Hyundai Sime Darby Motors launches second EV – the Hyundai IONIQ 5, priced from RM199,888

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has been quick off the mark to introduce electric vehicles, now that the government has given full duty exemption on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for a few years. Following the launch of the
Hyundai Kona Electric
 earlier, the company today launched its second BEV model – the IONIQ 5. The model was recently crowned ‘UK Car of the Year’ as well as third overall in the 2022 ‘European Car of the Year’.

Available in three versions (Lite, Plus and Max) – two versions with a single motor with rear-wheel drive and one with dual motors and all-wheel drive – the prices start from RM199,888 and RM259,888 (without insurance). The lower-priced Lite version has a single motor and a 58.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, while the top Max version with all-wheel drive has a more powerful 72.6 kWh battery pack. In between is another RWD version, the IONIQ 5 Plus, with better equipment and priced from RM229,888.

The earlier IONIQ model launched in 2016 (above) was also available as a BEV but only the hybrid version was sold in Malaysia.

The IONIQ 5 joins the KONA Electric which was launched last year.

Dedicated platform for BEVs

Unlike the earlier IONIQ which was also available as a BEV (although only the hybrid version was sold in Malaysia), the IONIQ 5 is a new generation of fully electric models with no combustion engine variant. It uses Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated BEV architecture called the
Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
 which will be used for all BEV models of the Hyundai and Kia brands. Hyundai expects this universal platform for its BEV models to reduce manufacturing costs and make manufacturing itself simpler. It plans to introduce at least 23 BEV models and aims to sell more than a million of them worldwide by 2025.

Hyundai E-GMP for Battery Electric Vehicles

The AWD option with the 72.6-kWh battery produces a system output of 225 kWh and 605 Nm. This can give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 186 km/h. With a 2-wheel drive set-up and 72.6-kWh battery, the IONIQ 5’s maximum driving range with a full battery pack is said to be up to 480 kms, while the smaller capacity battery pack is claimed to be good for 384 kms.

The IONIQ 5 also has a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function which makes it a mobile ‘powerbank’. It can provide up to 3.8 kW of electricity for charging large electric devices such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment.

Charging time – 47 minutes to 6.1 hours

Depending on the type of charging system, the time to recharge the battery pack can be from 47 minutes (fast-charging) or up to 6.1 hours when using an 11 kW home-charger. HSDM offers customers two choices of AC charging stations – 7 kW and 22 kW, priced at RM6,000 and RM7,000, respectively, inclusive of standard installation costs. So that’s an additional cost to include in the price but if you want to save the money, you can use public charging stations which are limited at the moment (but steadily increasing). HSDM also has a collaboration with Yinson GreenTech for Hyundai EV owners to use the chargEV network which now has over 400 charging stations.

For those who are concerned about the cost of replacing battery packs, HSDM provides an 8-year/160,000 km warranty specifically for the item. For the rest of the vehicle, the standard warranty period is a somewhat short 2 years or maximum of 50,000 kms. Customers can, however, take the option of extending this period (at extra cost) to 5 years or maximum of 100,000 kms, with 3 years (or maximum of 50,000 kms) of scheduled maintenance included.

Design inspired by Pony

Design-wise, the IONIQ 5 certainly has futuristic looks with a profile said to be influenced by the
Pony
, Hyundai’s historically significant model which was its first global car. The 4.6-metre long body sits over a platform with a 3,000 mm wheelbase and this extended wheelbase requires a more sophisticated approach to translate this new proportion into a contemporary EV typology.

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

On the sides, flush door handles (which extend when needed) provide clean surface styling and obviously, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The front and rear forms of the car merge at the doors – another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design first seen on the latest
Tucson
 and also on the
Elantra
.

The strong C-pillar shape, inspired by the
‘45’ EV concept
, gives a commanding presence clearly identifiable from a distance. Aero-optimized wheels further echo the Parametric Pixel design theme and are offered in a super-sized 20-inch diameter, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV.

‘Living Space’ theme inside

Within the IONIQ 5, a ‘Living Space’ theme is adopted to turn the cabin into a comfortable and welcoming environment. A Universal Island, which is a moveable centre console, can slide back as much as 140 mm to allow more freedom of movement inside the cabin.

https://www.piston.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hyundai-IONIQ-5-interior.mp4

The front seats have reduced thickness by 30%, providing more space for those seated behind. Many of the interior touchpoints — seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest — use eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced materials. Examples of such materials are recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

As would be expected, the IONIQ 5 has advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience. The clean dashboard has two tablet-like 12-inch screens. The left one is an infotainment touchscreen while the right one is a digital meter display that can be customized. The front and rear seats (Max variant only) also have power adjustment.

Older Hyundai models can now be covered under HSDM’s Extended Warranty programme


Updated Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets more powerful battery pack and digital mirrors

The 2022 World Car of the Year – the
Hyundai IONIQ 5
 – which is just starting to appear on Malaysian roads has received enhancements for better performance and new features. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV), which is just over a year old in the global market, is the first model to use the Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated BEV platform,
Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
.

A major upgrade is the capacity of the lithium-ion polymer battery pack; when launched, it was available with a  58 kWh or 72.6 kWh battery pack but now, there is an additional battery pack with a greater 77.4 kWh capacity. Compared to the 58 kWh battery pack which has 24 modules/288 cells, and the 72.6 kWh battery pack with 30 modules/360 cells, the new one has 32 modules/384 cells. It also operates on the 800V system and is available for both RWD and AWD versions.

Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform with the battery pack in the middle.

Better performance and range

The new 77.4 kWh pack has an increased range of up to around 500 kms (with RWD) and a power increase of 11 ps compared to the 72.6 kWh battery pack. An 80% recharge should be possible in 18 minutes using ultra-fast chargers.

The operating temperature of the battery pack is extremely important to performance and its service life. The conditions cannot be too hot or too cold and to maintain an optimum environment, there is a new battery heater and conditioning feature. This will enable the system to adapt its battery temperature while on the move to achieve optimal charging conditions when reaching the charging point. Ultimately, the owner benefits with improve charging performance in hot or cold ambient conditions.

Three digital camera-based mirrors

Besides the more powerful battery pack, the latest IONIQ 5 will be available with video-based digital interior and exterior mirrors. Instead of using conventional reflective surfaces, the mirrors will display real-time imagery from small cameras. For the inside rearview mirror, the camera is mounted on the IONIQ 5’s rear spoiler.

The Digital Side Mirrors have already been available for Korean-market models and are now being offered outside the country in a Hyundai Motor Group vehicle for the first time.

Namsan Edition

In some markets, there will be a special Namsan Edition of the IONIQ 5. This has a very generous equipment level and top technical specifications. The Namsan Edition is named after Namsan Mountain in Seoul, from which where there are expansive views across the skyline of the capital city and a national park covering over 3.3 million square metres

The IONIQ 5 Namsan Edition honours the Korean landmark with its full-length vision roof presenting an unobstructed panoramic view, whilst there is leather upholstery, relaxation seats and spacious interior cossets occupants within.

The first batch of IONIQ 5 owners in Malaysia recently received their BEVs.


Hyundai IONIQ Awarded 2018 Women’s World Car Of The Year Award At Busan International Motor Show

The 2018 Hyundai IONIQ, Hyundai Motor’s innovative model that offers three electrified powertrains, was awarded the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Supreme Award at a ceremony at the Busan International Motor Show. The Supreme Award is the top honor awarded annually by 25 of the most respected female automotive journalists from around the world who vote in the WWCOTY competition.

This year, the Hyundai IONIQ was a “standout”,” said the WWCOTY jurors, calling the IONIQ a “clear winner” among more than 400 initial contenders. IONIQ was also recognized as the winner of the Green Car category. The IONIQ is the first eco-focused vehicle platform in the world to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models. Hyundai’s approach for the IONIQ line delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience coupled with the latest in safety and convenience technologies, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers. For the awards competition, all three IONIQ variants were considered and treated as one car for voting purposes.

“We are honored to be present at the Busan International Motor Show to present this special trophy commemorating IONIQ’s Supreme Award and Green Car category award”
 said
 Sandy Myhre, CEO, Women’s World Car of the Year.
 “Having passed our rigorous test and being picked from a democratic voting process, IONIQ really stood out as a “clear winner”.”

“IONIQ’s aerodynamic body lines assist airflow and benefit its overall efficiency as an eco-friendly vehicle,”
 said
Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor
(above).
“Earning the Supreme Award from the judges of the Women’s World Car of the Year serves as yet another proof of IONIQ’s outstanding design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also purpose-built.”


F1 (Final Round): Highlights & Provisional Results of the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

♦ The race started and ran without drama for the first 30 minutes, with positions not changing significantly. Then Sergio Perez suddenly had engine failure – even after having an engine change – and had to retire on lap 10. As he pulled over to the side at Turn 19, the Virtual Safety Car was activated, followed by the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car as well.

♦ The Safety Car period saw many cars heading into the pits for tyre changes, and Pirelli was predicting that it would be a one-stop race.

♦ The Safety Car left the track after 4 laps and racing resumed on lap 14 with Max Verstappen zooming ahead, chased by Valtteri Bottas, Lewis Hamilton and Alexander Albon within 10 seconds behind him.

♦ For some reason, Carlos Sainz had been driving cautiously in the pitlane and perhaps too cautiously as he was notified that the Stewards were reviewing the matter of his driving too slowly.

♦ At almost the halfway point of the 55-lap race, Bottas started to drop back, allowing the Red Bull driver to extend the gap beyond 5 seconds, and Hamilton started to close the gap of 2 seconds with his team mate. But the World Champion was also uncertain of his tyres holding on for the rest of the race. Verstappen was equally concerned about the same issue.

♦ 20 laps from the end, Hamilton was his uncharacteristic self – not going after Bottas even though the gaps was 3 seconds and he was safe from having to defend against Albon who was 7 seconds behind. Was the British driver trying to preserve his tyres or was he not as well as he said he was after the COVID-19 episode (which he would admit to after the race ended)?

♦ Although comfortably in the lead and no apparent threat from Bottas, Verstappen was getting tense as the 10 laps remained, worried that something might go wrong with the car.

♦ In the end, it was Verstappen’s day. 55 laps from start to finish in the lead, and virtually no challenge from either of the Mercedes-AMG drivers.

The 2020 Formula 1 season will be remembered for its facemasks and absence of spectators,

Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team are champions again, both for the seventh time.

After more than 40 years in Formula 1, the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the final race for the Renault team name before it changes to Alpine in 2021. The new team will also have Fernando Alonso, with team mate Esteban Ocon.


Fuel Price Updates For January 9 – January 15, 2021


BMW may issue a recall of i3 in the USA

Due to certain safety concerns, BMW may be on the verge of organising a voluntary recall in the USA. According to a recent article by
InsideEvs
, the issue is with the BMW i3 regarding the less than acceptable data received by NHTSA based on its crash test results.

Apparently, during a crash, a ‘5th percentile female’, who isn’t wearing a seatbelt, can suffer neck injuries that are slightly above the acceptable limit. In this context, the 5th percentile female can be defined as a female driver, weighing 50kg or less and is about 5 feet tall.

This means that drivers who do not fall into this category have no cause for concern. This issue only effects a small portion of i3 drivers, but is still being treated as a serious matter. The article also states that a Stop-Sale order has been made that will effectively halt vehicle deliveries to customers until the problem has been rectified.

All BMW i3 cars since its launch in 2014, are effected by this issue, which equates to about 30,000 vehicles in total. There is no news yet on how the Bavarian automaker tends to tackle the problem but whatever it decides, this probably won’t be an easy fix.

So far, the problem seems to only affect the North American car but we shall have to wait and see if it stems from a manufacturing defect or a design flaw. If the latter is true, BMW may find themselves in a little bit of a pickle, especially if they want to continue selling these cars in markets with stringent safety laws.

The BMW i3 is a compact eco car that has been made available as a full-fledged electric vehicle or a hybrid/range extender. It’s a decent looking city car that helped change our perception on hybrid and EVs in general. We will let you know more as the i3 issue unfolds in the coming weeks.

Soource:
InsideEVs


80,000 Bentley Continentals delivered in 18 years

The Continental model line has a special place in Bentley’s history, having begun in 1952 with the R-Type Continental. This was a Mulliner-bodied coupe with a top speed of just under 195 km/h. It was the fastest 4-seater car in the world during that period of the 1950s, and very quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate in high-speed luxury.

In 2003, the Continental GT was launched – the first car of the modern Bentley era. Inspired by the R-Type, the first Continental GT established an entirely new market segment – the modern luxury Grand Tourer. Ever since, an average of nearly 5,000 examples have been delivered to customers around the world each year.

This year, after 18 years, the Bentley factory in England produced the 80,000th Continental GT. It should be noted that every Continental GT has been customised, meaning there are 80,000 very individual examples of the car. The 80,000
th
 unit was a right-hand drive Continental GT V8 in Orange Flame and it was completed earlier this week.

“At its launch in 2003, Bentley redefined the modern grand tourer with the revolutionary Continental GT. Now in 2021, the GT continues to be the ultimate luxury grand tourer, encompassing the latest technology, performance and style. This success is a testament to the skills of our designers, engineers and craftspeople here in Crewe,” said Bentley’s Chairman & CEO, Adrian Hallmark.

Many of the skilled craftspeople will have worked on the very first example of the Continental GT (still owned by Bentley). Over this period, the style, technology and engineering beneath the car has evolved significantly, seeing an increase of up to 27% in peak power, whilst models within the range have also achieved a reduction over the original Continental GT of 48% in CO
2
 emissions.

The platform beneath the car was upgraded to a Bentley design for the third generation, allowing a totally new stance, proportions and levels of dynamic ability that raised the bar again. Wrapped in a totally new bodywork design, with sharper lines and more flowing surfaces, the Continental GT remains a stylish and thoroughly contemporary grand tourer.

With a choice of powertrains, one of the most extensive colour palettes in the world and with almost limitless interior options, unique configurations can run into billions of variations. Bentley suggests that there are currently a total of 17 billion ways in which a customer can personalise his or her Continental GT.

Beyond that there are also the services of Bentley Mulliner – the company’s in-house bespoke division – which will make the requirements of each customer a reality. Apart from safety aspects, there are no limitations to what can be done for the customer.

To mark the production milestone, Bentley drew on its heritage fleet to show the evolution and achievements of the Continental GT since 2003. These included the very first production unit, still a taxed-and-tested car on Bentley’s fleet, a Continental Supersports coupe, considered by many to be the pinnacle of the first-generation GT family as well as second generation Continental GT V8 S coupe, finished in Jetstream.

A Continental GT setting the Production Class record at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb.

The Continental GT has also supported Bentley’s long tradition of racing and record-breaking that started in the 1920s when the Bentley Boys set the pace at European circuits. Some recent achievements: the first Ice Speed Record GT, driven by 4-times World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen; and the 2019 Pikes Peak GT, which still holds the Production Class record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Only electric power for Bentley vehicles by the end of this decade


Mercedes-Benz Project SMNR Virtual Showcar Presented At ‘League of Legends’ Final

At this year’s final round of the ‘League of Legends’ World Championship (a multiplayer online videogame) this weekend in San Francisco, Mercedes‑Benz will present details of its purely virtual showcar for the first time. Known as the Mercedes‑Benz Project SMNR (Summoner), the design of a sculptural two-seater coupe is characterized by its semi-transparent materiality.

Mercedes‑Benz will be the central part of the Riot Games Fan Village in San Francisco with the Mercedes‑EQ House. On an area of 250 square metres, the German carmaker will not only provide exclusive insights into the world of Mercedes‑Benz but also have the EQS SUV alongside the virtual showcar and the Championship Ring.

Unprecedented design process
The unique virtual showcar was created in a joint co-creation process with Riot Games, the game developer of the global game title ‘League of Legends’. Inspired by the dynamic world of League of Legends, the Mercedes designers have created a vehicle that redefines the boundary between reality and fiction in an unprecedented process.

“For the first time, we were able to set aside the boundaries of materiality and physics and give free rein to our creativity. Because of the virtual space, there are no limits to what we can create,” said  Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. “This endeavour to continuously develop our design and to constantly challenge ourselves in a new way manifests itself in Project SMNR. We give our creativity the space for the unexpected.”

Project SMNR embodies the Mercedes‑Benz’s design philosophy of Sensual Purity. The showcar combines beauty with the extraordinary in a unique way. Due to the purely virtual environment, the design is free from production constraints and the laws of physics. The resulting use of completely new materials, known as ‘metamaterials’, pushes the limits of what is possible. For example, the two-seater vehicle has a dynamic silhouette with a centrally located driver’s cockpit and increased ground clearance.

The wheels in the conventional sense have been replaced by energy fields and are fluidly integrated into the overall design of the vehicle. The flexible energy fields make it possible to completely dissolve the axles and bring their absence into focus. In addition, the spokes run inwards and accentuate the sculptural axle tunnel. In combination with the noticeably short rear section, this enhances the showcar’s powerful and energetic appearance.

In places where one would expect supporting structures or solid materiality, the design surprises with bioluminescent energy particles and flowing structures. The vehicle design was inspired by the world of gaming in general and ‘League of Legends’ Esports, in particular. It is based on two unique elements: the ‘Energetic Core’ and the ‘Zoning Molecules’.

The ‘Energetic Core’
As a solid core, the ‘Energetic Core’ defines the vehicle’s character and dominates the dynamic design language of Project SMNR. It is the central design element and supports not only the wheels, which consist of energy fields, but also the centrally located passenger cell.

The ‘Zoning Molecules’ are a semi-transparent layer of molecules that permanently adapt to the environment. The ‘Zoning Molecules’ in the vehicle can thus give Project SMNR any conceivable shape and adapt to the solid Energetic Core, as the central design element, at any time. The semi-transparent layer not only allow a view of the interior of the showcar, but also creates a completely new impression of design language and exterior appearance.

The designation ‘Zoning Molecules’ indirectly comes from the game ‘League of Legends’. The ‘zone’ is the area controlled by a team – zoning is the corresponding verb and describes the mastery of a certain area. The bioluminescent elements are what bring Project SMNR to life by allowing fluid changes in form and movement. This is because each energy particle represents a player and their avatar, which in League of Legends is called a ‘Summoner’.

Consequently, the individual particles are not only part of the design, but also a source of energy for the vehicle. It is the players, fans and their Summoners that drive the rhythmically pulsating heart of Project SMNR and thus illuminate the different areas of the vehicle.

Inside the Mercedes-EQ House
During this year’s event, all fans can experience this extraordinary approach at the Mercedes‑EQ House. The Project SMNR is showcased in an immersive and interactive way via a multi-screen installation that displays the car from different perspectives in sharp detail. It features the first fully 3-dimensional user interface in virtual space, representing the environment in a realtime hologram.

The exclusive partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the global ‘League of Legends’ Esports events of Riot Games has been in place since 2020. The focus of all activities of the exclusive commitment of both partners is the further development of the global esports culture and the strengthening of the worldwide ‘League of Legends’ community.

What a future Mercedes-AMG model will look like


LAUNCHED! 2018 Mazda CX-3 and Mazda6 ready to roll!

Bermaz Motor has officially launched their updated
2018 Mazda CX-3
 together with the
2018 Mazda6
. The new model launches were held in Penang in conjunction with their all-new
85
th
 Mazda branch and 3S Centre
 conveniently located in
Jelutong, Penang
.

The Mazda Jelutong 3S centre which is one of the largest outlets here in Malaysia (24,138 square feet to be exact) became the venue for the new Mazda CX-3 and Mazda6 which has been updated for 2018. The new showroom is able to display up to 14 vehicles but more importantly, it is also a full-fledged 3S Centre equipped with seven work bays which is able to cater up to 500 vehicles a month.

Everything for sales, trade-in, financing to after-sales services can be found under one roof at the new Mazda 3S Centre here in Jelutong, Penang. With a wide array of vehicles on show, the updated 2018 Mazda CX-3 and Mazda6 are now taking centre stage with their award-winning styling and performance.

2018 Mazda CX-3 – RM121,134 (On the road price without insurance)

Looking for a huge touch of class and elegance in your next crossover? Look no further than the 2018 Mazda CX-3. The updated model has been refined and retuned for better driving performance, efficiency, as well as a few design changes to keep things on the fresher side.

For 2018, the Mazda CX-3 comes with subtle exterior changes for an elevated sense of quality, style, and sophistication. This can be clearly seen from its new front grille with double chrome slats, sharper rear tail lights, and tastefully designed rims.

The cabin has also gone through quite a makeover where the Mazda CX-3 comes ready with an updated dashboard, red highlights, and an electronic parking brake that gives way for a brand new centre console, armrest and more storage space for your convenience.

Other updates for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 includes:

Improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin

Retuned suspension for a smoother rider

Recalibrated power steering and chassis for improved riding experience

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 CBU is available at
RM121,134
 (on the road price without insurance) and those who are interested should also know that it comes in six different colour options; Soul Red Crystal, Ceramic Metallic, Machine Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black Mica, and Snowflake White Pearl.

2018 Mazda6 – Mazda’s flagship passenger car, now even better!

Interested in something with a bit more class? Want to travel in a different level of sophistication? The new Mazda6 which happens to be Mazda’s flagship passenger car is your answer. Designed as the perfect embodiment of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion philosophy, it’s a blessed marriage between premium details and state-of-the-art driving technologies.

Having collected numerous awards from around the globe, the new 2018 Mazda6 has gone through yet another refinement stage where updates can be seen inside and out. The new front grille design exhumes premium feel and elegance which complements the car’s depth of character and wide stance.

A set of new headlamps further elevates the car’s overall sophisticated looks which goes stunningly well with the Mazda6’s new wheels. Improving its performance has been taken care of with a new bumper that helps with better wind cutting performance by channelling air to the front tyres.

Looking at the rear, a new chrome finish together a couple of new rear lamps offer a more powerful facade which is further elevated with a new tailpipe design which are now placed closer to the outer edges of the car. This further accentuates the car’s low centre of gravity by upgrading its overall looks.

Step inside the cockpit and you are instantly welcomed with a new dashboard design. A Wider and sharper appeal gives the Mazda6 a more complexity, especially with its eight-inch display Mazda Connect infotainment system.

Other updates for the new 2018 Mazda6 includes:

Active Driving Display colour windshield-projection

New front seats for better comfort

Redesigned suspension and reinforced chassis for improved driving experience

Mazda 360° View Monitor

Updated Mazda i-ACTIVESENSE for improved safety

The 2018 Mazda6 CBU is available in four different variants; Skyactiv-G 2.0L (Sedan), Skyactiv-G 2.5L (Sedan & Touring), and SkyActiv-D 2.2L Diesel (Sedan). Seven colour options are available for interested customers; Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, and Titanium Flash. More on the selling price, soon!


Audi A6 e-tron concept (w/VIDEO)

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

‘PPE’ to most people today would refer to ‘Personal Protective Equipment’, the necessary items like gloves, facemask, overalls, etc that healthcare workers have to wear daily while attending to patients with COVID-19 infections. But for Audi, ‘PPE’ also means Premium Platform Electric, a completely new architecture which will serve as the technology platform for its high-end models.

The PPE is an essential element of the carmaker’s ‘e-volution’ towards electric mobility which will see, in late 2022, the launch of the first production models in the C-segment and then the B-segment. As a preview to this future range of fully electric models, Audi is displaying the 4-door A6 e-tron concept at Auto Shanghai this week.

Sporting the A6 emblem, the concept car underscores its place in the brand’s luxury-class model series. This model (earlier known as the Audi 100) has represented the brand in the segment since 1968. Different bodystyles have been added over the years, including the Sportback, which was introduced as the A7.

An electrified drive system was offered with the A6 Hybrid in 2011, while the current A6 TFSIe made its debut in 2019 with a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV) that could give a claimed electric range of up to 91 kms.

Fully electric propulsion

Unlike the latter, however, the A6 e-tron concept relies exclusively on electric power, based on the future PPE platform. At the same time, it also represents an entirely new design concept; the only thing it has in common with the current A6 are its dimensions. The 4.96-metre long, 1.96-metre wide, and 1.44-metre high body is designed as a Sportback, its lines are an obvious reflection of the systematic advancement of Audi’s current design language. This design language and the form of the A6 e-tron concept will be applied to Audi’s future production models.

For its part, the PPE technology will ensure that what the car’s lines imply translate into dynamic driving performance and everyday suitability befitting use as a primary vehicle. Specifically, this means that, depending on the selected drive system and model version, an A6 e-tron should be able to travel more than 700 kms on a fully charged battery pack, with the most powerful variants able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

Excellence in aerodynamics

Aerodynamics has always played a key role in Audi’s long history. In the early 1980s, the Audi 100 with a Cd of 0.30 was the more aerodynamically efficient production car available. The A6 e-tron concept continues that achievement  with a Cd of 0.22, unprecedented in the electrified C-segment. The significantly low aerodynamic drag means lower energy consumption and therefore extended range. At the same time, fine-tuning in the wind tunnel has resulted in an organic design with elegance and harmony – instead of an ugly teardrop or bubble shape. The form appears monolithic, as if from a single mold, particularly when viewed from the side.

The wheel arches are connected by the specially sculpted battery area above the rocker panel, which is highlighted with a black inlay – a design element that is now a hallmark of the Audi brand’s fleet of EVs. Also typical of e-tron models are the sleek, camera-based virtual exterior mirrors at the base of the A-pillar.

Looking at the front, it is immediately apparent that the A6 e-tron concept is electrically-powered. A characteristic feature is the large enclosed Singleframe grille, which is bordered at the bottom by deep air intakes for cooling the drivetrain, battery, and brakes. The flat headlight bezels extend far into the sides of the laterally sweeping front end, underscoring the horizontally aligned architecture of the vehicle body.

The body colour

Heliosilver is the name of the technoid-looking body colour which accentuates the shapes of the body with a three-dimensional depth effect (particularly visible in the area around the quattro wheel arches). The Singleframe grille, also in Heliosilver, forms a striking contrast to the deep matte black of the frame.

Additionally, the paint offers tangible technical benefits that reduce energy consumption. This is because it can reflect a significant percentage of thermal radiation in sunlight, thus reducing the amount of energy that enters the car’s body and its cabin. The result is that the occupants do not need to use the air conditioning as much, a factor that has an impact on energy consumption and can enhance range.

Advanced lighting technology

The flat headlights and taillights are slim and flush with the overall composition of the lines. Digital Matrix LED and digital OLED technology makes it possible to achieve maximum brightness and a wide range of features even with a minimal surface area, while at the same time offering customizable light signatures. The small, high-resolution projectors can display warning symbols on the ground to warn a bike rider that the car door is about to open, for example.

Another four high-resolution LED projectors – inconspicuously integrated into the corners of the vehicle – generate turn signal projections. The design of these projections can be modified to address regulations in different markets and regions.

The rear end of the concept car features a new generation of digital OLED elements that, as a continuous strip of lights, act like a display. They can also be used to create almost unlimited customizable variations of digital light signatures and dynamic lighting displays that can be adapted to the customer’s personal taste.

High ground clearance, low ride height

The PPE is designed specifically for battery-electric drive systems and can therefore take full advantage of all the benefits of this technology. The key element is a battery module between the axles that holds around 100 kWh of energy in the A6 e-tron concept. The use of the entire vehicle base makes it possible to achieve a relatively flat layout for the battery. This means that for the first time, it will be possible to use this single platform for both vehicles with a high ground clearance and vehicles with a decidedly dynamic, flat architecture without any changes to the basic architecture.

Fast charging, high range

800V charging technology allows the battery pack to be charged with up to 270 kW, making recharging time very short time – provided the relevant fast-charging system is available. This technology makes charging times possible that come close to a stop to refuel a car powered by a combustion engine. Just 10 minutes would be enough to recharge the battery to a level sufficient to power the vehicle for more than 300 kms. In less than 25 minutes, the 100-kWh battery pack can be charged from 5% to 80%.

The battery size and wheelbase of PPE vehicles are scalable, making them suitable for use in different market segments. The ratio of a fairly long wheelbase and very short overhangs is something they will all have in common. The occupants will benefit from the long wheelbase which allows a longer interior and more legroom.

Quattro all-wheel drive

The absence of the traditional a transmission tunnel (because of the EV architecture) also contributes to the spaciousness but it does not mean that the quattro all-wheel drive system is omitted. It can be included as there can be one electric motor each mounted to the front and rear axles that use electronic coordination to deliver all-wheel drive on demand and achieve a perfect balance between driving dynamics and energy efficiency. The 2 electric motors are capable of delivering a total output of 350 kW/800 Nm.

In addition, the e-tron family will also include basic versions optimized for minimum consumption and maximum range – in this case, propulsion will come from a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle.

Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback Concept

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.


Autobacs Engine Oil now available in Malaysia

CKL Group (M) Sdn Bhd has officially inked a new deal with Autobacs Seven Co., Ltd., to become the new official distributor for Autobacs Engine Oil here in Malaysia. The Tokyo-based automotive parts and accessories retailer signed the agreement with the same folks who runs Lim Tayar retail brand across the country.

Autobacs Fully Synthetic Engine Oil is now available nationwide at Lim Tayar and Autobacs Engine Oil Malaysia retail outlets, as well as various automotive spare part dealers in Malaysia. The variants available are 5W-30 and 5W-40, suitable for petrol and diesel engines, and 0W-20 and 0W-30 for petrol and diesel engines, as well as eco-friendly cars.

According to Hidemitsu Ansai, Autobacs Seven’s Planning & Management Group Manager – Overseas Business Department, “Autobacs is very pleased to enter this distribution agreement with CKL Group so we may bring our products, formulated with Japanese R&D technology, to a wider group of consumers in Malaysia. We look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship with CKL Group.”

Clement Lim and Melissa Lim, Joint Managing Directors of CKL Group, added, “This partnership with Autobacs is in line with CKL Group’s mission to expand and enrich the automotive sector in Malaysia. We look forward to continuously improving the products and services we provide for our customer base throughout Malaysia.”

Autobacs Engine Oil is now available at all 20 Lim Tayar outlets across Malaysia and all interested automotive retailers and distributors in Malaysia may purchase stock directly from CKL Group, which also plans to bring in Autobacs Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil in Q3 of 2019. For further information and a list of dealers, please visit
https://ckl.com.my/autobacs
.


The evening of 24
th
 January saw a gathering of
bon vivant
 treated to a gastronomical affair, in conjunction with the exclusive preview of Lexus’ new RX 350L and the new NX 300. Scheduled for a February release, patrons of the night were the first in Malaysia to receive an opportunity to get up close and personal with Lexus’ latest luxury crossovers.

Built for greater versatility, the Lexus RX 350L is a combination of functionality, technology, comfort, and luxury. Now with a third row to seat up to seven passengers and ample space to suit diverse lifestyles, the RX 350L enables endless possibilities. The new Lexus NX 300 on the other hand is a standout in the urban jungle. Ramping up its sporty credentials with a distinctive makeover, the NX is a striking blend of sports meets luxury that promises to create a feeling of pure exhilaration without compromising on comfort.

These two vehicles served as a platform for Lexus to host the gathering, where all senses – sight, sound, and taste – were heightened in a night of amazing experiences. Beyond the elegant introduction of its two new luxury crossovers, Lexus remained true to its reputation as the best in hospitality by pampering patrons with culinary delights and memorable mingling. The evening affair was set in the lifestyle hub in the city, The Gasket Alley, where guests were served tasteful cuisines paired with specially concocted drinks created by renowned celebrity chef Sherson Lian (below).

“The splendour of crafted gourmet literally makes life flavourful and is key in creating remarkable experiences. When people are looking for a good time, a delicious dish must accompany that experience – and this is exactly what we at Lexus aim to do. While we are proud makers of bold luxury cars, we are also identified as the best in hospitality. Every element of this night is a demonstration of the values we practise at Lexus, and this is our way of extending an invitation to our guests to truly experience amazing,” said Mr. Ravindran Kurusamy, (below, second from right) President of Lexus Malaysia.

Guests of Lexus were treated to a delectable 8-course canape led by Chef Sherson Lian. As a host chef on the Asian Food Channel, he has received international recognition for his talent and was ever delighted to share the rationale behind every dish and its representation of Lexus. Lian additionally paired his cuisines with complementing cocktail creations, tickling and tantalizing the taste buds of everyone present.

“It is an honour to be a part of this evening with Lexus. The Lexus brand and I share the common goal of providing the best hospitality possible to create unforgettable experiences. Every dish served to tonight was meticulously thought through, and I believe that Lexus’ message of amazing experience marked by culinary gratification was successfully conveyed,” said Lian.

While guests and representatives from Lexus feasted on the exquisite cuisines, the night was also an opportunity to strengthen relationships and build new ones. “We hope that we were able to connect with our guests on a deeper level, and that they were able to experience Lexus’ hospitality at its finest. This evening’s affair is one to remember, as it is the night we introduce our guests to luxury in the form of our new cars, as well as a warm reception,” concluded Mr Ravindran Kurusamy.

This is the first of many events that will take place in 2018, and through these happenings, Lexus will continue to bring its partners, guests, and visitors on a journey to
Experience Amazing
.

For the FULL details on the NX & RX, click below:

2018 Lexus NX Range Product Information

2018 Lexus RX350L Product Information

Lexus Redefines Luxury Through Two New Models & A Gastronomic Treat Photo Gallery…

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 7

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 10

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 11

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 13

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 12

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 7

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 20

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 22

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 3

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 4

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 1

				2018 Lexus RX 350L – Lexus USA 2


Proton R3 moves forward with new range of Premium Genuine Oils and new merchandise

R3 is well known among Malaysian motorsports enthusiasts, especially Proton fans. As the motorsport and performance division of Proton, it has been active in ‘Race, Rally and Research’, which is what R3 stands for. Almost 20 years old, R3 has made a name for itself in local and international motorsport events, particularly in rallying.

With R3 now ‘parked’ under Proton Global Services (PGS), a fully owned subsidiary of Proton Edar, there is new impetus going forward and while there will continue to be racing activities, R3 is also diversifying with the addition of a new range of lubricants that would be ideal for Proton cars.

The new R3 range of Premium Genuine Oils has been developed together with Petronas and is available in fully-synthetic (P1) and semi-synthetic (P2) formulations. Both genuine oils are formulated using Petronas’ latest Etro 6+ base oil and are designed to fight excessive heat to ensure better performance for the current generation of direct injection turbocharged engines. With SP and SN Plus ratings, they meet the latest levels of service certification by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

The R3 Premium Genuine Oil is priced at RM208 for the P1 fully-synthetic formulation and RM158 for the P2 semi-synthetic product. Until
April 30, 2022
, they will be offered at an introductory price of RM178 and RM128, respectively.

“The launch of our new R3 Premium Genuine Oil range is the first step in R3’s rebranding journey. They will be sold to the public via our Premium Merchandise Partners in 20 locations throughout Malaysia. There will be more product launches coming up in the future, including accessories for Proton car owners, which will help us build our connections with R3 fans,” said Lee Yeet Chuan, CEO of Proton Global Services.

Mr. Lee said that there will also be a new range of merchandise to reconnect with fans and expand the reach of the brand as well as bring R3 heritage and products closer to the public. The new range of t-shirts and caps are priced between RM49 to RM60 and will also be available at all Premium Merchandise Partner locations.

Proton’s new Gallery of Inspiration shows carmaker’s past, present and future


Nissan Skyline Could Become An Electric Crossover SUV

One of the most established nameplates in the automobile industry, the Nissan
Skyline
 dates back to 1957. Since then, we have had great iterations after great iterations. Who could forget Brian O’Conner’s iconic R34 from 2Fast2Furious?

The Skyline, Supra and NS-X made the holy trinity of JDMs followed by other legends like the RX-7 and Silvia’s. However, JDM enthusiasts, get ready to shed a tear because according to reports, the Nissan Skyline could become an electric crossover SUV.

Nissan Ariya

The Skyline sedan’s progress is reportedly “frozen.” Instead, it has been said that Nissan is creating the next version of the Skyline using the CMF-EV platform or the electric
Ariya
 crossover as its foundation. This just sounds like one of those ideas you get after having one too many drinks.

But apparently, it will have multiple-motor all-wheel drive and produce more than 450hp, though it’s unclear if there will be twin- or quad-motor options.

According to reports, the Skyline EV will be launched in the US but will be restyled as an Infiniti to fit its upscale position. That would make it the same as earlier Skylines marketed in the United States since 2001, such as the G35, G37, and Q50.

2023 Infiniti Q50

The Japanese carmaker Nissan wouldn’t be the first to repurpose a legendary moniker for a crossover. Soon, the Toyota Crown will feature new body designs, one of which is an SUV. The causes are clear-cut as SUVs are in high demand and fit well with the positioning of vehicles like the high-end Crown and Skyline. But why not just come up with something new and leave our childhood alone?


Ferrari Competizioni GT Club – Three Decades Of Racing Ferrari GTs Return To The Track

Presented to clients at the
Ferrari

Finali Mondiali
 and unveiled to the public at the
Birmingham’s Autosport International
 event last week, the new
Competizioni GT Club
 will allow owners of Ferrari GT racing cars built  over the last three decades to compete at events organised directly by Maranello.

Reflecting the philosophies underpinning the
F1 Clienti
and the
 XX Programmes
, the Competizioni GT Club will organise events at some of the world’s most evocative circuits, complete with a range of exclusive services to enrich the experience. Technical assistance will be available at each track, while official professional
Ferrari GT
 competition drivers, who compete in the world’s leading championships throughout the year, will be on hand to advise clients on getting the best possible performance from their cars.

The 12 models that qualify for membership of the Competizioni GT Club range from the
1989 F40 Competizione
to the
 488 GTE
and
 GT3
 currently available to racing clients. Aside from the basic club membership package, which includes personalised clothing, a set of tyres for every round and a gala event, other special services are also available, not least car transportation, personalised logistics and exclusive one-to-one sessions with professional drivers.

Mugello
 will host the first event on
April 9th and 10th
. This will be followed by Indianapolis, where the cars will race on the track used for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Fuji in Japan and then Vallelunga just outside Rome.  The Competizioni GT Club will also participate in the 2019 Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello between October 22nd and 27th.


Fuel Prices For December 7 – 13, 2019


FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Lexus NX300

Lexus Malaysia recently announced that the updated
2019 Lexus NX300
 is already open for booking and to further highlights its new features, a drive to Port Dickson was organised for the members of media. In short? We love it to bits and if money is not an issue, you should highly consider what this beauty has to offer.

Basically, what Lexus has achieved is injecting their latest Lexus Safety System + into the NX300 which includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go Function, Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA).

There’s also the Active Cornering Assist (ACA) and other new features such as LED Sequential Turn Signal Lamps and Back Door with Kick-Open Sensor.

Everything else from the exterior and interior design to its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 235hp remain the same but all the newly added features, you would normally think that the updated Lexus NX300 is going to be more expensive, right? Wrong!

There are three variants on offer; Urban, Premium, and the F-Sport. The new prices are from RM313,888 up to RM349,888 (OTR without insurance) which is actually cheaper than the previous model without all the added safety features by a whopping RM12,000 to RM54,000!

I don’t know about you but when we see a car with MORE FEATURES with LOWER PRICES, it’s nothing but two thumbs up from each of us here at Piston.My.

Driving to Port Dickson offered comfort and luxury synonymous to the Lexus brand and even cruising at 160km/h, all occupants in the car can comfortably converse without having to raise our voices or continuously saying “I’m sorry, I can’t hear you!”

Obviously, the ride is sublimely comfortable thanks to the already available features like its suspension package, soundproofing technology, and many more. But did you know that there’s a slight injection from Yamaha to further assist in these very criteria?

A set of Yamaha performing short-stroke dampers placed strategically around the car’s body to help ‘minimize the effect of body deformation due to road input or cornering’. In simpler terms, the updated Lexus NX300 is comfortable AF and my God, we were mesmerized at how calm the ride was. Exceptionally good, this car.

Our route to PD took us through some trunk roads where we were able to test out its driving modes and other safety features, especially the Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Active Cornering Assist (ACA).

The ACA works by actively controlling the amount of brakes used by individual wheels in corners to ensure that you get through the end of the cornering manoeuvre safely without much hassle with the steering wheel. Worked fine with very positive results.

The Lane Tracing Assist helps to ‘remind’ the driver whenever they’re about to exit the lane by sending vibrations to the steering wheel (either due to lack of concentration, sleepiness, or changing lanes without using the signal indicators). This also works but it would be better if the vibrations could be more substantial.

We also had the opportunity to try out the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go Function during a couple of congested roads. The system seems to work normally but getting comfortable in turning it on takes some time. Once you’re familiar, getting stuck in traffic jams will be much more enjoyable, if you happen to buy the updated Lexus NX300, of course.

As stated before, there will three different variants which you can already book at any of the Lexus Malaysia showrooms located across the country. To know more, head over to
www.lexus.com.my
.

2019 Lexus NX300 now open for booking – From RM313,888


F1/Round 15: Preview & Starting Grid For 2021 Russian Grand Prix

Race starts at 3 pm in Russia/8 pm in Malaysia

The 2021 Formula 1 World Championship takes off again after the summer break as Round 15 is run this weekend in Russia. Once again held at the Sochi Autodrome, it will be the eighth time that Russia has had a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

It’s quite a sprawling venue as the 5.8-km circuit is situated within the complex that was used for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The track is quite flat, with two long straights and a long sweep through Turn 3. However, it is largely defined by a number of tight 90-degree corners which are taken at medium speeds.

GP RUSSIA F1/2021 – VENERDI 24/09/2021 –
credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Balancing act in set-up

The contrast between the high-speed sections and the slower sequences means set-up is a balancing act between top speed and good grip/traction out of the tighter corners. Teams tend to run medium to low downforce for the long straights, which places the emphasis on mechanical grip from the tyres.

The track is not used a lot during the season, so it’s often particularly ‘green’ and slippery towards the start of the weekend. This can sometimes cause the tyres to slide rather than grip, especially during Friday’s free practice sessions but, as was the case last year, graining usually reduces a lot between free practice and the race due to track evolution.

Same tyre selection as 2020

For the first time since Austria, Pirelli is bringing the 3 softest compounds in the range for the Russian Grand Prix. This is the same selection that was offered last year when the event was held at a similar time of year. The weather is usually mild but there has been rain during the week which forced the organisers to reschedule supporting events. Although the final price session was cancelled, qualifying was able to be completed.

Mercedes-AMG stronghold

Since the first Russian GP in 2014, it has always been a Mercedes-AMG crossing the finish line first. The team’s 7 wins at Sochi are a record for consecutive wins at a single event. While the Mercedes-AMG team is ahead of Red Bull Racing by 18 points, thanks to Valtteri Bottas getting onto the podium when his team mate crashed out, Max Verstappen has a 5-point lead over Lewis Hamilton. The reigning World Champion will certainly want to close that gap and has the advantage that the Red Bull driver’s carry-over penalty puts his starting position at the back of the grid.

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


MBM Announces New Pricing For Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars Post SST

Following the introduction of the new Sales and Services Tax (SST), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia announces today that effective September 1, 2018, prices of all Mercedes-Benz premium automobiles are adjusted according to the government’s enactment of SST. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is committed to continue providing its premium range of products and services at the best value, putting their customers at the centre of their activities.

Simultaneously, Mercedes-Benz is also pleased to share several product upgrades that are applied to the best-selling SUV namely, the GLC 200 and GLC 250 4MATIC, which are now equipped with Blind Spot Assist. The Blind Spot Assist system is a radar sensor technology to monitor the areas directly alongside and behind the vehicle. The GLC 250 4MATIC will also be equipped with the Lane Keeping Assist, a safety feature which allows the steering wheel to vibrate to warn the driver if the vehicle leaves its lane unintentionally with the help of the camera on the inside of the windscreen, which monitors the road markings by evaluating the difference in contrast between the road surface and the markings.

In the second half of this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s highlights include the launch of the complete variant of its flagship range, the S-Class family, consisting of the S-Class limousine, S-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Coupé and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. With this, the company is proud to underline its position as a leading luxury lifestyle brand in the automotive segment. Another highlight event of the year was also the recent launch of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection, namely the CLS, E-Class Cabriolet, and the Mercedes-AMG GT C, further offering the passionate and discerning customers more options within the collection.

In continuance to their momentous success, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is expected to also launch the bestselling C-Class family as well as the highly-anticipated A-Class hatchback, in the near future, with both prices observing the SST regime which will be communicated during the respective launches.

The
revised price of each model with SST implementation is as below:

Model

New price with SST (RM)

(OTR w/o Insurance)

A-Class
 (CBU)

*price to be revealed in conjunction with the new A-Class launch

CLA

CLA 200 Night Edition

242,888.00

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC

415,888.00

GLA
(CBU)

GLA 200 Night Edition

244,888.00

GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line

274,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45

413,888.00

C – Class

*price to be revealed in conjunction with the new C-Class launch

GLC
(CKD)

GLC 200

293,888.00

GLC 250 4MATIC

333,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

465,888.00

GLC Coupé
(CBU)

GLC 250 Coupé

445,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupé

612,888.00

E – Class
(CKD)

E 200 Avantgarde

328,888.00

E 250 Avantgarde

362,888.00

E 250 Exclusive Line

370,888.00

E 300 AMG Line

*price to be released separately

E – Class
(CBU)

Mercedes-AMG E 63 S

1,068,888.00

E-Class Coupé
(CBU)

E 200 Coupé AMG Line

448,888.00

E 300 Coupé AMG Line

508,888.00

E-Class Cabriolet
(CBU)

E 300 Cabriolet

590,888.00

GLE Coupé
(CBU)

GLE 400 Coupé

641,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé

714,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé OrangeArt Edition

723,888.00

S – Class
(CKD)

S 450L AMG Line

*price to be released separately

S – Class (CBU)

Mercedes-Maybach S 560

1,408,888.00

GLS (CBU)

GLS 400

999,888.00

SLC
(CBU)

SLC 200

406,888.00

SLC 300 AMG Line

479,888.00

Mercedes-AMG SLC 43

579,888.00

CLS
(CBU)

CLS 450 Coupé

698,888.00

Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Coupé

878,888.00

S-Class Coupé
(CBU)

Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupé Facelift

1,548,888.00

S-Class Cabriolet
(CBU)

S 560 Cabriolet

1,405,888.00

Mercedes-AMG
(CBU)

Mercedes-AMG GT S

1,135,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GT C

1,495,888.00

Mercedes-AMG GT R

1,695,888.00

G – Class
(CBU)

Mercedes-AMG G 63

*price to be released separately

V – Class
(CBU)

V220 d (6-Seater) with AMG Line

462,888.00

V220 d (7-Seater) with AMG Line

464,888.00


Highlights of all-new Honda City Hatchback which you can book now

The all-new Honda City Hatchback is nearing launch in Malaysia and as bookings can now be placed at authorised dealers nationwide, Honda Malaysia has provided an overview of the features available. While silent on the prices, the company has confirmed that the new model will be launched before the end of this year. It is unlikely that the prices will be far different from the latest City Sedan (RM74,191 – RM105,950) as it is also assembled locally at the plant in Melaka.

The City Hatchback, which shares the same platform as the City Sedan, replaces the Jazz which has been in the market since 2003. Based on the Thai-spec model, it is around 390 mm longer than the Jazz and 54 mm wider, but 36 mm lower. With the wheelbase at 2589 mm, there is 59 mm extra length between the front and rear wheels, which suggests that the interior should also be a bit more spacious (although the packaging in the Jazz has always been pretty good too).

Hybrid or petrol engine choices

As with the City Sedan, customers can choose the advanced hybrid electric system (e:HEV) or the conventional and proven 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with 121 ps (highest in class) and maximum torque of 145 Nm. The e:HEV powertrain has Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) with 2 electric motors working with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Besides good fuel efficiency, the performance is also strong, thanks to the 253 Nm of torque which is comparable to a D-segment car with a conventional powertrain.

Incidentally, the City Hatchback assembled in Malaysia differs from the one sold in Thailand as the powertrain offered there is only a 1-litre DOHC 3-cylinder turbocharged VTEC unit. That engine produces 122 ps/173 Nm.

ULTRA Seat

The features and equipment follow those of the sedan in general, but the City Hatchback also as the added versatility of the 4-Mode ULTRA Seat in the rear. This is a variable seating arrangement which was introduced with the first generation of the Jazz in the 2003 (and also the City in the same year). The practical and innovative idea was developed by interior designers after long periods of watching people at supermarkets loading various items. They saw that there was a need for more vertical space for tall items like plants, and made it possible for the entire seat to be flipped up so that the height available would be from ceiling to the floor. This is known as the Tall Mode, which is complemented by Utility, Long, and Refresh modes for different needs.

Honda Malaysia will also offer Remote Engine Start which allows the engine to be started from outside the car, enabling the air-conditioner to be switched on to cool down the cabin before entering. Passengers at the rear will also have added comfort with cool air being brought to them via the dedicated vents.

Honda SENSING and LaneWatch

As would be expected, the City Hatchback (RS only) will have Honda SENSING, the driver assistance suite of systems. This uses front wide-angle view camera (at the top of the windscreen) to scan the road ahead of lane marking as well as other vehicles. Besides automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, it also has adaptive cruise control and control the car from moving out of its lane unintentionally. Auto High Beam is also provided to keep maximum illumination available but automatically dipping the headlights if there is approaching traffic.

Also installed as standard in the City Hatchback (RS and V versions) is Honda LaneWatch. This innovative blindspot monitoring system uses a small camera mounted on the left door mirror to capture real-time images of the area along the side of the car. The image is displayed on the centre screen whenever the left turn signal is activated and the driver can see if there is any approaching vehicle. The advantage of this approach is that the driver’s head turns left less and the image shown is also easier to see than on the door mirror which is some distance away.

Honda LaneWatch

“Honda is not new to the hatchback segment in Malaysia as the popular Jazz which was introduced back in 2003 has sold more than 122,000 units to date. The Jazz is well-known for its practicality and versatility, and is highly popular as one of Malaysians’ favourite urban cars. We believe, with the introduction of the All-New City Hatchback, this model will raise the benchmark to be another game-changer in the market and soon also become Malaysians’ most favourite hatchback car,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

For more information or to place a booking for the City Hatchback, visit any authorised Honda dealership in Malaysia. To locate a showroom, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

Honda Malaysia offers two extra benefits for new vehicle purchasers until the end of 2021


Polestar 3 Will Have Driver Monitoring Technology From Smart Eye

Today’s driver assistance systems help the driver to be aware of dangerous situations as well as act autonomously to prevent accidents. These active safety systems use advanced and sophisticated sensor technology with radar and cameras scanning ahead and around the vehicle all the time.

But as the saying goes, it’s not speed that kills but rather the person behind the wheel. And the next step in driver assistance systems is to look inwards at the driver. Polestar is one of the companies that will be offering a driver monitoring technology by Smart Eye as standard in its
Polestar 3 SUV
.

Designed to help avoid accidents and save lives, the Polestar 3 Driver Monitoring System (DMS) has 2  closed-loop premium driver monitoring cameras and software from Smart Eye which track the driver’s head, eye and eyelid movements. High-speed analysis by computer of these movements can trigger warning messages, sounds and even an emergency stop function when detecting a distracted, drowsy or disconnected driver.

Technology for next-generation vehicles
Smart Eye, which was founded in 1999, has been offering Driver Monitoring Systems and Interior Sensing solutions to a number of carmakers to use in their next-generation vehicles. A core technology developed by the company has been eye tracking technology. The technology draws on deep knowledge of the long chain that connects human actions and intentions; from the anatomy of the eye and face, to optics and intelligent software.

To make sense of the wealth of real-time data provided by its systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used extensively to support the software and algorithms. AI is a necessary component when it comes to achieving the high standard for accuracy, predictability and stability. It’s also a critical factor for when eye tracking is used in challenging environments, where light conditions vary or the subject’s eyes are partly covered.

How the eye-tracking technology by Smart Eye works.

Tracking eye movements
A basic explanation of a complex process is that infrared light is used to create a reflection in the eye’s cornea, that can be captured by a camera. To get a more accurate and robust tracking performance, each eye is tracked separately. Intelligent algorithms then identify the iris and pupil of each eye and weigh the two monocular feeds into a consensus gaze. Simultaneously, the software also detects, tracks and interprets the person’s facial features and head movements.

Over time, the system gets to know the face of each subject, learning more about each person while building a more detailed profile. This means that only a few features need to be visible in order to accurately determine head pose, even if the face is partially obscured. Multi-camera solutions also let the software triangulate the position and orientation of the head with greater accuracy, regardless of real-world conditions.

Cameras constantly monitor the body movements, especially the head and face, to determine the condition of the driver.

Eye, gaze and head tracking algorithms analyze the eye and head movements of the driver and passengers to determine their mental states and how they interact with the car interior or infotainment – detecting potential signs of drowsiness, distraction or intoxication.

Scanning the whole cabin
But while the sensors in Driver Monitoring System are focused on the driver, Interior Sensing systems gather information about the entire car interior. Using different types of algorithms, the system analyzes the different elements of the scene to gain a comprehensive understanding of what goes on in the car and with the people in it.

For example, action recognition algorithms recognize what the people in the car are doing, whether they are eating, smoking, putting on makeup, or sleeping. Face recognition algorithms learn to recognize the passengers present in the car, building up profiles to help the car understand the passengers’ personal preferences over time.

One of the cameras in the Smart Eye monitoring and sensing systems inside the vehicle.

There are also gesture recognition algorithms which analyze the intentional (gestures for Human-Machine Interface interaction) and non-conscious body language of the driver and occupants. Emotion AI algorithms detect the nuanced emotions and complex cognitive states of the people in the car by analyzing facial expressions in context.

Understanding human behaviour
Why does a vehicle need to know what is happening to the people in it? By offering a deep, human-centric understanding of people’s behaviours in a car, Interior Sensing systems can greatly improve road safety. Through its driver monitoring functionalities, an Interior Sensing system can prevent accidents by detecting dangerous driving behaviour or even if the driver becomes suddenly ill.

By combining driver monitoring with cabin and occupant monitoring, the system enables a deeper understanding of what goes on in the entire vehicle. For example, the behaviour of other passengers in a car – like a baby crying or an argument in the back seat – can be a major cause of distraction for the driver. By getting to the root of what is taking the driver’s focus away from driving, the Interior Sensing system can detect inattention at an even earlier state and help guide appropriate interventions – further increasing the system’s chance of preventing an accident.

Polestar 3

Polestar Finally Adds A SUV To Its Range, To Be Built In America From 2024


PSA: HSDM No SST Price Guarantee For Ioniq & Tucson For Bookings Places Before 31st Aug 2018

Customers who have made bookings for the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid and the Tucson (*applicable only for the Turbo and Elegance variant) can be rest assured that as long as the booking is made by or on 31 August 2018, they need not worry about paying the sales and service tax (SST), even if their vehicle is delivered after 1st September 2018. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) said it would honour the selling price of these two vehicles with zero-rated GST while stocks last for a limited time only.

According to Mr
Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan)
, the sales of Hyundai vehicles have increased during the tax holiday period, especially for the IONIQ Hybrid and Tucson models as customers take the opportunity to enjoy greater savings.
“With our stock for the IONIQ Hybrid and *Tucson fast depleting, we will need time to replenish the stock in order to fulfill customers’ demands. It is only fair that HSDM absorbs the SST for orders placed by 31 August 2018, even for vehicles delivered after the SST takes effect,”
 said Ho. HSDM is inviting the public to visit Hyundai’s authorised showrooms to learn about the ongoing promotions.

The **current selling price for the IONIQ and Tucson models with zero-rated GST are as follows:

IONIQ Hybrid HEV – RM94,788

IONIQ Hybrid HEV Plus – RM109,988

Tucson Elegance – RM119,188

Tucson Turbo – RM137,488

**Price indicated is only applicable to Peninsular Malaysia and excludes insurance.

HSDM offers a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. In addition, the IONIQ is entitled to
60,000km
 free service while the Tucson is entitled to
50,000km
 free service, both with a three-year validity. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. For more information or to place bookings, head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at
1-300-13-2000.


Lane closure at Putrajaya-Gamuda Cove Interchange

From today
(July 12) until July 17 (Friday)
, the slow lane and emergency lane at KM23.14 to KM24.21 (Southbound) along the at the Putrajaya-Gamuda Cove Interchange on the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) will be closed.

PLUS says the closure is to facilitate and enable safer pavement maintenance works at the area. This will improve safety, which PLUS continuously works on.

In the event of congestion at the area, motorists can utilize the access road to the Dengkil R&R as an alternative route to continue traveling to the south. PLUS personnel at the locations can also suggest alternative routes to use when passing through the stretch.

PLUS customers now have PUTRI to help them with their enquiries


Tesla Cancels Right-Hand Drive For Model S And X Sales

Model S

According to reports out of the US, Tesla has confirmed that it will be cancelling right-hand drive versions of its
Model S
 and Model X. This affects countries all right-hand drive countries where Tesla has an official presence.

The EV manufacturer has announced to consumers that right-hand drive vehicles “will not be available for the foreseeable future” and has considerably delayed the launch of its revised Model S and Model X vehicles in the UK.

However, buyers in the UK will be able to purchase their automobiles in left-hand drive as opposed to not importing any vehicles at all. Tesla offered its consumers three options in an email. The first was to ‘change a reservation’ to the Model 3 and Model Y, which are both still available in right-hand drive, and receive a £2,000 (RM11,222) credit as a ‘thank you for their support’.

Model X

Second, buyers may get a left-hand-drive car, and the company would give them three years of unlimited access to its exclusive Supercharger network for free. ‘Immediately available automobiles’ are what Tesla claims to already have. Third, orders can be automatically cancelled and a full refund will be given.

Some customers expressed their frustration in a Twitter post by ‘Tesla Owners UK’. Some even said they have waited for two years for this and it’s an absolute joke. Tesla Owners UK called the decision a “sad day” and encouraged Elon Musk and Tesla to “re-evaluate” their choice.

Owners of the Model S claim that the footwells and dashboard layout of the two vehicles differs, though Tesla has not officially stated why it made the switch. There are a number of challenges and extra costs involved in converting a vehicle from left- to right-hand drive.

It also means that
Malaysians
 who were keen to get one following Tesla’s announcement that it will be officially opening shop here will have to look at lesser models or something else altogether.


All-new 12th generation Toyota Corolla Altis can be booked now!

You would already have read about an all-new Toyota Corolla Altis being launched in some neighbouring countries, and wondered when the new model will come to Malaysia. Well, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has already started a teaser campaign and today announces that dealerships will accept pre-launch orders for the new model. So it should be launched in the near future – although the GR Supra’s launch will definitely be earlier.

The Corolla’s history stretches back to 1966 and this new one will be the 12
th
 generation. For many years, it has held the position of the bestselling model of all-time, surpassing the Ford Model T and Volkswagen Beetle, both of which ceased production.

Two variants, no hybrid variant mentioned

In the past few months, there has been speculation that the new Corolla Altis line-up would include a hybrid variant since such a powertrain is now available for the model. Unfortunately, from the press announcement, it appears that Malaysia won’t get this variant as it is not mentioned. Instead, two variants with 1.8-litre engines will be offered and as demand for manual transmissions is low, both are likely to be equipped with automatic transmissions. The estimated on-the-road prices are
RM136,888
 and
RM128,888
.

Completely redesigned, re-engineered

The new Corolla Altis has been completely redesigned and re-engineered using TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture). This new architecture (pictured above) enables the engineers to develop cars with better performance, superior driving dynamics and comfort to meet customers’ expectations.

For some years now, Toyota has given greater attention to safety and has quickly added more safety features and systems to its models. The new Corolla Altis gets the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), an integrated set of safety systems that provide a safer driving experience and better protection for everyone in the car.

More details will come when the model is launched but if you already know enough about this new Toyota model to want to be among the first to own one, visit
Toyota.com.my
 to locate an authorized dealership where you can place your booking.

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


1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe reborn

It’s taken 8 years for Marco Diez to realise his reimagined 1963 Jaguar E-Type Coupe, originally a stripped-down racing car that he regards as ‘one of most beautiful automobiles ever made’. On display this weekend at The Quail, a motorsports gathering during Monterey Car Week in California, the car was inspired by the legendary 1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe ‘49FXN’.

It was known as project ‘OWL226’ because of its California registration and was designed by Diez who painstakingly recreated the original body and drivetrain while refining the car’s fit, finish and interior.

Exacting process to have original appearance

Built in collaboration with Fast Cars Ltd. and UK coachbuilders RS Panels, the E-Type Low Drag Coupe was created through an exacting process that strove to replicate the construction and appearance of the original 49FXN as it would have looked when first designed.

The build process was so meticulous that many of the screws were machined specifically for the project, while the interior was built far above and beyond the elegant standards of a Jaguar roadcar of the day.

“Unveiling this car at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering was the culmination of nearly a decade’s work,” said Diez. “This Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe has been a passion project. I believe ‘49FXN’ is the one of most beautiful automobiles ever made, so to take inspiration from that and make it my own is a dream come true.”

Same powertrain as 1963 model

The Low Drag Coupe also features much of the same running gear as the original including a 3.8-litre straight-six competition engine – this one a modern example by Crosthwaite and Gardiner that produces 380 bhp. The car also features a unique ram-air intake to feed air to the side draft Weber carburettors, just like the original.

While the original was a stripped-down racing car, Diez sought to make this car equally as beautiful and tasteful on the inside as it is on the outside. The interior is almost entirely custom-made due to the unique dimensions of the Low Drag when compared to other E-Types. From bespoke gauges, custom seats and a custom roll-bar with integrated headrests to the custom-machined steering wheel and one-off air-conditioning system, the car is a wealth of fine details.

With a background in architecture and product design, Diez has curated a collection of refined and timeless automobiles, each with custom designs penned by himself. While each car retains its original spirit and overall character, details have been changed in an effort to reinterpret and aesthetically enhance the cars. ‘OWL226’ is just the first of many automobiles to come out of Diez Concepts.


#ReadyToDrive Campaign Aims To Give Audi Owners Peace Of Mind

According to a recent report from a stakeholder survey conducted every 2 years by Audi, vehicle safety is ranked as the highest priority by customers. This being the case,
PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)
 – which represents the German brand in Malaysia – has initiated its #ReadyToDrive campaign with a focus on safety and reliability.

The #ReadyToDrive campaign, which will be on during the months of October, November and December 2022, offers a comprehensive package that can give peace of mind to Audi owners. There’s a complimentary 30-point vehicle condition check for owners who have not visited an authorised Audi Centre in the past 12 months and for convenience, the dealerships will provide complimentary pick-up and delivery service.

Owners who send their vehicles to authorised service centres during the 3 months can enjoy 20% savings on Audi Service and selected wear and tear parts, as well as a 20% discount on Audi Batteries.

The customer lounges have amenities that would be expected of a premium brand, including complimentary wifi. Owners are assured of maximum hygienic cleanliness as the lounges are fully sanitised regularly.

In strengthening the quality of aftersales service, technicians across the country have been undergoing regular upskilling and assessments to improve their service level performance.

“Customer satisfaction is very important to us. As such, we are levelling up our efforts across the board. We want to ensure the Audi vehicles are running at their best, always,” said Deenan Nadar, Aftersales Director of PHSAM.

“Audi owners can leverage our latest customer care package which has been designed to offer reliability and safety. In view of the upcoming school holidays and festive breaks, and with the monsoon season around the corner, we want our customers to have a safe and reliable journey,” he added.

All Audi vehicles purchased in Malaysia from authorised dealerships are supported with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years of warranty coverage with no mileage limit, and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance.

For more information or to book a service appointment, visit
www.audi.com.my
 where locations of Audi Centres in Malaysia are available.

Audi 4S Centre In Setia Alam Reopened For Business


F1/Round 10: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 British Grand Prix

With Max Verstappen winning the inaugural Sprint Race yesterday, the pole position was taken by the Dutchman of Red Bull Racing, Lewis Hamilton had been on pole after qualifying on Friday but had to settle for second place today as the outcome of the Sprint Race decided the grid for this race.

Verstappen got a good start and sped ahead of Hamilton but even before the first lap was completed, contact between the two cars saw the Red Bull Racing driver bouncing off into the barriers. Out came the Safety Car while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to slip into the lead. A red flag was out as the barriers needed to be repaired, so the cars could pit for tyres and repairs (Hamilton’s car needed a new front wing). lthough Verstappen had seemed unhurt and got out of the car, he had later to be taken to a hospital for additional examination.

The blame game started almost immediately with Red Bull boss Christian Horner furiously suggesting to officials it was Hamilton’s fault, and the British champ saying he had given enough space but the contact had occurred. Horner’s anger was understandable, of course, since Verstappen’s race was over. Toto Wolff, Horner’s counterpart in Mercedes-AMG also put up a defence of his driver.

The restart (after about 40 minutes of Safety Car and red flag) saw Leclerc at the front, the Ferrari driver having passed Valtteri Bottas early and able to slip past the Hamilton-Verstappen incident. As the race had been suspended, it was just the fourth lap, with another 48 to go. Sebastian Vettel, who had slipped all the way to the back, was eager to move up but spun as he started off.

As the race got underway, the Stewards decided that Hamilton was at fault and informed his team that he would have a 10-second penalty, which he could serve during a pit stop. Needless to say, the home crowd was very unhappy when news of the penalty started to be known in the stands.

Track temperatures were high and apart from the effect on the tyres, the brakes were also worrying, so teams had to think of revising strategies.

On lap 16, Leclerc, who had just managed to stay ahead of Hamilton, began to have power loss and was trying to find out if some settings were off. Hamilton began to close in and further back (5 seconds), Lando Norris was watching from third place after having passed Bottas.

The cars began coming into the pits for new tyres at lap 20, and as Norris pulled in, Bottas pulled ahead into third place but some 7 seconds behind his team mate. Bottas came in on lap 23 and with a 2.2-second stop, he lost just one position which was taken by Carlos Sainz.

At the halfway point, it was still Leclerc in the lead but still having occasional engine problems. Hamilton was safe enough to just trail him and not take chances as Sainz was some 18 seconds behind. However, by lap 28, Hamilton had to come in for new tyres and do the 10-second penalty, slipping down behind Bottas and Norris as he rejoined the race. He was about half a minute behind Leclerc.

Although Leclerc seemed to be comfortable continuing a bit more, his team brought him in on lap 30 for a change of tyres to hards. He was in and out in less than 3 seconds and still kept his lead, with a gap of 6 seconds to Bottas. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo was trying hard to hold on to his fifth place as the red Ferrari of Carlos Sainz kept appearing in his mirrors.

With 11 laps remaining. Bottas was requested to let his team mate pass by and he did so again, as he did before. The pass out the reigning champion within 7 seconds of Leclerc. Bottas was pretty assured of a place on the podium anyway, with Norris some 10 seconds behind. The battle between Ricciardo and Sainz continued for fifth place.

With 2 laps to go, Leclerc was readying for the chequered flag but then his car went wide and it was the moment Hamilton was waiting for, and he swept past to take the lead. It was close but he was more cautious to avoid another incident like what happened with Verstappen. And then it was a straight run to the finish line and finally, a win for Hamilton at Silverstone again – on home ground.

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


FEATURE: We Tested The New BHP Infiniti For 1,000kms Right Into Another Country!

Now driving more than 1,000km just to test fuel might sound like overkill to some, but I’m definitely not one of them. You see in this line of work, some might think that we have more than enough of driving, and as such a roadtrip like the one recently organised by BH Petrol from KL to Hatyai and back might not be something we’d want to participate in, but that’s where you’d be very wrong…

Okay, so maybe I don’t speak for all the media, but I personally relish any opportunity to hit the road, so when BHP invited
Piston.my
 to try out its new
Infiniti
 petrol, it didn’t take me very long to respond with a
‘yes’
. The plan was to drive from KL right into Hatyai, using
Haval
 H1 (above) & H2 cars that were provided by the organiser. We’d also be joined by BHP customers and car & motorbike club members for the drive, some of whom were driving some very serious metal (below).

Introducing the new Infiniti petrol available in both RON 95 & RON 97 at the flag off,
K.T. Tan, Managing Director of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd
, said,
“Since the launch of BHPetrol in 2005, we have consistently aimed to offer best quality petroleum products to motorists. Our association with one of the global leaders in fuel additive technology, based in Germany, has enabled us to develop advanced formulations for ‘Infiniti’ petrol that deliver better performance, improved fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions.”

The journey to the Malaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam was one of the smoothest I’ve ever recalled, not just in terms of traffic, but also in terms of how effortless the prepared vehicles using BHP Infiniti fuel were standing up to our abuse, and it was the same way for the journey home 2-days later. What happened in-between though was a very pleasant surprise.

Normally, organisers try to eke out every possible moment with activities surrounding their brand or product, but on day 2, BHP decided to organise a treasure hunt around Hatyai for us with a difference. Instead of using the cars we drove up in, we’d be using
 Tuk-Tuk’s
 instead. No really, it was very much like an Amazing Race, solving puzzles and answering typical treasure hunt questions all around Hatyai.

It was a great way to see the town, in fact, even having visited Hatyai several times in the past, I found myself in areas that I’d never seen before, like the old train-station for example. I didn’t even know there was a train station in Hatyai before this. And yes, we were required to take ‘selfies’ at certain spots as part of the hunt, so those photos in the gallery were actually part of the submitted answers after the hunt, which by the way
Team 5
 won,
us
. Yes, my team won.

So all in all it was a fantastic media drive with BHP testing their new fuel (see below), we got to have a great road trip, as well as see parts of Hatyai we’d never seen before. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we’ll get invited for the next one, but this time, I’d like to drive my own car. –
Chris Wee.

What’s the new BHP Infiniti all about?

The new ‘Infiniti’ petrol has an advanced formulation using the latest generation of additives. The major elements of the new additive package include a new Friction Modifier, an enhanced Corrosion Inhibitor and superior Deposit Cleaning Agents. The dosage of the additive is 800 ppm, which is twice the minimum treat rate recommended by the additive company. It is provided at no extra cost to motorists as a value-added feature to take them further and with a smoother drive.

With the new Friction Modifier, internal friction is further reduced and this means more of the energy can be used to power the vehicle, thereby increasing performance. Lower friction levels also enhance engine efficiency leading to better fuel economy. A clean engine runs more efficiently but during the combustions process, certain chemical compounds are formed which can deposit on internal engine surfaces.

The superior Deposit Cleaning Agents in the additive package remove these deposits and if BHPetrol ‘Infiniti’ petrol is used regularly, the engine will maintain its cleanliness to achieve optimum performance. To help the engine last longer, the enhanced Corrosion Inhibitor provides a layer of protection on metal surfaces. With this protection, corrosion is reduced and the engine will maintain its recommended performance longer.

BHPetrol, a leading brand on fuels technology, announces the latest version of its premium ‘Infiniti’ petrol. Available at no increase in retail prices (based on the prices announced by the government), the new Revolutionised Infiniti petrol is available in both RON95 and RON97 grades.

“Over the years, in tandem with the advancements in engine technology, we have also improved the formulation of ‘Infiniti’ petrol so as to maintain the high level of performance and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, to maximise the benefits to our customers, we enhance our ‘Infiniti’ petrol with 800 parts per million (ppm) of additive which is double the minimum treat rate recommended by our additive supplier,”
 added Mr. Tan.

“Today, we are proud to once again announce even better ‘Infiniti’ petrol with a further improved formulation which results in increased power and mileage, while also keeping the engine running clean,
” Mr. Tan said. With effect from today, the new Revolutionised ‘Infiniti’ petrol is available at all BHPetrol stations, currently numbering 380, of which 275 include a BHPetromart convenience store.

Customers and the public wishing to know more about the new Revolutionised Infiniti petrol and other BHPetrol products and services are invited to visit the website www
.bhpetrol.com.my
.

BHP KL-Hatyai-KL Roadtrip Photo Gallery…


More Natural Lighting In The Volvo EX90 Enhances Wellbeing, Makes Driving Safer Too

Volvo EX90

Scandinavia, where Volvo originated from and still has its home, has longer periods of darkness than other parts of the planet. As such, Scandinavians tend to have a love for sunshine and also try to create environments which are bright (but in a tasteful way) in their design language.

Now Volvo is also bring sunlight into the car in a way that will enhance the feeling of wellbeing when travelling. Particularly in the winter darkness, the cabin becomes a welcome space to enter with a hint of sunshine becoming a ritual to start the day like each sunrise.

Scandinavians have long periods of darkness during the year, especially in winter, so sunshine is greatly appreciated.

This is part of the premium experience that Volvo’s interior designers have created for occupants of the
EX90 flagship
. Using a full suite of 72 SunLike LEDs, illumination close to that of sunlight radiates around the cabin, complementing the open view of the sky through the panoramic sunroof.

The LEDs are a product of Seoul Semiconductor, which has been in the LED business since 1992 and is today the world’s second-largest global LED manufacturer. Its lighting products are used in various industries and widely used in the auto industry.

The Sunlike LEDs use advanced technology to provide non-flickering lighting with a more natural colour expression, said to be beyond what’s achievable with LEDs used today in the automotive industry.

The LEDs produce light which is close to the spectrum of natural sunlight which is different from the artificial lighting that we are commonly exposed to. The conventional lighting emits a lot of blue light (which you cannot actually see) that causes eye and body fatigue, and can even disrupt body biorhythms.

The SunLike LEDs lower this blue spectrum and reproduce light at the spectrum of natural sunlight. The illumination has a high colour index as well as low light reflection, so it will generate a nicer feeling of wellbeing.

And how you feel can also affect how you drive, so feeling good could make motoring safer and more enjoyable. One study by the University of Basel in Switzerland found that sleepiness was significantly lower between 11 am and 7pm under SunLike natural lighting conditions (compared to conventional lighting conditions).

“By utilizing the spectrum of light emitted from the SunLike LEDs, the progressive materials and interior design of the Volvo EX90 stand out more clearly and without colour distortion,” said Dan Fidgett, Head of Colour and Materials at Volvo Cars. “Complementing our wood decor and other natural materials inside the cabin, the lights are central to our Scandinavian design language.”

While SunLike lights are already used to bring natural light to interior spaces in residential environments, hospitals, schools, museums and horticultural applications, the Volvo Car Group is the first to introduce these LEDs to production vehicles. Besides the EX90, the
 Polestar 3
 will have be fitted with them as non-decorative lighting.

“The wellbeing of our customers is always a main focus for interior design at Volvo Cars. Bringing in SunLike LEDs to the interior of the Volvo EX90 is another illustration of our ambition to bring in innovative technology to deliver a renewed premium in-car experience for our customers,”said Fidgett.

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

The EX90 and Polestar 3 are the first models in the Volvo Cars Group to use SunLike LEDs.

To Malaysians, mention of sunlight may not bring on the same pleasant thoughts as it does to Scandinavians since we have too much of it! But the SunLike LEDs would give lighting that would be like what you experience when you go to temperate climates where it’s not harsh and burning.

As Volvo is part of the Geely Group and so is Proton, we might well see our Malaysian cars also having SunLike LEDs in future. After all, one of the benefits of being in such a large group is that the various companies can combine orders and get a better price from suppliers.

Volvo’s Radar System Will Detect Children Left Inside The Car


Mercedes-Benz to issue voluntary fix of 3 million diesel vehicles

Luxury vehicle maker, Mercedes-Benz may be in a little bit of a pickle according to a report by
AutoExpress
. An
article
 published on the website stated that the German automaker has announced a voluntary fix for about 3 million vehicles with diesel engines.

Apparently, its parent company, Daimler has been accussed of selling over a million vehicles that produce more emissions than their supposed to, in markets such as the US and Europe between 2008 and 2016. In fact, the article also states that a German court has issued a search warrant against the company, which should signal that a thorough investigation into this matter is already in the works.

However, the Stuttgart based manufacturer has stated that, this voluntary fix is meant to reassure its customers that the engines that bear the Mercedes-Benz name have the latest diesel technology and adhere to the stipulated requirements. In other words, to them, the programme isn’t an admission of guilt, rather its about the automaker’s commitment and restoring confidence in the oil burning platform.

It will carry out these fixes as well work with the various German regulatory bodies to resolve this issue in a professional manner. The work will be done at no cost to customers, which means that like most other service campaigns, customers are only required to schedule an appointment, then show up at the stipulated time.

Ever since the Volkswagen dieselgate debacle, regulatory bodies are starting to operate with a higher level of scrutiny when it comes to emissions regulation issues. This comes at the heels of rumours that VW wasn’t alone in this. It is believed that emission regulations have become so stringent in recent years, that automakers have had to resort to cheating in order to comply with them.

That said, until actual concrete evidence surfaces, these are baseless accusations from certain parties as a means to ruin the image of certain automakers. As for Mercedes-Benz, they should be able to come out of this fiasco unscathed as long as they are able to weather this storm perfectly well. Bear in mind that the brand produces some of the best vehicles and engines at the moment, which says a lot about its reputation and what the company stands for.

Regardless of how this event pans out, we will be bring you the latest news as soon as we find out.

Source:

AutoExpress