Aston Martin can design an exclusive garage for you too

Aston Martin is well known for its fine and exclusive cars and even offers personalisation services to make them more exclusive. For those who also want the same design excellence for their homes – or just the garage to house their cars – the British carmaker also offers design services.

Service from Q by Aston Martin

The new design service was introduced a year ago and is an additional business of Q by Aston Martin, the division which does personalisation services for the cars. Known as Aston Martin Automotive Galleries and Lairs, it offers the opportunity for clients to work with the Aston Martin Design Team to create a home that has the car as the centrepiece (if desired).

Ultimate space for automotive displays

Understanding that, to the car enthusiast, the garage would be an important area of the house, a special auto gallery can be designed that either focuses on showing off the car or is part of a larger, integrated entertainment space. It would be the ultimate space to showcase automotive works of art.

One design concept shown as an example for an automotive space houses works of art including the Aston Martin Valhalla and the iconic DB5 in a subterranean circular space. The chosen car sits at the centre of this extravagant design that focuses attention on the car, whilst providing entertainment and leisure areas, along with living space for guests.

Automotive Galleries & Lairs can also come up with a design to fit the era if a customer has a heritage car. The spaces can be for a single car as a piece of automotive art or a full collection of cars in a private museum. These spaces provide an opportunity for people to create their own unique world where they can share their passion for cars with their guests.

The team has already produced interior design work for the 66-storey Aston Martin Residences in Miami, Florida, as well as collaborated on the design of Aston Martin’s global brand centre in Tokyo. The interiors of numerous Aston Martin dealership centres have seen involvement by the design team.

The first private residential estate designed by the Aston Martin service is Sylvan Rock (shown above), in collaboration with S3 Architecture. Located on 22.3 hectares of land in Rhinebeck, 90 minutes from Manhattan in the US state of New York, Sylvan Rock firmly embraces the natural landscape. It is described as ‘a truly visionary example of elegant, post-pandemic design thinking’.

[All images by Aston Martin]

AMR-C01 – the ultimate racing simulator from Aston Martin


Bosch wants to make flying cars safe and affordable

The future of mobility is looking more and more promising by the day as more companies are developing and investing on the prospect of flying cars. With a ‘closer to reality’ prediction of around a billion flights flown using air taxis by 2030, Bosch has decided to invest on the rapid development of state-of-the-art sensor technology to make these flights especially safe, comfortable, and convenient.

Bosch predicts that the first air taxi will take off in urban cities starting 2023 and the company is planning to be one of the leading roles in the overall development of the flying car market. This has been decided by Bosch since the current aerospace technology is too expensive, bulky, and heavy to be used in autonomous flying taxis. This is where their technology will come in handy.

Their technology will be based on the ones used for automated driving as well as safety systems like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) anti-skid system will bridge the gap closer to the real possibility of a safe and reliable flying car. Bosch’s team of engineers plans to combine a number of these sensors together to develop one universal control unit that can and should work for the basics of air taxis.

These sensors will take readings and pressures of yaw-rate, magnetic field, pressure sensors and dynamic readings to determine the vehicle’s current speed, flying angle, direction of travel, and altitude all in one package. The best part is that Bosch plans to build this said sensor at a very affordable price.

The future of flying cars and air taxis is looking brighter by the day and with Bosch currently in the mix, we can expect that this service will be more affordable than initially anticipated for anyone and everyone.


Maserati Unveils Gen3 Racing Car For Formula E

Maserati is no stranger to motorsport, having been present in touring, GT and even Formula 1 (from 1950 to 1957) so competition is in its high-performance DNA. Next year, the Italian carmaker will enter the
ABB Formula E World Championship
, the all-electric series which will be in its ninth season.

It will enter as the Maserati MSG (Monaco Sports Group) Racing with the Maserati Tipo Folgore Gen3 – the first fully electric racing car in the history of the brand which is also the first Italian carmaker to enter Formula E. It is the second brand in the Stellantis Group to participate in Formula E, the other being DS from the Citroen affiliate which has been racing since 2018.

Maserati’s participation in Formula E is timely as the carmaker begins its journey towards electrification and electric mobility. This strategy has seen the introduction of Folgore, a new sub-brand that will have a range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Folgore versions will be available for the Grecale,
GranTurismo
 and GranCabrio, as well as the MC20.

Fully electric Folgore models by the end of the decade

Gen3 racing car
Inspired by the Trident’s iconic blue hue, the Tipo Folgore Gen3 racing car conforms to the Gen3 regulations that are applied for the first time in Season 9. These regulations have resulted in the fastest, lightest and most powerful Formula E racing cars ever. The Gen3 cars are also the world’s most efficient racing cars and feature a series of industry-leading design, production and technological innovations.

The Gen3 cars have front and rear powertrains delivering 600 kW of regenerative power and 95% power efficiency, allowing for more than 40% of the energy used within a race to come from regenerative braking alone.

From circuit to road
For Maserati, developing its racing car to achieve high performance with an electric powertrain employs ‘Race Beyond’, a platform to transfer innovation from circuit to road. The track expertise, technology and software used in Formula E is a key part to this competitiveness and will transfer to Maserati’s high-end road cars with the imminent introduction of its Folgore range.

The new GranTurismo Folgore is already using some of the same EV technologies as the Gen3 Formula E racing cars.

“After months of anticipation, it’s a great feeling to lift the covers off the Maserati Tipo Folgore,” said Team Principal James Rossiter. “With the prestige of Maserati and the experience, success and diligence of MSG, we believe we have a winning combination. Now our focus returns to pre-season preparations and after a promising private testing phase, we need to maximise every minute of track time in Valencia. At this stage, it’s very difficult to make any predictions, but with a competitive package and Edo [Mortara] and Max [Guenther] behind the wheel, we’re confident that we can have a successful season.”

The new livery for the Tipo Folgore has been created to give a contemporary and pure look. The Maserati Trident is naturally prominent on the nose cone along with the Maserati Corse logo containing the Italian Tricolore sitting either side of the bulkhead.

Max Guenther’s first impressions
“The car looks incredible, and it feels fantastic to drive,” says Guenther. “With more power, less weight and improved regenerative braking, it’s a great step compared to the Gen2. During private testing we’ve made some positive steps on the performance and reliability front, and I’m excited to continue that work in Valencia later this month. With a strong pre-season test, I know that we’ll be able to hit the ground running in Mexico City for the first race of the season,” said Guenther, who is Formula E’s youngest race winner at 25 years of age.

Max Guenther (left), the youngest winner in Formula E, will partner Edo Mortara in the new Maserati team.

Guenther, from Germany, has been racing in Formula E since 2018 with teams such as Dragon Racing, BMW i Andretti and Nissan e.dams (above).

Guenther will be taking part in his fifth season in the championship. He has 3 wins to his name and Maserati MSG Racing sees the German as ‘the future of Formula E and one of motorsport’s most promising talents’.

Big Changes For Season 9 Of Formula E In 2023

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Toyo Proxes TR1 officially launched! From RM199

Toyo Tires Malaysia has officially launched their latest Toyo Proxes TR1 tyre here at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) earlier today. Those who are looking for the perfect rubber to rip around the circuit while providing excellent dry and wet grip on the open road will indeed appreciate what the new TR1 has to offer.

According to Mr. Tan Song Chye, President/Managing Director of Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., “I am confident the Proxes TR1 will thrill driving enthusiasts who appreciate advanced Japanese technology. The Proxes TR1 is ideal for the mid-sports segment and supports both continental and Japanese vehicles, especially the B-segment to E-segment classes.”

Available in 24 different sizes for wheel between 15 to 19 inches, the TR1 model is priced between RM199 up to RM800 per piece and that is quite a bargain for a sports-oriented tyre. When it comes to fun-to-drive experience, it’s hard to deny that Toyo Tires do provide this in abundance.

The latest Sport Ultra performance series comes with a new aggressive design inspired by the previous generation ultra-performing T1R series. Long slant grooves and open lateral slits provide high-level water drainage capabilities as well as excellent grip and cornering stability.

Constructed using Super Active Polymers with high silica content, the TR1 has lower rolling resistance and better wet performance which also provides excellent all-round stability thanks to its spiral-wound cap ply construction.

With the addition of high-tensile belts and super hard bead fillers, rest assured that the TR1 does not compromise anything when it comes to handling, grip, and stability (16% better compared to the T1R).

Those who are interested can visit any of the 74 Toyo Centres across Malaysia where they also provide state-of-the-art equipment, ample parking, and comfortable air-conditioned waiting rooms. Get them in May 2019 and drive home with a new Targus bag worth RM 109 (while stocks last).


Jay Leno surprises fans with virtual reality experience

It would appear that the virtual reality craze has entered the automotive world as well. For increased realism, games and driving simulation systems have employed the technology to help provide gamers/users with a more immersive experience and a sense of realism that was inconceivable unless you were in the actual thing.

Jay Leno, the former Tonight’s Show host and comedian, decided to use this particular technology for a less serious reason. His team organised an event where his fans could show up, sit in his 1954 Jaguar XK120, put on their virtual reality googles and pretend that they are on a drive. But there is a twist, Jay was actually present during this and would engage in a conversation with them through, what many of them believed were an audio recording.

At the end of the session, they would take off their headset only to see the legendary denim clad comedian, standing beside the car with his usual signature grin. It was an eventful day for many, check out the video clip for the full story.

In general, the XK120 was manufactured by Jaguar from 1948 to 1954 ad was the follow up car to the SS 100. Initially, the cars had wood-framed open top bodies with aluminium panels but that changed in 1950 when the automaker switched to an all-steel construction.

The significance of the ‘120’ in the model designation was of great value at the time. It denoted the top speed of the car, which was 120 mph or 193 km/h. During that time, it was considered the XK120 was fastest production car in the world and broke several records.

It was powered by a 3.6-litre XK inline 6 engine but was also supposed to be offered with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder one, with the XK100 model name. The smaller engine vehicle was meant for the UK market but the project was canned before production started.

The XK120 was a well known car due to its speed and agility, which made it a formidable force in racing and rallying. Till today is a vehicle that is coveted and revered by many including those who aren’t that into cars. A considerable amount of money exchanges hands when an XK120 is sold, which is a testament to its value.


HardKhor Motorsports Report: Podium finishes for our Malaysian racers during the weekend

As mentioned just before the first weekend in July,
 there was an amazing number of Malaysian drivers involved in racing in an International/Asian series – but sadly, reports of such activities are not spread widely among Malaysians.
Gary Khor
, our contributor who now identifies himself as ‘HardKhor Motorsports’, believes that this needs to be corrected and is doing his part to highlight the drivers in his reports…

During the weekend, the professional (PRO) Malaysian drivers were Adam Khalid, Jazeman Jaafar, Melvin Moh and Afiq Ikhwan Yazid. Gentlemen drivers were Douglas Khoo in TCR Asia Series, H.H. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahim in Blancpain GT World Asia, and East Malaysian Zen Low in the Lamborghini Trofeo Asia. My apologies to Zen Low for having accidentally omitted him in my first article.

That’s a total of 8 Malaysian Race drivers out there racing for Malaysia last weekend. Not forgetting of course Douglas Khoo’s complete Malaysian team of mechanics and Engineer in the Viper Niza Racing team in TCR Asia.

TCR ASIA ROUNDS 5&6 – ZHEJIANG

Sadly, this race weekend didn’t start well for Douglas Khoo as he was having a fever from the Thursday and his Viper Niza Race team had to skip both the paid practice sessions on Friday.

In spite of a lingering and intermittent fever, Douglas nevertheless went out for Race 1 on Saturday only to incur a puncture leading to a cracked rear damper! Race 2 was uneventful and he was just glad to finish his race and collect some more points towards his championship.

Commenting in the pits, Douglas said: “Had a good start for Race 2 but was just not physically strong to compete”. A brave drive then in physically very trying conditions for Douglas. We wish him a speedy recovery and a better race in the final rounds in Thailand next month.

Adam Khalid, the rookie in the TCR Asia Series had to learn and adapt to the Zhejiang International Circuit which was green throughout the weekend. This meant that constant rain had denied the track a chance to build up rubber and therefore grip. “I owe this weekend to the team for giving me such a great base set-up on the car so we only had to make minor changes throughout practice sessions,” said Adam. Qualifying in the cool conditions and green track meant a distinct lack of grip and heat in the tyres. Despite that, Adam managed a 7th starting position for Race 1 and 8th in Race 2 out of a field of 20 cars.

In Race 1, he moved up to 5th place and started fighting it out with cars from 2nd down to 8th as Luca Engstler had bolted from pole. Close racing like this tends to overheat the brakes and affects engine performance too, so Adam wisely dropped back to preserve his car and passed the chequered in P4 in TCR Asia and P1 in the Asian driver category!

Race 2 saw Adam start from 3rd on the grid. A big tussle (normal in TCR Racing) among some of the frontrunners saw him taking avoiding action using the scenic route and dropping him down to 11th. But a determined drive saw him climb back to finish 5th and in a similar position to Race 1. He now is 6th overall in TCR Asia standings and 3rd in the Asian Drivers title. Well done Adam!

BLANCPAIN GT WORLD CHALLENGE ASIA Rd 7 & 8 – FUJI SPEEDWAY

The premium International GT series in Asia was held in Fuji Speedway this round saw intense and close driving even before Races 1 & 2 evident from the practice sessions. Both races were 1 hour in duration with a compulsory pit-stop of no less than 60 seconds and a driver change.

PRACTICE

Free Practice 1 on Friday saw Craft-Bamboo team mates #88 Alessio Picariello and #55 Melvin Moh first and second quickest and separated by an incredible 3/1000ths of a second! Weiron Tan in the #12 Absolute Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 was 4th fastest while Jazeman in Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia #888 was 14th. Later, Jazeman would top the timesheets in Official Practice followed by Melvin and Weiron, 4th and 5th fastest respectively.

QUALIFYING

Qualifying 1 determines starting positions in Race 1 and Martin Rump, Weiron Tan’s driving partner, put their Audi in 2nd. H.H. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, Jazeman Jaafar’s team mate would start in 17th while Singaporean Daniel Au and Melvin’s drive partner started in 24th.

Qualifying 2 and hence Race 2 grid positions saw Jazeman put #888 in 2nd with Melvin 4th and Weiron Tan just behind in 5th.

RACE 1

Race 1 saw 31 cars on the grid, made up of 24 GT3 cars and 7 GT4-spec cars. It was going to be an interesting race as most of the Am drivers from the PRO-AM teams would be starting this race.

Remember, of the Malaysians taking part, only Weiron Tan is in a PRO classified team and Melvin and Jazeman are both in the PRO-AM class. Weiron had to start from 7th due to a penalty incurred in the previous round in Suzuka Japan. He did very well to bring his car up to 4th by the first turn.

And then an incredible chain of incidents and accidents began to start within the next 15 mins of Race 1. During the formation lap, iRace’s Mercedes-AMG GT4 spun around after a tap from the #910 Li Chao Porsche. Then the #88 Picariello/Jeffrey Lee driven Mercedes-AMG GT3 would be put into a spin by the #17 Mercedes AMG GT3.

Next, the bonnet on Vutthikorn’s #918 Porsche GT3 R flipped open, blinding him and his car slid into the path of the #92 Porsche following behind and minding its own business. Then, to cap it off, the unlucky Jeffrey Lee in #88 got hit and spun around a second time by the SAME car!

Inevitably, #17 would incur two drive-through penalties and just to add to their woes, they incurred an unbelievable 3rd penalty for speeding in the pitlane whilst serving one of the drive-through penalties. Some days, it’s better to just stay in bed!

Thus, in the first 15 minutes, the pits had a flurry of activity with damaged cars limping in for repairs. Even the Thai-owned Vattana Lamborghini Huracan was seemingly not spared with some bodywork hanging off the side of the car.

Meanwhile, Weiron soldiered on to 4th and our Johor prince drove well to bring the #888 AMG up to 13th position. Daniel too drove well to keep out of the mayhem. After the mandatory pitstops, Weiron’s team mate rejoined in 5th, Jazeman in 17th and Melvin below 20th.

In a thankfully incident-free 2nd half of Race 1, Martin Rump would bring the Absolute Racing run Audi to 2nd, Jazeman would finish in 11th with Melvin in 17th.

RACE 2

Sunday started out warm, overcast and a little windy but soon Fuji Speedway would heat up with the action on track. Based on Quali 2, the Craft-Bamboo #88 was on pole, followed by Jazeman Jaafar in the #888, 3rd on the grid was Yokomizo’s #17 AMG which had a string of penalties the day before, and 4th was Melvin and Weiron was in 5th spot on the grid.

The action heated up straight into Turn 1 when Yokomizo tapped Jazeman in the back sending the car sideways into the side of Picariello. But everyone survived to continue through Turn 2 and settled down into a very quick train of 5 cars for the next 15 minutes.

Picariello in #88 was running away from Yokomizo, now in front of a very determined Jaafar, followed by Melvin and Weiron. Yokomizo then received a drive-through penalty for what had happened to Jazeman at Turn 1. The pit stop window opened with some 33 minutes left in the race and predictably, the PRO drivers stayed out as long as they could before coming in to hand over to their AM partners, except for Weiron who handed #12 to another PRO, Martin Rump.

With 20 minutes of the race left, Jeffrey Lee led in #88 over the Prince in #888, Weiron was in 5th when Melvin’s team mate went into a spin and then a collision with the #75 Ryo Haryanto Ferrari 488. This brought out the Safety Car which would see things up front change significantly.

With just 9 minutes left before the chequered flag would wave and the lead car incurring a penalty for exceeding track limits, it was a frantic race to the finish. Another accident between the #17 AMG and the #27 Ferrari with 4 minutes left and more penalties for overtaking under the Safety Car for #777 and #13 meant that Malaysian Weiron Tan in #12 won with the Prince of Johor coming in 5th overall and 2nd in PRO-AM class!

LAMBORGHINI SUPER TROFEO ASIA – FUJI

This one-make Lamborghini series follows the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia series. Weather conditions for both their races were fairly similar.

RACE 1

Malaysian PRO driver, Afiq Yazid driving for Japan-based Team Hojust Wakayama Racing started Race 1 from 4th on the grid and brought his car up to 2nd before handing over to his team mate Ochiai Toshiyoki. Ochiai kept it there to finish 2nd overall and 1st in PRO-AM class.

East Malaysian Zen Low and AM driver shared his car with A. Negro who went as high as 15th, finished in 17th. Position in Race 1.

RACE 2

Ochiai started Race 2 from 6th on the grid and managed to make up 4 places before handing over to Afiq. The Malaysian driver then drove #38 to the top spot making up a whopping 20-second deficit in the process. This was the team’s first overall victory this season and they will be heading the PRO-AM class when they are at Yeongnam for the next round in Korea.

Zen Low, ever consistent and careful finished again in 17th in Race 2. Well done to both Afiq and Zen in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Fuji!

So there you have it, in first weekend of July, 8 Malaysian drivers and 1 all-Malaysian team raced in 2 countries in 3 International Race Series and stood on podiums across all series… can’t get better than that – for now!


Perodua Ativa customers can be ‘test-drivers’ for Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid

Although its vehicles are very fuel-efficient, Perodua will also be starting on an electrification journey with hybrid powertrains. This will begin with a fleet of 300 Daihatsu Rocky Hybrids that have been imported for the purpose of testing in local conditions. The Rocky is the Daihatsu equivalent of the Perodua Ativa, while Toyota’s version is called the
Raize
.

Rather than conducting the testing itself (which it will also do), the carmaker will be offering the model to interested customers under a subscription program. The customers who will be offered the chance to participate will be existing customers who have booked an Ativa but have not received it.

5-year program
Under the program, they will pay an upfront fee of RM2,150 and a monthly fee of RM500. The costs relating to insurance coverage, roadtax and scheduled maintenance will be covered by Perodua. The period of subscription will last for 5 years and customers will be required to allows tracking of their vehicle movements (using a GPS device) so that data on their driving and usage can be collected.

They will also have to provide feedback regularly and report on any technical issues they face. Within a year, the data from 300 SUVs should provide Perodua with a lot of information on the running conditions of the hybrid powertrain which they can use in developing their future powertrain for a later model. Whether it will be for the Ativa or another model remains to be seen.

The e-SMART HYBRID system
Daihatsu has worked on hybrid powertrains for a long time, with the first prototype shown as far back as 1981. The latest hybrid powertrain in the Rocky Hybrid is an e-SMART HYBRID which has the capability of running purely on electric power. It uses a 1.2-litre engine and a transaxle specially developed for hybrid electric vehicles.

The transaxle, which efficiently transmits the motor output to the wheels, consists of a motor generator that drives and generates power, a speed reduction mechanism, and a differential mechanism. The two motors are optimally arranged to achieve compactness so that they can be installed in compact vehicles.

The Rocky HYBRID also has a Smart Pedal (S-PDL) which can adjust the vehicle’s speed just by stepping on or releasing the accelerator pedal. When using the S-PDL, the amount of regeneration increases due to the reduced deceleration caused by the brake pedal, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

Second time having CBU vehicles
This would be the second time that Perodua is importing completely built-up (CBU) Daihatsu vehicles. Back in 2008, the company brought in a batch of Daihatsu Terios SUVs from Indonesia. These were to be badged as the Perodua Nautica, the successor to the
Kembara
. However, the plan was scrapped after a year and Perodua did not have a SUV until the
Aruz
 was introduced in 2019.

2008 Perodua Nautica

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


All-new Honda HR-V (Vezel) revealed

The Honda HR-V (also known as Vezel in Japan and some other markets) was a hit the moment it arrived in showrooms. As always, Honda somehow got it right first time and in just about every market it was launched – including Malaysia – waiting lists quickly built up.

But no matter how good a product is, there comes a time when competitors have new offerings which start to draw customers away. It’s then time to do a model change and that time has come for the HR-V 5 years after the first generation was launched. Actually, to some, it is considered the second generation because there was a HR-V back in the late 1990s, but that was really a different model concept.

Preview of HR-V prior to its Malaysian launch in 2015 attracted a lot of attention.

Hybrid e:HEV powertrain

This time round, the new HR-V gets Honda’s advanced e:HEV hybrid powertrain as standard in most markets. This powertrain is a 2-motor hybrid powertrain which first appeared in the latest Jazz. Unlike the earlier hybrid systems Honda had, the e:HEV powertrain uses on electric motor as a generator and the other as a propulsion motor.

Specific details of the powertrain for the new HR-V are still not available. While it may be an improved version from that in the Jazz, it still has a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and the system output would probably be around 200 ps.

Cleaner appearance

Honda’s designers have maintained the coupe-inspired profile for the crossover SUV. They aimed for ‘seamless, clean, modern design’ but some may find the overall appearance rather bland compared to the current model. But with car designs, time can sometimes change perceptions and as one designer (not from Honda) once said: “If the design of a new car is a great hit right away, we may have a problem as it can also age quickly”.

Interior space has also been a strong point of the HR-V, and with this new generation, exceptional spaciousness is claimed. Intelligent packaging of the hybrid powertrain and its components, which include the battery pack, has liberated more usable space in the cabin.

Thanks to Honda’s compact, integrated powertrain technology and centre fuel tank layout, the new HR-V also retains the Magic Seats that more versatility than conventional folding seats.

Premium SUV feel

As with the exterior, the interior has a premium SUV feel, but with contemporary fabrics and soft-touch materials. The modern minimalist aesthetic, which is initiated by the horizontal sweep of the instrument panel, is the result of an uncluttered interior and dashboard, with each element carefully positioned to contribute to the sense of space.

The feeling of airiness and space is elevated by a new air diffusion system that creates a curtain of fresh air beside and above passengers, flowing from unique L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard.

The first market that will get the new HR-V will be Japan, from April, with export markets around Asia possibly getting it by mid-year. European markets will have the model in showrooms towards the end of the year. As for Malaysia, a year-end debut might be possible if the supply chain is not disrupted as the model is assembled locally at Honda’s own plant in Melaka.

Prefer the current HR-V? Visit
www.honda.com.my
 to locate an authorised dealer to buy one.


12-Month Extended Warranty For Proton Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Purchasers of Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) vehicles will have more peace of mind with an extended warranty of 12 months when they buy the vehicles from authorized Proton used car outlets nationwide. The PCPO Extended Warranty Program (PCPO-EW) is now underwritten by Allianz General Insurance.

Under the program, parts of the engine and transmission that are found to be defective under normal use for the first 25,000 kms or 12 months after the purchase is made will be repaired or replaced by the warranty provider.

“Proton would like to welcome Allianz General Insurance as our insurance partner in our effort to provide added assurance to our customers. With the extended warranty, owners of PCPO vehicles are protected from unexpected costs due to mechanical failure for engine and transmission parts,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton Holdings Berhad.

“With Proton’s sales volume increasing over the past few years, we have seen a similar increase of trade-in or trade-up transactions. Therefore, with customer satisfaction in mind, we want to give assurances to our consumers to ensure ownership of a PCPO vehicle is a satisfactory experience on par with other brands,” he added.

PCPO is an extension of Proton’s used car business which began with the establishment of established a Used Car Management (UCM) division in 2019. Its task was to grow a network of dealers to sell used cars alongside new ones.

Since its inception in 2019, the UCM unit has introduced operating procedures and provided training for used car inspectors to manage transactions at each outlet and ensure services provided are in line with the expectations set by the brand. Currently, the company has 36 outlets that retail PCPO vehicles in the country.

Proton’s Cumulative Volume For 2022 Passes 100,000 Mark After 9 Months


AIA Family Drive offers lower vehicle insurance premiums plus added benefits

It’s a fact that many homes in Malaysia have more than one car as different members of the family require their own wheels. They all need, by law, insurance coverage for their vehicles in order to drive on public roads.

Having a few vehicles in the household can now be advantageous as AIA General Berhad is offering a family discount on premiums when buying insurance coverage from the company.
Family Drive
,
 its first flagship product, is a car insurance that provides all-round on-the-road protection.

Said to be the first of its kind in Malaysia,
Family Drive
 is a comprehensive car insurance that provides the usual protection for both third party and own loss and damages. It also comes with additional features which you don’t get from other insurance companies in this country.

Eric Chang, CEO of AIA General Berhad, explaining the benefits of Family Drive.

Additional features

These include Personal Accident Protection which ensures that anyone travelling in the insured car is automatically covered with up to RM250,000 personal accident coverage. There’s also protection against legal liability to third party’s injury, death and property loss of damage for everyone travelling in the car, with automatic coverage for all authorised drivers without additional cost.

Should the car not be available after an accident as the workshop is repairing it,
Family Drive
 will provide an Inconvenience Allowance of RM600 per accident. There is also AIA Roadside Assist with an array of value-added services such as battery and tyre replacement, vehicle towing, 24/7. Customers can request for assistance with their police report and will be provided with e-hailing vouchers to help them and their family get home safely after the accident.

If covered under Family Drive, the owner can get an Inconvenience Allowance of RM600 to cover the period while the vehicle is being repaired after an accident and is not available for use.

5% discount plus Excess Waiver

Family Drive
 has a discount of 5% if two or more cars in the same household are insured but only up to a maximum of 4 vehicles. The Excess waiver is granted if customers repair their car at an AIA panel workshop, with the total repair cost borne by AIA.

To enhance coverage, there are optional add-on benefits such as the Agreed Value feature whereby policyholders can protect themselves against the depreciation value of their car by setting an agreed coverage amount when purchasing the policy. The Waiver of Betterment Cost feature ensures that customers are covered for the full cost of new original parts for their car with no extra procedure or paperwork upon claims.

Additionally, customers can choose the Natural Disaster (Special Perils) options that protects their cars against loss or damage caused by flood, storm, landslide or other acts of nature. These days, you never know when your car might be caught in a flood…

“We are very excited to be able to bring
Family Drive
 and its various innovative and customer-centric features to the motor insurance market. Our market research identified various customer concerns where we saw the growing trend of expanding families who were worried about their family’s safety and the inconveniences caused by car accidents,” said Eric Chang, CEO of AIA General Berhad.

“With these insights, we developed
Family Drive
 as a way to meet the protection needs of our customers on the road – ultimately providing them with a worry-free driving experience for the entire family,” he explained.


Team Fordzilla’s P1 ultimate virtual racing car turned into a real model

Four months ago,
Ford’s Team Fordzilla unveiled a world-first at this year’s gamescom event
 which was described as ‘the ultimate virtual racing car’. Designed with collaboration between Ford designers and the gaming community, the car was developed under the codename ‘Project P1’. At that time, Ford also announced that it would build a scale model of the P1 concept before the end of the year at its design studios in Germany.

The model has now been completed and was recently unveiled online. While seeing real cars transferred to computer games is commonplace, this is the first-ever time an automaker has brought to life a gamer-collaborated virtual car – yet to be featured in a game – with a physical model. It’s part of its continuing theme of exploring the parallels between the real-world and the virtual one, with learnings from design in the digital world being applied to concepts for reality.

Gamers chose the design features

The journey of the Team Fordzilla P1 racing car started in March this year when gamers were asked to vote on the package and features of the car on Twitter, including seating configuration, engine position and cockpit definition. Nearly a quarter of a million fan votes were submitted throughout the polling process.

The innovative Team Fordzilla P1 racing car features an exterior designed by Arturo Arino and an interior that was the vision of Robert Engelmann, both Ford designers. The car is built around the monocoque structure partially covered by a large, hyper-transparent jet fighter-style canopy, protecting the driver and co-driver. The transparent canopy not only blurs the boundaries between the exterior and the interior but it also emphasises the unique F1-like driving position.

The exterior form is the combination of a sleek GT-like front end with sculped front fenders and extremely sculpted bodyside panels. Twist and floating buttresses visually connect the cockpit with the rear wheels. The rear end is completely exposed and presents the ‘rawness’ of aerodynamics and racing circuits. 21-inch wheels are fitted front and rear, with the front ones sized 315/30 and the rears 355/25.

In the cockpit are LED notification units, keeping the driver and co-driver up-to-date on the track status in their peripheral view. In addition, an integrated screen on the steering wheel enables live data exchange with the team at the pit wall. The whole interior is designed to help the driver to minimize any sort of distraction during the race and heighten the enjoyment of racing.

From CAD to reality in 7 weeks

Team Fordzilla P1 is Ford’s first ever car built digitally without any face-to-face interaction throughout the process. Due to the current pandemic, it was designed by a team who had never met, working remotely – and spread across 5 different countries. It was built in just 7 weeks which is less than half of the time it would normally take. The finished build is a full-size, inside-outside model with extreme proportions and truly unmistakable character.

Being co-created by gamers for gamers, the hypercar features a few special touches that speak to the sim-racing community. On the floor in front of the co-pilot’s seat, there is an AFK (Away From Keyboard) message, a playful reminder that occupants of that seat are away from keyboard. A #levelup graphic acknowledges that gamers and racing drivers aim to better themselves each time they play or race, while a #liftoff graphic is a nod to the lifting off of this race car from a virtual world and transitioning it to the real one.

On the front of the 4731 mm long car, by the lower spoiler, there’s the most important message: a GLHF (Good luck, Have Fun) reminder to every gamer and racing driver to truly have fun and enjoy the ride.

“This project had so many firsts. It was the first fully digital project for us. It was the first car to be designed publicly with full transparency and the first we’ve ever designed remotely with designers located in 5 different countries, some of whom have never met face to face. That we completed it all in less than half of the usual time is a real testament to the team and the passion they had for the project,” said Boris Ferko, Design Manager at Ford of Europe.

Ford forming racing teams in Europe to compete in esports competition [w/VIDEO]


Giugiaro To Build Another Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept

In 1974, when Hyundai made its debut at the Turin Motorshow, the company displayed a concept car of the Pony, Korea’s historically significant car. It was planned for eventual production but due to the adverse global economic environment, the project ended there and the car no longer exists.

While the Pony Coupe Concept was an unfinished dream at the time, its bold spirit helped kickstart the Korean automotive industry by directly influencing Hyundai’s first independent production models under its Pony nameplate which were sold around the world.

Now, the lost concept car will be rebuilt and it will be in collaboration with Italian design firm GFG Style, notably its father and son founders Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro. It was Giorgetto who created the concept car in 1974 so the project is even more significant.

“The original Pony and Pony Coupe Concept were one of those rare creations that influenced the designs of not just one but multiple production and concept vehicles, including our award-winning IONIQ 5 and attention-grabbing N Vision 74,” said Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Vice-President, SangYup Lee. “Since the original concept car no longer exists, we’ve commissioned Giorgetto Giugiaro to rebuild it based on our design philosophy, ‘Shaping the future with legacy’.”

“Not only does this project hold historical value, but it also represents a cross-cultural exchange that could pave the way for more collaborations down the road,” added Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke

In 1974, when Hyundai Motor was still in its early days of vehicle production, the company’s executives contacted Giugiaro to propose work on designing Hyundai’s first independent model and Korea’s first mass-produced car. At the time, there was no vehicle design and styling capability in Korea, so the carmaker turned to the well known Italian designer for his expertise.

Giugiaro was to design, make blueprints and build 5 prototypes, one of which was a coupe. In the process of designing and prototyping, Hyundai decided to show the Pony and Pony Coupe at the Turin Motor Show to promote the brand’s debut in the global market.

With its wedge-style nose, circular headlamps and origami-like geometric lines, the Pony Coupe was intended for the North American and European markets. However, that plan stalled in 1981 just before mass production as global economic conditions were bad and Hyundai has to refocus its investments.

Nevertheless, the concept’s design also served as a huge source of inspiration for Giugiaro’s work on a futuristic car that debuted in 1983 – the
 DeLorean DMC 12
 which was used in the ‘
Back to the Future
’ movies (1985-90).

The Pony and Pony Coupe Concept’s impact have continued to this day. In 2019, Hyundai Motor took inspiration from the original Pony for the
‘45’ concept car
, which directly influenced the
IONIQ 5
 that debuted 2 years later. Also in 2021, Hyundai reinterpreted the original Pony production car as a
restomod electric vehicle concept
. And, this year, Hyundai designers referred to the coupe concept yet again with the
N Vision 74
 hydrogen-hybrid ‘rolling lab’ development car.

Giorgetto Giugiaro has been associated with the designs of many concept cars and production models of various global carmakers.

Of his original design, Giugiaro said: “I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career. I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a vehicle for a company and country that was about to take on a fiercely competitive global market. Now, I’m deeply honoured that Hyundai has asked me to rebuild it for posterity and as a celebration of the brand’s heritage.”

Retro Hyundai Models Star In ‘Seoul Vibe’ On Netflix

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Jaguar I-PACE Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM460,800

The Jaguar I-PACE has been on sale since 2018, during which time it has done remarkably well and has been awarded titles like World Car of the Year as well as European Car of the Year, among many others. It has only just gone on sale in Malaysia today and Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) can offer it at under RM500,000, thanks to the government exempting battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from duties.

Priced at RM460,800 (without insurance) for the Black LE and RM498,800 for the HSE, the I-PACE is Jaguar’s first BEV and has been designed and developed almost entirely in the UK. Ralf Speth, the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover when the I-PACE was launched, said that the development team had ‘torn up the rulebook to create the newest member of the PACE family’.

Rather than adapt an existing model for the I-PACE, Jaguar invested big money in developing an entirely new platform and architecture for a BEV so as to fully optimize performance and gain the full advantages of going fully electric.

The result is an EV aluminium architecture which has Jaguar’s most torsionally rigid body structure with 50:50 weight distribution and an aero-efficient 0.29 Cd form with interior space for 5 persons. The sleek, coupe-like silhouette was influenced by the C-X75 supercar which never went into production but we still got to see it in ‘
Spectre
’, the James Bond movie.

As a premium luxury brand, Jaguar obviously has to ensure that its products are also technologically superior. The electric powertrain has 2 Jaguar-designed motors whiCH feature driveshafts passing through the motors themselves for compactness. With one motor powering each axle to provide all-wheel drive for maximum traction – necessary with the 400 ps/696 Nm output generated.

The typically high torque generated from standstill launches the car instantly forward to reach 100 km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds, with the maximum speed electronically limited to 200 km/h. If the driver keeps using that maximum performance level, then the range will obviously be limited. But if driven in a normal manner, it should be able to travel up to 470 kms on a fully charged battery pack.

A suite of smart range-optimising technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system: when plugged in the I-PACE will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of its battery pack to maximise range ahead of starting off.

The lithium-ion battery pack has a generous storage capacity of 90 kWh and with a 100 kW DC charging point, a completely empty battery pack should be able to be ‘refilled’ up to 80% within 40 minutes, it is claimed. Just 15 minutes at a DC outlet can provide another 100 kms of range. A lower powered outlet, like a 7 kW AC wallbox, would take over 10 hours so that would an overnight exercise.

Incidentally, the 80% charge level is usually specified when talking about recharging times because it is not recommended to charge up to 100%. The 80% level is considered to be better to help preserve the long-term health of the battery packs. Furthermore, as you may notice from your smartphone, charging also tends to slow down when past 80%.

The battery pack is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible, with a seal between the housing and the underfloor. Together with the advanced double wishbone front and Integral Link rear axle with air suspension and configurable Adaptive Dynamics, the I-PACE has dynamics that will be appreciated by the fast driver and comfort by the others in the car.

The cab forward design and EV powertrain allows interior space comparable to large SUVs. As would be expected of every Jaguar, there is superlative quality and craftsmanship. At the same time, being a BEV, the I-PACE also has a lot of advanced technology, including the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system powered by a state-of-the-art processor.

The Pivi Pro system is as quick and easy to use as a smartphone, with self-learning navigation. intuitive flat menu structure makes navigating the system easy with the frequent features and functions accessible via the home screen with just a click.

The driver gets information on a 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instrument cluster, supplemented by 10-inch and 5-inch upper and lower touchscreens. These have multi-function haptic rotary controllers for easier intuitive operation that don’t need looking at.

In the rear, legroom is 890 mm while, with no transmission tunnel, there’s a useful 10.5-litre central storage compartment. Tablet and laptop stowage can also be found under the seats, while the rear luggage compartment offers a variable volume from 656 litres to 1,453 litres.

The vehicle is covered by a comprehensive warranty of 5 years or maximum of 150,000 kms, while the battery pack has a separate  8-years/160,000 km warranty. Owners also get complimentary roadside assistance during the first 3 years or ownership.

Those who book an I-PACE before May 28, 2023 will also get RM1,000 credit for charging on their GoToU app which shows DC fast-charger points around the country.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has installed two charging points for customers at its basement carpark in Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara.


TC Euro Cars retains Renault car prices in 2016

TC Euro Cars announces that Renault car prices will remain unchanged in Malaysia for 2016.

Whilst several car brands in Malaysia have opted to revise its pricing scheme in 2016,only a handful have opted not to do so. One of which happens to be French marque
Renault
. According to its sole authorised Malaysian distributor partner
TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd
, the firm has stated that Renault car prices will remain unchanged in 2016.

TC Euro Cars CEO Kuan Kim Luen states:

“While we are not immune to the challenges facing the automotive industry, we are happy to announce that there will be no price increase despite the current economic environment. With forward planning, optimising operation efficiencies and cost management exercises conducted internally, we are able to manage the cost to consumers at this point.”

Here’s the full price list for Renault cars issued by TC Euro Cars:

Model

Pen. Malaysia Price

(on-the-road, inclusive of GST, without insurance)

CBU / CKD

Fluence Expression

RM 108,888

CKD

Fluence Dynamique

RM 119,888

CKD

New Clio GT Line

RM 118,000

CBU Turkey

New Captur

RM 123,000

CBU Spain

Koleos 2.5 2WD

RM 178,888

CBU Korea

Megane R.S. 265 Sport

RM 197,888

CBU Spain

Megane R.S. 265 Cup

RM 234,888

CBU Spain

It is worth noting that all Renault cars sold in Malaysia feature long service intervals of 10,000km or six months (whichever comes first). The only exception here are of course the he R.S. high performance and EV models, both of which come with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty that’s fully-backed by Renault (T&C applied).

Additionally, the Renault Fluence models feature the special 5inFLUENCE after-sales program offered by TC Euro Cars. The program is comprised with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty, five-year or 100,000km free maintenance deal, 1-year genuine parts warranty, free pick-up service for every scheduled servicing and a courtesy car when the customer’s Fluence stays at the service centre for more than 48 hours.

Additional information is available online at
renault.com.my
 or the
official Renault Malaysia Facebook page
 as well.

				17-INCH SHINY DARK METAL WHEEL RIM

Images: TC Euro Cars PR / Renault Global Press


Customers who buy Volkswagens can have new vehicle delivered to their homes

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought about changes in many ways, to the extent that we now have to adapt to what is known as the ‘new normal’. In the case of the car industry, dealers have now to follow new standard operating procedures to protect their customers as well as their employees.

Every dealership must now carry out temperature checks, provide and use hand sanitizers, practice social distancing, cashless payments and many now ask customers to wear facemasks as well. Understandably, there are still customers who are hesitant about going to a showroom, even if they have a new car to collect.

For such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has a new initiative under its Hands campaign whereby the handover can be done without them having to go to the showroom. It’s a new option where the new vehicle will be delivered to the home of the new owner.

For convenience and safety of customers

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, said that the initiative showed the company’s evolution in keeping up with the new shopping habits of consumers. “With the introduction of this service, we are closing the loop and making it easy for our customers to buy a Volkswagen from the comfort and safety of their own homes. It is as simple as selecting their preferred model on the eShowroom, finalizing the sales process and having the new car delivered right to their doorstep,” he explained.

If they prefer, customers will not have to go to the showroom to pick up their new Volkswagen and the dealership will send it to their home by a flatbed truck.

The service is available nationwide from all authorized Volkswagen dealerships up to a distance of 20 kms from the dealership serving the customer No, it won’t be Grab delivering the new vehicle nor will a sales consultant be driving it. It will be put on a single flatbed carrier truck and fully covered in canvas to protect it from damage. The customer will not have to pay for the service.

Adhering to strict safety guidelines, the carrier trucks are also cleaned and disinfected before and after each delivery, with drivers regularly checked and practicing COVID-19 safety measures. Owners will receive an SMS notification once their new car has been collected and is en route to their doorstep. As added safety measure, the owner’s Welcome Kit and car keys will be safely placed in the locked car.

The Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation package uses a halal-certified bacterial spray and wiper disinfectant and includes deodorising and odour prevention.

Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation package

For owners seeking additional peace of mind, the Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation service package is now available, and starts from as low as RM80. The treatment package works to eradicate more than 99% of germs and bacteria in the cabin, including the air-conditioning system.

For more information, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
.

Volkswagen’s ‘Buckle Up’ campaign educates children on importance of road and car safety


Nissan ‘Great Rewards’ campaign offers special deals besides savings on sales tax

With the exemption of sales tax extended till the end of 2021 (from its original date of June 30), car-buyers will be able to save money on their purchases. Besides enjoying these savings, they can also get special deals from Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) when purchasing new Nissan models.

The company’s latest Nissan ‘
Great Rewards’
 campaign offers sales tax savings, low monthly instalments with Flexi Financing program and accessories or maintenance packages.

For example, the latest
Almera 1.0 Turbo
 now comes with an Urban accessories package worth up to RM5,500 and with the Flexi Financing offer, the instalment will be RM530 each month (terms and conditions apply).

There is also a new Special Civil Servants Promotion for the Almera 1.0 Turbo VL variant with a starting price from RM71,906.

Almera Turbo

Navara

Those who have want a more versatile and tough off-road capable vehicle can consider the
latest Navara
. The 4×4 2.5-litre Turbo Double-Cab Pick-up comes with many best-in-class technologies, including an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility driver-assist features and safety systems. The monthly instalment for this model can be from RM960 using Flexi Financing.

Other Nissan models with special models are the X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid. For the X-Trail, ETCM is offering an IMPUL or Aero Edition accessories package (worth up to RM5,600) and Flexi Financing that starts from RM1,020 monthly. The Serena S-Hybrid comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance and service with parts and labour included. Using Flexi Financing means the instalment can be RM1,080 monthly.

Serena S-Hybrid

As showrooms are presently closed, interested customers can visit the
Nissan Flagship Store at Lazada
 where they can not only find out about the many models available but also make bookings for just RM250 to initiate the purchase process.

Other channels for information on Nissan products and services in Malaysia are the
Nissan Online Showroom
 as well as the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline
 1800-88-3838
.

How the new Nissan Almera Turbo is contributing to road safety


52% drop in new Honda vehicle sales in Malaysia from May to July year-on-year

Honda Malaysia reports that the ongoing restrictions of the Full  Movement Control Order (FMCO) have impacted its business significantly, with sales of new vehicles falling by 52% during the May to  July 2021 (compared to the same period in 2020). In compliance with government orders, the Company has suspended its business operations. These include closures of showrooms, its marketing and sales office as well as the assembly plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

However, aftersales services are allowed to operate at selected authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Conditions for operations are that only minimal manpower is allowed and appointments must be made in advance. The HondaTouch app provides an easy way to make an appointment. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must also be observed and customers can only go to a service centre if it is within 10 kms of their home.

Showrooms cannot conduct business activities but selected authorised service centres (below) are permitted to provide aftersales support and emergency assistance.

Only 5,700 units sold in 3 months

“With only certain aftersales services allowed and sales and manufacturing operations halted, it is no surprise that sales have plunged. Honda Malaysia saw a decline of 52% in car sales for the year-on-year period of May to July 2021. We sold about 5,700 units in this period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and then Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO),” said Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO.

She added that the company fully supports the Malaysian government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the restrictions. However, there is concern that a ‘domino effect’ is occurring on all 101 authorised dealers who face financial difficulties. There is the uncertainty of employment for sales and service advisors as  well as other staff. The sales advisors, especially, have been severely affected as their income is largely dependent on commissions earned through vehicle sales.

Salespeople in car companies are especially affected since much of their income comes from commissions for new vehicle sales. Right now, they can’t do any selling activities as showrooms remain closed.

Helping Honda associates

“Honda Malaysia understands the hardship that the dealers and Honda associates are going through, and hence, the company is trying to do its best to assist them during the difficult times. One of the efforts is by registering Honda associates under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PIKAS) to expedite the country’s rate of vaccination,” she said.

The company targets to achieve 100% of first dose vaccination for all its associates by mid-August 2021. As Malaysia has one of the world’s fastest vaccination rates, the company hopes to achieve its vaccination target and subsequently the nationwide vaccination programme will help create a safer environment for Malaysians. “Honda Malaysia is appreciative of the hard work of all the frontliners who have been working tirelessly to help fight the pandemic,” Ms. Chujo added.

The Honda Malaysia assembly plant in Melaka is presently shut down in compliance with the FMCO.

Effect on local suppliers too

She also revealed that the prolonged business closure has impacted Honda Malaysia’s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility. Furthermore, the company’s supply chain and export of parts are also affected.

“The automotive industry supports a wide network of local components and parts suppliers that comprises a few tiers. These suppliers might not be able to sustain their operations and this will subsequently affect the overall supply chain. The current extended lockdown and no visibility on business resumption timeframe have impacted planning and overall investment of the automotive marques,” she explained.

Honda Malaysia hopes that early resumption of the automotive sector activities will be possible under strict SOPs and guidelines set by the government. This can avoid the long-term impact such as retrenchment of employees and can help to prevent potential business closures among the supply chain.

Honda Malaysia and its suppliers distribute essential goods to 6 charity homes


New Vehicle Sales And Production Summary For September 2020

Source: Monthly reports of Malaysian Automotive Association

♦ The government’s Sales Tax exemption incentive continued to encourage many to buy new vehicles in September, pushing the Total Industry Volume past 56,000 units. In fact, it was 26% higher than the same month in 2019.

♦ Of the 56,444 units registered, 9.7% were commercial vehicles which includes pick-up trucks.

♦ Cumulative sales after 9 months have reached 341,489 units, To achieve the MAA’s 470,000-unit forecast for 2020, the industry must sell an average of 42,837 units in the remaining 3 months. Since July, the monthly sales have been over 50,000 units so the question will be whether this level can be sustained until the end of the year?

♦ Production rose slightly as most plants assembled as many units as possible to meet the higher demand. The output rose of 51,987 units was 15% higher than the same month in 2019, but output of commercial vehicles was lower by 26%.

♦ October numbers could be lower as the burden of making monthly instalments has resumed with the cessation of the loan moratorium that was provided by the banks as a form of assistance during this pandemic period. Furthermore, the imposition of the CMCO for two weeks in the month (if not longer) in the region with the most new vehicle sales may have an effect too. However, unlike the situation in March when all car companies had to suspend all activities, businesses can presently continue operating and relevant government agencies also process new vehicle registrations.

Source: Monthly reports of Malaysian Automotive Association


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

The 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship sees an entirely new generation of all-electric single-seater racing cars, dubbed ‘Gen3’. This third generation of racing cars for the series, which has completed 8 seasons, will be the fastest and most advanced ever, designed and optimised specifically for street racing.

Among the entrants is the Jaguar TCS Racing team which will enter its new Jaguar I-TYPE 6, the most advanced and most efficient electrically-powered Jaguar racing car ever. Lighter, more powerful and faster than the Gen2 racing car used by the team in earlier seasons, the I-TYPE 6 will set new performance benchmarks for an all-electric racing car with a top speed of 322 km/h.

The futuristic racing car has the form of the front end of a fighter jet, and its bodywork has been refined to achieve the best aerodynamic efficiency and required downforce in racing. This will also be the first-ever formula car with both front and rear powertrains. A new front powertrain adds 250 kW to the 350 kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 to a total of 600 kW.

There is ultra-high speed charging capability of 600 kW for additional energy during a race, almost double the power of the most advanced commercial chargers in the world. There will be no rear hydraulic brakes with the addition of the front powertrain and its powerful regenerative capability.

Yet the I-TYPE 6 will also be the most efficient formula racing car ever: more than 40% of the energy used within a race will be produced by regenerative braking. The powerful electric motors will have around 95% power efficiency as they generate up to peak output, compared to approximately 40% for an internal combustion engine.

For the unique asymmetric livery, Jaguar’s Creative team was asked to come up with a distinctive new identity reflective of the Gen3 era. The compelling colour palette features carbon black, satin white and sophisticated gold accents, with the asymmetric design of the livery creating two unique cars for drivers Mitch Evans and Sam Bird.

Both drivers did their pre-season testing in Spain recently and after 8 sessions, the team gathered a wealth of learnings to further understand the racing cars and optimise their set-up. Over the 5  days of tests, the drivers covered more than 1,500 kms.

“The Gen3 car represents a big step forward in technology and electrification. Testing is always a vital process and we have a lot of learning and information from the sessions. With the all-new racing car, it’s been more important than ever to understand the car and address any issues. Importantly though, we’ve seen some promising car performance and efficiency and will continue to focus on our preparations for the first race in Mexico City in January,” said James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal.

Click here
for more videos at The Piston Show.


Nissan Conducts More Stringent Testing For EVs (w/VIDEO)

Crash tests have long been an important part of vehicle development. Apart from regulatory requirements which have become more stringent over the years, the carmakers themselves have also been improving the protection occupants are provided with as new technologies have become available.

Now, with the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs), the manufacturers have also to take into consideration the presence of a high-voltage battery pack and many electrical systems. These too must be protected from damage in an accident.

Nissan, as a pioneer in mass-produced EVs with the LEAF launched in 2012, has extensive experience in this area. It has established its own safety standards for EVs which are generally more comprehensive than those required by regulators. It is this experience that has been used during the development of its latest EV, the
Ariya.

Nissan’s engineers have ensured that it retains its structural integrity in the case of a crash without the electrodes leaking. The battery pack is safely positioned within the Ariya’s body which has a and unique structure. This makes it possible to absorb a variety of impacts offering superior protection to the battery pack as well as the driver and passengers.

At the Nissan Technical Centre in Japan, the flagship EV was put through hundreds of stringent tests including impacts from the front, side and back to simulate collisions. There were also tests to simulate accidents when pedestrians are on the road.

Engineers from the Passive Safety Evaluation Group measure the force of potential impact on the vehicle’s body and structural components, as well as its effects on the driver and passengers via test dummies of various sizes and body types equipped with multiple sensors that record simulated injury levels to vital areas of the body.

“More than 100 data points are evaluated on the Ariya,” said Gen Tanabe of the Passive Safety Evaluation Group. “Because the Ariya will be sold in many markets, we will conduct more than 400 tests from the early stages of development to market launch.”

Serving as the basis for developing safer vehicles, Nissan’s safety proposition includes stringent active and passive safety measures to support the safety of vehicle occupants in a variety of scenarios. The overall goal is to prevent collisions where possible and, in case of unavoidable collisions, mitigate damage and injuries.

Apart from passing Nissan’s own tough testing, the Ariya has also been
assessed by Euro NCAP
, the independent safety authority in Europe. The model, which was tested this year, received the rating of 5 stars, which is the maximum awarded. Safety Assist systems, in particular, received high marks with an overall rating of up to 93%.

2021 Ariya crossover SUV takes Nissan further along the EV road


Geely opens EV research centre in Germany

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, or more commonly known as Geely, has announced that they have started operations on a new EV research centre based in the heart of Germany. The brand-new Geely Auto Technical Deutschland (GATD) facility is looking into employing roughly around 300 high-profile engineers and experts from around the world.

The Geely Auto Technical Deutschland (GATD) facility will focus on the company’s next monumental move into the future world of automobility; to develop premium electric vehicles and other next-generation mobility technology to be used by multiple brands currently being invested by Geely.

Having huge shares in car companies like Volvo, Daimler, and even Malaysia’s very own Proton, Geely’s goal to produce more futuristic vehicles goes together with the introduction of the new facility. They, however, did not disclose the amount of money invested in the said plant.

Focusing on increasing their global presence, especially in the European market, the EV research centre will be looking for exceptional talents from lighting system development all the way to energy control management.

The question is, will this facility develop technology that will then trickle down to the future models of Proton? If yes, how soon will we see the very first full-production hybrid or full-electric Proton model? Judging by Geely’s pace in the industry, it’ll come sooner that we’ve anticipated.


Perodua suspends operations but owners can still get help from Perodua Auto Assist

As with virtually all non-essential businesses, Perodua will be suspending all its operations nationwide following the Movement Control Order imposed recently by the government. These include operations at the head office, manufacturing facilities, sales and service centres from March 18 – 31, 2020, or subject to any new announcement by the government from time to time.

Deliveries of new vehicles will also be suspended from March 18 – 31, 2020.

“Due to this, new vehicle deliveries, servicing and Body & Paint services are expected to resume only after the Movement Control Order is lifted. Our related outlet personnel may contact customers during this period to provide explanation and clarification. We ask for your patience and understanding during this time,” said Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua’s President & CEO.

“If you experience any issues with your vehicle during this time, you may call Perodua Auto Assist toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
1-800-88-5555
,” he added.


Bugatti Chiron’s Successor Is A Hybrid V8

The new hypercar from Bugatti will mark a significant change for the company. Achim Anscheidt, the former head of design at Bugatti, stated that the Chiron replacement will make its debut next year and go into production in 2026.

2023 Bugatti Chiron

Most significantly, the next Bugatti substitutes a V-8 hybrid powertrain for the company’s iconic W-16 engine, probably drawing on the electrical know-how of Croatian carmaker Rimac, who joined Bugatti in 2021.

The design of the car appears to be finished, according to Anscheidt. “We delivered the prototype tooling a couple of months ago and the production tooling will be delivered in a couple of months from now.” The follow-up to the Chiron will be Anscheidt’s final endeavour in his capacity as Bugatti’s head of design.

The horseshoe grille and C-shaped side bodywork found on every Bugatti since the 1934 Type 57 will still be present in the next model.

Built on a new chassis, switching from the massive W-16 to the V-8 engine should make the car lighter.

However, the inside won’t veer too far from the Chiron, with elegant layouts and elaborate controls, according to the brand’s interior designer, Aldo Maria Sica, even though the powertrain will be a substantial shift from older Bugattis.

The infotainment system of the Chiron successor may be controlled by a sizable central touchscreen, something the Chiron and all of its limited-production variants lacked.

2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport

After the replacement for the Chiron is released, Bugatti’s focus will shift to its first electric vehicle, which should significantly rely on the company’s collaboration with Rimac.


Kia’s Futuron concept is inspired by UFOs and flying saucers! (w/VIDEO)

Given the pressure to reduce costs all the time, many carmakers now prefer to show off concept cars that are ‘near-production’, rather than futuristic showcars that cost a lot to build. But once in a while, we get some extreme designs intended to show what could come. Like the Futuron concept by Kia which the company says has some of its design elements  inspired by UFOs and flying saucers!

The Futuron Concept is an all-wheel drive SUV coupe which proposes new designs for future electric vehicles, specifically a SUV coupe. With a design based around the notion of dynamic purity, the Futuron Concept merges elegant proportions with pure shapes and surfaces.

‘360-degree core’

The Kia Futuron Concept is built around a single, strong ‘360-degree’ design notable for its pure, smooth form devoid of ornament. The delicate diffusion of the body’s surfaces creates a series of taut, flowing shapes which twist, expand and contract around the body. The result is a sleek and streamlined shape, creating an aero-efficient profile.

The novel proportions of the car are immediately striking. Its low-profile SUV coupe body is sporty and modern, yet also elegant. At 4850 mm in length, 1550 mm tall and with a 3000 mm-long wheelbase, the Futuron’s elevated ground clearance is matched with a low, lean body to create a dynamic, confident posture.

The fully-electric powertrain makes such a fluid shape possible. A high-capacity battery is mounted low in the vehicle’s body, beneath the cabin floor, providing electrical energy to 4 powerful in-wheel electric motors. The elevated stance of the car is therefore matched with a low centre of gravity and an e-AWD system which delivers lightning-fast responses to driver inputs.

Sportscar on an SUV platform

Combined with comfortable, lean-back seats, the Futuron offers drivers a new type of interactive driving experience suitable for urban city environments. Various elements of the vehicle’s structure and design foster the important connection and interaction between car and driver.

The front fender flows backwards from the front of the bonnet before plunging into the cabin itself, establishing a connection between the driving seat and the road ahead. The concept’s roof is a diamond-shaped panoramic glasshouse which sits atop the 360-degree core, in the best traditions of UFO and flying saucer design.

While flooding the cabin with natural light, it also extends down the bonnet to give drivers an unparalleled view ahead. The glasshouse also incorporates a network of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors capable of providing Level 4 autonomous driving features, enabling hands-off and eyes-off driving in most conditions.

Furthermore, the 360-degree theme is evident in the lighting that illuminates a sharp character line encircling the Futuron’s body. A playful and interactive new feature, this lighting responds to physical gestures and movements made outside the car, eliciting a close connection between car  and driver before they even set foot in the cabin.

The new Kia ‘tiger face’

The front of the Futuron features a new reinterpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille, a signature for Kia design now for over a decade. While maintaining the basic principle of the design – a clear outline with tabs in the middle – Kia’s designers have expanded the boundaries, widening the shape across the front of the car to create a restrained, yet elegant ‘tiger face’.

With a wider ‘tiger face’ shape, the grille incorporates the Futuron’s headlamps, an innovative ‘Star Cloud’ design which gives the car a dazzling new night-time identity. The concept’s Star Cloud lighting not only highlights a new design form for the front of the car, but also embodies a new lighting concept for Kia, taking inspiration from nebulae in the night sky to create a geometric patchwork of matrix LED lighting. The Star Cloud is also incorporated into the rear of the car, displaying a distinct light signature to anyone following the Futuron.

Revealed for the first time in Shanghai, the Futuron also incorporates Chinese legend in the design and form of its new Star Cloud lighting. The Dragon Skin surface which covers the lighting area emulates the scaled armour that adorns Chinese dragons, both in mythology and modern-day cultural celebrations. The Star Cloud lighting incorporates a kinetic surface, enabling the car to alternate between daytime running lights and full-beam headlamps as the scales open and close.

Seamless interior

The Futuron’s seamless interior also reflects its autonomous driving nature, with surfaces flowing uninterrupted from the dashboard and through the door panels. The doors feature the same Star Cloud lighting and scaled Dragon Skin motif found on the outside of the car, creating a glittering interactive ambient lighting system. The ventilation system is also housed behind Dragon Skin scales, which open and close to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the cabin.

One of the most prominent features of the cabin is the ‘cockpit’ area surrounding the driver. The graphical user interface (GUI) of the cockpit flows out of the driver-side door and wraps around the steering wheel in a seamless arc. This merges the instrument cluster directly with the audio-visual display at the centre of the dashboard and is linked to the display integrated within the surface of the steering wheel itself.

The GUI is operated by artificial intelligence technologies, displaying useful information about the car various autonomous driving, powertrain and navigation features to create a unique user experience. The apex of the cockpit arc sees the GUI lunge forward towards the road, creating an interactive Star Cloud light display at the very front of the cabin.

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


The Porsche Code

Generally, car names are easily remembered and known but those with numbers and internal model codes that are also used in the model’s ‘name’ can complicate things, especially as the years go by. Take the Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera, for example. This model originated from the Porsche 356 and was part of the refined A series. It had an engine size of 1500 cc and because of its speed, it had GS (Grand Sport) and Carrera (Spanish for ‘racing’) added as well.

Those who are devoted fans of Porsche will know all this well, but the typology of Porsche can still be confusing to many. How can a car be called a 911 and a 991 at the same time? Is that a Boxster – or a 987? Or is it actually a 982? Here’s a quick overview of how Porsche’s numbering system started and has evolved.

One number for each order

In order to understand the beginnings of the in-house numbering method, it is necessary to go back to 1931. Each order (from customers) and every project of Ferdinand Porsche’s newly established engineering design office, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH, was given a consecutive number as the in-house type designation. It started with seven, which was the design of a sedan for Wanderer, a German car manufacturer. Order number 22 was for the legendary Auto Union Grand Prix racing car and the Type 60 was the Volkswagen.

The numbers therefore rose with each new order, with each engine designed, with each drawing for an axle, gearbox or tractor. On June 8, 1948, by which time the project numbers had climbed to 356, something of historical significance happened: for the first time, an automobile was to be made under the official brand name of Porsche. And it was called the Porsche 356.

A customer collecting a 356 B from the factory in 1962.

This not only marked the birth of the legendary brand, but also an iconic model with a memorable design. The 356 underwent further development with each new model year, and substantial advances in development were indicated by adding the letters A, B and C.

901 or 911?

The engineers were fine with this system which saw internal numbers were rising faster and faster. There were orders for test engines, naturally aspirated engines, water turbines, and racing cars. For some of the new sportscar types, Porsche again used the internal plant code for the official model name, as was the case in 1953 with the mid-engined 550 Spyder.

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche and his son, Ferdinand, in Porsche 550 Spyders.

Eventually, it was the successor to the 356 that led to the custom being abandoned. In view of closer collaboration with Volkswagen, future Porsche models had to be compatible with the figures used there. As the 900 numbers had not yet been allocated in Wolfsburg, the decision-makers at Porsche quickly chose 901 for the 6-cylinder version and 902 for a subsequent 4-cylinder sportscar.

When Peugeot said no to ‘0’

However, an unexpected problem arose when Peugeot declared that they had been using 3-digit numbers with a zero in the middle since 1929 and therefore owned the legal rights to all similar number sequences in France. The French carmaker was very particular about this right to having a ‘zero in the middle’ and was known to also have approached Mazda when it marketed the Familia model as an ‘808’ in the 1970s. It’s not known what the outcome of that issue was, but Mazda still sold its car as an 808 in countries like Malaysia (and by coincidence, by the same distributor that also sold Peugeots!).

Porsche didn’t fight the matter and the zero was quickly replaced by a one, and the ‘1’ typeface, which had already been created, was simply duplicated for the brochures and type name on the rear of the car. A legend was born as the 911, which would become world-famous in the years that followed.

Expansion of the model range

Of course, the 911 did not remain the only model line from Porsche. The 914 marked the addition of a smaller, lighter mid-engined sportscar and, over the years, models such as the 924, 928 and 944 joined their elder sibling. They also received their internal number as model names. By now, the practice of using 3 digits starting with a ‘9’ had established itself for models from Porsche.

Handing over a 911 Turbo and 928 S Coupe to customers in 1981.

Inevitably, the 900 numbers began running out and competing with each other but the engineers stuck to their system out of tradition. In addition to the various road-legal models, pure racing cars also had to be allocated internal type numbers. One example was the legendary 917; unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in 1969, this racing car took overall victory at Le Mans a year later – the first of many racing successes in the first half of the 1970s under the 917 code.

Porsche 917

Flexibility in naming

Flexibility became increasingly in demand when it came to naming all the Porsche models. The 911 is a clear illustration of this when, for the 1968 model year, the series received the internal designation of ‘A Series’ for the first time. In 1969, the B Series followed, then in 1970, the C Series, up until the substantially redesigned G Series, which debuted in 1973. However, special models within the series also received their own type number from time to time, as was the case with the internal Type 930, named the 911 Turbo or the Type 954 (911 SC RS).

Porsche 924 Carrera GT on a racetrack in 1980.

In 1988, a major break occurred in the 911 history with the introduction of the completely redesigned 964 model series. The 993 followed in 1993, then the 996, 997, a return to 991, and the current model 992. Between the internal codes of the 911, there are still further models to be found, with examples being the Carrera GT (internally known as the 980), the Boxster (the 986 being the first generation, followed by the 987 second generation, the 981 and the 982) and the Cayenne (955). The tradition of the 3-digit type codes is maintained today – albeit with a certain degree of creative freedom.

While enthusiasts refer to many of the models by their series numbers, the marketing people use names (or alphabets) to differentiate models. The current ones are Boxster (derived from
box
er engine and road
ster
), Carrera, E-Hybrid, Executive, GTS (Gran Turismo Sport), RS (RennSport, or ‘racing sport’), RSR (RennSport Rennwagen, which translates as racing sport racing car), S (for ‘Super’ or ‘Sport’), 4 (all-wheel drive), Spyder, Targa, and of course, Turbo.

Porsche World Road Show 2021: The Ultimate Driving Experience!


YouTubers Arrested For Causing Intentional Car Accidents

Viral clips on social media of
dashcam-recorded incidents
 where people do utterly dumb things like jump in front of a moving car and blame the driver just to see if they are lucky enough to claim some cash are popular things nowadays.

However, it had allegedly turned into a method for one couple in Southern California who were facing felony charges of insurance fraud and child endangerment. All it took was for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s close supervision and the dash camera footage posted on the couple’s YouTube channel.

BLU3 GHO57, a YouTube channel with 162 videos of alleged incidents of road rage, attempted collisions, and vehicle collisions, was run by Christopher Phelps and his wife Kimberly Phelps. Videos from the channel are still available on other well-liked YouTube compilations of dash camera videos even though the channel has since been deleted.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigation uncovered 42 videos of incidents of road rage and attempted collisions that seemed to be deliberate acts. Christopher Phelps’ 17 insurance claims were connected to 23 collisions.

Phelps’ child can be seen in the car during a number of the incidents that are featured on the channel, which started in July 2020.

“Allegedly there was a child involved, their child involved in the car, as well as I’m sure there were victims with children,” said Jacquelyn Rodriguez with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

In several incidents, Christopher Phelps is accused of setting up collisions with other drivers by pretending to be the victim. In an accident that was documented on the channel, Jeremy Perales drove over the yellow line in an effort to avoid hitting one of these allegedly set-up vehicles.

According to Perales, Phelps set up the collision in order to receive a favorable settlement from his insurance provider, and Phelps also accused Perales of the crime for which he is currently being prosecuted.

Kimberly and Christopher Phelps are both accused of child endangerment and insurance fraud, both of which are felonies. In addition to being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, Christopher Phelps is being held on a US$500,000 (RM2.2 million) bond, while his wife is being held on a US$170,000 (RM 750125.00) bond. Both have entered a not-guilty plea.


Jaguar F-TYPE Special Editions Mark 75 Years Of Sportscars And End Of ICE Era

Jaguar has had a long history of making sportscars – many of which have been famous. And where the F-TYPE is concerned, it has a rich bloodline spanning 75 years that includes some of the most iconic models ever built.

To mark its final model year and also 75 years of Jaguar sportscars, the carmaker is offering special editions in the form of the F-TYPE 75 and F-TYPE R 75. These will be distinguished by unique interior and exterior design elements, carefully curated specifications, and, of course, the supercharged 5-litre Jaguar V8 engine that is synonymous with F-TYPE.

These exclusive models will be a fitting celebration of internal combustion engine performance before Jaguar becomes a pure electric modern luxury brand from 2025.

In Coupe or Convertible form, the F-TYPE looks as dramatic as ever. The powerful proportions of the front-engine two-seater – with its body structure sculpted from light, stiff aluminium – are instantly recognisable.

Super-slim LED headlights, featuring Pixel technology as standard, with ‘Calligraphy’ J signature daytime running lights and sweeping direction indicators accentuate the car’s visual width and hint at its performance potential. They blend perfectly into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the clamshell bonnet, which sweeps elegantly back, inspired by iconic models such as the C-type and D-type.

Unique to the two special editions are discreet badges on the front fenders which depict the F-TYPE’s unmistakable silhouette. As part of the curated, simplified customer offer, every F-TYPE in the range is now offered with a model-specific 20-inch wheel as standard, with the F-TYPE 75 and R 75 distinguished by their gloss black, 5-spoke and gloss black diamond-turned 10-spoke designs, respectively.

The rear haunches enhance the F-TYPE’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form , with powertrain-specific exhaust pipes emerging from the rear diffuser. 4-cylinder models feature a single, central, finisher while the V8s are identified by quad, outboard exhausts (featuring subtle etched R branding).

The F-TYPE’s driver-focussed interior combines Jaguar craftsmanship with rich materials and finishes for a heightened sense of luxury and sportiness. The ‘1+1’ cockpit features a 12.3-inch reconfigurable Interactive Driver Display, offering a choice of display themes and, as befits a true sportscar, the default mode is characterised by the large central tachometer.

The large tachometer and the gearshift light subtly convey the F-TYPE’s character and performance potential, digitally enhancing the mechanical theatre of the pulsing red ‘heartbeat’ of the start button and the deployable centre air vents.

The F-TYPE 75 and R 75 models get a unique silhouette motif on the Engine Spin centre console finisher and stainless-steel tread plates, while the Interior Black Pack is another subtle enhancement.

Lightweight slimline seats in Performance designs are standard. These are ergonomically-optimised for superior comfort and upholstered with rich materials such as Windsor leather. An Ebony Suede cloth headliner further enriches the interior.

The F-TYPE has long set the benchmark for sportscars. For the F-TYPE 75 and R 75, the chassis of the is further enhanced by rear knuckles made from light, stiff aluminium die castings which, together with larger wheel bearings, deliver absolute precision control of the tyre contact patch.

For the R 75, this key attribute is optimised still further, thanks to revised upper ball joints which significantly increase camber and toe stiffness. Both models also feature a rear electronic active differential to optimise traction.

The torque on-demand all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics further enhances traction and dynamics on all surfaces, while maintaining F-TYPE’s characteristic rear-wheel drive feel and handling balance.

Customers can choose 4-cylinder or 8-cylinder powertrains which give outputs from 300 ps to 575 ps. All are paired with an 8-speed Quickshift transmission. The F-TYPE R 75 is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive and with its supercharged V8 delivering 575 ps/700 Nm, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 3.5 seconds.

Each engine is matched to a switchable active exhaust system as standard. The distinctive crackle and pop on the overrun synonymous with F-TYPE remains, with sounds meticulously tuned to suit the distinctive character of each model.

Customers who order the special editions will be able to get them from January 2023. That will be the 75th year of Jaguar sportscars which began with the XK120, launched in 1948 as the world’s fastest production car.

2022 Jaguar F-PACE now on sale, priced from RM598,800


More speed cameras to be installed at PLUS Expressway?

Heads up to those who frequent the North-South Expressway (NSE). Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar has announced that there will be 11 more Awas speed cameras (Automated Awareness Safety System) to be installed at accident-prone spots on the PLUS Expressway for better safety.

The cost of RM3 million will be borne by Pls Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) in which the cameras will be placed in the next few months. As for the location, they’re still studying the ideal spots to install them but one thing is for sure, there will be one at the Menora Tunnel, Perak.

Image credit: Bernama

Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar also stated that the Awas speed cameras are good deterrent for those who enjoy driving above the speed limit. Their overall goal is to reduce the number of accidents caused by speeding.

PLUS also hander over 10 units of Honda CR-V to JPJ as part of their initiative to further increase the safety of road users on highways. This move is highly praised by Datuk Kamarudin and encouraged other highway concessionaires to follow suits so that the number of road accidents can be reduced as a joined effort.

So far, whatever work that they’ve been putting into the PLUS-JPJ collaboration have been paying off considering that the number of accidents in 2016 and 2018 have been reduced from 14,532 cases to 13,269. Keep up the good work, ladies and gentlemen.


2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk. 8 – first details and pictures!

While the many new models and concept cars at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show are still grabbing attention, Volkswagen has had the world premiere of the new Golf – one of the world’s bestselling cars of all time. It is now starting the eighth generation and the carmaker describes it as ‘digitalised, connected, and intuitive to operate’. It is the first Volkswagen to use swarm intelligence from traffic via Car2X, meaning it can warn against hazards on an anticipatory basis.

“Over the course of seven generations, the Golf has impressed more than 35 million customers. The entire automobile industry expects a new Golf to set the standard”, explained Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG., declaring that, in terms of its technology, the Golf is making the greatest leap forward since its debut.

Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, added: “This car is completely new. But of course, a Golf always remains a Golf. Because the underlying concept is timeless. This car has defined our brand over decades. The Golf has consistently made new technologies available for everyone.”

It is a fact that the new Golf makes sustainable mobility accessible to many people. What’s more, with this Golf Volkswagen is moving to digitalised, self-explanatory operation. Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer at Volkswagen has this to say: “In a world where complexity is ever-increasing, the new Golf allows the driver to operate the vehicle intuitively. Practically all displays and controls are digital: the new instruments and online infotainment systems meld together into a display landscape featuring touch buttons and touch sliders.”

5 hybrid drives

With the new Golf, Volkswagen has started a hybrid offensive, with no less than 5 hybrid drive versions. Its debut also celebrates 48V technology: a belt starter generator, 48V lithium-ion battery pack and the latest generation of efficient TSI engines form a new mild hybrid drive in the eTSI. Tangible benefits – consumption has been cut by up to 10% and the car is said to be extremely agile and comfortable when moving off. There will be three eTSI outputs: 110 ps, 130 ps and 150 ps.

The eighth generation will also be available as two plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV) variants. A new efficiency version generates 204 ps while the very sporty GTE delivers 245 ps. Both Golf PHEV versions will launch with a new 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that enables further electrically-powered ranges of approximately 60 kms, and temporarily turns the Golf into a zero-emissions vehicle.

Petrol and diesel consumption savings of up to 17%

For markets where conventional powertrains will be more in demand, the drive options for the new Golf also include a petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI) and natural gas drive (TGI); two 4-cylinder petrol engines with 90 ps and 110 ps; two 4-cylinder diesel engines with 115 ps and 150 ps;, and a TGI with 130 ps.

The new TSI variants are claimed to have particularly low consumption values and emissions, thanks to elements including the innovative TSI Miller combustion process. An innovation in the TDI powertrains is twin-dosing technology (two SCR catalytic converters) to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by up to 80%; in addition, TDI consumption is said to be lowered by up to 17% compared with its predecessor.

Consistently connected, Car2X as standard

The systems have not only been linked to each other, but thanks to an online connectivity unit (OCU), they have also been connected to the world outside the Golf. The standard OCU featuring integrated eSIM links to ‘We Connect’ and ‘We Connect Plus’ online functions and services. The new Golf is also the first Volkswagen to connect with its environment as standard, via Car2X. Signals from the traffic infrastructure and information from other vehicles up to 800 metres away are notified to the driver via a display. The Golf also shares these warnings with other Car2X models. Swarm intelligence is becoming a reality, representing the beginning of a new phase of traffic safety.

First deliveries from the Wolfsburg factory start in December 2019 with progressive introduction in global markets during 2020. As the UK market will get the righthand drive variants during the first quarter of 2020, it would be possible for Malaysia to also see the new Golf 8 by the second quarter of the year.

New VW Golf 8 production takes less time than previous generations


Mitsubishi XPANDER confirmed for introduction in Malaysia during 2020

The rumours are true: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will be launching the Mitsubishi XPANDER crossover this year. The 7-seater crossover originated in the Indonesian market where the production hub is located, and has been progressively introduced in various ASEAN countries.

The new XPANDER blends functionality with SUV-inspired styling. While Its rugged image appeals broadly, it also has the roominess, convenience, style and functionality which consumers of today want. These qualities are expanded to make it highly suitable  for Malaysian lifestyles.

The XPANDER’s styling adopts the ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept which has been incorporated in every Mitsubishi model launched in recent years. The ‘Dynamic Shield’ not only gives a bold appearance but also expresses high performance and a sense of protection for the driver and passengers.

Its successful design concept has been validated by the various awards it has won. Some of the prominent awards are ‘
2018 Car of the Year
’ in Indonesia; ‘
Philippines 2019 Automobile of the Year (Standard Category)
’; and ‘
Thailand Car of the Year 2019 and 2020
’ as well as ‘
The Best MPV under 1600 cc
’ (also in Thailand).

“The XPANDER is not just an important model for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, but across the ASEAN region as well. As of June 2020, the model has reached cumulative sales of around 256,000 units. The success of the XPANDER in our neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam reflects how well-suited this car will be to meet the needs of Malaysian customers. MMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the introduction of this impressive 7-seater crossover in Malaysia later this year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

The question now is whether it will be assembled locally, as the Outlander and ASX models are, or will it be imported as a CBU model from Indonesia? Although the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement allows for duty-free importation, having a model assembled locally would enable the pricing to be more competitive.

The launch date must be close as a unit was spotted being moved around recently.

If you are keen to get one, visit an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer to let them know of your interest so you can be updated. Information will also be available at
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds convenience to the ownership experience for Mitsubishi owners