is prepared for the extremely varied track conditions around the world,” he later added.

VW has released a simplified sketch of the car, which isn’t much to go on, but does provide us with a glimpse of what the car might look like. That said, it should resemble the standard Polo with the exception of aerodynamic and safety upgrades as per performance requirements.

Development of the car started earlier this year under the stewardship of Volkswagen Motorsport Technical Director, François-Xavier “FX” Demaison. He was also running the shop when the record winning Polo R WRC rally car was developed and built. As such, Demaison knows a thing or two about creating winning platforms.

Like the road going version, the Polo GTI R5 features a four cylinder turbo engine, which in this case has been tuned to develop 270bhp. It is mated to a 5-speed sequential racing transmission that sends power to all four corners via the AWD system. The car has also been fitted with a comprehensive safety package which is a requirement to compete in the R5 category.

This R5 category was created to give privateers, teams and importers the opportunity to contest national, regional and international championships with cost-effective, powerful rally cars. It allows for a more level playing field and one that isn’t reserved for only factory-backed teams.


Making paintwork more resistant to bird poop

Some people believe that if you are struck by bird poop, it may be a sign of good luck. After all, of all the humans around you, why would you be the one to get it? For motorists, good luck or not, it’s definitely not good for the car’s paintwork.

Most of us have probably had this problem at one time or another and even when you avoid parking under trees, a blob of poop may fall from the skies as you are driving. It’s unsightly and if not washed off quickly, can cause damage.

How Ford is helping

Fortunately, Ford vehicles are tested for just this eventuality – with the help of artificial bird poop.  The laboratory-developed synthetic droppings are so realistic that they can accurately reflect the differing diets – and subsequent different acidity of droppings – of most of the birdlife in Europe, where testing is done.

Applied to test panels as a spray, sample pieces are aged at 40° C, 50° C and 60° C in an oven to replicate customer use in extreme heats, pushing the paint corrosion protection to its limits.

The ‘bird poop test’ is just one of the ordeals paint samples are put through. They also spray phosphoric acid mixed with soap detergent, and synthetic pollen on panels before aging them in ovens at 60° C and 80° C for 30 minutes. The test guards against airborne particulates such as pollen and sticky tree sap.

Extreme sunshine is bad

Intense sunlight can be particularly dangerous for paint as the paint can also soften and expand. And that’s something we certainly have a lot of in Malaysia.  When the paint cools, it contracts and any grime, including bird droppings, attaches itself to the surface. If left on the vehicle for some time, it can leave a permanent mark that requires specialist treatment to remove.

By fine-tuning the pigments, resins and additives that go into making a car’s shiny protective paintwork, specialists can ensure the coating Ford applies to its vehicles has the optimum make-up to resist the impact of these types of pollutants, no matter what the weather.

The science of bird poop

Bird poop is often white and black, but it’s not all poop. The white part is uric acid and is the bird equivalent to urine, formed in the urinary tract. Poop is made in the digestive system and while both can be secreted at the same time, it happens with such speed that the two don’t have time to mix.

Additional paint tests

Other tests for paint samples include being bombarded non-stop with ultraviolet (UV) light for up to 6,000 hours (250 days) in a light lab – simulating 5 years in the brightest place on earth – to evaluate outdoor weathering; getting frozen in sub-zero temperatures; being exposed to harsh winter road grime in a high humidity salt chamber and subjection to simulated fuel staining from vehicle service station over-fuelling.

How to clean bird poop

Leaving bird poop on any car is therefore never a good idea. The advice for any car owner is simply to regularly wash your vehicle with a sponge and lukewarm water containing neutral pH shampoo, and gently remove harmless looking substances from the paintwork immediately. Waxing painted surfaces once or twice a year helps ensure new paint finishes can better resist harshest attacks, while staying shiny for longer.

“With so many cars parked and not moved from their usual spots for long periods in recent times as people stay at home, it’s likely birds are leaving their mark more than usual. It’s wise to remove it before it gets too baked on. But our customers can at least take some consolation in the work we do to help keep their paint protected,” said Andre Thierig, Manager, Core Engineering Paint at Ford of Europe.

Visit
www.sdacford.com.my
 to know more about Ford models available in Malaysia.

New Ford technology can prevent ‘car dooring’ by cyclists (w/VIDEO)


This is the all-electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE

MINI will be putting on quite an ‘electrifying’ show at the IAA Cars 2019 where they plan to globally unveil a number of new electrified models but the one that caught our attention the most is their new all-electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE which marks a new era for the brand’s pure electric mobility.

Consuming nothing but electricity (around 16.8kWh for every 100km), the all-electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE allows fans and enthusiasts to enjoy the best MINI has to offer with absolutely no local emissions whatsoever. That means pure driving pleasure and protecting the environment altogether.

The unveiling of their all-new electric options also marks the brand’s 60
th
 anniversary where MINI plans to go all out in Frankfurt from 12 to 22 September 2019 at the IAA Cars 2019. Possessing the first premium compact car with a purely electric drive system, MINI promises a ‘sustainable urban driving experience that also fires emotions.’

Powered by a 184hp electric motor, the 2020 MINI Cooper SE offers breath-taking acceleration thanks to the electric motor’s instantaneous torque delivery where drivers can hit 60km/h in just 3.9 seconds from a standstill and 7.3 seconds to reach 100km/h; all without using a single drop of fuel.

All of its juice is stored in MINI’s latest generation lithium-ion battery that offers a good driving range of around 270km for a single charge. With bespoke suspension tuning and a low centre of gravity (thanks to the battery positioning in the chassis), the 2020 MINI Cooper SE is said to have remarkable handling agility and cornering dynamics. Who doesn’t want those in their lives?

The strategically placed battery also means that none of space in the cabin and boot have been sacrificed in order for all occupants to enjoy the ride along with their luggage. Other standard equipment available in the new all-electric model are:

LED headlights

Fully digital instrument cluster

Electric parking brake

Two-zone automatic air conditioning

Connected Navigation + more

No news on the price or packages just yet but MINI has informed that the all-electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE will go into production starting November 2019. Oh, what joy, oh what fun.

MINIfest is back again to celebrate the MINI’s 60th anniversary


Mauritius is third overseas market to get latest Perodua Myvi

Perodua aims to export 3,270 cars in 2019 – a 50% increase over last year’s 2,184 units. So far this year, the Malaysian carmaker has sent over 1,600 units to distributors outside Malaysia, with the Myvi and Axia being launched in Singapore and the Seychelles, respectively.

Now Mauritius is the export market to get the latest Myvi, after Indonesia (where it is sold as the Daihatsu Sirion) and Singapore. The island nation is one of Perodua’s oldest overseas markets and nearly 2,400 have been sold there since 1996.

The model made its debut recently at the Defi Media Motor Show, which took place at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre in Mauritius. It is imported and distributed by Raouf Dusmohamud & Co Ltd.

A Perodua showroom in Mauritius, one of the Malaysian carmaker’s oldest export markets.

Contributing to export target for 2019

“The third-generation Perodua Myvi has been very well-received in Malaysia and we believe Mauritians will appreciate its many qualities,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad. “The Myvi’s Mauritian debut should edge us closer to our year-end export target and boost Perodua’s brand exposure internationally, what with Mauritius being a major tourist destination.”

“Unique styling, amazing interior space and clever yet practical features join forces with high quality and durability for its occupants’ comfort and convenience. “With LED headlamps, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, 4 or 6 airbags and stability control standard on both variants, the new Perodua Myvi is a very sophisticated and advanced product that Mauritians can truly get excited about,” said Raouf Dusmohamud & Co Ltd’s Managing Director, Raouf Dusmohamud.

Enhanced the ownership package

“Plus, we’re sweetening the ownership package for our valued customers by offering free servicing up to 30,000 kms with every Myvi purchase, which we are now also extending to all the other Perodua models in our current line-up, namely the Alza, Axia and Bezza,” he added.

Two variants of the Myvi are offered in Mauritius – the 1.3 G AT and 1.5 H AT, priced respectively at 699,000 (equivalent to RM81,300) and 775,000 (RM90,140) Mauritian Rupees.

Visit
www.perodua.com.my
 to know more about the company and its products.

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


2020 new vehicle sales start off with 22% drop in Total Industry Volume

Source: Monthly reports of Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)

KEY POINTS:

♦ The Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month declined by 22% or 12,219 units month-on-month compared to the TIV for December 2019.

♦ The decline in sales was attributed to the short sales month with the Chinese New Year festive season holidays.

♦ Historically, January sales are also lower than December as the last month of the year sees a big push by companies to move stocks and end the year with a high number.

♦ There was also uncertainty concerning a revision in Excise Duties with rumours that prices may change. However, the
 Finance Ministry clarified this this will not happen in 2020
.

♦ Looking ahead, the MAA feels that February 2020 sales will show improvement since the uncertainties have been resolved.

♦ As always, there are new models to come which will bring customers to the showrooms. An early newcomer is the
locally-made Proton X70
 while the
new 10
th
 generation of the Honda Accor
d will be launched during this quarter. Models like the
Perodua Bezza
 also continue to have a backlog of orders.

Source: Monthly reports of Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)


62% Increase In Malaysian New Vehicle Sales After 9 Months

Source: Monthly reports from Malaysian Automotive Association

(MAA)

The Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicles in September 2022 was marginally higher than the TIV for September, a difference of 0.1% or 1,045 units. Nevertheless, it was the second highest TIV of the year and also over the past 12 months.

It should however be noted that the TIV reflects deliveries and at this time, whatever comes out of each plant is sent for registration and then to the customer. This is because there is still a long waiting list for many models due to the effects of the global microchip shortage as well as some local parts issues. The growing numbers are therefore more indicative of output increasing.

Priority is being given to delivering new vehicles to those customers who placed bookings before June 30, 2022 which was the final date for sales tax exemption. The Finance Ministry, understanding the problems faced by the industry, has given up to March 31, 2023 for the customers who placed and confirmed their bookings before the cut-off date to be entitled to the exemption.

While some companies mention orders taken for certain models (especially those just launched), the number of new orders received is not generally revealed. However, some of the car company executives we spoke to said that there continues to be a steady flow of orders each week.

As at the end of September, the Total Industry Volume of new vehicles delivered reached 516,798 units, That’s 62% more than for the same 9-month period in 2021 when the cumulative volume reached only 318,827 units. Remember though that last year was a difficult year for the industry with plants having to suspend operations and then the microchip shortage worsened.

While production at the assembly plants has stabilized and there is more consistent output, some makes still have problems with parts, especially the microchips, so whatever can be completed is delivered immediately.

The coming elections (voting is on November 19) may dampen sales a bit but the MAA expects the October sales volume to be almost the same as September’s. With the Budget for 2023 announced (but not approved), car-buyers know that there is nothing for them to wait for as no meaningful incentives have been announced other than the duty exemption on imported BEVs being extended an extra year.

Ther MAA has forecast (revised in July) a TIV of 630,000 units which means that, over the remaining 3 months, 113,202 vehicles will have to be delivered to customers. That’s an average of 37,734 units a month, which should be easily achieved and even exceeded since the average for 9 months has been around 57,000 units. 2022 could therefore end with a higher volume than forecast.

Perodua Delivers More Vehicles As Supply Issues Diminish


Summary of new vehicle sales and production in February 2020

Data source: Malaysian Automotive Association

KEY POINTS:

♦ Although the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month – 40,403 units – was higher (by 1.5%) than the same month in 2019, it was 5.3% or 2,249 units lower than the figure reported for the month of January 2020.

♦ The total sales of new passenger vehicles was 36,702 units (about the same as last year) while commercial vehicles, including pick-up trucks, was 3,701 units (20% higher than February 2019).

♦ The decline in sales was attributed to delays in launches of new models and consumer concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic which showed signs of worsening.

♦ The Malaysian Automotive Association, which has been compiling data since the 1960, expects that March sales will be lower as the Movement Control Order came into effect around the middle of the month.

♦ Production of new vehicles dipped 11.1% after the upswing in January. As demand could be seen to be slowing down, many companies would have cut output to avoid building up too many stocks.

♦ The total output of 40,371 units during February 2020 was 17% lower than that of the same month in 2019.


Volvo Car Malaysia offers lifetime warranty for genuine parts

Manufacturing processes in the auto industry have been continuously improving and, together with better materials, automotive parts have been able to last longer. This has given carmakers the ability to progressively lengthen warranties which, 40 years ago, were just a year long or maximum of 20,000 kms after first registration.

Today, many companies offer coverage for a period of 5 years or longer, and there is no limit on mileage. However, owners must follow the schedule of maintenance services and inspections, and visit authorised service centres in order to keep the warranty valid. This is a reasonable condition since the vehicle also needs to be kept in good running condition which will help it to last.

Since manufacturers are confident enough to give longer warranties, it stands to reason that the parts in a vehicle are also long-lasting and this has led Volvo Car Malaysia to offer the ‘Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty’ programme. Under this new programme, owners who have purchased and installed Volvo genuine parts at an authorised Volvo dealership from October 1, 2021 will be eligible to for the warranty. The coverage commences from the date the part is purchased and is valid as long as the vehicle remains under the ownership of the registered owner.

The Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty does not cover every single item, especially wear-and-tear items like windscreen wiper blades and light bulbs. Such items are also usually excluded from the general warranty unless there is a definite manufacturing defect.

Most other warranties on replacement parts are for a limited period so Volvo Car Malaysia’s Lifetime coverage will give more peace of mind. In the event that repair or replacement for any genuine Volvo parts are due to a material or manufacturing defect, Volvo Car Malaysia will repair and replace the parts free of charge.

Those with older Volvo models who have not visited an authorised Volvo dealership for more than 2 years can also enjoy this lifetime warranty programme. However, they need to first bring their vehicle to an authorised service centre for the Volvo Health Check. This is to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and has not been modified or tampered with in any way.

Modifications can cause problems which can lead to parts wearing out faster or even failing. For example, using wheels that are not original and are of an ‘extreme’ size could place stress on certain areas, resulting in damage or failure. This would obviously not be Volvo’s fault and cannot be covered.

Older models can also enjoy the lifetime parts warranty if they meet certain conditions,

If the vehicle check confirms the vehicle is in good condition, then the owner can purchase parts under the warranty programme. However, the vehicles must be sent to any authorised Volvo dealership for subsequent services for the warranty to remain valid. This means that if the owner has not been using authorised service centres after the original warranty ended, they will now have to do so for the rest of the time they own the vehicle.

“This new offering is part of our commitment to provide the best aftersales services for our customers. Customer satisfaction have always been a pivotal aspect for Volvo, and through this warranty programme, our customers can now enjoy the benefits of decreased maintenance costs and experience the quality offered by Volvo, in the years to come,” said Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Longer warranty with 2021 Volvos sold in Malaysia


Skuad 42 On The Hunt For Mat Rempits

A ‘mat rempit’ needs no introduction for Malaysian but if you did not already know, is someone who engages in activities such as illegal street racing, bike stunt performance, petty crime, and public disturbance using a motorbike, typically involving 2- and 4-stroke underbone motorcycles known commonly as Kapcai or scooters.

Recently, two motorbike riders were spotted approaching a traffic light that had turned red while speeding. One of the riders performing tricks failed to slow down and stop in time, colliding with a car that was making a U-turn from the opposite direction.

The scourge of motorists for decades has been the speed demons’ tendency for cluttering the roadways, surging past ordinary cars while they lie prone on the seats as part of their now-famous “Superman” stunt.

According to NST, the mat rempit issue in Kuala Lumpur first emerged in the 1990s, when a number of the city’s streets were turned into illegal racing circuits at night, with racer packs taking over the streets and would frequently avoid being arrested by the authorities due to their large numbers.

Due to the issue, the city traffic police created an ad hoc team of traffic cops that were sent out to find and apprehend the racers in the 1990s. This gradually developed into a more organised team, with individuals selected for the squad starting in 2004 based on their aptitude for managing the racers.

After the police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department was created in 2016, Skuad 42 was formally established. The name Skuad 42 may sound foreign to some of us, but this name is actually quite feared by gangs across the country.

The squad, which was first established to combat widespread illegal racing, has since evolved into the traffic police operations intelligence section. The elite team now handles other motorcycle-related offences, such as hit-and-run cases, road bullying, and illegal motorbike licence plates.

It is difficult to identify members of Skuad 42 because they often camouflage as racers and alert the team on the routes the racers would take for subsequent action. The identities of Skuad 42’s members as well as its manpower are unknown to the public due to the need for secrecy.

The name Skuad 42, according to Assistant Commissioner Sarifudin Mohd Salleh, head of the City Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department, was taken from Section 42 of the Road Transport Act of 1987, which outlines the penalties for reckless and dangerous driving.

According to Sarifudin, during missions, Skuad 42 members also acquired evidence including photos and videos and made reports for the purpose of investigation. Between January and April in Kuala Lumpur, there were 144 arrests made in accordance with Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, as opposed to 118 during the same period last year.

This article is inspired by a feature article first published by
NST
.


2019 Lexus ES & RX officially launched in Malaysia – From RM299,888

The long awaited 2019 Lexus ES & RX have been officially launched here in Malaysia. After previewing some of their very fine models late last year at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018), the new Lexus models are finally available for purchase.

2019 Lexus ES250 – From RM299,888

The new 2019 Lexus ES 250 bridges the gap between iconic memorable design and world-class luxury all in one very premium package. The seventh generation ES comes in with a sharper and bolder façade thanks to new additions like its completely redesigned front spindle grille.

This gives it a more aggressive yet refined appearance for those who are looking for something ferocious yet sophisticated. The aerodynamic features on the new ES has also been enhanced to give better performance and fuel efficiency.

Apart from that signature grille, the new ES is also equipped with ultra-compact LED headlights and a sleek set of daytime running lights which offers both ultra-appearing looks and superb illumination no matter the driving conditions. Quite a good car to drive, especially during this haze season.

Spacious yet premium interior welcomes anyone who is blessed enough to sample this beauty in the flesh. Its driver-centric cockpit has been elevated in terms of quality and finish exclusively available by Lexus and Lexus alone in the ever-growing premium sedan market here in Malaysia.

Powered by a 2.5-litre inline-four engine, the new ES range produces around 204hp at 6,600rpm and 247Nm of maximum torque at 5,000rpm. This translates to a time of 9.1 seconds for it to reach 100km/h and topping out at a limited 210km/h.

Two models are available for those who are interested which are the Premium and Luxury variants. Pricing is at RM299,888 for the former and RM332,888 for the latter. Both variants come with the latest Lexus Safety System + which offer the highest levels of safety when driving.

2019 Lexus RX300 – From RM399,888

If you’re in the market for the next-level SUV that’ll get heads turning faster than you can drive, you’re in luck as Lexus Malaysia also introduced the all-new 2019 Lexus RX 300 range. Coming in hot with three variants, customers can opt for either the Premium, Luxury, or the range-topping F Sport models.

The fourth-generation Lexus RX300 comes with a host of significant enhancement inside and out which include the world’s first safety technology provided by Lexus across its premium SUV range and more. Like the ES, the new RX also has the same modern yet aggressive design many adore and desire.

The front end has been dressed in Lexus’ new signature spindle grille, ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlights, and that sharp L-shaped LED daytime running lights. More gorgeous illumination can also be seen from its sequential turn signal lights which has also become a signature feature from Lexus.

Available in the two new and very chic Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic and Ice Ecru Mica Metallic colour options, the new RX300 is certainly one of the best-looking SUVs in the market to date. Previous colours are still available if you’re interested in something a bit more contemporary like the Sonic Quartz and Amer Crystal Shine.

Powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four twin-scroll turbocharged engine, the new RX300 range is able to produce 235hp at 4,800rpm and 350Nm of torque as low as 1,650rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to 200km/h which is more than good enough to drive here in Malaysia.

Interior cabin finishes can be chosen from three exciting themes which are Ocher with Shimamoku Wood Trim, Black with Shimamoku Wood Trim, or Noble Brown with Shimamoku Wood Trim. Both the Luxury and Premium variants come with semi-aniline leather finish.

As for the F Sport, two interior finishes are up for grabs which are Black or Flare Red; both with Aluminium Trim design.

Safety features for the new Lexus RX300 includes:

Parking Assist

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Blind Spot Monitor

360-degree Protection body structure

10 SRS airbags

Vehicle Stability Control

Traction Control + more

Those who are interested should know that the new RS is priced at:

RX300 Premium – RM399,888

RX300 Luxury – RM424,888

RX300 F Sport – RM439,888

For more information, head over to
www.lexus.com.my
.


Bugatti Sur Mesur service takes customisation to the next level

When you pay over a million ringgit for a car, you would definitely want it to be special even though it is likely to be one of the few in the country. After all, if you can pay that much, what would be a few hundred thousand more to customize it to exactly how you like your car to be. The premium and luxury carmakers have such customization programs and now Bugatti also offers it officially with Bugatti Sur Mesure. The program is in response to ever-growing demand for personalized Bugatti creations.

Bugatti Sur Mesure, translated to English, means ‘tailored’, and it builds upon the marque’s distinguished history of coachbuilding, handcrafted interiors, paint finishes, embroidery and bodywork. The collective expertise of skilled designers and engineers is drawn upon for ultra-customized designs, materials and finishes.

As part of the official program, with one-to-one support from the Bugatti Sur Mesure Team, customers will be guided through the world of possibilities open to them. When configuring a Bugatti, the sheer number of exterior colours and leather finishes is nearly unlimited, but Bugatti Sur Mesure can take a further step and create a truly unique piece of personalized automotive art.

In recent years, Bugatti has showcased the depth of its ability to personalize its hyper sportscars to an ever greater degree. For example, in 2013, the Veyron ‘Les Legendes de Bugatti’ series saw 6 exclusive model editions, each personalized with unique exterior and interior finishes, celebrating individual heroes of the marque.

2019 witnessed the arrival of the Chiron1 ‘Zebra 1 of 1’ – a special commission for a customer in Qatar. Featuring an elaborate Titanic Blue and Gunpower Grey colour scheme, the car was hand painted by Bugatti’s talented craftspeople over the course of more than 3 weeks.

This year, the Divo2 ‘Lady Bug’ made its debut with a highly complex geometric-dynamic algorithmic fading pattern. The pattern was developed over 18 months for the Divo’s bodywork, illustrating how Bugatti will push the boundaries in making customers’ visions become reality.

The first official ‘Sur Mesure’ creation for a customer is a Chiron Pur Sport inspired by the 20th century heroics of renowned racing driver, Louis Chiron. Early racing pioneers who piloted Bugatti’s prototype racing cars continue to fascinate and are admired for their bravery and talent displayed on-track. Today, their spirit lives on and is the very source of the custom design of the unique Chiron Pur Sport.

Among Louis Chiron’s countless victories at the wheel of a Bugatti was his legendary 1931 win at the French Grand Prix, together with Achille Varzi, in a Bugatti Type 51 emblazoned with the number ‘32’. This number – painted entirely by hand – now adorns the sportscar as just one of a number of custom-made elements developed especially for this customer.

Two new exterior colours were created to pay homage to the legendary Grand Prix racing Bugattis of the 1920s and 1930s. The Bugatti Sur Mesure team also developed a new fading ‘EB’ painted pattern, applied meticulously by hand, which is complemented by a multi-layer stitched ‘EB’ motif on the door panels. Both required new techniques and processes to be developed.

The ‘32’ and ‘Grand Prix’ motifs continue throughout the cabin, including a special centre console inlay in black anodized aluminium, with a silver hand-painted inscription. The motifs extend to the door sills, headrests and entry lights. Subtle branding distinguishing the model as a rare and unique product of the program can also be found. Many of the customer’s ideas will also be available to more owners of the Chiron Pur Sport.

“For many years, we have worked with our clients to create their own personal vision of the ultimate hyper sports car. It has always been a highly tailored process but as an ever-increasing number of our clients request detailed and intricate customization, the launch of Bugatti Sur Mesure will ensure we can cater to their desires with the perfect level of detail required from a Bugatti,” said Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti’s Managing Director for Sales and Marketing.


VCM Releases 0% GST Prices Of Volvo Cars In Malaysia

Following the Ministry of Finance Malaysia’s announcement that the Goods and Services Tax (
GST
) is set to be standard-rated
0%
 from
1 June 2018
, Volvo Car Malaysia has updated its model range price list to reflect this fiscal measure:

Models

With 6% GST

With 0% GST

Savings

V40 T4

RM163,888.00

RM154,648.93

RM9,239.07

V40 T5 Inscription

RM180,888.00

RM170,686.67

RM10,201.33

S60 T6

RM238,888.00

RM225,403.65

RM13,484.35

XC60 T5

RM298,888.00

RM282,011.00

RM16,877.00

XC60 T8 Twin Engine Inscription

RM333,888.00

RM315,029.86

RM18,858.14

XC60 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus

RM343,888.00

RM324,463.83

RM19,424.17

S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription

RM368,888.00

RM348,045.16

RM20,842.84

S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus

RM388,888.00

RM366,913.08

RM21,974.92

XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription

RM403,888.00

RM381,067.60

RM22,820.40

XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus

RM413,888.00

RM390,501.56

RM23,386.44

* Please note that the prices quoted above are on-the-road (private registration for Peninsular Malaysia) without insurance.

This revised pricing will take into effect starting
 1 June 2018
 and will remain until further notice or announcement from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.

Standard-rated 0% will also be applicable for
parts and servicing
 prices at all of Volvo Car Malaysia’s authorised dealers, this includes purchases of all Volvo Service Agreement (VSA) packages as outlined below:

You may find more information about VSA in this attached brochure:
VOLVO Service Contract Plus

VSA Packages

With 6% GST

With 0% GST

Savings

VSA 3+:

Scheduled Maintenance and

Wear & Tear Parts

RM6,254.00

RM5,900.00

RM354.00

VSA 5+:

Scheduled Maintenance and Wear & Tear Parts

RM9,752.00

RM9,200.00

RM552.00


Fuel Price Updates For September 29 – October 5, 2022

Fuel price updates for the following week (effective after midnight today) see RON97 petrol being reduced further to the RM4.00 level with a 5 sen reduction per litre. Other grades remain unchanged as the government continues to subsidize the pump prices.

FUEL-SAVING TIPS

Right tyre pressures:
Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.

Slow and steady:
You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel.

Plan trips:
 If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use less fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.

Switch off the engine more:
Many motorists do not fully realize that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

Service the engine regularly:
 Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight:
 The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags and camping gear.


F1/Round 22: 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Highlights & Provisional Results

As the 20 F1 cars lined up on the starting grid for the last time in 2022, attention was focussed on Sergio Perez in P2 and Charles Leclerc in P3, both even in points. Max Verstappen was also world champion so the question was whether he would ‘cooperate’ to help his team mate take runner-up in the championship.

But much attention has also been on Aston Martin COGNIZANT’s Sebastian Vettel, who will be racing in F1 for the last time. Much liked, admired and respected, there were many messages of farewell (with ‘DANKE SEB’ as the tagline) and gatherings to mark the German driver’s last time with the F1 community that he has been a part of for the past 15 years.

As the lights overhead went out for the final time in 2022, Verstappen led the field with Perez right on his tail. Lewis Hamilton from a bit further back also had a good start to slip past Carlos Sainz but George Russell didn’t get off cleanly and had McLaren’s Lando Norris alongside.

However, Sainz was not willing to let Hamilton get away and by Turn 6, he pushed his way in so the Mercedes-AMG driver went wide and came out ahead. That attracted the attention of the Stewards who discussed it and decided there was no need for any action.

Verstappen was under pressure from behind, with only a 2-second gap from his team mate. Hamilton was trailing Sainz and made his move heading into Turn 9 with the help of DRS to pass the Ferrari. But 2 laps later, Sainz managed to regain his position – at the same turn.

By lap 10, Verstappen still led Perez and Leclerc, with Sainz in fourth. Russell had managed to turn it on and overtook his team mate – also in Turn 9 – to get into fifth. It seemed that Hamilton, though quick, was losing power in his car. There could well have been some damage when he left the track at the start.

Further back, Vettel, the retiring F1 driver, was dicing with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon for eighth place. He could get close but not get past. Ocon’s team mate, Fernando Alonso, was also close enough to put pressure on Vettel and distract him.

The pit stops began on lap 16, with  Perez, Russell and Norris coming in. They all went to hard tyres and when Perez rejoined, he was in fifth but Russell dropped to ninth. Besides the slow stop, Russell was also spotted to have an unsafe release and receive a 5-second penalty.

Other drivers followed, but the top three frontrunners – Verstappen, Leclerc and Hamilton – still remained out, with Hamilton feeling his tyres were getting better. Nevertheless, on lap 19, Hamilton was called in. Care was taken while lifting up his car to change the tyres as it was suspected that the floor might be broken. When he rejoined, he was down in ninth.

Verstappen gave up his lead to Leclerc on lap 21 and after a quick stop, rejoined in second. He would be back in the lead as Leclerc gave it up on the next lap to pit. So the order was still as it was at the start, with two Red Bulls at the front, followed by two Ferraris.

Just before the halfway point of the 58-lap F1 race, Alonso cruised into the pits… and the word was that he would not go out again (suspected water leak). A sad end to his time with Alpine but he has not had a good run all season either.

The order at that point was Verstappen in the lead with Perez less than 3 seconds behind, and Leclerc in third, followed by Sainz who was 4 seconds further back. Tyre changes were going on more frequently as hard tyres were preferred. Hamilton was showing signs of picking up the pace too.

Verstappen remained comfortably in the lead, as he had done for most of the race. He had a 5.1-second gap ahead of Leclerc and barring any incident, he could collect his 15
th
 race victory for this season.

Lap 39 saw yellow flags waved as Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi and Haas F1’s Mick Schumacher collided. The Williams got more with a rear puncture and had to slowly head back to the pits. The Stewards noted that Schumacher had caused the collision and gave him a 5-second penalty.

Another incident that attracted the attention of the Stewards was what seemed to be Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll forcing Alfa Romeo’s Zhou GuanYu off the track. However, after looking closely at what happened, they decided there was no action needed.

Hamilton was about 11 seconds ahead of Sainz but the Ferrari driver was quick and slowly closing the gap. The Mercedes-AMG F1 driver had been busy trying to keep Perez behind but on lap 46, the Red Bull driver got past. But he still had 7 seconds to close on Leclerc and he had about 11 laps left to do it if he wanted to be runner-up this year.

Observers and commentators were wondering if Verstappen would help in some way. Leclerc was 7 seconds behind in the final laps. Perez was working hard to close the gap and the calculations were that he would be right up to the Ferrari by the last lap.

Just 2 laps from the end, disaster struck for Hamilton as he lost shifts and started to move aside. It was a lousy season and it was certainly not the way to end it either. He had said that he was glad he would be rid of the car after this race. Hamilton’s retirement allowed Vettel to at least move up one position into 10
th
 to collect his last points of the season.

Verstappen streaked across the finish line to win the race, and behind Leclerc was just barely staying ahead of Perez and managed to finish ahead of the Mexican and take runner-up in the championship.

The last group picture of the 2022 drivers.


BMW Group Has Started Production Of iX5 Hydrogen SAVs

One year ago, at IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, the BMW Group displayed a special X5 which runs on hydrogen. Known as the iX5 Hydrogen, it uses the X5 bodywork but has a hydrogen fuel-cell electric drivetrain.

The iX5 Hydrogen is under development because BMW sees hydrogen fuel-cell technology as having the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drivetrain portfolio for local mobility without CO
2
 emissions. Provided the gas is produced using renewable energy and the necessary infrastructure is available, this technology can complement the BMW Group’s electrified drivetrain portfolio in future.

Fuel-cell + BMW eDrive technology
The iX5 Hydrogen combines fuel-cell technology with a fifth-generation BMW eDrive. The drive system uses hydrogen as fuel by converting it into electricity in a fuel-cell. The electric output can be up to 125 kW/170 bhp, with water vapour as the only emission.

The electric motor was developed from BMW eDrive technology also used in the BMW iX. In coasting overrun and braking phases, it serves as a generator, feeding energy into a power battery. The energy stored in this power battery can deliver a system output of 275 kW/374 bhp to provide the driving experience that the brand has been known for.

The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks (the two cylinders in the picture above) made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together hold almost 6 kgs of hydrogen. “Filling up the tanks only takes three to four minutes – so there are no limits on using the BMW iX5 Hydrogen for long distances, with just a few, short stops in-between,” said Juergen Guldner, Head of BMW Group Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects.

Built in-house
The carmaker recently commenced fuel-cell system production at its competence centre in Munich. By the end of this year, it will have a small fleet iX5 Hydrogen SAVs that will be run around the world for test and demonstration purposes

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”

“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology,” added Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel-cell in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, while weight and size have both decreased drastically.”

So far, the iX Hydrogen prototype has already successfully demonstrated its excellent everyday usability, even at very low temperatures, during the final round of winter testing in Sweden at the start of this year.

Technological expertise, high efficiency standards
A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump.

The individual fuel cells required for manufacturing the iX5 Hydrogen are supplied by  from the Toyota Motor Corporation, which has been selling a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (the
Mirai
) since 2014. The two companies have been collaborating on fuel-cell drive systems since 2013.

First look at the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain being developed by BMW and Toyota


BMW Premium Selection goes digital

For those who are shopping for used cars, there are lots of places to go to. Additionally, there are also websites which have advertisements for used vehicles. However, when buying a second-hand product, there is always the question of the condition of the vehicle which is not fully known. Most used car dealers will take in vehicles, clean them up a bit and perhaps fix minor issues and then offer them for sale. Some may offer a ‘limited warranty’ with a verbal agreement that you can bring back the vehicle if problems develop.

Many vehicle distributors and authorised dealer chains also have their own used car business and where these companies are concerned, greater attention is given to ensuring their offerings are in the best condition possible and almost as good as new. They will carry out a thorough inspection and change parts that are deemed too worn out (especially those relating to safety). And as everything is professionally done, they are willing to certify their pre-owned vehicles too, as well as providing a warranty in some cases.

Dedicated BMW/MINI website for pre-owned vehicles

BMW Group Malaysia’s Premium Selection, its pre-owned vehicle business, has introduced what is described as an industry-first initiative – a wide range of vehicles from the BMW and MINI brands will be presented on a dedicated microsite. These vehicles are offered by various authorised BMW and MINI dealerships around the country. and have

gone through a 360° vehicle check, with any necessary repairs done with Original BMW Parts.

At the time of writing, there are over 300 units available for ‘viewing’ from the comfort of home or office via the digital platform, another approach by the BMW Group in digitalising its touchpoints around the world. There is also a facility for trading in vehicles to get those from the Premium Selection, with competitive trade-in values offered.

Premium Ownership Experience as well

There are attractive, limited time and digital platform-only exclusive offers available. Those who purchase vehicles via the microsite are also entitled to enjoy BMW Group Malaysia’s Premium Ownership Experience which includes:

♦ A Minimum of 12 months BMW Premium Selection Warranty (terms and conditions apply);

♦ 360-Degree Technical and Optical Checks of the vehicle;

♦ Availability of Approved Vehicle and Service History;

♦ Exclusive Financing Offers from BMW Financial Services Malaysia; and

♦ BMW Roadside Assistance

Click here to visit the BMW Premium Selection website today
.

BMW and MINI owners can now enjoy Door-to-Door Service


Golf Anyone? VPCM Launches New Golf Family! [+Videos]

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting bookings for the new Volkswagen Golf variants at all Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. The Golf family consists of the Golf TSI in
Sportline
 and
R-Line
, the iconic Golf
GTI
 and performance-driven Golf
R
.

The new Golf family retains the charisma of past models with the unmistakeable design, and has been updated with details such as redesigned bumpers, new conceptualised headlights and LED tail lights. Here’s a quick 2-minute 360-degree video of the new Golf family:

Launched in 1974, the Golf is the Volkswagen brand’s most successful model, and
has played a major role in the automotive industry by setting standards in the compact class and pioneering the advancement of leading vehicle technologies. It has won numerous awards, including
“Compact Family Car of the Year”
 by UK’s Auto Express, and
 “Best Small Car”
 in the 2017 Daily News Autos Award.

Recognised the world over, the first Golf GTI invented the hot hatch category when it was launched. No surprise then that it was awarded as the
“Most Influential Car of All Time”
 by UK motoring magazine Autocar UK.

The ultimate performance hatch, the Golf R has set and broken numerous track records around the world. On the road and track, its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded cars available in the market.

To date, more than
 34 million
 units of the Golf in its different body variants have been produced and sold around the world. A new Golf was built, purchased and delivered every 40 seconds, on average, over the past four decades.

Erik Winter
,
Managing Director of VPCM
 (above & below) is confident that the new Golf family will be well-received in Malaysia as it already has a strong local following.
“With the introduction of four variants, there is a Golf for everyone. We are certain that the range will fulfil the expectations and desires of Golf fans here in Malaysia”
 he added.

VPCM is also offering Malaysians the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the
Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria
. The contest is currently ongoing and will end on the 27
th
 of March 2018. Details can be found at the Volkswagen Malaysia website.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the new Golf GTI and Golf R at the upcoming
Volkswagen Tours
. The GTI will be on display at
AEON Bandar Dato Onn in Johor Bahru, on the 27th March till 1st April
, while the
Golf R will make its local debut at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 28 March till 1 April 2018.

Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my

More on the new Golf family…

First a quick interior video comparing the VW Golf R and the iconic VW Golf GTI! (individual models highlights, specs and price after the video)

Golf 1.4 TSI

Price: RM155,990 (Sportline)

Price: RM169,990 (R-Line)

The Golf 1.4 TSI is available in both Sportline and R-Line. Under the hood of both variants is a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 7-speed dry clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. The Golf R-Line comes with ‘Vienna’ leather seats, 17” Singapore alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” composition media with App-Connect as well as LED headlights with Static and Dynamic Cornering Lights.

Golf GTI

Price: RM239,990

The ultimate hot hatch, the Golf GTI features a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). Output is an impressive 230PS with torque of 350Nm between 1,500 to 4,600rpm. The Golf GTI comes with GTI ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 18” Milton Keynes alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” Discover Media with App-Connect, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with driving mode selection.

Golf R

Price: RM295,990

A true performance powerhouse, the Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and progressive steering.

VW Golf Photo Gallery…


Jaguar unveils first virtual all-electric sportscar for Gran Turismo Sport

In 2013, to commemorate the 15
th
 anniversary of the popular Gran Turismo racing simulator, Polyphony Digital invited a number of top carmakers to develop virtual racing cars that could be included in the series. Many companies responded positively and came up with some extraordinary sportscars which were a combination of what’s possible today and what could be possible in future. There were no limitations to the technology and engineering so it was a unique opportunity to go to extremes.

Since 2013 and the launch of the sixth Gran Turismo simulator, over 30 sportscars have appeared from carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda, Hyundai and others. All of them have been known as the Vision Gran Turismo cars.

Vision Gran Turismo sportscars from Volkswagen (left) and Aston Martin

This month, Jaguar has also joined the program with its first all-electric virtual sportscar – the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe. The futuristic EV will be available for players to download in Gran Turismo Sport for the Sony PlayStation 4 from the end of November. Before then, it will first be driven by competitors in the latest round of Sony’s Gran Turismo World Tour event at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this weekend.

Inspired by brand’s racing lineage

Jaguar’s Vision GT Coupe has been designed and developed from the ground up taking inspiration from the brand’s racing lineage. The iconic C-type and D-type influence its fearless futuristic design, while Jaguar’s I-TYPE 4 Formula E and I-PACE eTROPHY racing cars provide the technical foundations for its uncompromising racing performance. Jaguar’s team of designers had complete creative freedom to develop the perfect proportions and beautiful surfaces of this virtual Jaguar of the future.

“This project has been completely led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create a vehicle steeped in our incredible heritage but pushing the boundaries of future design. The team have done an incredible job in creating something which is clearly identifiable as a Jaguar, inspired – but not constrained – by our iconic past,” said Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director.

The Vision GT Coupe is crafted from experimental lightweight materials, with the light and stiff monocoque made from carbonfibre composites and advanced aluminium alloys. This focused lightweight construction keeps its weight to just 1,400 kgs with near 50:50 weight distribution. Gamers will have 1,020 ps of power and 1,200 Nm of torque, a 0 – 100 km/h time of less than 2 seconds and perfectly balanced handling,

Dream project for designers

Beautiful shapes and purposeful proportions from three key cars in Jaguar’s racing heritage, the C-type, D-type and E-type, have influenced the form and graphics of the Vision GT Coupe. Radical front fenders are reminiscent of the C-type, the epic plan shape is inspired by the ‘Long Nose’ D-type, and the fast and elegant cabin hints at the Lightweight E-type.

The Vision GT Coupe is the first Jaguar to feature the iconic Leaper on the front grille. Elsewhere, the historic references continue with the twin-charging sockets flanking the rear haunches, inspired by Jaguar’s revolutionary 1968 XJ saloon.

“This was the dream project for a car designer, creating a futuristic sports car for Gran Turismo means our designs and ideas could be truly limitless. It has to excite future generations and most importantly, look and feel unmistakably Jaguar,” explained Oliver Cattell-Ford, Exterior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design, said.

Immersive interior design

The interior has been designed to fuse Jaguar’s heritage with its contemporary interior philosophy of progressive luxury, purity, driver focus, and stunningly intricate details, all of which are allowed to breathe through the simplicity of the car’s design.

“We’ve really pushed the limit to imagine how a future Jaguar sports car interior could look. The architecture is visually lightweight, simple, and dramatic; featuring advanced and experimental materials and finishes. Sitting in the stunningly considered cockpit and looking out onto the gracefully long bonnet of the Jaguar Vision GT Coupe – a view that is unmistakably Jaguar – the player will be fully immersed in the action,” said Chris Shaw, Interior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design.

This selection of inspired details and inventive, innovative flourishes include hologram technology. The car features an on-board artificial intelligence system affectionately named “KITT-E” – a companion that would operate systems, and interface between the driver and machine to enhance the ‘emotional connection’ with the car. This technology can also display other useful information to the driver in a variety of formats, including three dimensional maps, and essential vehicle data.

The cockpit has been crafted to envelope the driver, creating a racing experience reminiscent of Jaguar’s Le Mans-winning D-types. It also features augmented reality digital side glass for enhanced vision either side of the car; the glass being able to highlight danger and obstacles, therefore increasing driver perception. Complementing this, ahead of the driver is a transparent information cluster, displaying three-dimensional information inspired by iconic Smiths gauges, with rearward vision integrated either side in the screen’s simple wrapped design – all in perfect eye-line of the road ahead.

Pure Jaguar racing experience

A unique soundscape has also been created to immerse the driver in a pure Jaguar racing experience. Led by the team responsible for the Jaguar I-PACE’s soundtrack, the Vision GT Coupe’s distinctive sound was created using brand new recordings of the 1957 Le Mans podium-finishing ‘603’ Long Nose D-type. Its race-spec 3.8 litre XK engine provides a unique layer, manipulated and woven into a futuristic and distinctive electric soundtrack.

To offer uncompromising racing performance, albeit virtually, the team called on the same Panasonic Jaguar Racing engineers who lead the design and development of the brand’s I-TYPE 4 Formula E and I-PACE eTROPHY race cars. The car is powered by three powerful, compact motors – one driving both front wheels, the other two driving a rear wheel each – which together produce a combined 1,020 ps and 1,200 Nm. Players will be able to hit a maximum speed of more than 320 km/h but should something go wrong at that extreme speed, well, it’s just a simulation…

Behind The Scenes at Jaguar’s new Design Studio


First pictures of electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, to go on sale in 2023

Global-warming and climate change notwithstanding, there’s still a lot of ice and snow at the top of the world and it’s still very cold. The winter conditions around the North Pole are useful to test prototypes and many carmakers (even Proton) go up to the Arctic Circle for their development programmes.

It’s no different for Rolls-Royce and indeed, a new Rolls-Royce model always begins its life in winter. The carmaker has a facility located in Sweden, just 55 kms from the Arctic Circle, where temperatures drop to -26 degrees Centigrade and are further cooled to -40 degrees Centigrade. That is very cold!

Why go to extremes?

And there are several reasons for subjecting the marque’s products – in this case, the first fully electric Rolls-Royce to be called Spectre – to such extremes. When the first prototypes are built, the engineers perform very basic tests in extreme conditions to ensure that each system is operational and functions at a basic level in a cold weather environment. This test is combined with the beginnings of the refinement process – the first ‘lessons’ in a finishing school that will form the foundations of a vehicle worthy of having the Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet.

This begins with processes that are common to the automotive industry such as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) tests. The variables that affect this are numerous, spanning from the materials selected for major hardware components to the density of the door rubber seals, bushing compounds, fastening materials and even properties of bonding agents. The performance of these variables can change considerably when subjected to extreme temperatures – likewise the efficiency of the car’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling systems.

As a luxury brand, there is an additional component of winter testing that is of great importance to Rolls-Royce. This is defined by the marque’s engineers as ‘de-escalated time’, which enables incredible accuracy and control in creating the Rolls-Royce experience using the chassis control systems, powertrain management and electronics control.

By driving on low traction surfaces such as snow and ice and deliberately destabilising the Spectre, the engineers can create dynamic circumstances at low speeds that would ordinarily occur at high speeds. This can be reviewed and guided in situ and in slow motion, in doing so parametrising and finessing cold-weather vehicle performance in areas such as handling, controllability, stability, predictability and the ‘waftability’ that defines the Rolls-Royce experience.

De-escalated time enables engineers to create unparalleled detail in the motor car’s response, in doing so schooling Spectre to think, behave and communicate like a Rolls-Royce worthy of the marque. Following more than half a million kilometres of testing, 25% of this process has now been completed.

Rolls-Royce 3.0

Rolls-Royce 3.0 represents the beginning of the marque’s bold electric future. The term ‘Rolls-Royce 3.0’ is a reference to the brand’s progress during its renaissance, which began at its home in England on January 1, 2003. The first Goodwood Rolls-Royce was Phantom, and it was underpinned by its own Bespoke architecture. This was Rolls-Royce 1.0. Following this, a new, highly flexible all-aluminium spaceframe architecture was conceived that could be adapted for multiple applications, including models like the Cullinan SUV as well as super exclusive Coachbuild projects. This was Rolls-Royce 2.0.

Rolls-Royce 3.0 is the integration of a fully electric power train and Decentralised Intelligence into the marque’s architecture. In component terms, the simplicity of the car has increased significantly. However, the requirement for engineering the Spectre – of sending this ‘uneducated’ car to Rolls-Royce finishing school – is said to be unparalleled. The definition of engineering has changed. Historically, engineering a Rolls-Royce has taken place in workshops but the Spectre sees this pivot into the digital space.

This all-new model is the most connected Rolls-Royce ever and each component within it is more intelligent than in any previous Rolls-Royce. It features 141,200 sender-receiver relations and has more than 1,000 functions with more than 25,000 sub functions. By comparison, Phantom has 51,000 sender-receiver relations, 456 functions and 647 sub-functions.

The dramatically increased intelligence of Spectre’s electronic and electric powertrain architecture enables a free and direct exchange of detailed information between these 1,000+ functions with no centralised processing. While this has required engineers to increase the length of cabling from around 2 kms in existing Rolls-Royce models to 7 kms in the Spectre. The engineers have also had to introduce over 25 times more algorithms. A dedicated control can be created for each set of functions which enables unprecedented levels of detail and refinement, allowing for what Rolls-Royce chassis specialists are already calling ‘Rolls-Royce in high definition’.

The Spectre’s architecture

In creating a design for the Spectre, a generously proportioned, highly emotional bodystyle was selected. This could only be enabled with the marque’s all-aluminium spaceframe architecture. Indeed, the scale is so far beyond other contemporary coupés that it has been designated an Electric Super Coupe. It is the brand’s belief that there is only one other contemporary product that occupies this space – the Phantom Coupe – and the designers consider the Spectre to be Phantom Coupe’s spiritual successor.

The designers considered the dimensions and emotionality of Phantom Coupe as well as  other grand coupes from Rolls-Royce’s past. This is seen in the fastback silhouette and size and also a key design feature from the Phantom Coupe: the iconic split headlights.

The flexibility of the proprietary architecture (nothing related to BMW i) which is only used by Rolls-Royce enables the exterior design to be created as a totally authentic Rolls-Royce. This is plain to see in Spectre’s wheel size – it will be the first coupe equipped with 23-inch wheels since 1926.

The flexibility of the marque’s architecture also allows dramatizing the coupe experience. By placing the floor halfway between the sill structures rather than on top or underneath the sills, there is a highly aerodynamic channel for the battery pack, providing a perfectly smooth underfloor profile. Likewise, this creates a low seating position and enveloping cabin experience.

By moving the bulkhead location, designers and engineers have also been able to deepen the dashboard location to truly cocoon passengers. This is amplified with a dramatically low windscreen rake and highly efficient airflow profile. This, along with other intelligent design solutions such as an
aerodynamically tuned Spirit of Ecstasy mascot
, contributes to a Cd of just 0.26 in early prototypes.

Just the beginning…

With the winter testing phase completed, the Spectre development teams will continue the global testing programme. That means another 2 million kilometres or so before the important process is completed prior to first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2023.

New fully-electric Rolls-Royce will be called ‘Spectre’, to be launched in late 2023