BMW Concept i4 previews all-electric model to go on sale in 2021 (w/VIDEO)

The BMW Concept i4, one of the many models that were to be unveiled at the now-cancelled Geneva International Motor Show, provides a look ahead to the new i4 model to be launched in 2021. It will be the BMW Group’s first all-electric model in the premium midsize class.

“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President, BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.”

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” added Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.”

As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will be incorporated in both the i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.

Electrifying aesthetics

The long wheelbase, fastback roofline and short overhangs form a basic profile for a Gran Coupe. With its four doors, the Concept i4 offers not only a high level of everyday usability and practicality, but also a much larger interior than the car’s modern and dynamic proportions would immediately suggest.

Crisp, smooth lines and taut volumes merge into a rich, smoothly contoured sculpture and create a clear surfacing language. The modern exterior paint shade known as ‘Frozen Light Copper’ mirrors that on the BMW Vision iNEXT and showcases the interplay of surfaces to visually stunning effect.

Blue elements in the front end, flanks and rear end point to the car’s BMW i origins. They shine a spotlight on the signature BMW i icons and bring the technology below the surface to the fore – for example, the kidneys in their role as an intelligence panel, the mouldings in the side skirts concealing the battery technology, and the diffuser elements in the rear end, which fill the design space vacated by exhaust tailpipes and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

A host of aerodynamic measures help maximise the car’s electric range. The blanked-off kidney grille and clear aero lips provide detail examples of sophisticated airflow engineering at work.

Another distinctive area of the car are the wheel rims. These have been designed exclusively for the Concept i4 and blend aerodynamic and lightweight design; smooth – and therefore aerodynamically optimised – surfaces contrast with ultra-low-weight, high-strength spokes.

The front-end treatment presents the familiar BMW icons in a new look, lending a visually powerful face to the electric age at BMW. The prominent, closed-off kidney grille provides a tangible connection between the past and future of BMW.

The BMW icon also gains new functionality: With no combustion engine to require cooling, the grille now serves primarily as an ‘intelligence panel’ housing various sensors. The headlights likewise provide a bridge between the past and the future; the classical 4-eyed front end has a very modern and pared-back interpretation.

Innovation meets minimalism

The interior of the Concept i4 focuses on those times when the driver chooses to pilot the car themselves. To this end, every element in the front of the cabin is trained on the driver. The new Curved Display teams up with the steering wheel to reveal a new take on driver orientation and offers a look ahead to the display in the production versions of the iNEXT and i4.

The Curved Display encompasses a large proportion of the section in front of the driver and almost all operating functions are integrated into the display. This is part of an overall approach centred on reducing the number of haptic controls to the minimum.

Spacious rear compartment

Rear-seat passengers are greeted by a generously-sized compartment offering levels of headroom and legroom that exceed expectations of a coupe. The cut-out in the head restraints is a classy detail that references sporty BMW models from the current line-up.

The rear seats extend the horizontal graphic emerging from the doors to create a lounge feel in the rear. Meanwhile, the outer seats reprise the dynamic form of the front seats, heightening the sporting flavour. They also use very little stitching, which further emphasises the clean and modern feel.

The sound of the Concept i4

The Concept i4 is not only characterised by its individual design but also by its own visionary and unique sound. It was developed under the brand name of
BMW IconicSounds Electric
 by world renowned composer Hans Zimmer together with BMW Sound Designer Renzo Vitale.

BMW IconicSounds Electric aims to emotionalise BMW’s electric vehicles and make them audible using individual sound worlds. The sound combines BMW’s past and future, ranging from the driving sounds in ‘Core’ mode to the more intense and pronounced sounds of ‘Sport’ mode. Also included are the sounds of the door opening and the starting scenario.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology

The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery use fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. These are all-new developments enabling the BMW Group to take another significant step forward in the field of electrified drive systems. The electric motor developed for the i4 generates maximum output of up to 390 kW (530 ps), which ranks it alongside a current BMW V8 combustion engine.

Electrical energy is drawn from a newly designed high-voltage battery pack with the very latest battery cell technology. The version of the battery developed for the i4 has extremely slim construction and optimised energy density. It weighs roughly 550 kgs, has an energy content of around 80 kWh and can provide an operating range that is claimed to be up to 600 kms.

A new BMW brand identity

BMW is unveiling the brand’s new look for the first time. The new logo for communications also provides the basis for the badge on the Concept i4. Its two-dimensional and transparent design ensures seamless integration and brings the special exterior colour shade to even greater prominence.

Hans Zimmer to create e-sounds for BMW Group vehicles


PROMO: Buy A Nissan & Win A Home! Plus New CNY Colours & Roadshow Announcements

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM)
 is welcoming 2019 by rewarding Nissan customers a chance to own a brand new 2+1 rooms serviced apartment with 2 car parks in the
‘Buy Car Win Home’
 grand contest*. This contest is a unique collaboration between ETCM and JKG Land Berhad, where Nissan customers stand a chance to
win a serviced apartment worth up to RM 665,000*
 in
The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur
, when they purchase and register a Nissan vehicle from
1
st
 December 2018 to 31
st
 December 2019
. Adding to the New Year excitement, ETCM is also offering
attractive rebates up to RM 12,000*
 for selected Nissan models.

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, ETCM also added the
new Imperial Red
 colour to the ever popular
Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star
, (below) featuring a two-tone theme with distinctive black floating roof, rear spoiler and side door mirrors. The Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid offers best-in-class fuel economy of 14.2 km/L (NEDC R101), and comes with innovative features such as the Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), and Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay™.

Additionally, ETCM continues the introduction of
Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer
 (below) in
 Passion Red
and two additional colour options,
new Brilliant White
 and
new Tungsten Silver,
 with blacked-out componentry including black silhouette roof, roof rails, rear spoiler, door mirrors and gloss black 5-spoke 17” alloy wheels. The X-Trail X-Tremer also comes with a bold front X-Face cladding, chrome rear bumper protector and luxurious black Nappa leather seats.

The new Imperial Red Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid and X-Trail X-Tremer will make its appearance at the upcoming
2019 Nissan Test Drive Carnival
 at selected showrooms over two weekends of
5
th
 to 6
th
 January
 and
11
th
 to 13
th
 January
, starting from 10am to 8pm. Members of the public are invited to visit the carnival to enjoy attractive deals and a series of fun-filled Chinese New Year activities.

Nissan Test Drive Carnival
 dates and venues:

Date

Region

Venue

5
th
 – 6
th
 January

Northern

ETCM Bayan Lepas

Central

ETCM Petaling Jaya

Central

ETCM Cheras

Southern

ETCM Johor Jaya

Southern

ETCM Seremban

East Coast

ETCM Kuantan

Sabah

ETCM Kota Kinabalu

Sarawak

ETCM Kuching

11
th
 – 12
th
 January

East Coast

AEON Kota Bharu

12
th
 – 13
th
 January

Northern

ETCM Butterworth

Northern

ETCM Ipoh

Northern

ETCM Sitiawan

Central

ETCM Glenmarie

Central

ETCM Jalan Raja Laut

Southern

ETCM Semabok

Southern

ETCM Muar

Sabah

ETCM Sandakan

Sarawak

ETCM Miri

Nissan Nationwide Roadshow
 dates and venues:

Date

Venue

3
rd
 – 6
th
 January

Melawati Mall, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

4
th
 – 6
th
 January

Ipoh Parade, Ipoh, Perak

7
th
 – 13
th
 January

AEON Kota Bharu, Kelantan

8
th
 – 13
th
 January

AEON Tebrau, Johor Bahru, Johor

9
th
 – 13
th
 January

Queensbay Mall, Penang

9
th
 – 13
th
 January

One Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

10
th
 – 13
th
 January

East Coast Mall, Kuantan, Pahang

11
th
 – 13
th
 January

Kluang Mall, Kluang, Johor

11
th
 – 13
th
 January

Imago Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

18
th
 – 20
th
 January

Vivacity Megamall, Kuching, Sarawak

For more information, visit
www.nissan.com.my
 or call ETCM’s Nissan Customer Care Centre at
1800-88-3838
.

*Terms and conditions apply


ORC ROOKIE Racing Team Showcases Toyota’s Hydrogen-Fuelled Cars At Thai Endurance Event

Although the ORC ROOKIE Racing Team did not for run the entire time at the recent Idemitsu 1500 Super Endurance 2022 (Thailand 25-Hour Endurance Race), its cars drew much attention during the first and last few hours that they were running. Their participation was not to compete in the race but to showcase the feasibility of
carbon neutrality
 using existing technology and resources to offer multiple pathways to accelerate carbon neutrality in a prompt and practical manner.

Besides the two entries of the ORC ROOKIE Racing Team (founded and owned by Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation), there was also a Carbon-neutral fuel car entered by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Team Thailand which won the finish Carbon Neutral Power Cup and completed completing 443 laps.

ORC ROOKIE Racing’s cars were a GR Corolla H2 concept – using a
hydrogen-fuelled engine
 – and a GR86 CNF Concept which ran on a carbon-neutral (CN) fuel. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand also used a similar GR86 CNF Concept racing car. Incidentally, one of the cars was also driven by the Toyota President who races under the name of ‘Morizo’.

A few years ago, ORC ROOKIE Racing won the 10-hour Idemitsu 600 Super Endurance 2019, its first time in the race held at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. After 3 years, the team raced again to test the cars in an environment different from Japan.

ORC ROOKIE Racing and Toyota joined the Super Taikyu series in Japan midway through the 2021 season with a hydrogen-powered Corolla and accelerated efforts of ‘producing’, ‘transporting’, and ‘using’ hydrogen together with like-minded partners inside and outside the industry in the interest of helping to achieve a CN society.

From the 2022 season, in addition to the hydrogen engine Corolla, Toyota is racing the CN fuel GR86 and continuing to explore multiple pathways towards carbon neutrality, with expanded fuel options using internal combustion engines being among them.

In addition, during the ninth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Ypres in August and the 13th round of the WRC Rally Japan in November, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Team ran a demonstration of the GR Yaris H2 hydrogen engine vehicle (shown above) under test development to show European and Japanese rally fans the potential of hydrogen as an option for achieving CN.

Toyota to use motorsports to develop hydrogen-fueled engine (w/VIDEO)


FEATURE: Ford’s 5 Practical Driving Tips To Help You Be A Better New Driver!

It’s the holiday season! You just got your license! You’re behind the steering wheel, cruising into an exciting new world of driving, but in today’s crowded cities, it can be a dangerous world, too. Traffic is hectic, distractions are all around and other drivers and pedestrians can behave unpredictably (read: dangerously!). While being in a car can feel safer than driving on a scooter, you’re only as safe as your actions.

A
recent Ford survey
 found an alarming number of young drivers who admitted using risky behaviors while driving – such as speeding and even watching TV. While some things are out of your control, knowing road safety rules and following a few practical tips can help protect you on the road – no matter how far or near you go.

Buckle your belts!
 This may seem like old news. Wearing a seat belt is Rule #1. But many people are still reluctant to wear a seat belt, especially in the backseat.

The reasons why may surprise you. One common excuse for avoiding seatbelts is not wanting to wrinkle clothes! Hmmm, let’s consider the trade-offs. Don’t wear a seatbelt and you are prone to injury in case of an accident (and your clothes won’t fare well either). Or, wear a seatbelt and
reduce your chance of injury by half in an accident – and reduce the risk of death by 45 percent
. Trust us, seatbelts are beautiful. Your wrinkled clothes are beautiful after wearing a seatbelt. The takeaway? Buckle your seatbelt.

Know your car.
This may seem obvious, but every car is different, so know the car you’re in to avoid distractions on the road. Understand how to use your head lights, windshield wipers and temperature controls
before
 darkness falls,
before
 the monsoon rains hit,
before
 you’re scrambling to turn on the aircon. This
handy guide
 can help decipher the symbols on your dashboard instrument cluster.

Many cars today are equipped with driver-assist technologies to help keep you safe on busy roads. Get familiar with this technology before you set out. For example, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak that is equipped with Forward Collission Alert & Mitigation by Brakes, warns you on an obstacle ahead while the Lane Departure Warning System vibrates the steering to alert the driver that he or she is drifting out of the lane.

Don’t be distracted.
 Phone alerts. Social media. Noisy children. Eating food. Applying makeup. Lack of sleep. Loud music. The list of distractions is endless. But distracted driving is linked to a growing number of accidents and fatalities and puts you in danger.

According to
Ford’s 2017 survey
 about distracted driving, 54 percent of drivers in Asia Pacific say they try not to use their phones while driving – but they do anyway. Finish what you’re doing before you drive – your life and the lives of those around you are more important than answering that text.

Drive defensively.
Crawling along in bumper to scooter traffic can be frustrating for any driver, experienced or not, but here are some strategies for defensive driving.

Be aware of your surroundings, especially when backing out of parking spaces or making lane changes and turns. Take advantage of your car’s parking technology and other driver-assist technologies like Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which helps you be aware of cars in your own blind spot. Part of the
Ford Co-Pilot360
TM
 suite of driver-assist technologies, BLIS is designed to help detect and notify the driver of vehicles that may have entered the blind spot zone, on either side of your vehicle. When backing out of a parking space, the same sensors can detect vehicles approaching from the rear side.

Other practical defensive driving tips include:

Use your turn signals.

Keep two hands on the steering wheel.

Watch out for animals! Small animals can suddenly dart into the road, and larger animals may unexpectedly block traffic altogether.

Don’t engage with aggressive drivers, and remember, it’s not a race! The only finish line is getting home safely, so follow all speed limits.

Watch the weather
. Seasons change, and your situation on the road will, too. Practice driving in bad weather in a safe, secluded location to see how your traction, braking and steering are impacted at various speeds – if possible, have an experienced driver join you. Practicing will help you remain “calm in the storm” during a roadtrip or when it’s time to go to work or school.

Cyclical monsoons and typhoons can cause flooded roads with fallen or floating debris. Strong winds can make it difficult to stay in your lane, and sudden gusts can cause tall trucks to veer out of their lanes. Driving on flooded roads should be avoided, but here are a few strategies for cruising through the rainy season:

Replace windshield wipers before the rains start…and check your tires to be sure they have adequate tread and are properly inflated.

Turn on your headlights.

Take it slow. Driving at high speeds can cause your car to hydroplane (lose traction and skid) on slippery pavement and may cause you to lose control.

Following these tips and taking a safe driving training course will help you avoid becoming a statistic and contribute positively towards responsible driving. Now in its eleventh year, Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) offers free training for people across the Asia Pacific, including young drivers, expectant mothers, Uber drivers and farmers. The program covers hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed and space management, distracted driving and much more. In Malaysia, DSFL has trained closed to
1,000
 people in the past 3 years since 2012.


First units of locally-assembled Kia Carnival start rolling out at Inokom plant

Kia vehicles have been sold in Malaysia since the 1990s but the Korean carmaker has kept its involvement in local activities at arms-length. Although its models were assembled locally, the activities were largely left to their local distributor (the NAZA Group at that time). Kia did have a regional office here and too and interest in what was going on but didn’t want to make investments itself.

That changed last year when the local partner changed and
Bermaz Auto took over
 the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Perhaps the Korean carmaker decided that it was time to control its destiny and for that, it would have to become directly involved. It formed a joint-venture company with Bermaz Auto called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country.

The Inokom manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, where Kia vehicles are being assembled.

More significantly, Kia Malaysia’s operations include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It is vital to assemble locally to be able to grow volumes more quickly and be competitive. Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026, for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.

Four models to be assembled locally

When Kia Malaysia announced its formation, it also provided an insight into its
5-year plan
 with 4 models to be produced, including battery-electric vehicles. The models, in launch sequence, will be the Carnival, Sportage, Sorento and Niro, the latter to be offered as a BEV.

The first product has started rolling out on schedule from the Inokom plant in Kedah and it’s the Carnival MPV. The model was already on sale at the beginning of the year as a CBU (completely built-up) import from Korea and from our driving impressions, it was certainly a very different MPV from the original Carnival which was also cloned into the Naza Ria. It’s a premium product, which is in line with Kia’s aim of raising the image of its products.

The locally-assembled Carnival is a 7/8-seater (above) whereas the CBU imported model is an 11-seater (below).

8-seater instead of 11-seater

While having the same appearance, the locally-assembled Carnival is not an 11-seater but a 7-seater or 8-seater. There was no shortage of buyers for the CBU 11-seater but having less seats might also work better to sell in greater numbers.

The powertrain is the same Smartstream 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDI engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though it is a large vehicle, the 199 bhp/440 Nm provides respectable performance, as we experienced on our drive at the beginning of this year.

Bermaz Auto (its retail arm for Kia vehicles is Dinamikjaya Motors) is known for being generous with equipment and features and the locally-assembled Carnival will come with a list that maintains the premium positioning for the MPV. There will be ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion Seats (second row), 12-speaker Bose audio system, powered sliding doors, ‘smart’ powered tailgate and a complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

New beginning for brand

“The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD [locally assembled] form is an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets. The Kia Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience,” said Ted Lee, Kia Asia Pacific President & CEO.

“The consumer’s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival. We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle,” added Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors.

The prices have not been officially announced but it is known that there will be 3 versions with prices (excluding insurance) starting from RM231,299. PISTON.MY will be joining a media drive of the Carnival to Penang later this week and we’ll let you know what it’s like although we expect that we will be equally impressed as we were with the CBU model.

Driving impressions of the new Kia Carnival


MINI STRIP – showing a sustainable approach to automotive design and manufacturing

It’s all about sustainability today, using materials and processes that do not deplete and to preserve the environment for future generations. In the auto industry, sustainability is pursued seriously in all areas and with the MINI STRIP, the British brand showcases inspirational ideas for a more sustainable method of automotive design.

A custom-made, one-off model co-created by MINI and Paul Smith, a well known fashion designers, the MINI STRIP is guided by the theme of ‘Simplicity, Transparency, Sustainability’. As the name suggests, the process began by completely stripping down a
MINI Electric
 and reducing it to its structural essence. Only then were the elements that the designer viewed as absolutely necessary defined and implemented – with sustainability as the top priority.

Incidentally, the original Mini was also a model of simplicity, with a very basic but functional design that was space-efficient as well. Sir Alex Issigonis, the designer, made it easy to build and even thought that placing the speedometer in the centre would simplify having lefthand drive and righthand drive versions. It’s a feature which continues to this day in the modern MINI though not for the same reason.

An outside perspective

As a designer with a passion for bicycles, books and much more, Smith asked questions that provided fresh energy to explore beyond the obvious. The joint design process applied the principles of maximum reduction, to produce a minimalist, high-class design with a fresh and unconventional appeal.

Raw materials are a very deliberate part of the exterior design – the body was left in its unfinished state with no coloured paint applied, but instead just a thin film of transparent paint to protect against corrosion. Grinding marks from the factory have been consciously left intact on the galvanised steel panels to clearly identify the car as a functional object. This intentionally rough-hewn effect was dubbed ‘the perfect imperfection’ by Smith.

‘Unaffected expressiveness’ of the materials

Parts of the MINI black band have been 3D-printed from recycled plastic and their basic material qualities have been left exposed – like the metal panels. Visible screws in the add-on parts show how simple dismantling would be and how easily the vehicle could be reincorporated into the raw-material cycle at the end of its service life. The functional and distinctive front and rear apron inserts were also manufactured via a 3D printing process, which produced their striking texture.

The blanked-off radiator grille and its wheel covers help to reduce drag, thereby increasing its theoretical range. The grille trim and aerodynamic covers on the wheels are made from recycled Perspex, saving both weight and resources. Recycled perspex was also used for the large panoramic roof that allows curious eyes to view the largely bare structure of the bodyshell inside.

‘Simplicity and Transparency’ inside

Smith calls the MINI STRIP a ‘classic with a twist’ – both refer to unexpected details that are only revealed through the designers’ work at a second or third glance. Opening the doors reveals the signature Paul Smith stripes in a vivid composition of 5 colours; the charging flap adds a splash of neon green when opened, while the engraved drawing of an electric plug on the flap is Smith’s own work.

Inside, all trim parts have been purposefully omitted (with the exception of the dashboard, topper pad and parcel shelf), turning the bodyshell into the dominant visual feature of the cabin. It has been coloured blue at the explicit request of Smith, producing a particularly eye-catching effect. The exposed, basic material and intense blue tone give the interior an aesthetic appeal all of its own; it is bare yet feels ‘dressed’ at the same time.

Instead of the usual multi-part design, the dashboard consists of one large, semi-transparent section with a smoked-glass finish. Taking its cue from MINI design’s traditional use of circular elements, the geometry has been simplified with a graphical interpretation. However, the classic centre meter is omitted, leaving the driver’s smartphone to take centrestage instead. It is placed where the centre display would normally be, connects automatically to the car and becomes the media control centre. The only physical controls in the interior are located lower in the centre stack, where the toggle switches for the power windows and the start/stop function can be found.

Innovative materials

Alongside the minimalist design inside the MINI STRIP, the use of recycled, environment-friendly materials also underpins the car’s sustainability credentials. The interior is free of both leather and chrome, with the seats upholstered in a knitted fabric. The completely mono-material design for the seat coverings means they are fully recyclable – including the piping – allowing material circularity to be maintained.

The floormats are made from recycled rubber with their terrazzo-like pattern a by-product of the recycling and manufacturing process, positively showcasing the multi-coloured constituent elements enjoying a second life as part of this material.

Minimalist and functional

The steering wheel, which is also a focal point of the interior, has been reduced to the most essential functions. Its rim has been wrapped in handlebar tape in true road bike style. Three aluminium spokes connect the rim to the steering wheel’s impact absorber, whose mesh covering makes it possible to see the airbag behind.

As on the outside of the car, there are visible screws showing how easy it would be to dismantle the steering wheel at a later date and reuse the aluminium. The door panels are made from the same mesh material that covers the airbag, enabling the door structure to be clearly seen behind the mesh panels, which are held within a frame. The transparency of the knitted mesh changes according to the angle of view, adding a further dimension to the interior’s appearance.

The pull handles in the door shoulders are made from wound climbing rope and, together with the matching seat belts, liven up the interior with their bright orange finish. Like the pull handles, the door openers in milled aluminium are housed in the cork door shoulders and provide a high-class finishing touch for the door area.

As the eye wanders further up the door, it arrives at the exposed airbag unit in the roof pillar. This has the same effect as the visible cable routing in the interior – deliberately drawing attention to functions that are normally concealed during manufacture.

The MINI STRIP translates MINI’s ‘Creative Use of Space’ philosophy into a radical and fundamental redesign of a MINI – especially in the interior. As such, it can provide a catalyst for more sustainable use of resources in automotive design.

MINI Vision Urbanaut concept


Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid joins Bentayga Hybrid

Continuing its journey towards electrification and carbon neutrality, Bentley Motors has introduced a hybrid powertrain for its third generation Flying Spur. Declaring the new variant as ‘the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date’, the introduction of the Flying Spur Hybrid establishes a family of Bentley hybrids for the first time.

In developing the hybrid powertrain, Bentley has made sure there are no compromises to  luxury or performance. The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor (E-motor), delivering a total of 544 ps/750 Nm (21.5% more power than the Bentayga Hybrid). The E-motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and can be charged to 100% in as little as two and a half hours (depending on the region and facilities used). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high-voltage battery to supply the E-motor or supplement the existing 12V vehicle electrical infrastructure.

In the early years of hybrids 20 years ago, performance was not a strong point. However, with advancements in the technology, it is now possible to have high performance in hybrids. The Flying Spur Hybrid has virtually similar capabilities as the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h within a claimed 4.3 secs.

The combination of a highly efficient engine and the advanced E-Motor delivers the same flexibility and practicality associated with the W12 and V8 powertrains, achieving a responsive, engaging and refined experience. Using a constantly varying combination of engine and electric motor output, the Flying Spur Hybrid is claimed to be the most efficient Bentley ever, with a capability to cover over 700 kms on a full tank.

The interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid has a striking combination of the very latest integrated technology, beautiful materials and design prowess, combined with the features required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automatic Start/Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey. EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience. This is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys.

The flow of energy can be viewed via the infotainment screen where statistics can be seen and the timers for charging of the vehicle can be set. Additional e-motion information is available to the driver via the instrument panel, heads up display and centre screen, including range, battery level and charging information.

To provide further feedback to the driver, the instruments include additional information showing when the car is operating solely in EV drive, regenerating whilst decelerating or using the combustion engine.

The Flying Spur Hybrid comes with a portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. An embedded SIM is provided, meaning
My Bentley
 connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection.
My Bentley
 in-car and remote services is a continually-developing range of services available to customers through a dedicated app, available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.

As with every Bentley model, the Flying Spur Hybrid can be ordered from a range of over 67 exterior colours. The Blackline Specification offers a contemporary alternative to exterior brightware including a black version of the optional illuminated electrically deployed Flying B radiator mascot, and for a more contemporary exterior aesthetic.

Pricing starts from £160,000 in England (about RM921,000) and Bentley dealers are now accepting orders. The first customers can expect to receive their cars before the end of the year.


More savings with Volkswagen Merdeka Voucher

In conjunction with the upcoming 62
nd
 year of our country’s independence, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering more savings for your next booking in the form of the RM1,000 Volkswagen Merdeka Voucher.

Applicable to all VW models available here in Malaysia, the voucher offers more rebates for booking made until the end of the month of August on top of the current ongoing promotion. The current promotion already offer savings up to RM15,000 and with the added Merdeka voucher, VW owners will indeed get more for less.

The list of models and savings are listed below:

Those who are interested in getting your very own Volkswagen Tiguan or Passat, you’ll get more bang for your buck as VPCM is also throwing in an extension of the three-year free maintenance up to five-year free maintenance with a low interest rate of 1.88% per annum for those who place their booking before 31 December 2019.

On top of all the savings, all VW models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. In our honest opinion, there’s no better time to get your very own Volkswagen than now.

Existing VW owners can also get in on the action with aftersales promotions for shock absorbers, tyres, and battery to help keep more of than lovely cash in your wallet. To know more, head over to
www.volkswagen.com.my
 or visit any of their authorised showroom nationwide.

Volkswagen Arteon now open for booking – From RM290,000


In 2050, the Nissan GT-R could look like this!

Car designer Jaebum ‘JB’ Choi, like many of the graduating seniors at ArtCentre College of Design in California, was looking to the future for his final thesis – to the year 2050. As he was starting an internship at Nissan Design America (NDA) at a time when COVID-19 restrictions changed how everyone was thinking about the future, his student thesis brought forth the Nissan GT-R(X) 2050.

“I started my internship at NDA in January and participated in company projects for about 2 months. Then, I started my ‘vision humanoid’ project for the rest of the internship, working from home because of COVID-19,” said Choi. “Little did I imagine then that the team at NDA would take me under their wings and help me create it as a full-size model.”

Designer Jaebum ‘JB’ Choi and the GT-R(X) 2050

Styling cues from GT-R

The completed project car is about 3 metres long and sits very low to the ground. Choi’s futuristic project still takes cues from the current GT-R with its bold, dramatic surfaces, monolithic body volumes and V-motion design features. It also has iconic GT-R taillights and red-striped accents of the GT-R NISMO.

The single occupant, the driver, rests horizontally in a prone position with limbs extended in an X-shape. The driver wears a futuristic, form-fitting suit and helmet that resembles a superbike riders’ protective helmets and leathers.

A ‘wearable machine’

As a ‘wearable machine’, Choi envisions that connecting the human brain to the computer’s would provide better performance than ‘ordinary’ self-driving cars. He said the vehicle imitates the shape of the human body so it can efficiently protect the brain.

“Exo-skeletons today make people stronger by wearing mechanical structures. I tried to fit the size of a person’s body as much as I could, as if I were wearing a car,” Choi explained about the car’s compact layout. “I wanted to create a new form of machine that is not a vehicle to ride, it is the space where machine and the human become one.”

Brain-controlled car

A unique element is the GT-R styled helmet and ‘docking’ suit. The helmet is designed to be inserted into a slot for a front vision camera shared with VR vision. A brain-to-core transmitter would help the human brain activate digitalized signals.

As a car would travel most likely at night, maneuverability would be a critical part of its high-power electric performance. Choi imagines the one-piece wheel/tyre units as having a shape close to square, allowing the vehicle to turn 360 degrees. The outer tyre diameter measures 21 inches and inner wheel circle is 15 inches. The wheels’ spoke pattern is designed to help the wheel cool down fast, even under extreme braking.

The GT-R(X) 2050 also deploys an active wing that would add downforce when extended. The wings fold so the driver can get in and out of the car.

“JB is a super-talented, super-creative designer and his ideas about future supercars driven by brain-to-vehicle integration fit perfectly with Nissan’s advanced work in the B2V field,” said NDA Vice President, David Woodhouse. “His thesis was all about demonstrating the emotional connection technology can create, and the benefit that it can deliver for customers. It was super exciting for the NDA team to help JB give form to this idea as a 1:1 model.”

Production-ready Nissan GT-R50 by ItalDesign makes debut on track


Toyota recognised for winning the most 5-Star awards from ASEAN NCAP

Toyota’s ultimate goal is to reduce fatalities from traffic accidents to zero, and to realize this, the company has been developing its vehicles with safer systems to help drivers avoid accidents and also to protect the occupants if an accident does occur. This has been ongoing for decades, and numerous advances in automotive safety have been developed to make vehicles in the Toyota Group as safe as possible – even to other road-users.

4 awards to Toyota

The efforts have been recognised by ASEAN NCAP – the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries – which has evaluated many new vehicles from the safety point of view. At its 10
th
 anniversary celebration, the Toyota Brand received 4 awards including two for ‘THE MOST 5-STAR CARS 2012-2020’. The other awards were for ‘BEST ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION 2017-2020’ (for the C-HR crossover), ‘BEST SAFETY ASSIST 2019’ (for the Majesty and Granvia). The awards were among those presented by ASEAN NCAP under the ‘Decade of Safer Vehicle Awards’.

The awards were given to Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing (TDEM), which is Toyota’s regional headquarters for engineering and manufacturing functions for Southeast and South Asia. TDEM was originally established in 2003 as the Toyota Technical Centre Asia Pacific and was then integrated with Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in 2007. From April 2017, the company was renamed Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. And based in Thailand (separate from Toyota Thailand).

Toyota has received the most 5-star ratings over the past 10 years, with the maximum rating even given to models like the Hilux pick-up truck.

“Toyota has a long history in Asia, wherein we have been recognized by our customers as the foremost brand for QDR – Quality, Reliability and Durability – and safety. We started production activities in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia as early as the 1960s and over the last 6 decades, we have strived to develop the best products not only to suit our ASEAN customers’ needs, but also to improve and adopt safety technologies as part of our fundamental responsibility as a mobility company, prioritizing the improvement of road and traffic safety in this region,” said  Prasanna Ganesh, Executive Vice-President of TDEM. “We are very honoured and humbled to be recognized across various categories on the occasion of ASEAN NCAP’s 10th Anniversary, and are committed to make our products and technologies ‘ever better and ever safer’ when compared to the past.”

Focus on ASEAN models

ASEAN NCAP is the ninth new car assessment program in the world that performs independent assessment on the safety performance of new passenger car models released in the market. Its main objective is to promote and enhance vehicle safety standards and rating system in the ASEAN region.

ASEAN NCAP has its own crash test facility in Melaka and has tested some 110 models and variants over a period of 10 years. Additionally, it also collaborates with safety organisations in some other Asian countries to test certain models.

The safety assessment initially began with test phases in which the first phase of the assessment, comprising 8 models, was funded by Global NCAP. After 10 years, the organisation has tested some 110 models and variants and has produced 137 ratings. During this period, ASEAN NCAP has also developed three roadmaps (for the periods 2012 – 2016, 2017 – 2020 and 2021 – 2025) to provide the industry with guidance for development of vehicle safety systems.

In 2012, the Honda City was the first car tested by ASEAN NCAP at its crash-test facility.

Under the current roadmap for 2021 – 2025, there are 4 assessment domains comprising Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Safety Assist and Motorcyclist Safety. This roadmap marks a significant milestone for ASEAN NCAP in which there was the development of an assessment pillar that ensures the assessed vehicle avoids collision with vulnerable road-users, particularly motorcyclists.

Helping make cars safer

“When we first began our work in 2011, there were not many people who had such high confidence in us. We heard people say that we will only last for 3 months. Because of this assumption, we were determined to go against all odds to prove them wrong. I was blessed with a group of dedicated young people who were eager to learn about crash testing and, of course, their perseverance towards road safety research, which was a fairly new area at the time. Now I’m proud to see all our hard work have resulted in astounding achievements and we are making significant impact to the automotive industry with consumers safety is being placed huge importance in vehicle development,” said MIROS Director-General who is also ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General and Acting Chairman, Hon. Assistant Commissioner (CD) Adjunct Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim.

With a large number of accidents involving motorcyclists, ASEAN NCAP’s roadmap has given greater attention to protecting this group of road-users.

“The ‘Decade of Safer of Vehicle Award’ is our way of giving credit where it is due and also provide recognition to manufacturers who have consistently adhering to our protocol to ensure that their vehicles obtained 5-Star ratings. My wish is that the Award serves as a catalyst to encourage other manufacturers to continuously research and improve their respective vehicles by putting safety first in the development of the cars,” he added.

ASEAN NCAP’s efforts recognised at 2019 Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards

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


‘An Iconic Gathering’ of VW Beetles at Putrajaya

With production of the Volkswagen Beetle having ended this month, distributors, clubs and fans of the ‘Bug’ have been organising events and other activities to say farewell. In Malaysia, besides offering limited edition models, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) brought together Beetle owners from around the country.

The owners of 405 Beetles of the three generations since 1938 came together at the event entitled ‘
The Beetle, An Iconic Gathering
’, which was held at Putrajaya.

All three generations of the Beetle were present at the gathering.

Convoy through the city

The celebration kicked-off early yesterday morning with a convoy of 138 Beetles making their way through the streets of Kuala Lumpur before heading to Putrajaya. It was a colourful parade with many of the cars uniquely customised to reflect the personalities of their owners.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the owners who had come from as far north as Perlis and also from Johor Bahru for joining the special event.

“It was an emotional moment for us to see the rows and rows of colourful air-cooled and water-cooled Beetle cars and I believe all those who were present shared this sentiment,” he said. “This is a car that has united people across all walks of life, and they all gathered in Putrajaya over one common passion – the Beetle. The sense of kinship was apparent everywhere, and we are grateful to all owners, and especially to our Beetle car clubs and classic Volkswagen communities for making the event a success.”

“This is a car that has united people across all walks of life, and they all gathered in Putrajaya over one common passion – the Beetle.”

Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia

The outstanding Beetles

Out of the hundreds of Bugs present, three cars stood out from the crowd and were awarded ‘
Best in Show
’, while one Beetle, which garnered the most popular vote on social media, won ‘
Most Liked Car
’. The winners of the ‘
Best in Show
’ cars were Fairul Irwan, Raja Gopal and Thavanesan a/l Selvaratnam, while Siti Aishah Ismail’s Instagram posting of her Bug earned the ‘
Most Liked Car
’ title.

On display at the event was the
Collector’s Edition Beetle,
 launched in Malaysia just one day after the
 last Beetle rolled out from the production line at Volkswagen’s factory in Mexico
. It comes with accessories worth up to RM12,000, and each of the 75 units is priced at RM164,390. Besides an exclusive emblem in the car to identify it, each owner will receive an official Collector’s Edition certificate of ownership.

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


Custom Proton Suprima S Is Malaysian Entry In Hot Wheels Legends Tour Global Semi-Finals

Malaysia has been fortunate to be among the countries chosen to host the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. This is the world’s largest travelling car event which searches for a custom vehicle worthy of being immortalised as a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels die-cast vehicle.

In the past two years, one Malaysian entry has been picked for the Global Semi Finals and this year, the entry is most appropriate to represent the country: a customised 2015 Proton Suprima S. The car was built by William Chong, a trailer truck technician from Negeri Sembilan, who was among the 204 entries (a 25% increase over last year).

The Malaysian finals, held in collaboration with
Art of Speed Malaysia
, were judged by Hot Wheels designers Bryan Benedict, Design Director of Die-Cast Vehicles for the Hot Wheels and Matchbox Brands, and Brendon Vetuskey, the current lead designer of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Red Line Club vehicles.

The winning entry – a 2015 Proton Suprima S built by William Chong, a trailer truck technician from Negeri Sembilan
. [Proton images by Mcclubz]

They were joined by guest judges: Tengku Djan, DEV JBC, and Ahirine Ahirudin. Entries were judged on Authenticity, the embodiment of Hot Wheels; Creativity, a never-before-seen uniqueness; and Garage Spirit, exemplifying the ‘built not bought’ attitude.

International brand representation
“One of the things that I really love about working on these international Hot Wheels Legends events is that we are exposed to cars, culture, and brands that we don’t normally get to see. This [design] is just off the charts, super cool! With the bodykit, the slammed-to-the-ground stance, and spoiler, this thing would make a great Hot Wheels all the way. Completely, authentically, Hot Wheels!” said Brendon Vetuskey about Chong’s entry.

“I can’t believe my car been chosen to represent Malaysia at the Global Semi-Finals of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. What an honour! I’ve poured so much of myself into this build so to hear that the judges think it is cool and unique is a great feeling,” said Chong. “I hope I can make Malaysia proud!”

Chong’s entry was up against a great mix of car models from different brands. The other 11 finalists were Izat Emir Bin Embong (2018 Toyota Alphard), Abdul Hadi Nasrallah Bin Ahmad Ridzuan (1970 Datsun Laurel C130), Eiadywan Bin Sakroni (2015 Mitsubishi Triton), Toon Chin Yee (1979 Toyota Landcruiser HJ45), Mohd Saifful Bin Mohd Razuan (2012 VW Scirocco), Mohamad Hezri Bin Abdul Gani (1989 Daihatsu), Muhammad Fakhrullah Bin Zulkifli (2002 Perodua Kancil Custom), Mohd Faiza Bin Arshad (2003 Proton Arena), Chan Soon Aun (2017 Mercedes CLA 250), Norman Ng (2014 Porsche Boxter 981), and Darmah Raj (1997 Honda NSX). Sofyan Darmadi’s 1969 Vandetta VW Beetle was selected as the special guest pick by Tengku Djan.

THE 12 FINALISTS

“It’s really cool to me to see the unique car culture there is in Malaysia. There are unique brands like Proton and Perodua that we don’t see in the US and there’s a unique spin that people put on things that I find really intriguing. They’re done in a unique way that is distinctly Malaysian and I love that. I think that there’s a certain whimsy that I see in the Malaysian entries that’s exciting and in the spirit of what Hot Wheels Legends is all about,” said Bryan Benedict on the Malaysian entries.

Other countries where the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has been in its fifth year the USA, Canada, Spain, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, with Indonesia and the Philippines joining this year.

Semi-Finals on November 11
The winning cars from each country will be up against each other in the Hot Wheels Legends virtual Global Semi-Finals on November 11 with the finalists moving to the Global Grand Finale two days later.

As with previous years’ winners. the 2022 winner will have his custom build creation transformed into a one-of-a-kind limited-run die-cast model offered for sale in more than 150 countries around the world.

The Malaysian entries in the 2020 and 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour Semi Finals.
(Left)
Ravinder Singh’s winning ‘Mercenary’
 created from a Morris Minor and (right)
Abdul Wahab’s 1986 Daihatsu Mira van
.


Peugeot 208 Black Edition introduced in UK

Peugeot has chosen Catie Munnings as the automaker’s brand ambassador by choosing her to unveil the Peugeot 208 Black Edition. Munnings, is a rising star in the male dominated sport called rallying. At just 18, she became the first female British driver to win a European Rally tittle in nearly half a century. The young rookie is part of the Saintéloc Junior Rally Team, and with the aid of a Peugeot 208 R2, has become a formidable opponent on the rallying stage.

Munnings is working with the French automaker on a number of projects that are said to be in the pipeline, but the 208 Black Edition seems to be the most important of the lot at the moment. Graced with a number of unique exterior styling options to set it apart from the standard car, the 208 Black Edition can be ordered in a number of colours including Nera Black, Bianca White and Hurricane Grey which are complemented by 16-inch Titane gloss black alloy wheels.

The wheels feature white laser engraving which should be to the liking of those from the rallying fraternity. Apart from that, the grille and door mirror shells are painted gloss black but the latter comes with colour accents as well.

Under the hood of this particular Pug is a 1.2-litre PureTech 82bhp engine that is said to offer sprightly performance but still return a decent fuel consumption figure of 22km/L on a combined cycle. It ‘s the same power unit that was awarded “International Engine of the Year” title in the 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre category in 2015 and 2016.

Inside, the car features a 7-inch multi-function touchscreen infotainment system which features DAB Digital Radio, Bluetooth, CarPlay, MirrorLink and androidauto connectivity.

Peugeot expects the car to become a popular variant of the three-door 208 range and is also allowing customers in the UK to configure and order their 208 Black Edition as well as other models, from start to finish using Peugeot’s Order Online facility.


Season 8 of the all-electric Formula E world championship starts in Saudi Arabia today

A new season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starts today in Saudi Arabia, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Diriyah. Today and tomorrow, 22 drivers will race their electrically-powered single-seaters around one of the most technically challenging tracks of the series – under lights as the race will be run after sunset.

The 11 teams will be participating in the first of 16 races on the 2022 and reigning World Champions Nyck de Vries and Mercedes-EQ are looking to defend their Drivers’ and Teams’ World Championship titles the team leaves the series. The Mercedes-EQ team will not continue into the Gen3 era, a move which was announced after the final race of Season 7.

Final round of Season 7 in Berlin last year.

Three new drivers

While their closest rivals from last season field unchanged line-ups, this season sees three new drivers take a seat in the most competitive Formula E grid to date, including new addition and ex-Formula 1 racer, Antonio Giovinazzi. Mitch Evans and Sam Bird are back with Jaguar TCS Racing while DS TECHEETAH confirmed that double champion Jean-Eric Vergne once again lines up with Season 6 title-winner Antonio Felix da Costa.

Envision Racing will seek to build on a positive Season 7, with Robin Frijns impressing on the way to fifth in the standings last time out, and Nick Cassidy is no longer just the head-turning rookie but a serious contender. After a storming maiden campaign, Avalanche Andretti’s Jake Dennis is back and is joined by the only American driver on the grid, 2019 Indy Lights champ Oliver Askew.

ROKiT Venturi Racing head into a new campaign full of optimism with last year’s runner up Edoardo Mortara joined by 2016/17 champion Lucas di Grassi at the Monegasque team this season. TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team’s all-German line-up remains where Pascal Wehrlein and Andre Lotterer go again in search of Porsche’s maiden race win in all-electric motorsport as Oliver Rowland joins countryman Alexander Sims at Mahindra Racing.

Maximilian Guenther makes the switch to Nissan e.dams, alongside 2015/16 champion Sebastien Buemi, while DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT snapped up Antonio Giovinazzi fresh from Formula 1, with the Italian joining Sergio Sette Camara. At NIO 333, Oliver Turvey is joined by multiple Macau Grand Prix winner and current FIA Formula 2 Championship front-runner Dan Ticktum.

New Safety Car for Formula E – the Porsche Taycan.

Revised regulations

From Season 8, Formula E races can now have additional race time of up to 10 minutes added when incidents cause Safety Car or Full Course Yellow neutralisations during the 45-minute plus one lap race.

This being the final season for the Gen2 racing cars, they will be pushed to the max. During races, the drivers will be able to tap into 220 kW of power, which is 200 kW more than the last season. When available, power generation during ATTACK MODE will also increase to 250 kW from 235 kW.

There’s a new qualifying format for this season featuring Groups and knockout Duels. It’s a first in world motorsport and will debut in Diriyah to provide a completely new challenge for drivers and teams to tackle.

Double-header after sunset

Formula E broke new ground with its first night races, working closely with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport to turn the dream of a sustainable night race into reality at an adapted Riyadh Street Circuit. The fast and flowing 21-turn 2.49-km circuit, flanking the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, will once again be lit up by the latest low-power LED technology. These reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to non-LED units, and are powered by sustainably-sourced biofuel generators.

Formula E manufacturers are set to take delivery of Gen3 cars in coming months for further intensive development testing on and off the track. These new racing cars are said to be the world’s most efficient racing cars with a series of design, performance and sustainability innovations. The Gen3 car will be the first formula car with both front and rear powertrains: a new front powertrain adds 250 kW to the 350 kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 car to a total of 600 kW.

Maserati to officially return to racing in 2023 with a team in Formula E


Britain’s new law allows drivers to watch TV while on the move – with autonomous vehicles

Autonomous cars – vehicles which can operate on their own without a driver in control – are now already available, with Tesla’s cars best known for such an advanced feature (which costs an extra US$10,000) at this time. Other carmakers are also offering limited levels of autonomous motoring in their newer models as well, but use of such a feature requires approval by each country’s authorities. Malaysia, as with many countries, does not yet allow autonomous cars, as highlighted in a recent case where a Singapore-registered car was shown to be travelling on a Malaysian highway without the driver in control.

Even in countries where autonomous vehicles can operate, there are only certain sections of highways that their autonomous operation can be activated. This is because the road infrastructure has to be properly designed with standardized signage and clear road markings. The cameras on autonomous vehicles are the ‘eyes’ of the computer which assesses the surroundings and makes decision based on what it ‘sees’.

The systems in autonomous vehicles have to be able to recognise signs and road markings for the vehicle to proceed safely and not hit other objects. They also need to be able to recognise traffic lights so that the vehicle will be brought to a stop if the light is red.

Who is responsible for accidents?

The other more important issue is legal provisions since the vehicle is not under the control of the driver. If there is an accident when under autonomous operation, can the driver be held liable? Or should the manufacturer be responsible for damages? Different countries are examining this legal responsibility and in Britain, the legal changes necessary have been put forward which will allow the use of autonomous vehicles and how legal issues will be dealt with.

The new law considers the person in the driver’s seat as a ‘user-in-charge’ and will not be prosecuted for offences such as exceeding speed limits or not stopping at red lights if the vehicle is operating autonomously. However, the user-in-charge still has certain responsibilities such as ensuring that everyone has their seatbelts on and that the vehicle is not overloaded. Being drunk while using an autonomous vehicle will still be an offence.

The driver will be the ‘user-in-charge’ when the vehicle is operating autonomously, but will not be considered liable if there is an accident. This responsibility will be the manufacturer’s and/or software developer for the autonomous system, and insurance companies will pay compensation accordingly.

Responsibility for an accident will be directed to the Authorized Self-Driving Entity (ASDE), an entity that applied for authorization of the automated vehicle. This can be the manufacturer of the vehicle or the software developer of the automated driving systems (or both parties).

There already exists in British law an Act which makes reference to automated vehicles. Introduced in 2018 as the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act, it states that victims who suffer injury or damage from a vehicle operating independently will not need be charged and the insurance company will pay compensation as specified.

Can watch TV, cannot use mobilephone

The new law allowing the full benefits of autonomous vehicles to be used are expected to be introduced in the middle of 2022. Apart from the convenience of travelling long distances without actually driving the car, motorists can look forward to being able to watch movies or other broadcasts on their journey. Or they could read a book or have a meal without having to also pay attention to the road ahead (although it would still be a good idea to do so).

Strangely though, use of a mobilephone is still considered illegal. The thinking behind this is that the display on an infotainment screen can be interrupted to display a warning message in an emergency when the driver may have to take over control of the car. A mobilephone would not have such a capability since it is an entirely independent device.

The new law in Britain would allow the driver to watch TV or read a book (or even eat) but using a mobilephone (below) would still be an offence.

Self-driving and ADAS

The new rules are a first step in allowing use of autonomous vehicles on British roads and they also clarify the difference between cars that are ‘self-driving’ and those with advanced driver assistance features (ADAS). The latter can already be found in many cars today, common ones being automatic emergency braking, cruise control and lane-keeping. ADAS, also referred to as Level 2 autonomy,  helps drivers avoid accidents or minimize their effects but the driver must have control as well.

Autonomous vehicles have many sensors – cameras and radar – around the car to constantly scan the surroundings so that the car will avoid them.

What the computer ‘sees’ from images captured by cameras (pictured below) on the car.

As with most other countries, an autonomous vehicle would have to be homologated by the authorities before it can be used on public roads. No doubt new testing will be formulated to assess autonomous systems, just as the authorities have had to regularly update their testing as technologies have advanced.

Laws have to be periodically updated to take into account new technologies and Britain is doing so not just to keep pace with the changes but also see it as beneficial to the country’s economy. With clear laws that permit usage of autonomous vehicles, there can be more activity in R&D to develop the technology and related products. By 2035, around 38,000 new, high-skilled jobs could be created within the industry that would be worth £41.7 billion.

Some concept cars already suggest that, in future, autonomous vehicles will allow the driver to be completely uninvolved in operating the vehicle. But will it then be driving?

Human drivers use two eyes, autonomous cars need three eyes


SDAC year-end promotion for Ford owners – save money and get free merchandise when servicing vehicle

Malaysians are on the roads again, motoring all over the country after having been stuck in their own states for a long time due to cross-border travelling not being permitted. While it was unpleasant and even distressing, it was necessary to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

With the end of restrictions, we can now go anywhere we want (unless a specific area is under an Enhanced Movement Control Order) and with the end of the year coming up as well as the festive season starting, many will be on the highways.

Such long-distance travelling means that the vehicle should be in a proper running condition to avoid breakdowns that can really spoil a holiday or balik kampung journey. A breakdown will cause delays and inconvenience, but failure of brakes could result in an accident, which will be serious.

To ensure that the vehicle is in good running condition and for peace of mind, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is having its year-end and Chinese New Year service promotion for Ford owners. The promotion starts
from December 1, 2021 and continues until February 15, 2022.

Up to 20% Savings

Ford owners who book a service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on parts and 10% on labour fees for lubricants, brake and timing belt packages in addition to selected parts.

All vehicles brought to the authorised service centre for servicing will go through a 27-point inspection, conducted by Ford-certified technicians. This inspection covers many areas related to safety and will ensure that the vehicles are in tip-top condition for the long journey.

Genuine Ford Parts with warranty

When servicing at any Authorised Ford Service Centre nationwide, vehicle owners can rest assured that only original genuine Ford parts are used. These parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and designed specifically for Ford vehicles. In the event of problems with the parts installed, there is a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever occurs first), excluding wear and tear parts.

Free merchandise

Vehicle owners who top up on lubricant packages with an additional RM40 spend on any parts or service will receive a free exclusive Ford-branded face mask. For brake and timing belt packages, those who spend an extra RM500 on parts or service will get an exclusive denim woven bag in addition to a Ford face mask. All merchandise will be available while stocks last.

“With travel restrictions now eased, people are looking forward to travelling back to their hometowns or taking weekend trips this holiday season. Our service promotion is timely for this occasion and Ford customers can take advantage of this service and maintenance promotion to stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

How to make an appointment

Ford owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website at their convenience, anytime and from anywhere. They can specify an authorised dealership or choose one closest to them anywhere in Malaysia. The real-time e-Service appointment booking option available allows owners to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).

The authorised service centres are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching. To make a service appointment booking online,
click here
.

For more information regarding the promotion or about Ford vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit
www.sdacford.com.my

No charges for scheduled servicing during first two years of Ford Ranger ownership


Politeknik Port Dickson wins Proton marketing competition

The
Proton ‘Intelligence that Inspires Challenge’
 concluded its final round last Monday (29 July 2019) where 12 teams competed at the Proton’s Centre of Excellence (COE). Politeknik Port Dickson emerged as the champion of the latest Proton marketing competition where they wowed the judges with their final presentation.

Team Eureka won the judges’ votes which consisted of members of the senior management of Proton as well as esteemed members of the media with their brilliant ideas and presentation delivery. Team Alpha from Taylor’s Lakeside Campus scored second while Team Alpha Visionaries of UTAR Kampar scored third overall.

According to Mr Cheng Seng Fook, Proton’s Director of Sales & Marketing, “The high level of original thinking, creativity and confidence shown by each team in the final was a welcome surprise for the judges. We all remember what we were like as students so to come up before a panel of industry experts and to present their ideas clearly would have required a lot of practice and self-assurance.”

“I think every team in the final is already made up of winners who have a bright future in any industry they wish to join, so it’s reassuring to see the future of our country will soon be in the hands of some very smart Malaysians.”

D Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, was also there during the event where he stated “Proton targets to sell more than 100,000 cars in 2020 and we also intend to finish at the top in our class for Customer Service Index (CSI) and Sales Service Index (SSI) scores. To achieve this, we will add to our industry leading number of 3S/4S outlets from 100 to 150 by the end of next year.”

“Proton will also continuously improve its product quality and our long-term goal is to match the quality audit score of Geely. Combine these elements with our future product launches and I am confident of our plan to return to the top.”

LOOKING BACK: My first encounter with Malaysia’s first National Car in 1985


Donkervoort F22 – World’s Lightest Road-Legal Supercar At 750 Kgs

Following last year’s generational change in the Dutch family-owned Donkervoort Automobielen, the company has now unveiled its first supercar – the F22, which can lay claim to being the lightest road-legal supercar in the world at just 750 kgs. It maintains the brand’s historic open-wheel layout while breaking new ground in every area, from construction to design.

The F22, which marks the end of the
D8 GTO
 era, is the first new model since Denis Donkervoort took over as the company’s driving force after the retirement of his father, Joop Donkervoort, who started the company in 1978. To date, Donkervoort has sold more than 1,500 cars ranging from comfortable tourers to track-focussed models.

The original plan was to offer 50 units of the F22 for sale but when the design sketches were released, the entire production run was booked by Donkervoort Ambassador program members. This led the company to increase total production to 75 units, with each unit priced from starts from €245,000 (around RM1.137 million).

“The F22 is the pinnacle of what we know with lightweight engineering, strength, combustion engines and pure speed,” said Donkervoort, who is a racing driver himself. “The F22 gives drivers new levels of speed, handling, driving purity, design and practicality, and shows the world where Donkervoort is going in the future.”

“It is brimming with Donkervoort innovations, like the Ex-Core carbonfibre doors and the Twin Targa roof, but it also is the product of extraordinary teamwork at Donkervoort and leverages working relationships we have made over 43 years. With the arrival of the Donkervoort F22, no other supercar is worth its weight,” he added.

The F22 development team had an extreme obsession with weight reduction – even by Donkervoort standards – as the car grew physically larger to accommodate owner requests and legislation from three continents.

Driving purity has been redefined by doubling the F22’s torsional and bending rigidity (compared to the outgoing D8 GTO Individual Series), thanks to a hybrid chassis construction of thin-wall steel tube and Ex-Core carbonfibre chassis construction.

The heart of the F22’s powertrain is the front mid-engined 5-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-litre engine sourced from Audi Sport. Donkervoort engineers have tuned it for even more power, torque and low-end drivability, bumping output to 500 bhp, with peak torque at 640 Nm. Top speed is claimed to be 290 km/h, and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be done in 2.5 seconds.

The potent engine was one of the key advantages in the weight-saving campaign, with Donkervoort avoiding hybrid and electric powertrains and the hundreds of kilograms they would have added. Besides saving at least 12 kgs over a 6-speed or 7-speed gearbox, the shorter 5-speed unit means the F22 can carry the engine further rearward, in a front-mid engine position, to optimise its balance and handling. The short-throw gearbox utilises Bosch rev-matching technology, with the option to switch it off to allow drivers to use their heel-and-toe skills.

The gearbox and engine mate to a taut Torsen limited-slip differential, encased in new housing that no longer requires an additional cooling system for concentrated track work. The new housing is stronger and helps minimise driveline noise in the passenger compartment. The multi-step traction-control system can be adjusted to suit the driver’s preferences or road conditions.

While the D8 GTO-JD70 was the first supercar to cross the 2
g
 cornering threshold, the sophistication of the F22’s all-new chassis takes extreme grip even further to 2.15
g
. More significantly, the F22 adds an entirely new dimension of day-to-day liveability and versatility when it is not driven to the outer limits of its abilities.

The chassis is a hybrid of tubular steel and Donkervoort’s carbonfibre expertise, including the liberal use of the breakthrough Ex-Core carbon sandwich system. The result is a body-in-white with a 100%t boost in torsional and bending rigidity over the outgoing D8 GTO Individual Series and commensurate increases in both active and passive safety.

This ultra-stiff core chassis delivers a quantum leap in handling and suspension accuracy while remaining ultra-light. “The key to everything we do is weight. The less weight you carry, the less weight you have to stop, turn and accelerate, and the less fuel you use and the more intimate the car can be,” Donkervoort explained. “The F22 is not all about horsepower or speed, specifications or numbers. It’s personal, and it’s about what driving means to its drivers because perspective is everything.”

The F22 employs a new active shock absorber system, something that the company has wanted to use for many years. “At a track day, you had to adjust the ride height and dampers manually but now you can do that from the cockpit,” said Donkervoort, adding that the new dampers include an adjustable hydraulic ride-height system.

After using the AR-1 from Taiwanese tyremaker Nankang on its predecessor, Donkervoort built on the relationship with its official tyre supplier by developing custom AR-1 tyres for the F22,going up an inch in diameter.

While alloy wheels are standard equipment, the F22 can be fitted with either forged rims or carbonfibre rims, both of which save weight where it counts most and add rigidity. The standard alloy rim is 12 kgs; the forged alloy weighs 8 kgs per wheel, while the carbonfibre rims are just 5.4 kgs each.

The 2-door F22 is 4039 mm in overall length, 1912 mm wide and 1105 mm high, which makes it a larger car that its predecessor. The extra 264 mm of length over its predecessor has been used to sculpt a slipperier aerodynamic surface, helping it to clock faster track times with added aerodynamic stability. There is also a significantly larger cabin, with the extra 80 mm of shoulder width and 100 mm of cabin length.

The completely new interior uses optional custom-designed, lightweight Recaro seats and the first 6-point harnesses approved both for racing and road use. The Twin Targa uses two carbonfibre roof plates on either side of a removable central Ex-Core carbonfibre bar. Each roof plate contains its own small spoiler for high-speed stability and noise reduction. Each can be removed and stored in a matching bag to fit the luggage compartment.

The longer, sleeker, more aggressive-looking F22 pays tribute to Donkervoort’s history while setting a course for future designs. Some of the highlights of the design include a new 3-piece Twin Targa carbonfibre removable roof,  the retention of an open-wheel layout and a more spacious, comfortable interior.

The F22 also opens the door to the world of hypercar customization. It can be customised and personalised by its owners long before a single piece of carbonfibre or leather has even been measured. There are core choices to make for buyers, including whether they prefer a steering system with no servo assistance or a lightweight, electronically powered, adjustable power-assistance system. Beyond that, even the smallest detail of the F22 can be customised, from one-off paintwork and interior design to embossing the owner’s initials or business logo into the seat trims.

Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 R – hypercar performance at supercar pricing

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Audi Q5 and Q7 earns top marks in crash tests

This may not be much of a surprise to many, but the Audi Q5 and Q7 have been awarded the 5-Star safety rating, the highest possible score for crash safety. The US’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the rating for it’s new car assessment programme. This figure is based on an overall score of frontal and side crash tests.

“Having the Q5 and Q7 earn the highest safety rating from NHTSA shows our commitment to make overall crash worthiness and superior driver assistance systems a top priority for our customers,” said Scott Keogh, president, Audi of America.

Both vehicles come equipped with Audi’s pre-sense safety systems that offer a slew of safety features. For instance, when an impact is imminent, the system shuts the windows and panoramic roof, then tightens the front seat belts to keep occupants in a secured position.

Adding to that, the system can apply braking pressure when it senses an impending collision. Sensors on the sides monitor the blind spots and warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles there. Working together, these systems ensure that both the Q5 and Q7 minimize the risk of collisions.

Like other German automakers, occupant safety is one of the highest priorities for Audi. Its current product line offer some of the best levels of safety. And the introduction of autonomous tech should improve safety standards even further and help reduce the severity of vehicle collisions.


Formula E: Da Costa Collects First Win With TAG Heuer Porsche Team In Cape Town

After racing at a brand new track in Hyderabad, India, for Round 3 of the ABB Formula E World Championship, the drivers headed southwest to another new venue – Cape Town in South Africa. While not the first Formula E event in Africa as previous events have also been run in Marrakesh, Morocco, since 2016, the Cape Town circuit is the fastest of this 16-race season.

The 2.921 km circuit is around the DHL Stadium, skirting the coastline with the famous Table Mountain as a backdrop. The surface had bumpy braking zones, a tight chicane at Turns 4, 5 and 6 and a pacy, narrow section midway around the lap that would challenge the GEN3 racing cars.

Antonio Felix da Costa drove a storming race from 11th on the grid to his first win for TAG Heuer Porsche in the event, after producing a carbon copy of one of the best moves you’ll ever see for the lead, on two separate occasions. The Season 6 champion returned to form last time out with third in Hyderabad but this was something else in a properly attritional race with just 13 drivers finishing the knife-edge encounter.

The Porsche driver had clambered his way through the top 10 and into the top three by Lap 20. With the pack squeezed by a Full Course Yellow on Lap 21, the top four were split by just 1.5 seconds and the scrap for the lead was anybody’s.

Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy had outdone impressive rookie and polesitter Sacha Fenestraz and Maximilian Guenther through the first round of ATTACK MODE activations – going longer before opting for his initial 50kW boost and creeping into the lead.

Read more about the Official Safety Car of Formula E

With the quartet up front nose to tail after Guenther clipped a wall and had to retire, Cassidy got ahead of Fenestraz – by less than half-a-second with da Costa and Vergne for company. The former teammates in third and fourth swept by Fenestraz as the Nissan jumped through the ATTACK MODE loop and set about leader Cassidy.

The move for P1 was one of the best ever seen. On Lap 24, Da Costa produced an outrageous pass to steal the lead from Cassidy at the trickiest part of the track –Turns 7, 8 and 9 that had been the site of three crashes earlier in the weekend. The Porsche driver surged around the outside of Turn 7 and made it stick up the inside at Turn 8 – keeping his foot in.

Then he pulled enough of a gap to take his second mandatory ATTACK MODE and retake the lead but he missed the activation loop, handing the lead to Hyderabad winner Vergne a lap later. The Frenchman had never had back-to-back wins to this point.

The former teammates then fought to the flag. Vergne, having taken just one of his 11 victories to-date by more than 2 seconds. The gap was half a second with the full 30 laps down and just two added on for the time lost to cautions to come.

On Lap 21, Da Costa then tried the same stunning overtaking maneuver once again, this time on Vergne – one of the toughest competitors who has been in the series since 2014 . As before, there was no room to breathe but he still sent it around the outside of Turn 7 into 8 and 9 and on to a memorable race win in spite of being under tremendous pressure from the DS PENSKE driver.

Meanwhile, Fenestraz had made it by Cassidy to take a potential podium but heartbreakingly, the Nissan driver hit the wall on the final lap. So near, yet so far for the rookie after another super impressive race weekend.

Rene Rast (NEOM McLaren) steered to a cool fourth after a six-place gain, while Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing) took the flag fifth. Dan Ticktum ensured NIO 333 would score strongly again with a sixth-place finish – two top sixes on the bounce for the Anglo-Chinese outfit which has started GEN3 well.

Reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne settled for relative scraps and seventh, while his teammate steered to the podium. Norman Nato (Nissan), Andre Lotterer (TAG Heuer Porsche) and Jake Hughes (NEOM McLaren) rounded out the top 10 and the points.

The poor luck for the Jaguar TCS Racing team didn’t let up. Sam Bird’s damaged car wasn’t fit to make the start after his qualifying shunt, then Mitch Evans was slapped with a drive-through penalty for an overpower violation, dropping him out of a strong fourth spot at the time, early in the race.

Avalanche Andretti’s Jake Dennis had worked his way up to ninth, looking to capitalise on standings leader Wehrlein’s retirement, but he’d be shot down by a drive-through penalty for under-pressured tyres.

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

Despite that retirement, Wehrlein still leads the Drivers’ World Championship with 80 points to Jake Dennis’ 62 points. Vergne jumps to 50 points in third with da Costa now into fourth on 46. Porsche head Envision Racing 126 points to 84 in the Teams’ running.

The team will continue westward another 4,000 kms to Brazil and yet another new circuit in Sao Paolo on March 25. That’s three new cities for the single-seater all-electric series which began in September 2014. Because the racing cars have zero emissions, they are allowed to run on city streets. Of course, the same high standards of protective measures for spectators as specified by the FIA must also be met.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Perodua helps to discourage littering from motor vehicles

We often take pride in being a developed country with modern facilities and infrastructure. Yet when it comes to keeping our environment clean, it can be often seen that we are lacking. Apart from indiscriminate dumping of rubbish by the roadsides and in the jungles, we also see occupants of motor vehicles thinking nothing of throwing their rubbish out of the window onto the road.

To help discourage littering from vehicles, Perodua is working together with a Malaysian government agency to educate the public on maintaining a cleaner environment, starting with the nation’s roads. The Malaysian carmaker will collaborate with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) – an agency under the purview of the Housing and Local Government Ministry – on the latter’s
1:0 ‘One Vehicle, Zero Litter’
campaign

Mini-bins for motorists

To start of the campaign, volunteers from Perodua and SWCorp recently gave away 500 in-vehicle mini-bins to motorists and motorcyclists at a petrol station next to the Jalan Duta toll plaza on the PLUS Highway. The mini-bins were presented with a message reminding them to bring their litter home instead of throwing it out of their vehicles.

The volunteers also held up colourful placards displaying anti-littering messages, while prominently-placed banners and buntings duly caught the attentions of motorists exiting the toll plaza.

“Perodua shares the government’s vision for a cleaner and greener Malaysia. We believe a combination of education and enforcement will have a lasting impact on our society,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad. “It is Perodua’s hope that as Malaysia enters her 62nd year of independence, we can all play our part in showing the maturity of our mindsets and allowing cleanliness to be part of our lives.”

Reduce, reuse and recycle

“We hope Malaysians can reduce, reuse and recycle their waste as far as possible. We all have to start somewhere. After our own homes, the car is the next place we spend the most time in, and if we can keep our cars clean, the rest of our lives will follow,” he added.

Within Perodua’s headquarters and manufacturing campus in Sungai Choh are its Laman Hijau recreational common and its 1,500-square metre ECO Garden, both of which incorporate many sustainable elements. Solar panels and rainwater-harvesting systems also feature on many of its campus buildings.

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


Art of Speed Kota Bharu 2019 ready to rock!

Heads up, boys and girls! The Art of Speed Kota Bharu 2019 has rolled into the state capital of Kelantan. The event that celebrates everything art in the automotive culture will be held today and tomorrow (March 22
nd
-23
rd
) together with the
Kelantan Art & Culture Festival Volume 2 2019
.

The two-day art extravaganza will take place at the Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV where it’ll be spearheaded by the folks from
Art of Speed Malaysia
,
405 Industries
, and
Rachun Motor Club
. Everyone who is interested in custom bikes, classic cars, food and drinks (everyone loves this!) plus live music can come on down and have a ball with these lovely lads.

The amazing
‘White Angel’
 custom machine built by Muhammad Khalid Musa of
The Rusty Factory
 from Ipoh will also make a special appearance at #AOSKB19. This amazing custom BMW R75/6 won both the judge and public choices in its first show entry. This beautiful rolling art on wheel was also declared champion in the ‘New Frame Only’ category just last month at the prestigious Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2019!

Other exciting events that will take place tomorrow (March 23
rd
) would be the ‘March of the Mods’ by the
Kelantan Mods Gengs
 and many beautiful merchandises plus rare collectible items up for sale. So get dressed, start up your vehicles, and make your way to the Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV now!


UMW Toyota Introduces Upgraded Avanza 1.5X

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd will soon introduce a new variant to its popular Avanza MPV, called the
Avanza 1.5X
 which has a revised and more rugged theme to its appearance. This new variant is nowopen for booking with prices starting from
RM82,700
 (excluding insurance, for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia).

The upgraded Avanza will be available for viewing after
24th February 2018
 at all UMW Toyota showrooms nationwide, but as mentioned bookings are already being accepted.

Avanza 1.5X Key External Appearance Changes…

The new variant comes with front and rear bumpers with black coloured extensions and silver mouldings, as well as over-fenders around the wheel arches. The over-fenders, finished in black, provide additional protection from road debris which may be thrown up by the wheels. At the same time, it visually lessens the gap between the tyres and wheel arches.

The side cladding also contributes to the rugged image while having a functional purpose of protecting the bodywork. New rear combination reflector units are integrated with the rear lights, providing a stylish touch at the rear end of the Avanza 1.5X.

Want to know more?

For the full Press Release, click here:
011_New Toyota Avanza 1.5X

For the full Price List, click here:
Avanza price summary 2018


Hispano Suiza team unveils all-electric off-roader for Extreme E

Hispano Suiza, a Spanish carmaker that was founded over 100 years ago and reappeared in recent years with the aim of becoming one of Europe’s most luxurious and exclusive car manufacturers, will be among the brands participating in the inaugural season of Extreme E. The team has been formed in association with the energy drink brand, XITE ENERGY.

The entry marks the brand’s return to competition 100 years from Andre Dubonnet´s win in the George Boillot Cup, behind the wheel of the H6 Coupe in France.

The all-new motorsports championship is based on three pillars: electrification, environment and equality. All participating vehicles will be powered only by electricity and their battery packs are to be recharged with hydrogen-based fuel.

The teams will travel the world by ship, which will minimize the carbon footprint of transport, and a group of scientific researchers will accompany the championship at each of its appointments, thus contributing to research in areas affected by the climate change.

The season, which begins in March 2021 and ends in December the same year, will travel through different continents and extreme locations, such as the Saudi Arabia desert, the Pink Lake of Senegal, Greenland, the Amazon and Tierra del Fuego, in Argentina. Each of the 5 events on the calendar will show the environmental impact the areas have suffered over the past decades.

The ‘equality’ mentioned as one of the pillars refers to gender equality in motor racing. Therefore, all teams will be made up of a man and a woman, both having driving roles. In the case of Hispano Suiza XITE ENERGY team, the crew will be Oliver Bennett and Christine Giampaoli Zonca.

Oliver Bennett is a 28-year-old British driver with experience in rallycross competitions. In 2016, he made his debut in the British Rallycross Championship and the following season he fought for the title. He also made his debut in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, where he has competed in recent seasons. Bennet has also participated in a number of Americas Rallycross events and the Gymkhana GRID in Cape Town in 2018, where he put on a great performance.

Christine Giampaoli Zonca, better known as Christine GZ, is a 27-year old Italian-Canary driver. In 2014, in her full-time debut in competition, she achieved her first victory in a gravel rally, becoming regional champion of the Canary Islands in FWD vehicles, as well as in group B4. In 2016, she made her debut in the World Rally Championship at Rally de Catalunya as a member of the first all-female rally team, and won the women’s category of the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship. She has continued to gain experience in off-road races in the USA and Mexico, taking part in events such as the Baja 1000 as well as the Andalucia Road to Dakar Rally.

“I think that having mixed teams will be a great opportunity to give female drivers more visibility and will contribute to have a stronger female presence in motorsport in the future. I am extremely happy to share a car with Oliver; he is a great driver and I have followed his career for a while now and I am sure that we are going to complement each other perfectly. Now I’m just looking forward to racing and doing my best for our team,” she said.

After Formula E, Extreme E will take electric cars into off-road competition


Aygo X prologue previews a new Toyota city car for Europe

Just as Toyota established Calty in California in 1973 as an advanced design studio to develop new models, mainly for the US market, it also set up a design studio in Europe to develop products more tailored for that region.

Located in the south of France, the facility known as ED
2
 has been in operation since 2000 and is now Toyota’s European Design Headquarters. ED
2
 was responsible for carrying out design studies, especially of A-segment models, and was a major contributor to the original Yaris project. It was also responsible for the original concept for the C-HR crossover SUV.

Preview of the next Aygo?

Now ED
2
 is also bringing the same visual boldness to small cars with the Aygo X prologue, a concept model which is likely to be a preview of the next generation of the Aygo that was introduced in 2005. The Aygo was jointly developed by Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen (which have their own versions) and is also built as a factory in the Czech Republic which is jointly owned by the three companies.

“With the Aygo X prologue, I believe we’ve demonstrated that a small car can still be big and bold in personality,” said Ken Billes, Assistant Chief Designer at ED². The design has unique DNA and meets the demands of customers wanting flair, distinctiveness, and the chance to make a personal statement. Building on the model’s style icon position, ED² set out to design a new car specifically for them.

ED² assigned a dedicated team to focus on a unified message from start to finish and they became quickly convinced that there was an opportunity to bring a bolder and stronger design. From this conviction, the Aygo X prologue was born.

Bigger and taller

With the Aygo X prologue, an additional cheeky mischievousness is added to the mix. It’s just as fun like the current model, now with an added edginess to it. From every angle, it expresses a strong personality and an even stronger stance. By bumping up the size of the wheels, the driver sits higher and has a higher eye point for greater visibility, while additional clearance underneath will be appreciated when travelling on rough roads.

A bold bi-tone execution creates a unique graphic profile that grabs attention in the street by emphasizing the car’s readiness to leap forward into action. The wedged roofline also increases the dynamic feeling for a more aggressive sporty image. High-tech headlamps hug the upper bonnet to form a wing-like shape while, lower to the ground are the large hexagonal grille, foglamps and skidplate.

For the adventurous and active types

Practicality is an important aspect for the Aygo X prologue. The rear skidplate houses a bicycle-holder mount while, housed in the door mirror is an action-camera ready to record adventures at any time. An integrated roof rack accentuates the vehicle’s profile, as well as creating a visual link with the hexagon tail lamps, a subtle reminder of the Aygo DNA.

The designers at ED
2
 understand that, in life, colours are central to our emotions. For the Aygo X prologue, a ‘spicy’ concept to life is created with inspiration from certain ingredients such as chilli, ginger, wasabi and black pepper. Moreover, use of bi-tone was an additional invitation to take colour balances to another level with the inclusion of a fine sprinkling of blue metallic flake into the paint mix. The resulting dazzling effect makes the colour fully deserving of its name of Sparkling Chilli Red.

Working differently but together

The challenging project of creating the Aygo X prologue under present conditions has been a great test of the agile process of fast and fluid design development at ED
2
. Whether together or remotely, ED² design team members worked seamlessly from hand-sketching to digital sketch-modelling, to virtual reality simulations, to 3D ‘speedshapes’, right to the final car itself.

Although Toyota does not officially state that the Aygo x prologue will become the next generation of the Aygo, it looks pretty much like a production-ready design and will certainly be on a version of the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that is now used for all new models.

First generation of the Aygo was introduced in Europe in 2005. (above). It is currently in its second generation (below) which was launched in 2014.

Toyota Yaris wins 2021 European Car of the Year title