Ford Develops Electronic Drift Brake For Novices And Competition Use (w/VIDEO)

Drifting a vehicle is a demonstration of supreme car control that impresses and fascinates. When done by professionals, it is like automotive ballet with the car (or cars) sliding around in precise movements. The skill these drivers possess can be seen when they can drift just centimetres away from a wall as their tyres smoke while fighting for grip.

The skill can be learnt though it takes time and lots of practice. Once a driver has gained sufficient skill and confidence, there are places where drifting can be enjoyed (but should not be done on public roads) and also events where drivers compete.

For those who want to enjoy drifting in a quicker time, Ford has come up with an electronic drift brake, a segment-first, which is currently only available in the latest Mustang. The electronic drift brake is a collaborative effort between Ford and RTR Vehicles which has developed Formula Drift Spec 5-FD competition Mustangs.

The drift brake is part of the Mustang Performance Electronic Parking Brake equipped in 2.3-litre  EcoBoost and 5.0-litre V8 Mustangs with automatic or manual transmissions (and the optional Performance Pack. The drift brake emulates, using advanced electronics, the hydraulic mechanical drift brake found in RTR’s Formula Drift Mustang.

Besides unlocking the rear-wheel-drive drifting capability of the , the electronic drift brake also has more than 3 times the braking force of a conventional mechanical parking brake system. A novice can use the electronic drift brake to learn drifting and later change the system settings to use in track-only competition.

Sharing DNA with the all-new, seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang, Ford, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR Vehicles revealed the newest Formula Drift Spec 5-FD competition Mustangs on April 2, 2023.

The optional electronic drift brake and Performance Electronic Parking Brake will be offered with the Mustang from the middle of this year. It will also be is RTR Vehicles debuts new, 7
th
 generation Mustang-based Spec 5-FD Formula Drift competition vehicle which will debut this weekend at the 2023 Formula Drift Long Beach event in California.

“I’m excited to announce not only that I will be back behind the wheel of a competition Mustang RTR with our signature aggressive styling and serious performance updates but I’m also thrilled that Ford and RTR have worked tirelessly to make something special with the new electronic drift brake,” said 2-time Formula Drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. “Chelsea and I had the honour of working with the passionate engineering team at Ford to develop. Our goal was putting larger smiles on the faces of soon-to-be fellow 7
th
 generation Mustang owners.”

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Working in parallel with Ford, RTR has been developing not one, but 3 Mustang RTR Spec 5-FDs with entirely new exteriors based off the Mustang production car. Gittin’s drift car features out-of-this world livery, inspired by photographs from the James Webb Space Telescope.

Additional competition enhancements include output raised to more than 1,300 bhp and enhanced suspension development. These mark the most significant evolution of the Formula Drift Mustang in years, to be piloted by some of the greatest drivers on the planet from RTR Vehicles’ Drift Team.

7th Generation Ford Mustang Continues With Combustion Engines


Police Looking For Driver Who Let His Car Run On ‘Autopilot’

Image source: TashiMediaMY

In future, it will be possible to travel in a car without having to steer or control it. The technology already exists for what are known as autonomous vehicles. At this time, there are just a few production cars from companies like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz which have autonomous capability where the car is fully controlled by computer as it moves along the highway.

But while some countries allow such vehicles to operate – and only in specific public highways – regulations in Malaysia do not permit a vehicle to be driven without driver control. The present laws require the driver to be in control at all times.

So it is obviously a very serious offence when a driver decided to go to sleep and let his car drive on ‘autopilot’ on a Malaysian road This came to the attention of the police after a local DJ, Gatita Yan, uploaded a post on her Instagram page which showed her boyfriend, Tay Wee Shen, seemingly asleep with his hands off the steering wheel. Another picture also showed his feet not on the pedals, suggesting that the car (a BMW) was running with its cruise control in operation.

Driver’s feet not on pedals (Image source:
TashiMediaMY
)

According to
Sin Chew Daily
, the police are now looking for Tay and will issue a summons to him for an offence. According to Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, the police are uncertain of the location of the couple (who were believed to be headed to Ipoh on Tuesday). He added that, as the driver, Tay’s act of being asleep in the moving car was dangerous and illegal.

The Instagram post has been removed but some people took screenshots so it’s too late to hide the ‘evidence’. Some think that it was done as a ‘stunt’ to attract views and Tay may only have pretended to be asleep.

Many cars (even some models from Perodua) are up to Level 2 in driving automation. BMW will offer Level 3 self-driving capability as an option with the iX and 7-Series within one or two years.

While we do not know of any BMW sold in Malaysia which has fully autonomous capability, many BMW models do have a number of features which enable semi-autonomous operation. But all the features still require the driver to be awake and paying attention to the car’s movements.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the car to cruise at a set speed and should there be a vehicle ahead, its speed will be adjusted automatically to maintain a safe distance. This is done using radar and/or camera imagery which scans ahead and the situation is analysed by a computer.

ACC is a more advanced cruise control, unlike normal cruise control where the car will travel at the set speed and even if there is another vehicle ahead, it will not change its speed – which becomes a very dangerous situation. Therefore, the driver must be alert and either brake or switch off the cruise control if there is a risk of a collision.

However, cruise control only keeps the car running without the driver having to press on the accelerator. If the road is straight, then the car will remain in its lane. But even long highways are not perfectly straight for long distances as there will be curves along the way. Some may be gentle while others may be sharp. If the car is left on ACC, it is likely to depart from its lane and possibly crash into something.

BMWs and many other cars today have a driver-assistance systems known as Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist. The camera monitors road markings and the computer keeps the car within its lane. Should it start to move away from the centre of the lane, there will be an alert so the driver is aware.

Lane Departure Warning systems were developed to prevent accidents in case a driver became drowsy or fell asleep. As a further advancement, Lane Keeping was also developed which will come into operation if the driver does not act correctly to bring the car back into its lane. The computer will gently steer the car back to its lane when necessary.

It is possible that Tay’s car also had a Lane Keeping function so he could have used it to keep the car within its lane while he was ‘asleep’. However, it is probably risky to rely on this function at very high speeds so he might not have been travelling very fast – just for the picture to get attention.

Regardless of the motives of the couple, it is clear that the action was dangerous as well as illegal. The driver-assistance systems are there not for ‘fun’ and are intended to help the driver be aware of a risky situation and to avoid an accident.

If you want to sleep, then pull over at a R&R or lay-by for a while. Don’t risk your life and those who are with you in the car.

Human drivers use two eyes, autonomous cars need three eyes


Formula E resumes on August 5 with 6 rounds over 9 days!

As with Formula 1, Formula E – the all-electric single-seater championship – had its schedule suspended after the COVID-19 pandemic forced lockdowns in many countries. Five rounds were run since the sixth season started in November last year and the last race was held in Marrakesh at the end of February (below).

Now after a break of more than 5 months, Formula E will resume with the Berlin e-Prix – and it will be hectic. Over a period of 9 days, there will be six races at the circuit on the former Tempelhof airport site in the south of Berlin, Germany. The compressed schedule is partly because Formula E championships typically start in November.

Three track layouts for 6 races

As an additional challenge, there will be three different track layouts. The familiar circuit from recent years will only be used on August 8 and 9. For the opening rounds on August 5 and 6, this layout will be driven in the
opposite
 direction and for the final races on August 12 and 13, the circuit will be completely redesigned. As usual in Formula E, the teams only received their data last week so that there won’t be a lot of time to intensively prepare for the track variations.

The track will have a similar layout for the first four rounds but two will be in reverse. The final two rounds will have a different layout.

The German authorities have permitted the races to be run with a strict hygiene concept which must be adhered to. The number of team members on-site will be significantly less and there can be no fans nor sponsors present. Press conferences will be held virtually, and the podium ceremony is to be reduced to a minimum. As usual, each race will last for 45 minutes plus one lap. All international channels, including the broadcast schedule, can be found online at
www.fiaformulae.com
. The races start at 7 pm Central European Summer Time which will be 1 am the next day in Malaysia.

Among the 12 teams is the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler which will be aiming to deliver strong results on home territory. A maximum of 180 points – including those for the fastest time in qualifying, pole position and the fastest race lap – can be scored by any of the 24 drivers.

Championship still open

With just 38 points separating the front runner from the tenth-placed driver, it is clear that the championship is still completely open. “I am pretty sure that in the end, the final championship positions will look completely different to what they do now,” predicts Team Principal Allan McNish. “This ‘6-pack’ in Berlin reminds me a little of a restart following a caution period in the last race of the season, with only a few more laps to go in the last race of the season.”

Lucas di Grassi is fired up for the restart of the season. “The break also had some positive aspects, because I had a lot of time with my son and my family. I also did a lot of sports, ate a healthy diet and spent many days with the data of the first rounds of the season. But at some point, you’ve had your fill of it and finally want to race again,” said the Brazilian driver. “We’re going to Berlin to claim the title – that’s clearly my goal.”

Lucas Di Grassi in the Audi e-tron FE06

‘A totally different game’

Berlin has always been a good venue for the most successful Formula E driver with 31 podium (5 times in Berlin). “We’ve had many sweet moments in Berlin before and, of course, that gives you a positive feeling,” he said. “Even so, it’s a totally different game this time: new track layouts, no fans and guests, many races within a short space of time – the question of who will best cope with this will also be crucial.”

While di Grassi is traveling to Berlin with the experience of 63 races, the tally of his new teammate, Rene Rast, reflects just one. He drove in 2016 as a guest entrant for a different team and on a completely different track in downtown Berlin. Consequently, the past few weeks were extremely busy for the two-time DTM champion.

“I did everything I could – in addition to testing, I analyzed data for hours on end, watched videos and spent an enormous amount of time with the engineers,” said Rast. “It’s difficult to express expectations for my debut with Audi, but one thing is clear: I’d like to arrive in Berlin perfectly prepared and deliver a good result.”

[All images and video courtesy of Formula E]
Besides Formula E, Rast is also racing in the DTM, where he is defending his title with Audi. This means that between August 1 and 23, the German will be competing in 12 races in two completely different cars – Formula E with the fully-electric Audi e-tron FE06 single-seater and in the DTM with the Audi RS 5 DTM touring car. “These are two totally different worlds with completely different challenges for any race driver. But the six Formula E races in such short succession are ideal for a fast learning curve …”


New Toyota Hilux Rogue: A Hilux designed for life in the city, or is it?

There used to be a time when the Toyota Hilux used to be the first and last word in the world of pick up trucks. Nothing else came close.

Conceived from a time when the world needed hardcore work horses to help with everything from construction sites to moving timber and such, the Hilux made a reputation for itself as a reliable truck that never seemed to give up.

But it was too utilitarian. It served a singular purpose – to work, to complement a worksite and to never give up.

It was far from comfortable, had very little creature comforts save for air-conditioning and radio, and safety equipment was almost non-existent.

Then the market shifted. Suddenly people wanted a pick up truck that looked cool, impressed the office mates and looked in place at the valet parking lot of the hottest club in town.

The mighty Hilux was caught off guard in a territory it once dominated. People no longer wanted a hardcore workhorse alone, but they wanted that workhorse to also come with comfortable suspension, interior comforts for the family, entertainment and yet at the same time unrelenting reliability and the ability to tow a bungalow.

There is no doubt in the world that the Hilux offered Toyota’s renowned reliability and durability in all conditions, but it was caught out in every other category that involved the passengers.

Come the second decade of the 2000s and the Hilux was pinned. Faced with an onslaught of modern pick ups like the Ranger, Navara and the Triton, the Hilux seemed like it only had a couple of things going for it – Toyota’s unrelenting reliability and a reputation for toughness forged over decades of hard work.

But that did not seem like a bad thing, because though the market was shifting towards more urbanised pick up trucks so to speak, the Hilux still sold in the tens of thousands and has always been among the top three best selling pick up trucks. Talk about a grand old reputation.

So here we were then, at the introduction and test drive of the latest Toyota Hilux – the Hilux Rogue. A supposedly more urbanised version of the Hilux with creature comforts meant to cuddle and entertain its passengers.

But has the Hilux really softened down to become one of those urban pick ups that do well on tarmac as their owners indulge in car like comforts but are totally hopeless when it comes time to get down and dirty with tough work?

Well, did Arnold Scharzenegger soften up and lose his muscles in his role as a kindergarten teacher in the 80s flick – Kindergarten Cop? No, he did not. Likewise with the Hilux Rogue, it is still as tough as ever and you feel it from the moment you get inside.

The steering wheel feels like it would survive a nuclear fall out and we simply love the near vertical dash that gives you ample of knee space and adds to the overall macho feel of the interior.

Interior quality is great and the buttons are soft to the touch. On the topic of pampering its passengers, the Hilux Rogue offers automatic air-conditioning, an entertainment system that offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard (a must have in cars these days if you ask us), and even rear air-conditioning vents. Now surely anyone can appreciate that.

But that’s not all for the interior actually, it also comes standard with a Digital Video Recorder so you don’t have to get a third party unit with the cables dangling in your line of sight. And though we didn’t actually see it, Toyota says that the interior of the Hilux now features an illuminated door trim that “elevates the atmosphere within the cabin”.

But it doesn’t end there – the Hilux Rogue also comes loaded with technology designed to make life behind the wheel all the better. This comes in the form of passive safety systems such as Pre-Collision System that alerts you of an obstacle and automatically applies the brakes in case you do not respond.

And then there is the Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist that lets you know when you drift out of your lane, gently tugs at the steering wheel to pull you back into your lane, and if all else fails and you still keep straying out of your intended lane, it will apply brake pressure to the two inner wheels as a final effort to keep you from crashing.

And our favourite feature that truly makes life behind the wheel comfortable is the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Simply set your desired cruising speed and let the car do the braking and accelerating, all you have to do is steer. It is even smart enough to accelerate slightly to help you overtake the car in front. The radar mounted into the Toyota emblem in the grille (seen above) will detect obstacles and other cars and will brake the car automatically, and once that gets out of the way the Hilux Rogue will then automatically accelerate again.

Combined, all these systems are called the Toyota Safety Sense. And so far it is only available in the top of the line 2.8 Rogue edition. But expect this to trickle down the model line or to be offered as an option in other variants as well.

Outside the Hilux Rogue takes on a love it or hate it design. The overall design is still typical Hilux, there is no mistaking it for anything but, and the new LED headlights look fantastic with the Daytime Running Lights. But from a personal point of view, the blacked out body kit that starts from the grille and loops over the wheel arches looks a little cheapish – as if the paint shop had forgotten to paint it. But if ruggedness and machoism is the name of your game, then the Rogue body kit should appeal to you.

Driving the Hilux Rogue is still a mundane affair – a character typical of pick up trucks, save for perhaps a Tundra TRD, F-150 Raptor or a Dodge Ram SRT-10. Power is of course available in abundance thanks to an improved 2.8-litre turbocharged engine that puts out 204hp and 500Nm of torque. Despite that fuel economy has also improved by 4%, something we will testify to after driving from Shah Alam to Rawang and up to Janda Baik via Ulu Yam and then to Goh Tong Jaya and back to Shah Alam. The damage? Just a quarter tank of fuel, which is quite impressive considering stop start traffic, uphill climbs and lots of acceleration.

As for handling, Toyota has updated the Hilux with something called a Variable Flow Control Power Steering, this makes the steering speed sensitive – light at low speeds, and heavier at high speeds. But interestingly it is not an electronic steering rack, it is still hydraulic. Which is not a bad thing because a hydraulic rack requires fewer sensors, which means there is a lesser chance of failure.

In the product brochure of the new Hilux Rogue, Toyota says that the suspension has been improved and now offers a more comfortable ride. But as a first impression, we found that the suspension still picks up on the slightest unevenness, bumps and even hops and skips over rumble strips rather than absorbing them.

Now this is also typical of a pick up as it comes with all pick-up trucks (except for the Nissan Navara) come with independent suspension up front with leaf springs at the back. This is normal because pick-ups are designed to carry loads rather than offer a plush ride, absorbing bumps and such. The direct consequence of which is a somewhat stiff ride, which is a character of the new Hilux Rogue.

But what the Hilux Rogue does have though is an impressively quiet interior, it is not as quiet as the interior of a Ranger Wildtrak (which uses Anti-Noise Cancellation technology to cancel out ambient sounds), but it is still quite good, almost like the interior of early 2000 continental cars. Well done to Toyota for that.

All in all, the new Toyota Hilux Rogue is a mighty impressive machine. It is still not as urban centric as some of its competitors but it is fast catching up. And you can always rely on a Hilux to never fail you in any situation. It still comes with the usual array of off-roading gizmos like Downhill-Assist Control and an Automatic Limited-slip Differential, so you can trust that it will always deliver in any situation.

If there ever was an award for the most hard working and most reliable pick-up truck to ever grace the earth – the Hilux would win it hands down. And if ever the call came for this writer to suddenly drive to the end of the world, the Toyota Hilux would be the vehicle of choice, each and every time.

The new Toyota Hilux Rogue is now available for RM146,880, but if you go to a Toyota showroom as soon as you’re done reading this, Toyota will give you a RM2,000 early-bird discount. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.

Click here for the New Toyota Hilux pricelist for all Malaysian regions
.


A chance to become a ‘millionaire’ when purchasing a new Nissan vehicle in March

This March, purchasers of new Nissan vehicles from an authorized Nissan showroom can become millionaires… BoostStar millionaires. For a new campaign, ‘
March Deal Boosters
’, by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), up to 20 million Boost Stars are to be given out during the campaign period from
March 1 to 31, 2022
.

The Boost Stars, normally accumulated through transactions using the Boost app, can be redeemed for many different rewards from the
BoostUP
 catalogue so customers have a wider choice of rewards to choose from.

Applicable to all new Nissan models

All new Nissan models will qualify customers for the BoostStars, including the Almera 1.0L Turbo, Navara 2.5L Turbo 4WD, X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid. Additionally, free accessories packages and free maintenance service are also offered for even better value for money. And apart from the pick-up truck models, exemption of sales tax is available so there are additional savings.

RM30 voucher for test-drive

Also during the month of March 2022, visitors to Nissan showrooms who test-drive the latest
Almera Turbo
 will receive a Watsons Voucher worth RM30 in appreciation of their interest. They can make use of the test-drive opportunity to experience the performance of the turbocharged engine as well as its fuel efficiency. In a
charity event organized by ETCM
 last year, one owner was able to get fuel consumption of up to
18.4 kms a litre
 which would give a range of up to 650 kms on a full tank.

The Almera also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility and
Nissan Safety Shield 360
 to provide pro-active action in avoiding accidents or reducing the damage if an accident occurs. Up to 6 airbags are present and to assist the driver are active safety systems such as Blind Spot warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an Intelligent Around View Monitor 360
o
camera.

The dominating Navara PRO-4X comes with a proven 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 7-speed transmission and robust 4×4 system can tackle any terrain, while Nissan Intelligent Mobility Technologies provide a 360-degree Safety Shield for the vehicle and occupants.

All new Nissan vehicles come with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and other than the Navara, there is no limit on mileage travelled after registration. For the Navara, the mileage limit is 150,000 kms or 5 years, whichever comes first.

24-hour Nissan showroom

For customers who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, information is also available at the 24-hour
Nissan Online Showroom
 and test-drives can even be arranged at their premises if they wish. And if a purchase decision is made. a low-booking fee payment online (via the Lazada Nissan Flagship store) is now available and a Sales Representative will be in touch to assist in completing the purchase process.

For more information,
www.nissan.com.my
, or contact the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at
1800-88-3838
.

FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine


Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaysia can now enjoy Mercedes me connect

Connectivity has been the buzzword in the auto industry in recent years, having started with just the ability to connect portable devices to play music through the car’s audio system. Then motorists could connect their smartphones as well and utilize apps, greatly expanding functionality, as well as connect to the outside world.

As would be expected, advances in connectivity and other new technologies have usually started at the upper end of the market with owners of premium brands getting to enjoy them first. With the power and capabilities of smartphones and the dependence many have on these devices,

Mercedes-Benz realized that it could include connectivity to smartphones in a way that added more convenience for the driver. This led to the development of Mercedes me connect which has been progressively introduced since 2016 and will be available in Malaysia in 2020, starting with the updated Mercedes-Benz GLC range launched today.

Newest generation of connectivity

Mercedes me connect (mmc) is newest generation of connectivity and, using their smartphone or compatible mobile device, drivers are able to access a full suite of connected services to easily manage their vehicles.

“We leap ahead with our digital initiatives to revolutionize customer experiences with the showcase of the Mercedes me connect. This platform allows our customers to become part of an intelligently connect world with direct access to their vehicles at the tip of their fingers. Mercedes me connect enhances the ownership experience with comfort and convenience that gives our customers more reasons to love their car. With this, the future really is here,” said Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The Mercedes me connect app can be used with iOS and Android smartphones and devices.

Use of mmc requires owners to first define and activate their vehicle on the Mercedes me portal where they will be conveniently guided through all the necessary steps. The mmc application can be downloaded from the Apple App Store as well as the Google Play Store, so it is available to virtually everyone who has a smartphone. The application is also designed to work with Android and Apple devices, including the Apple Watch.

What owners will like is the remote start/stop and Pre-Entry Climate Control functions. Over time, there should be more services added but owners may have to pay to have them. The current plan is to offer a free subscription for the first 3 years when a customer buys a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Even 17-year old models can have mmc

It’s often the case that new features are only available for new models and if you have an older model, you can’t have them. But the good news is that those who have a Mercedes-Benz vehicle built after 2002 can enjoy a degree of mmc functionality. Mercedes-Benz offers an adapter (inserted into the OBD2 diagnostics port) which serves as a retrofit telematics solution and makes the vehicle part of the intelligently networked world using a dedicated application.

Older models like this 2009 E-Class have a retrofit telematics solution using the Mercedes me adapter (right).

The adapter, priced at RM250, will be available from authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers during the first quarter of 2020. To check if your Mercedes-Benz can use the mmc adapter,
click here for a list of compatible models
.

Features with the mmc adapter

Besides showing information (on the smartphone) about the current vehicle status – fuel level, mileage, parking location and time – there’s also a ‘Cockpit Mode with live vehicle data, eg engine load, oil temperature and average speed. A Car Health Monitor gives fast support in case of warning lights from the vehicle.

Additionally, it can help the driver locate parking garages with prices, opening times and occupancy. When going on a journey, a trip list and refueling list can be created with export and editing function. Should it be necessary to locate and book appointments for service at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout Malaysia, it will be possible to do so via the app. Reminders will be shown for due dates such as main inspection.

Mercedes-Benz is the world’s most valuable luxury car brand of 2019


6 Mazda models recalled for fuel pump replacement

Mazda Corporation has announced a product recall of 6 of its models which were manufactured between 2017 and 2019. The recall is a precautionary measure relating to a fuel delivery module (fuel pump) which needs to be replaced. A defect in the module could result in loss of engine power or vehicle stalling.

19,685 units in Malaysia

Mazda vehicles sold in China, ASEAN and other are affected and in Malaysia, Mazda has identified a total of 19,685 units of vehicles affected. The model ranges affected are the
Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5
 and
CX-9
. Bermaz Motor, the distributor, stresses that all 2020 production models are not affected.

CX-9 is among the models affected.

Owners being notified my mail and SMS

Bermaz Motor is handling the matter as quickly as possible to minimise inconvenience to owners. All owners of affected vehicle will be informed via notification letters and mobile SMS, which will include details of the product recall. Upon receipt of notification to replace the fuel pump, they should contact any Bermaz authorized service centres to make an appointment for the replacement.

In the meantime, if an owner experiences unusual conditions while driving the vehicle, it is important to stop the vehicle in a safe place and make contact with a Bermaz authorized dealer or service centre for advice and assistance.

Replacement costs are covered by Bermaz

The replacement of the fuel pump all costs related to this activity will be borne by Mazda Motor Corporation. The duration of work is estimated to take approximately 1.5 hours or slightly longer, depending on the model and the service centre workload at the time of appointment. Replacement stocks will be available in stages.

It is possible that some owners may not receive the notification as they may not be the original owners and their contact details might not be with Bermaz. In such a case, they can check by visiting the Mazda Recall Information Centre website at
mazda.com.my/mazda-recall-information-centre
. By providing their vehicle chassis number, they will be able to know if it is on the recall list.

Click here for other news and articles about Mazda and Bermaz Motor
.


Aston Martin confirms limited production of V12 Speedster

Aston Martin today confirmed production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Speedster. The car will make its global debut later this year, with potential customers around the world offered the opportunity to acquire this exclusive British sportscar by booking one now. Only 88 will become owners and as each handbuilt unit is completed, it will be delivered, starting from the first quarter of 2021.

The V12 Speedster, created by in-house bespoke service Q by Aston Martin working with the brand’s talented team of designers and engineers, combines an authentic, driver-oriented sportscar with the use of cutting-edge motorsport and aviation technology to deliver a stunning, two-seat, enthusiast driving machine.

At the new car’s heart lies a high-performance variant of Aston Martin’s now iconic, 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, capable of generating an output of around 700ps/700 Nm. Offering a compelling breadth of performance, superb response and thrilling V12 soundtrack, the engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted towards the rear of the car.

The new car’s design, while modern and dynamic, brings to mind both Aston Martin’s legendary 1959 Le Mans 24 hours- and 1000 km of Nurburgring race-winning DBR1 and the marque’s Centenary CC100 Speedster Concept shown in 2013. Its forward-looking features are shaped from the same advanced materials and expert engineering used throughout Aston Martin’s contemporary sportscar range.

The Le Mans-winning DBR1 in 1959.

The Le Mans-winning DBR1, which in part inspired the V12 Speedster, delivered Aston Martin’s most high-profile motorsport triumph to date, needs no introduction. One of only three cars in the 1950s to win both the World Sports Car Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours in the same year, the DBR1 defined not only motorsport excellence but also exquisite design elegance – an enduring Aston Martin trademark.

The brand’s CC100 Speedster Concept, meanwhile, was produced in 2013 to celebrate Aston Martin’s centenary. It too helped to inspire the creation of the new V12 Speedster which is the product of more than 12 months of meticulous design and planning work by the teams from both Q by Aston Martin, and Aston Martin Design.

CC100 Speedster Concept

Aston Martin Valkyrie will compete in Le Mans 2021


Formula E/ Round 13 – Mahindra Racing’s Alex Lynn wins on home ground

It’s always a thrill for the home crowd when the winner is from the same country and British driver Alex Lynn sparked celebrations in the Mahindra Racing garage as he won the Heineken London E-Prix Round 13. Behind him were Mercedes-EQ’s Nyck de Vries and Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing) who joined him on the podium.

Lynn had navigated a frenetic encounter that had it all, and the decisive moment of the race took place with the pack released from a spell under the Safety Car (a
MINI Electric Pacesetter
) on Lap 13. Down at the double hairpin, Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams) made a move for the lead with a surprise lunge on Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) who had started from pole position.

A bump in the braking zone left the Nissan driver a passenger as he speared into the side of the Belgian’s Mercedes. The pair were left all tangled up, allowing de Vries to pick up the pieces and pinch second – and then first when Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) leapt for ATTACK MODE.

With the track cleared, the Mercedes’ seized the initiative. Vandoorne led Rowland and de Vries away, and the latter was able to jump by the Nissan in the middle of the Silver Arrow sandwich to take second – thanks to that extra lap of ATTACK MODE relative to Rowland.

Another appearance for the Safety Car followed on Lap 11, with da Costa in the wall at Turn 1 after contact with Porsche’s Andre Lotterer. The Mercedes duo at the head of the pack did manage to sneak in their second ATTACK MODE activations just prior, crucially before Rowland this time.

Heading into the final quarter hour, di Grassi had made the most of that 35kW boost to slip by de Vries into Turn 1. On the next circuit, Lynn followed with what would ultimately be the race-winning move – the Mahindra driver also in ATTACK MODE. De Vries’ early dart for his second activation had not paid dividends, and he’d have to settle for second spot, while Evans picked his way through from fifth on the grid to an eventual third at the chequered flag.

Di Grassi had led on track for more than half of the race, and crossed the line first. The Brazilian was ultimately shown the black flag for failing to serve a drive-through penalty – deemed to have illegally taken the race lead by audaciously driving through the pit-lane, and crucially failing to come to a stop in his pit-box, under Safety Car conditions on Lap 12.

De Vries followed Lynn home with Evans 5 seconds back. Frijns crossed the line fourth – having climbed the order from eighth – while Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein and BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Maximilian Guenther completed the top six.

The weekend’s results put de Vries at the top of the Drivers’ World Championship heading into the final race weekend of Season 7 in Berlin in 3 weeks, while Robin Frijns’ points haul with fourth – up from eighth on the grid – proved vital and sees him second in the table, just 6 points behind the Dutchman. Sam Bird (Jaguar Racing) holds third in the standings.

Among the teams, Envision Virgin Racing still heads the way in the Teams’ running by 7 points from Mercedes-EQ, with Jaguar Racing third.

MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW is the new Formula E Safety Car


Day 1 report – TGR Festival & Vios Challenge Season 3, Round 1

Former champions Shawn Lee and Tengku Djan Ley produced the best of comebacks in the opening round of Season 3 of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival and Vios Challenge held at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu today. After spending Season 2 of the race series competing amongst a competitive pool of amateur drivers in the Sporting class, Shawn and actor Shukri Yahaya were clearly the dominant two on the track in the Promotional class race for celebrities.

Tengku Djan, meanwhile, concluded his comeback race with a second place in the Super Sporting class for professionals. He was champion of the Super Sporting class in Season 1.

Shukri Yahaya and Shawn Lee

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

Shawn and Shukri underlined a strong comeback into the Promotional category by winning Race 1 and finishing second respectively in the 20-lap race. “It was an exciting race right up to the end because Shukri managed to bridge the gap and that got me a little concerned on whether he was close enough to attempt to overtake. At the same time, I was trying to remain calm and not make any mistakes that could have cost me the race two laps from the end,” said Shawn. “It was a good fight with Shukri and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Despite setting the fastest time in qualifying, actor Shukri failed to make the most of his pole position after losing track position to Shawn into the first corner.  “I made a mistake in the first corner and from then on, the effort was on trying to keep up with Shawn Lee. The lead grew to about 4 seconds at one stage but in the closing stages, I managed to close the gap to about a second but I wasn’t going to risk trying to pass him since we have a second race to think about on Saturday,” said Shukri.

In third place was actress and also defending Promotional class champion Diana Danielle who was gifted a podium finish despite being some 37 seconds behind when Nabil Ahmad clipped the concrete barrier and retired. Also retiring from the race was Syafiq Kyle while Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Janna Nick and Ain Edruce finished in fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth places, respectively.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

The elites in the Super Sporting class drove a close but clean race from start to finish with Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin winning the 22-lap race just half a second ahead of 23 Motors’ Tengku Djan Ley. In third place was Tedco Racing’s Brendon Lim.

“I had a good start from pole position and I managed to pull away slightly, enough to be comfortable. My tyres however, were badly worn 5 laps to the finish and I could see Tengku Djan catching up,” said Mark.

For Tengku Djan, the visit to podium underlines a great start to the season having won Season 1 and taking a break from Season 2. “The biggest difference this season is that the top 9 cars are all within a second of the fastest qualifying time. Everyone is super competitive this year. The race was good, I had a good car but the track was super tight to be able to make a clean move so I decided to keep my position and finish the race,” he said.

“The most challenging about the race is to be on point every lap, every corner and to not make any mistake because if you do, everyone else will just capitalize on that mistake because we are all driving identical cars. It is not an easy task to do drive in these conditions for 22 laps. There is just no room for error,” said Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’.

Related story:
Drivers talk about much-improved new Vios racing car

SPORTING CLASS

In the Sporting Class, Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh took the chequered flag ahead of Team Distinctive Model’s Clement Yeo and Kulim Topwheels’ Dato’ Ken Foo who finished second and third respectively. All three drivers made a textbook start of the 22-lap race, from first, second and third positions on the grid respectively, with only 3 seconds separating them.

“I had a good race and after a week of getting used to the new Toyota Vios, I am comfortable with how we’ve been able to set-up the car for Round 1. It’s the first win of the year and hopefully more to come throughout the season! I’m hoping to be consistently on the podium this season,” said Kenneth who started from pole position.

The race, however, was red-flagged 3 laps before the finish with Team Fokus Tetap’s Lim Chun Beng becoming Season 3’s first casualty of the 1.65-km street circuit’s reinforced concrete barrier. A brush with the barrier damaged his front right fender which resulted in the tyre delaminating and sending his car out of control into the concrete wall.

Race 2 of the Vios Challenge continues tomorrow (Saturday September 7). While the Vios Challenge is the highlight of the TGR Festival, there are lots of other activities for all the family from morning till night. Come and see the action, the latest Toyota models and meet the celebrities who also race in the Vios Challenge. You might also take home a 55-inch Smart TV and other exciting prizes in the Lucky Draw. Entrance is free.


Honda City ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition

The Honda City has been Honda Malaysia’s bestselling model for many years and certainly deserves to be one of the very exclusive ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ Special Edition models. Originally conceived as Honda’s ‘Asian Car’ to provide a new entry-level model when the Civic had risen aware from that position, the City had the right formula in both price and design to win more and more customers.

It was assembled in Malaysia right from the first generation in the closing years of the 1990s. The early generation was assembled in Johor at the Oriental Assemblers factory and then assembly was transferred to Melaka when the Honda Malaysia plant began operations in 2003.

Commenting on the success of the model, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features.”

Although the City was already being sold before 2001, Honda Malaysia records sales of the City from that year and according to the company’s data, cumulative sales have been 351,000 units. Of that number, the 4th Generation City launched in 2014 accounted for more than 205,000 units and kept the model in a leadership position in its segment.

The fifth generation was launched last October
 and as with previous generations, there was a long list of people waiting for it. Some 5,000 people put their money down to book a unit; although they knew what it looked like, they did not have a chance to try it first. But as with other Honda models, the brand has become so trusted that it was not a matter of waiting to hear if there were any negative experiences by new owners, as can be the case with some brands. Those who liked what they saw and read about were confident enough to pay the deposit to be among the first to own one.

For the ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ Special Edition, one unit of the latest City 1.5V variant has been given additional features. The features are identical for all the Special Edition models: on the exterior are a Dual-Tone finish (white bodywork with black roof), red highlight line running across the black grille, red highlight line on each door mirror, red highlights on wheels with a black finish and of course, ‘1 Million Dreams’ emblems on either side of the bodywork.

Exclusive interior fittings

Inside the cabin which has been noted for its spaciousness, the leather upholstered front seats have an embossed ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ signature as well as a plaque on the dashboard. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and has sporty red stitching as well as a red mark at the 12 o’clock position. This little detail is usually found on sportscars or drivers put it so that there is a visual indicator to where the front wheels are pointing. Every owner of a Special Edition model will also receive an exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.

The City 1.5V uses a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC and 16-valve cylinder head and a PGM-FI fuel delivery system. Output from this proven engine, the most powerful in its class, is 121 ps/145 Nm which goes through a CVT to the front wheels. While offering zippy performance, the engine also runs economically, with factory tests indicating that it will go almost 19 kms a litre. Drivers can stretch the litre further by using the ECON mode which prioritises fuel-saving.

Features from more expensive models

Though it is priced from RM86,561.45 (without insurance), the City has many features that are usually enjoyed by those who buy more expensive cars. For instance, the engine and air-conditioner can be started remotely and unlocking the doors is keyless along with starting/stopping the engine. The 1.5V variant also comes with cruise control and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

With its strong G-FORCE CONTROL (G-CON) body structure, the latest City has been awarded the maximum of 5 stars from ASEAN NCAP. It comes with a comprehensive range of active and passive safety systems and features that will help the driver to avoid an accident and reduce injuries if the accident does occur. ISOFIX points are provided at the rear seat so owners can install compatible childseats which are now required by law.

Being aware of the surroundings is important for safe driving and besides a Multi-Angle Reverse Cameras, the new City 1.5V has Honda LaneWatch. This is an innovative camera-based system which provides the driver with a real-time view of the blind spot along the left side of the car. The advantage of this system is that the driver does not need to turn the head so much to see the traffic situation (unlike having to turn a lot to see the door mirror). The LaneWatch display automatically comes on whenever the signal indicator is activated.

Being feature-packed, Honda Malaysia believes the new City is a game-changer in its class. While you cannot buy the ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ Special Edition which will be given free to one lucky Malaysian, you can choose from 4 variants to purchase, including the recently-launched
City RS with the e:HEV hybrid powertrain
. Prices start from RM74,191 and go up to RM105,950 (without insurance). There are also Modulo accessories available which are specially designed for the new City.

How to own this exclusive car

To own the City ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ Special Edition, you need to submit as many entries as possible. The entries can be obtained by participating in various activities during the campaign period which ends on
March 24, 2021
. If you have the Honda Touch app, you can get 5x entries.

Each owner of a Special Edition model will also receive this exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.

Additional giveaways

Additionally, as part of the
‘1 Million Dreams
’ campaign, there is the Shopee Coins Giveaway for those who participate in any of the ‘1 Million Dreams’ activities on honda.com.my or at an authorised Honda dealer! Up to 1,000,000 Shopee Coins are being given out to 150 weekly winners.

The lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.

Visit any authorised Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at
www.honda.com.my
.

The City was originally a compact hatchback Honda model in the 1980s which was only produced between 1981 and 1994 in two generations. The City which people know today was a new sedan launched in 1996. It was Honda’s ‘Asian Car’, developed to offer a more affordable Honda model to developing markets where the Civic’s price had moved it beyond being an ‘entry-level’ model. The hub for City production has been Thailand, although it is also assembled in some other countries like Malaysia where a high level of localization helps to make the price more attractive.

With each generation, the City has gained more and more features and more advanced technologies, including hybrid technologies. The latest City RS e:HEV sold in Malaysia (below) now has Honda SENSING and a new advanced 2-motor hybrid system using an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). This is the first time in the Asia & Oceania region that Honda is introducing its e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

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


4th generation Kia Sorento will be its most high-tech model to date

One of the earlier SUV models from the Korean carmaker, the Sorento enters its 4
th
 generation this year, with the global debut to be at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show. The Sorento sits at the heart of Kia’s reinvigorated global SUV line-up which also includes the Seltos, Stonic, Sportage, and Telluride.

It is the result of a global collaborative effort between all Kia’s design network which has studios in Korea, Europe and North America. For this new generation, the designers adopted the concept of ‘refined boldness’, maintaining the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations.

All-new platform with new design

The fourth-generation model sits on an all-new platform that is said to raise standards in the midsize SUV segment for space, practicality, efficiency and quality. The latest design incorporates sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces, making it noticeably more sculpted than its more round-edged predecessor.

Besides more contemporary geometric details and swept-back, elongated proportions, the assertive ‘face’ of the Sorento has evolved too. There’s a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille. It’s wider and more expansive, wrapping organically around the integrated headlamps on each side. The headlamps themselves feature a new ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running light, adding extra focus to the design by depicting the intense impression of the lines around a tiger’s eyes.

In profile, the proportions of the SUV are subtly adapted to make it appear longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase. Its new proportions also extend the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30 mm further back from the front axle for a more ‘cab-rearward’ design.

The trailing edge of the bonnet wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side of the Sorento and flows into the new vertical taillights.

Most high-tech Kia model to date

Inside, the upscale cabin has a sophisticated new design incorporating cutting-edge infotainment, supreme practicality, and premium-grade materials. It is described as one of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia to date. The progressive technologies available in the new model also make it the most high-tech vehicle Kia has ever put in showrooms.

Blending metallic trims, leather upholstery and embossed wood-effect surfaces, the interior also subtly integrates other technologies to enhance connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment. Its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with audio-visual navigation system is complemented by a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia


11th generation Honda Civic debuts in Thailand

In April this year, we carried news about the
 all-new 11
th
 generation of the Honda Civic
 making its global debut, the online launch originating in the USA. In the past, it would have taken about a year for the model to appear in the ASEAN region, usually starting with Thailand. Yet, in less than four months, the new model has been launched in Thailand. That market usually gets the models first since the ‘mother plant’ for the region is located there and so is the Asian Honda office.

The new Civic continues with the styling theme started by the 10
th
 generation so it is more an evolutionary change although the designers reviewed the designs of earlier generations to see if there were any good ideas could be used again. The styling of the ASEAN Civic has similarities to the North American one, with the deep front end is deep and a distinctive signature for the DRLs.

The front end of the ASEAN version of the new Civic (above) has similarities to the one launched in North America in April this year.

The overall size is close to the 10
th
 generation, increasing in overall length by 30 mm with a marginally longer wheelbase as well. The latter, with a wide rear track as well, should improve legroom for the rear occupants.

The new Civic is said to have the most rigid structure in the model’s history which goes back to the 1970s. The stiffer structure improves ride and handling while also reducing transmission of road and wind noise to create a more relaxed cabin environment.

Taking advantage of the stiffer structure, the engineers have tuned the suspension for a smoother ride while improving the sporty handling. Steering feel has been improved and new bushings on the rear suspension minimize harshness while also promoting better straight-line stability and turn in. The electronic power steering has been re-tuned to provide better feedback and improved straight-line stability.

For the Thai market, there will be 3 variants and from what we can see from the specs, all three have the same EarthDreams engine. This is the familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged DOHC VTEC unit that develops 178 ps/240 Nm, with a CVT delivering power to the front wheels. The driver has a choice of the usual three drive modes – SPORT, NORMAL and ECON – to suit personal preferences.

With each generation, especially the recent ones, the interior has gained a more premium look and feel as well as received more new technologies. At the same time, the original design approach of ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ has been maintained and this is apparent in the uncluttered layout of the dashboard – which is reminiscent of the early Civics.

The top of the instrument panel has been designed with minimum cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions. A metal honeycomb mesh accent stretches from door to door across the dashboard. It serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and climate controls, while the intricate flow-through design conceals the air vents for an uncluttered look.

Dashboard of current 10th generation Civic.

Standing almost vertically in a slot in the middle of the dashboard is the infotainment system display, from which most of the car’s functions can be managed. The 9-inch wide colour touchscreen has large icons for ease of contact and selection while close attention has also been paid to the operation of all switchgear and controls.

As with virtually all new Honda models, the Honda SENSING suite of driver assistance systems is standard. This integrates the operation of various active safety systems to help the driver avoid an accident or automatically take action if the driver does not. A common feature is autonomous emergency braking where the on-board computer will activate the brakes if a collision is likely, but the driver does not appear to brake or decelerate. Other systems – which use a radar and camera – help to keep the car in the lane and maintain a safe gap with the car ahead when using cruise control. There’s also LaneWatch, the camera-based system that gives the driver a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car.

The pricing in Thailand ranges from 964,900 baht (RM122,100) to 1,199,900 baht (RM151,800) while the current 10
th
 generation Civic in Malaysia is priced from RM109,326 to RM134,661. It’s hard to say how Honda Malaysia will price the new model and when it will be launched. There was a hint that it might come before the year ends but that was before the government ordered vehicle assembly plants to stop operations from June 1. So two months have already passed with no activity allowed at the plant in Melaka, and we are now into the third month. This could well alter launch planning so the roll-out might only be in early 2022.

Visit
www.honda.com.my
 to know more about Honda models available in Malaysia


KLIMS 2018: Mega Photo Gallery Of The KL International Motorshow 2018!

Well, as we’ve always said, nobody wants to read about a motorshow, so without further ado here goes! In alphabetical order, culminating with the gallery all the guys scroll to first of course, enjoy! (Photos by Piston.my and
MotoMalaya.net
)

CITROEN

DS Automobiles

FORD

HONDA

HYUNDAI

KIA

LEXUS

MITSUBISHI

NISSAN

PERODUA

PEUGEOT

PROTON

TOYOTA

GIRLS @ KLIMS 2018!


2020 Formula 1 World Championship gets 3 more rounds

Another three races have been added to the revised calendar for the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, bringing the total number of confirmed rounds in the calendar to 13. The venues are still in Europe – Nurburgring in Germany, Algarve in Portugal and Imola in Italy and will take place between October 11 and November 1.

F1 returns to Portugal

While the Nurburgring circuit is a familiar venue, the round in Portugal will be the first time the country is hosting a F1 round since 1996. It will be at the 4.65-km long circuit in Portimao located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

The Imola Circuit in Italy
.

A week following the event in Portugal, the next round will be at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. The 4.9-km track has a history going back to 1953 but is remembered for being the track where Ayrton Senna lost his life in 1994. In fact, Senna was not the only one to die at that event – the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix – as Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger sustained fatal skull damage after crashing into a wall at 310 km/h.

So far, three rounds have been run, two at the Red Bull Ring in Austria and one at the Hungaroring in Hungary. Two rounds will be run at Silverstone in the UK, the first scheduled for this weekend and a second round the week after.

Can 18 rounds before 2020 ends?

The Formula 1 organization has been hoping to run up to 18 rounds before the end of the year. With the two final ones to be held in the Middle East Gulf region in mid-December and 13 already confirmed, that leaves another three more slots over about 6 weeks.

Races in Asia

The Americas are out due to the severe pandemic conditions so the only other region is Asia. Vietnam, which was to have had its first-ever F1 event may be keen and able to host a round since it has had a ‘clean record’ where the pandemic is concerned.

Will we see a round of F1 at Sepang?

There are also rumours that the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia may host a round but it would depend very much on the situation. Right now, there is concern about the trend in new COVID-19 cases so the government would be unwilling to make any commitments just yet. The Sepang International Circuit is F1-ready as it used to host a round each year between 1999 and 2017.

F1 (Round 3): Results and Highlights of the 2020 Formula 1 Aramco Hungarian Grand Prix


Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is fastest SUV around Nurburgring

Alfa Romeo managed to set a new lap record at the Nurburgring with their soon to be launched 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Piloted by the same daredevil who made the Giulia Quadrifoglio the fasted four door sedan around the legendary circuit, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio has become the fastest SUV to do so.

“We specifically engineered and designed the Stelvio Quadrifoglio to set world-class benchmarks and it did not disappoint with a world-record Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 51.7 seconds,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo.

“We’re proud to now hold two Nürburgring lap time records with the Giulia Quadrifoglio as the fastest four-door production sedan and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio as the fastest production SUV,” he added.

Lapping the infamous proving ground of mainstream automakers in just 7 minutes and 51.7 seconds, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the halo vehicle of the Stelvio line up. It features some of the best tech of the entire line up and includes the following options:

Ultra-lightweight carbon fiber shell Sparco racing seats, providing maximum lateral support during extreme cornering thanks to more aggressive bolstering, and designed to be the lightest in the segment, while providing comfort for long road trips

Ultra-high-performance Brembo carbon-ceramic material (CCM) brake system

Fabio Francia, hurled the SUV around banked corners with great aplomb as he chased the elusive title of fastest SUV to lap the Nurburgring. The Performance SUV segment isn’t a big one and Porsche has pretty much been the King of the Hill until recently.

But that should change soon as automakers such as Jaguar, Aston Martin and Maserati are gunning to be crowned the best of the best. This is why Alfa Romeo hopes that its latest achievement, proves that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio offers the best mix of high performance, capability and design.

Powering the vehicle is a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine that produces 505bhp and 601Nm of torque. This colossal amount of power is sent to all four wheels via Alfa’s Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which is said to deliver better performance and superior control.

The latest feat makes Alfa Romeo the only manufacturer at the moment to hold the lap record for a production four-door sedan and an SUV. But if these vehicles don’t tickle your fancy, Alfa does offer more docile variants of these performance vehicles for much lower prices.

That said, check out the youtube video below to witness Alfa’s record breaking attempt at the Nurburgring:


KINTO ONE subscription program now offers longer term and Lite plan

KINTO ONE is a car subscription program available exclusively to Toyota and Lexus customers globally. Introduced in Malaysia earlier this year, it offers the use of a vehicles without having to own it. Those who sign up for the program have only to pay a fixed monthly payment which includes registration fees, maintenance costs, insurance and even roadtax.

Originating from the Japanese word
kinto-un
, which means ‘flying nimbus’, as the future image of  mobility, the name is in line with the spirit of providing services that quickly appear when necessary, enabling mobility as per the user’s wishes.

With the traditional hire-purchase (H-P) financing facility, the customer has to pay a monthly instalment to repay the loan amount and also all costs related to ownership and usage. KINTO ONE packages all the costs for convenience during the term selected which can be 2 years or 3 years. At the end of the subscription period, the vehicle is returned and everything else will be taken care of. There are no worries of residual value nor how to sell off the vehicle.

The various packages and subscription periods with terms of up to 5 years now available.

In Malaysia, KINTO ONE is offered through a joint strategic collaboration between Toyota Capital Malaysia Sdn Bhd and UMW Toyota Motor. It is available in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia but not Langkawi and Labuan. The subscription program is Islamic-based and is part of the local early mover transition to realizing Toyota’s ambition to become a mobility company.

“Soon after we launched KINTO ONE, the country was ushered into another major lockdown and  this has encouraged us to be more adaptive of the local happenings. Through our spirit of
kaizen
 (constant improvement) and structured discipline in product development, we took advantage of the recent lockdown to improve our KINTO ONE features,” said Thomas Chai, President of Toyota Capital Malaysia. “We listened closely to what the market needs and have come up with additional varieties of KINTO ONE to cater to the growing car subscription market.”

KINTO ONE now offers the option to choose from different yearly mileage packages starting from 20,000 kms to 30,000 kms and a longer subscription up to 5 years can also be chosen. Additionally, there is a Lite Package, conceived as a response to the reduced motoring by many people (due to working from home and limiting their travels). They may still require an easy and straightforward car  usership program. The Lite package has all the value propositions of a car subscription program but offers extensive flexibility to choose the package that suits each customer’s needs best.

The corporate sector would also find KINTO ONE Business worth considering for company fleets. Formulated to appeal to companies who wish to be light on their assets and lessen the unnecessary  administrative works, KINTO ONE Business can help to improve the bottom line as it is a cost-effective solution for mobility needs. Furthermore, fleet managers can have an easier time as everything related to the vehicle throughout the subscription period is covered. KINTO ONE Business offers a range of commercial vehicles as well.

Some of the Toyota and Lexus models available for KINTO ONE’s subscription plans. The Toyota Hiace and Hilux for commercial usage are also available with KINTO ONE Business.

Current models available for KINTO ONE subscription include popular Toyota and Lexus and for KINTO ONE Business, vehicles for commercial usage as well. Vehicle inventories and subscription costs can be found at
www.kinto-my.com
.

Enhanced ownership experience with new Toyota Loyal-T Programme


F1 (Round 7): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Belgium Grand Prix

Race starts at 3:10 pm in Belgium/9:10 pm in Malaysia

After one weekend break, the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship begins its second three-in-a-row rounds with Round 7 at the historical Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgium Grand Prix. The event is the 65
th
 F1 World Championship round hosted by Belgium and is one of the original races from the 1950s season. However, the F1 races were not always held at Spa-Francorchamps and on 11 occasions, they were held at two other circuits.

The 7-km track with 19 turns is therefore familiar to the drivers and teams, with its outstanding features and characteristics leading to some interesting set-up decisions. The two long full-throttle sections of the first and third sectors require low drag – but the longer intricate middle sector, where much of the lap time is made or lost, makes for a complicated choice of downforce levels. If too high, the car cannot attack or defend on the long straights; too low and too much time is lost in the middle of the lap. Each team will therefore have different strategies and it is always interesting see which one proves suitable.

Spa-Francorchamps is F1’s longest track with a lap distance of 7.004 kilometres. This tops the second circuit on the list, Baku (6.003 kms), by just over one kilometre. Because of its long lap distance, the Belgium GP has the lowest number of race laps in F1 with only 44 – making for a race distance of 308.05 kms. Also at this track, the drivers experience up to 5.2
g
 (at Turn 10), which is the highest lateral
g
-force of the season.

Longest lap, few gear changes

Interestingly, despite having the longest lap in F1, the drivers only change gear 38 times for each circulation of Spa, one of the lowest figures in F1. This is particularly low when compared to the busy laps of Monaco where drivers will change gears around 50 times per lap – and that street track is less than half the length of Spa.

The main reason for the relatively low number of gear changes per lap is that a large portion of the lap at Spa is covered in top gear. Additionally, most of the corners that require gear changes come in groups – for example, Turn 5 to Turn 7. Over the length of the entire 7.004 kilometres of lap distance, there are only 6 sets of gear changes required.

Prompted by a 2019 race in which no driver used the C1 tyre and seven of the ten points-scoring cars ran a one-stop strategy, Pirelli has brought a compound one notch down for this weekend’s racing, with the C2, C3 and C4 available to the teams.

Fresh engines installed

Another potential factor at this race is the use of fresh engines. The announcement of an extended calendar earlier this week takes the projected number of races up to 17 (originally 22) which is above the threshold that allowed competitors to use a third ICE, TC or MGU-H. Spa has traditionally been a race where teams install a new power unit anyway, and so this weekend may see a slight shift in running, especially in the ultra-tight midfield.

The championship positions

Lewis Hamilton continues to enjoy a commanding lead at the top of the Driver’ Championship table with 132 points. Behind him is Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who has 95 points after having taken 5 5 consecutive podium finishes. He is ahead of Valtteri Bottas who started the season well but now finds himself slipping and has so far collected only 89 points.

Once again, Mercedes-AMG is in a strong leading position in the Constructors’ Championship with 221 points. That’s 86 points ahead of Red Bull Racing. The teams to watch are Racing Point, McLaren and Ferrari: Racing Point has 63 points, just one point ahead of McLaren and two ahead of Ferrari.

Past winners

Michael Schumacher has had the most number of wins at the Belgium GP -2 with Benetton and 4 with Ferrari. The Ferrari team has had the most victories, 18 in all, which is 4 ahead of McLaren.


Volkswagen Group opens bigger Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Johor

Almost 5 years ago, Volkswagen AG moved its regional aftersales centre from Singapore to Malaysia, opening a new facility at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a free trade area in Johor. It was the second major carmaker after BMW AG to use PTP as a regional facility for Asian markets. However, BMW, which had moved its facility from Sembawang in Singapore to PTP in 2003, shifted to an industrial zone next to Senai Airport in 2017.

Parts for four brands

Volkswagen’s facility would eventually serve 21 markets in the Asia-Pacific region, storing tens of thousands of parts for the Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen commercial vehicle brands of the German group. The idea of having a warehouse in Malaysia is to speed up deliveries of parts to distributors in Asia. By keeping parts in a strategic location, delivery times can be shortened compared to having them come all the way from Europe.

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor includes a Free Trade Zone (right) for companies using the strategic location as a regional hub to operate their warehouses.

Enlarged facility

With its business continuing to grow in Asia, Volkswagen must see a need to stock more parts and has set up a new Regional Parts Distribution Centre in PTP with a larger area of 50,000 square metres.

The new and larger facility, with direct port connectivity, offers up to 15% improved distribution and process efficiency. It is customised to Volkswagen Group’s requirements, where storage systems like semi-automated paternoster and vertical narrow aisle are built for better warehouse space and process optimisation.

Improving parts delivery in the region

“Our new Parts Distribution Centre in Malaysia undoubtedly strengthens Volkswagen Group’s global aftersales supply chain, a key milestone in providing improved genuine parts delivery to our customers in Asia Pacific,” said Roman Havlasek, Head of Volkswagen Group’s After Sales.

“Malaysia offers a central and well-connected location which perfectly suits our plans to expand our foothold in the region,” added Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, Dr Christian Dahlheim.

“Our electric product range already consists of very attractive models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 as well as the Audi e-tron that is fast growing. Besides vehicles, a strong aftersales performance is key for customer satisfaction,” he said.

Having a regional centre as well as a local hub means service centres can get parts faster.

Contrary to what some parties in Malaysia suggest, this is not a factory making automotive parts. It is only a storage facility for completed parts shipped from Europe and then despatched to various markets.

Parts from the Regional Parts Distribution Centre will be shipped to distributors in the various markets by air or sea, or in the case of Malaysia and Singapore, by road. For the Malaysian market, Volkswagen has a Parts Hub in Shah Alam, Selangor, to serve the market. It has been in operation since 2016, initially getting parts from the regional centre in Singapore and then PTP in Johor.

It is unlikely that the facility at PTP serves the assembly plant in Pahang which makes Volkswagens for the Malaysian market. That plant, within the HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. complex in Pekan, would receive the CKD (completely knocked-down) packs of parts from Port Klang. Genuine parts come from the master depot in Kassel while CKD packs are prepared at Wolfsburg in Germany.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia introduces additional online aftersales services


Bugatti La Voiture Noire wins Villa d’Este design award

The Villa d’Este annual event have seen many fine examples of automobile royalty known on this planet for many years now. Any motoring enthusiast would a few heartbeats upon witnessing some of the fine examples on display but a particular Bugatti La Voiture Noire stands out like a golden rose amongst other beauty and stunning roses.

Bugatti was awarded with the best design award which to them marks a very special year for the La Voiture Noire. This is because the competition focuses on the highest levels of automobile aesthetics and to be recognized as the very best in terms of beauty and passion is indeed a very high honour to receive.

According to Stephan Winkelmann, Bugatti CEO, “The Elegance Contest at the Villa d’Este is a major event for the world of luxury sports cars. The models that can be seen here every year are iconic and the setting in which they are displayed could not be better!”

The Bugatti La Voiture Noire participated in the “Concept Cars and Prototypes” category and it won top honours thanks to how the designers paid homage to another Bugatti legend, the Type 57SC Atlantic. La Voiture Noire marks Bugatti’s 110
th
 anniversary and it symbolises what the company portrays today; amazing timeless design with hints of their hypercar legacy.

Planning to get one? Well, this fine specimen is already sold and if you still wish to own it, you have to do two things. Find the owner and offer the most insane figure that you can afford. Warning, superbly deep and huge pockets overflowing with cash, gold, and other rich people stuff are needed.

And even that won’t guarantee that the owner will put it up for sale. Good luck and may the force be with you.


Clive Sutton customises the LEVC TX to become the world’s most luxurious taxi

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (commonly referred to as Geely) now owns many car companies, including Proton, but did you know that it also owns a company in England that originally produced the famous Black Cabs. Known today as the London EV Company Limited (LEVC), it was acquired in 2013 and has focussed on developing electrically-powered commercial vehicles.

Environment-friendly taxis

LEVC continues to produce taxis but they are environment-friendly vehicles now with zero emission electric powertrains. Due to their iconic background, the taxis are sometimes used for more than just ordinary transport and are purchased for more personalised use. One company which specialises in turning them into luxury models is luxury car specialist Clive Sutton.

Customisation for VIP taxis

The company’s bespoke coachbuilding division has developed customisation options for VIP LEVC Taxis. These can be appointed like a private jet for the road, with separated driver and passenger compartments. Customers can opt for a long list of luxury fittings from leather-clad, electronically-reclining heated rear seats with footrests, to a fibreoptic starlight roof, or electronic self-closing doors. Other features include built-in umbrella holders and a high-quality audio system.

Multiple seating configurations

The Sutton Bespoke team has created multiple configurations in which the taxi can be ordered. Customers can choose from a 4, 3, or even an ultra-spacious 2-seat set-up with a drinks fridge, on-board WiFi and Bluetooth as standard. Privacy can be upgraded as part of an optional exterior package that includes smoke-tinted rear windows, while a PlayStation or Xbox can be added for those with younger ones. The console is connected to a 20-inch media screen that is incorporated within a leather-clad divider, which separates the front and rear compartments.

“While many of our clients seek power, performance and stand-out style, another portion prefer discreet, unique, customisable luxury. Our Sutton VIP LEVC Taxi enables the most comfortable, spacious and private journey through the city with extravagant features usually reserved for superyachts and private jets,” said Clive Sutton, Founder and CEO of the company.

ECity range-extender

The LEVC TX Taxi uses the company’s ECity technology and is powered by an electric motor which drives the rear wheels. The motor is powered by a 31 kWh Drive Battery supported by a range-extender. This is an on-board generator (a small 1.5 litre petrol engine) that recharges the battery when required, and provides greater usability and flexibility than pure electric operation.

Running only on electric power on a typical driving pattern, the TX has a pure electric range equivalent to many of today’s BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). To further maximise the range offered by driving on electrical power, there is also regenerative coasting and braking. The braking system harnesses energy that would usually be lost while slowing down, and uses it to recharge the drive battery. This increases efficiency and reduces wear on braking components.

The standard LEVC TX Taxi.


A descendant of Ferdinand Porsche has developed an all-electric sportscar to go on sale in 2024

Those who know the name ‘Piech’ will know it is well known in automotive history as it is the family name of the great grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. Ferdinand Piech was a brilliant engineer who became CEO of the Volkswagen Group in the 1990s and it would only be expected that other family members would have an equally deep passion for cars.

One of them is Anton Piech, his son, who started a small car company in Switzerland known as Piech Automotive AG In 2016. His partner was Rea Stark Rajcic, ad industrial designer, and the company based in Zurich focussed on electric vehicles and EV technology.

By 2019, the company had developed a flexible vehicle architecture and on this went a sleek sportscar body. It was called the GT Mark Zero and made its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show that year. Naturally, the Piech name associated brought extra attention to the concept car as Ferdinand Piech and his great grandfather had come out with advanced and innovative cars in their time.

Piech Automotive had plans to develop the GT Mark Zero into a production model that could go on sale within a few years. But as with projects all over the world that started in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 would cause delays but the production electric sportscar will be available by 2024.

At the time of its debut, Piech provided basic specifications which showed that the car would have a fully electric drive with a 450 kW (603 hp) output. This would enable a claimed acceleration time of 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, while the target range was said to be 500 kms.

The battery and battery cell technology has received further innovation with a technical partner in China with a solution that enables a full charge in less than 5 minutes. This requires a fast charger specially developed by TGOOD, a company founded in 2004 by a team of German and Chinese engineers that specialises in EV charging equipment.

With more conventional charging stations, the battery pack can be charged to 80% capacity in 8 minutes, it is claimed. The battery pack has compact and robust pouch cells with low heat generation, which is why air cooling is sufficient for thermal management of the battery. The lack of liquid cooling – common in high-performance electric vehicles –  keeps the total weight to 1,800 kgs.

Recently, the electric sportscar – which now has the name of Piech GT – has started its trial phase on test tracks. According to Rea Stark Rajcic, the co-founder of the company, it will have typical sportscar handling which was already clearly defined the positioning from the very beginning. “The new Piech GT should convincingly transport the DNA of a classic sports car into the electric age,” he said.

Latest details revealed show that the powertrain consists of one synchronous electric motor at the front axle which produces 150 kW, while another two motors at the rear generate 150 kW each. The additional thrust at the rear axle is what will create the sportscar driving experience.

The arrangement of the batteries (one part is housed in the centre tunnel, the rest on the rear axle) permits a similar axle load distribution and handling that had previously found only with pure sportscars with internal combustion engines. In contrast to the widely used underfloor arrangement, the package enables a low seating position typical of a sportscar as well as precise handling with immediate feedback to the driver.

“The second prototype will be completed by next March, with a further series of prototypes to follow before the end of 2022. Based on the test results from these prototypes, another batch of prototypes will then be built in 2023. Piech Automotive is exactly following the tried-and-tested testing cycles of German premium manufacturers here, with trials in heat and dust, in sub-zero temperatures with ice and snow, and on demanding roads and racetracks such as the Nurburgring Nordschleife, to be able to meet our target of starting series production in 2024,” said Klaus Schmidt, who was previously with BMW’s high-performance department at M GmbH for 30 years.

In addition to the Piech GT, the company will  gradually broaden the range with a sporty electric SUV and a sports sedan to be called the Sportlimousine. “Our modular concept not only gives us freedom in the design to create vehicles that are as attractive as possible, but at the same time serves as a platform for all other body shapes. The initial focus is clearly on the two-seater Piech GT sportscar, while the sporty Piech SUV brings additional volume in sales and the 4-seater Sportlimousine offers more occupant space and round off the product range,” said Stark Rajcic.

“Not only are we flexible in terms of design and body shapes, but we are also keeping all options open when it comes to powertrains. We’re starting with electric cars, but our modular vehicle architecture would allow us to respond flexibly to corresponding developments and breakthroughs in the field of hydrogen or fuel cells,” added Anton Piech, CEO of the company.

Everrati Signature Widebody – an electrified Porsche 911 (964)


Formula E returns to New York City this weekend for Rounds 10 & 11

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues with Rounds 10 & 11 of Season 7 being run in New York City this weekend. As with the other rounds and a unique feature of the all-electric series, the circuits are created just for the event, mostly around cities. This weekend, the circuit for the New York City E-Prix will wind around the streets of Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighbourhood

The circuit is a familiar one and a favourite of the drivers, teams and fans alike. Its 2.320-km, 14-turn layout remains largely unchanged from Formula E’s last visit in 2019. The circuit, which goes around the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal site in the heart of the Red Hook area, is a real test – it is lined with many kilometres of unforgiving concrete. The drivers will have to familiarise themselves with the revised ATTACK MODE activation zone to negotiate, though, with the loop moved from the exit of Turn 5 to the outside of Turn 10 this year. This may sound like a minor detail, but optimising ATTACK MODE has proven to be crucial at previous races this season.

New race leader after Mexico

In the race for championship honours, 12 drivers now sit within 24 points – one race win – of Edoardo Mortara (ROKiT Venturi Racing) who leads. Eight found themselves in the same bounds after Round 7 in Monaco but as the
Puebla weekend in Mexico
 showed, everything’s liable to change, and fast, in Formula E. Mortara rocketed to the top of the standings after following up a podium in the Puebla E-Prix (Round 8) with a long-awaited return to the top step in Round 9 to take the lead with a huge 40-point haul.

Nick Cassidy (Envision Virgin Racing) steered to his first Formula E podium in the second race in Puebla and Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler’s long wait for its first silverware of the year came to an end via a Lucas di Grassi-Rene Rast one-two in Round 8. That all meant the championship table saw a shuffle with a number of drivers joining the title battle, rather than any breakaways at the top.

The rivals gunning for Mortara

So Mortara’s huge points advantage means he’s the man with the target on his back in New York City. The Swiss-Italian went to Mexico 13th in the running and 30 points behind then-leader Robin Frijns (Envision Virgin Racing). The Dutchman will be hoping for a better race in New York and he’s every reason to be encouraged following his 2019 win in the city – his most recent in Formula E.

Reigning champion Antonio Felix da Costa (DS TECHEETAH) may have struggled to secure the results they’d have hoped for in Mexico but both he and double title-winning teammate Jean-Eric Vergne left relatively unscathed, in pretty much the same situation as they’d arrived. It was a net gain for the champion despite his struggles, with the Portuguese sitting third.

Audi’s 1-2 saw Rast fire himself into fourth in the standings, Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans is fifth after a double points score last time out, while de Vries currently places sixth having led the Drivers’ running heading into Round 7 in Monaco after a measured victory in the DHL Valencia E-Prix Round 5 and that storming opening-round drive in Diriyah.

The official Safety Car for the current season of Formula E is the MINI Electric Pacesetter. It is developed from the new MINI Cooper SE and serves as a ‘bridge’ between MINI‘s historic motorsports legacy and its venture into electrification. The New York event will see the car being used for the fifth time this season.

More spectator involvement

Formula E blurs the lines between the real and virtual worlds of motorsport and there are other opportunities to engage with the championship in Season 7 even if you can’t be at an E-Prix in person. It’s the only motorsport event in the world that lets fans play an active role in influencing the outcome with FANBOOST.

FANBOOST for Round 10 remains until 15 minutes into the race, while voting for Round 11 opens shortly after Round 10 has finished. To give your favourite driver an extra boost of power, visit
FANBOOST
 and the
Formula E app
.

Formula E Rounds 8 & 9 – Puebla ePrix sees Edoardo Mortara extend lead to 10 points


One-Off BMW 8-Series Is A Celestial Being…. No, Really!

BMW AG
 has revealed a special one-off creation from their
BMW Individual Division,
the
BMW 850i.
And it uses pieces of an actual meteorite in its creation,
yes, a friggin’ meteorite
from space!

“BMW’s Individual Division has produced an exclusive one-off version of the 8-Series. The official reveal of the
M850i xDrive Night Sky
, BMW says, is set to coincide with an intense meteor shower due to take place on 3-4 January as Earth passes through the orbit of the asteroid 2003 EH…

… as a result, the Night Sky is filled with a range of details inspired by the extraterrestrial, many of which showcase some of the brand’s more exclusive manufacturing techniques. The most striking feature is the inclusion of
real meteoritic rock
: the material adorns the centre console trim plate, the start/stop button, the the gear selector (below), the top of the iDrive click wheel and the door sill inserts.”
 –
 Auto Express.

“The Night Sky is mechanically identical to the regular M850i. That means power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523bhp and 750Nm of torque. The price is yet to be confirmed for the M850i xDrive Night Sky, but given the unique design, expect it to be astronomical”

For the FULL article from Auto Express, click
here
.

BMW M850i Night Sky Photo Gallery

(All photos courtesy of
Auto Express
)


Easier Way To Locate And Book Parking Spaces At Sunway Malls

Although shopping malls have large parking areas with thousands of spaces, motorists usually find that part of the shopping experience to be the most frustrating. Very often, unless they go just after the mall has opened, the spaces will be filled quickly and it can take a while to locate an empty space.

To help motorists find parking spaces more easily, Sunway Malls (part of the Sunway Group) which is one of the largest shopping mall operators in Malaysia, recommends a solution using a smartphone app. The app, known as PARKIT, lists all the company’s properties in the Klang Valley. These are Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Carnival Mall, Sunway Velocity Mall, Sunway Putra Mall and Sunway Giza Mall.

PARKIT, which enables motorists to obtain seasonal passes in many locations, includes available parking places in the app as well. When installed on their device, they can easily search for any of the selected malls and choose their preferred season passes for each mall.

Season rates start from RM140 and once registered, the motorist can be assured of a parking bay in the chosen mall throughout the year (depending on the different terms and conditions of each season pass)

Sunway Malls believes that, with PARKIT, mall visitors won’t need to spend too much time searching for spaces. With the dashboard on their device, they can easily, manage and terminate the booking for the spot at all 5 of the Sunway malls. Payment is also cashless, with auto-debit available for both debit and credit cards.

As part of the collaboration, users who sign up to use the PARKIT app will also be rewarded for choosing the service – shopping and dining vouchers will be available to use from the respective malls.

“This partnership with PARKIT is ideal for those in the vicinity of our malls, are frequent shoppers or just want a good deal. This collaboration is another of our steps to innovate the way in which we approach the shopping and mall experience throughout Malaysia,” said H.C. Chan, CEO of Sunway Malls & Theme Parks.

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License Plate Recognition system
At the Sunway Pyramid Mall, there’s also another innovation which not many may be aware of. This is the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system which makes it unnecessary to take a ticket or tap a card to raise the barrier at the entry point. The system will recognise the vehicle’s numberplate and automatically raise the barrier. However, the vehicle’s registration number must be registered at Sunway Malls’ portal.

With the Smart Parking system, there is no need to stop to take a ticket or swipe a card.

Before departing, the charges can be settled using various cashless systems at payment machines. Credit/debit cards or e-wallets can also be linked to the vehicle so departure is as hassle-free as entry as the parking fee will be automatically deducted.

The LPL system was
previewed in Sunway Pyramid in October 2019
 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic which restricted movements and suspended business activities for a long period, its introduction in 2020 was not publicised widely. The company intends to offer the LPL system in its other properties in due course.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


GWM Malaysia Provides MITI With ORA Good Cat For EV Studies

While the move towards electric vehicles (EVs) has been going on over the past decade, it has only recently gained more attention from the Malaysian government which sees increased use of EVs as one way to meet its carbon neutrality goal by 2050.

While promotion of EVs and providing incentives like tax exemption are approaches being taken, government agencies also need to have a greater understanding of these new energy vehicles in order to formulate the appropriate policies for years to come.

The auto industry is also playing its part to help in different aspects and GWM Malaysia, the local subsidiary of China’s Great Wall Motors, is among those keen to work closely with the authorities. As an example of the support it can give, GWM Malaysia recently presented an
ORA GOOD CAT 500 Ultra
 to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to use for test-drives over the next few months to learn more about EVs.

Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Secretary-General of MITI (centre) and Elliot Zhang, President of Great Wall Motor ASEAN Region (right), examining the charging port of the ORA Good Cat.

“This collaboration will help to make a significant contribution to the country’s sustainability goals. With Malaysia’s support, GWM is poised to continue its efforts in developing advanced technologies for electric and hybrid vehicles, and contribute towards a greener and more sustainable future,’ Mr. Mr. Zhang said.

The MITI Secretary-General having a closer look at the interior of the EV.

Acknowledging Malaysia’s strong support for GWM’s efforts to introduce new energy solutions in the market, the company said that it is keen to assist the Malaysian government in its efforts and plans for Malaysia to become a carbon neutral nation by 2050.

GWM Malaysia is taking a proactive stance towards advancing electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions. The company has formulated a local strategy aimed at supporting Malaysia’s transition from fuel-energy vehicles to energy-efficient electric vehicles, with bigger plans to launch more hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel-cell electric vehicles in the market.

GWM Malaysia will also help to develop the EV charging infrastructure, establishing a network of EV charging stations that are easily accessible and convenient for consumers to alleviate any concerns potential customers may have about this issue so that they will be confident to own an EV.

The Good Cat went on sale in Malaysia last November and comes in two versions priced from RM139,800. Customers can choose the standard battery pack which offers a claimed range of 400 kms or a battery pack with a higher capacity that can take them up to 500 kms. In our own testing, we found the real-world range to be around 450 kms, which can be considered pretty good at this time.

Brief driving impressions of the Good Cat

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For peace of mind, GWM offers a warranty of 8 years/180,000 kms for the battery pack and 5 years/150,000 kms for the rest of the vehicle. It has given assurance of comprehensive aftersales support and is paying special attention to recharging facilities with the GWM Energy Supplement Ecosystem plan. This will provide Home Charging, Destination Charging, charging at Partner Stores and of course, charging at public outlets.


2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe coming soon?

The first ever 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has entered its final testing phase and the multi-coloured camouflage used by BMW for the test cars is certainly an eye-catcher (quite the opposite effect when something is wrapped in camo).

In fact, BMW is actually promoting the upcoming four-door coupe by driving around Munich with a large QR code posted on the front doors where curious individuals can scan and be directed to
www.BMW.com/2-series-gran-coupé
. That’s one unique marketing campaign, guys.

It is said that the first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will make its official public debut in November 2019 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the site directed to using the QR code will essentially be updated with the latest bulletins and information regarding the new concept car from BMW.

There are many key features to the new Gran Coupe which BMW will possibly launch sometime next year which are:

ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation)

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system

BMW Performance Control (yaw moment distribution)

BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive (front wheel drive will also be available)

All of BMW’s latest tech for the upcoming Gran Coupe will be paired with their most powerful four-cylinder engine which is said to produce a whopping 306hp. This bad boy also comes with the newly developed mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, which gives the car an even sportier edge by creating a locking effect between the front wheels.

All in all, what BMW is determined to accomplish is creating a car that is sporty in the premium market paired with enhanced levels of cutting-edge technology, comfort, and spaciousness. They say that this will be the ultimate sedan for those looking for nothing but the best. For now, enjoy all the ‘spy shot’ photos (courtesy of BMW, ironically).

All-new BMW Z4 Roadster price revealed – RM479,800