4th generation Toyota Harrier launched, priced from RM249,706

While the Lexus RX is often regarded as the model that took SUVs into the premium segment, its sister model, the Toyota Harrier, also did the same. The only thing was that while the RX was marketed globally, the Harrier was primarily for the Japanese domestic market as the Lexus brand was not introduced there in 1997 when the RX was launched. However, in a number of places, including Malaysia, the Harrier was brought in by private importers and became very popular. It was never officially sold by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) until 2018 and with the popularity built up over 20 years, it met with strong response with initial shipments from Japan quickly sold out.

First three generations of the Harrier.

Today, the all-new fourth generation is officially launched with a price of
RM249,706.50
, excluding insurance for registration in Peninsular Malaysia. Only the 2.0 Luxury version is available, and customers can choose from 5 exterior colours (extra charge for White Pearl CS and Precious Black colours).

5-year warranty and aftersales support assured

According to UMWT, Malaysia is one of only two countries outside Japan where the new Harrier is sold officially with full warranty and aftersales support. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and assurance of parts and service are something that were not available from private importers which has been a strong selling point for the model. Furthermore, the company also provides owners with Toyota 24 Seven Road Assist for peace of mind.

Like other recent Toyota models, the new generation (incidentally, Lexus no longer shared the model since the previous generation and the Harrier is an independent development), is designed around Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) with the GA-K platform. TNGA’s versatility and flexibility allows it to be used for sedans like the Corolla and also SUVs like the RAV4 and Harrier, and even electrified models like the Prius. Besides creating a highly rigid body structure, the centre of gravity is also lower which enhances stability, handling, agility and ride comfort.

Wider but lower body

The overall size of the new Harrier is almost the same as before but the width has gained 20 mm while an extra 30 mm has been added to the wheelbase, both increases obviously benefitting interior space. Although there is still good ground clearance, as would be expected of a SUV, the overall height is now 30 mm lower.

The profile follows the same coupe-like form with a design concept Toyota calls ‘Dignified Elegance’. The front end has a sharper appearance with the eye-catching slim Bi-LED headlamps on either side. The L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) also provide a strong and distinctive visual signature apart from enhancing daytime visibility. The rear has a clean design, defined by a thin LED strip for the full width, while twin exhaust pipes with oval baffles add a sporty touch.

‘Dignified Elegance’

The ‘Dignified Elegance’ concept is also adopted for the interior which gets a more premium feel. The occupants are welcomed with the Illuminated Entry System at the front door sills which is complemented by blue LED illumination inside. Premium materials used include thick black leather with woodgrain and silver ornamentation.

Any driver should be able to get the right and comfortable seating position with 12-way power adjustment for the seat, and for ease of getting in and out, the steering wheel automatically rises out of the way when the engine is switched off and the door opened.

The Automatic Dual-Zone Air Conditioning system has nanoeX technology which generates ions. First introduced with a previous generation of the Camry, nanoeX technology is known to deactivate viruses which is, of course, a very welcome feature in these times. It also keeps the air fresh and clean.

High-tech features

Besides the bright and clear Optitron instrument panel, the driver can also refer to the standard Head-Up Display (HUD) which is projected on the windscreen. Information show includes road speed, gear position, Driving Support System (directions, ACC display, LDA Display, Parking Sensor), audio mode with song titles, and warning alerts. That’s certainly a lot more than the early HUDs which showed only the speed.

The new Harrier has Panoramic Sunroof with electrochromatic glass which can alter the intensity of light passing through at the touch of a switch. The effect is like that of traditional paper windows found in Japan, enhancing comfort. The glass panels cover almost the entire length of the roof so a lot of light can be allowed in when sunlight conditions are not too harsh or at night.

The other high-tech feature is the new Digital Display Rear View Mirror. This shows live images from a wide-angle high-definition camera at the back to give greater night-driving clarity and eliminates glare from oncoming headlights.

Other standard features include a wireless charging pad, USB ports, Kick Sensor Powered Back Door, Electric Parking Brake, and an advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 8-inch capacitive touchscreen serves the infotainment system as well as shows the images from the rearview camera. Front and rear digital video cameras are also fitted while a Vehicle Telematics System can keep track of the vehicle’s location at all times.

One area that Toyota engineers paid special attention to was reduction of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). The new Harrier is claimed to be much quieter than before, thanks to the use of highly-efficient sound-absorbing glass on the windows. Sound-absorbing materials and their placement were optimized to lower NVH as well while sealing at the doors is improved to stop wind noise from seeping in.

New Dynamic Force engine

The Harrier is powered by Toyota’s latest Dynamic Force (M20A-FKS) 4-cylinder DOHC engine with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that operates electronically for quicker response. As before, it is a 2-litre engine but now has improved output of 173 ps/203 Nm without turbocharging.

A Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sequential Shiftmatic, allows the seamless shifting of gears. The driver can choose from three modes – ECO, Normal and Sport – to suit driving conditions or personal preference. ECO and Sport modes will prioritise fuel economy or acceleration, respectively, while the Normal mode offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

The TNGA chassis has front MacPherson struts with trailing wishbones at the rear, with optimized suspension geometry for balanced and predictable handling, while maintaining a high standard of ride comfort. The 18-inch alloy wheels at each corner are fitted with 225/60 tyres.

Toyota Safety Sense

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is the suite of integrated active systems that help the driver to avoid an accident, especially front collisions. Most of the latest Toyota models have TSS but the systems vary depending on the model. In the case of the new Harrier, there is a Pre-Crash System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Adaptive Highbeam System. These use a camera and radar to scan the road ahead and identify vehicles and the data is analysed by a computer to determine if there is any danger of a collision. The Pre-Crash system has autonomous capability, meaning that it will activate the brakes if the driver does not take corrective action if a possible collision is detected.

Additionally, there’s a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The 4-wheel disc brake system is managed by ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, while Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control will help stabilize the vehicle on slippery surfaces.

Even with the best active safety systems, an accident can still occur and to minimize injuries, there are 7 SRS airbags around the cabin (one for the driver’s knees). These include curtain airbags which deploy downwards over the windows and besides providing cushioning, they also reduce the chance of ejection from the cabin during violent crashes. ISOFIX points are provided in the rear seats for compatible childseats which are now required by law.

Click here for the 2021 Toyota Harrier brochure.

For more information or to locate a showroom, visit
www.toyota.com.my
 or call the Toyota Freephone at
1800-8-TOYOTA
 (869682).

After a difficult 2020, Toyota sales are stronger in 2021 with 62% increase year-on-year

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.


Seventh Mitsubishi Motors Outlet In Johor Opens in Kluang

Mitsubishi owners in Kluang, Johor, now have a more convenient location to go to when they need aftersales services or to purchase their next Mitsubishi vehicle. A new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) operated by K.M. Lim Auto Sdn Bhd has opened in Taman Tasik Indah to serve the surrounding areas.

The new dealership brings the number of outlets in Johor to seven. Nationwide, the Mitsubishi Motors brand is represented by 55 outlets (out of which 50 are 3S Centres) and 56 service centres. In East Malaysia, there are 14 showrooms (7 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah).

The dealership occupies a 2-storey shoplot with a built-up area of 10,000 square feet. Its representation of the Mitsubishi Motors brand can be immediately seen with the brand identity in the external appearance which relates to the global brand message ‘Drive Your Ambition’.

Customers visiting the outlet can view the latest models such as the Triton and XPANDER and if they bring children, there’s a kids corner to keep the occupied. The adjacent service centre is fully equipped with the necessary equipment and has trained technicians to provide full services on Mitsubishi vehicles. Owners who wish to wait can do so in a comfortable lounge with complimentary wifi and other amenities.

“In line with Mitsubishi Motors’ business plan, we are continuing to advance our dealer’s network expansion to better enhance our customers’ touch points. Through this strategic move, our aim is to cover untapped locations and extend our sales and services to meet the growing demands of the Mitsubishi brand, we want to ensure our customers have greater coverage and accessibility of showrooms and service centres in an area that is convenient to them,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Mr. Ikeda said that K.M. Lim Auto has been in the automotive business since 1986, and is very experienced in the business. “We welcome them to the Mitsubishi Motors family and we are confident that the new 3S centre will improve the visibility of Mitsubishi Motors in Kluang, and deliver a pleasant ownership experience that goes beyond expectations,” he added.

Currently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia distributes the Triton pick-up truck and XPANDER MPV in Malaysia. While the Triton comes from Thailand in completely built-up (CBU) form, the XPANDER is assembled locally at the HICOM Automotive Manufacturers complex in Pekan, Pahang.

To know more about the Triton and XPANDER or to locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.


Volkswagen Admits Touch Controls Did a Lot of Damage, Buttons to Return!

Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer claims the widely condemned addition of touch-sensitive controls (haptic buttons) to his brand’s models “definitely did a lot of damage” and he has vowed to introduce more straightforward, useful interiors in all upcoming vehicles.

The next-generation Tiguan will be the first model to benefit from the updated layout.

The interior of the new Tiguan, which was fully unveiled in pre-production form without any camouflage, has reportedly received significant attention from Volkswagen. The huge 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which projects somewhat conspicuously from the dashboard, is the vehicle’s most notable feature. The whole digital cockpit experience is enhanced by a head-up display and a smaller digital instrument cluster.

The manufacturer claims that the designers worked very hard to improve the interface’s usability based on user input. The touchscreen still houses the climate settings, but the inclusion of illuminated sliders and shortcuts should make things easier for users. Additionally, the centre console’s new rotary control, which has its own built-in display, adds a physical component to the whole interaction. As VW had
 previously promised
, the steering wheel has been modified to do away with the highly criticized touch-sensitive buttons in response to customer complaints.

The new and updated interior will be also available here in Malaysia once the Tiguan is launched.

After the current Mk8 generation model reaches the end of its lifecycle, Volkswagen has said that it would not create a new generation of the VW Golf with a combustion engine. The present Golf Mk8 will be updated next year, after which it will continue to be sold until 2030. So the “update” would most likely mean the interior would feature fewer “touch-controls” just like the Tiguan. Does this mean that later on the GTi will be updated too?

Mk8

In general, manufacturers avoid button-heavy interiors in an effort to simplify and demonstrate the minimalist aesthetic that less is more. According to Schäfer, redesigning VW’s interiors required a “massive team” and “quite a bit of time” to complete after working through “an Excel spreadsheet as big as a room.” He continued by saying that the business shouldn’t mislead its clients by releasing a completely different interior concept each time a new model is introduced.

Despite criticism of cost-cutting techniques, which are most obvious on the Golf, the conversation didn’t cover enhancing materials inside the cabin. However, VW Group Chairman Oliver Blume pledged a “quality offensive” and “clear design languages” towards the conclusion of last year to better distinguish the platform-sharing models. Additionally, he disclosed that the Golf and Tiguan nameplates would endure into the inevitable EV age.


Yes, Waze MOTORCYCLE and CAR modes can give you two different routes.

Remember the recent case of the
motorist driving along the motorcycle lane
 by the side of the highway? The police managed to identify the owner of the Volvo XC90 and after investigation, they said that he explained that his Waze GPS route navigation service was set on MOTORCYCLE mode. As a result, the route which he had wanted included travelling along a motorcycle lane next to the highway.

Some people were skeptical about this excuse and suggested that GPS is not so accurate that it can separate the motorcycle lane from the highway that a different route can be shown. They felt he gave a lame excuse.

The left image shows a route that goes along the Federal Highway in MOTORCYCLE mode and the recommended route is the lane next to the hghway. On the right, the same route when set in CAR mode shows that the highway is used.

We tested his explanation by asking Waze to provide a route from one location to another, first in PRIVATE CAR mode and then in MOTORCYCLE MODE. For most of the route, the route used the same road as cars but in areas where the was a motorcycle lane – eg alongside the federal Highway in Petaling Jaya, Selangor – the route for MOTORCYCLE mode went along the motorcycle lane. This was clearly indicated on the map with the two sides of the highway shown and the route going along another road just next to it.

Of course, any motorist should have realized he or she was on a motorcycle lane (and with that SUV he was driving, he could have just crossed over to the right and onto the highway) but it could be that the driver did not drive much and was not familiar with the roads. Or the phone he was using was his son’s who is a Grab rider. That is no excuse, of course, as there would be signs to indicate the motorcycle lane and motorists should be aware.

Waze users can select different types of vehicles before they ask for route navigation.

There have been similar cases in the past of motorists driving along the motorcycle lanes. These have been known to be deliberate and either the drivers were doing it ‘for fun’ or they were trying to jump queue to get ahead of a jam. Not nice for motorcyclists, not to mention a danger to them too.

As for the GPS system, this shows how accurate it is these days. Back in the 1990s, when the US allowed civilian devices to receive GPS signals from its satellites, it was not as accurate for the civilian devices compared to those used by the military. The US deliberately made the signal less accurate  with ‘Selective Availability’ to prevent civilian devices from being used for targeting weapons.

Route navigation systems for vehicles get signals from the GPS network around the planet. They can be received by built-in systems in cars as well as portable devices like watches.

‘Selective Availability’ was stopped by President Clinton in May 2000 and at that time, it was still 5 metres accuracy. This meant that if two points were less than 5 metres apart, the separation could not be shown. Over time, the accuracy improved and since 2018, accuracy is said to be possible to 30 cm. That means you can show individual lanes on the road whereas 20 years ago, you could only show the whole width of the highway.

The accuracy will be very important when autonomous vehicles start to be used widely. Their on-board navigation systems will need to be able to pinpoint junctions and other turning points very accurately to avoid accidents.

Future cars that operate autonomously will require very accurate data on their location on the road to ensure they are guided safely.

Anyway, back to the case of the motorist who was on the motorcycle lane. It is best to not completely rely on Waze or other GPS navigation as you drive. There are funny incidents of people who somehow trusted their route guidance so much that they ended up on a river! Use your common sense and pay attention to signs.


FIRST DRIVE: 2020 Toyota RAV4 2.5L

UMW Toyota Motor has just unveiled their latest model for the Malaysian market, the 2020 Toyota RAV4. The fifth-generation model has seen a lot of excitement built up in the past few weeks prior to the launch and now, the Toyota RAV4 is bigger and better than ever before.

We were given the opportunity to test out the 2.5-litre variant yesterday during a very well-organised media drive (with social distancing and hygiene being their number one priority due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and we had a few hours of fun driving around in the SUV.

The RAV4 is the latest model to be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that focuses on three key aspects of car design – agility, stability, and visibility. In our previous encounter with the Corolla Altis which is built on the same platform, we were amazed at how it’s able to heighten the overall driving experience and the RAV4 should be no different.

Starting with the looks, you can see a lot of different aspects of the exterior design that combines modern lines, sharp edges, and even ruggedness in some areas. To some, it’s a look you either love or just okay with but we feel that it’s a façade that will most likely grow on you once you feel its driving capabilities. Choosing the right exterior colour also plays a part in showcasing its true premium exterior, like this Dark Blue Mica.

The inside tells a similar story, with the exception of superb polygon-inspired interior space provided thanks to the TNGA platform. The new Toyota RAV4 definitely scores high in the spacious department, no matter where you sit. The huge windows and low body panels allow for greater visibility and sense of space, which is perfect for drivers of different height and size.

Looking at the mid console, the new RAV4 is fitted with all the latest luxuries like dual-zone auto air-conditioning, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charger, USB charging ports, and ample cup holders. The knobs, in particular, are big enough to control easily without affecting your drive but the rubberised ‘rifling’ grip material might feel odd for some.

Boot space is also huge at 580 litres before the second-row seats are folded down. We haven’t had the opportunity to test it out but UMWT assured us that you can easily fit a bicycle with one tyre removed (without having to fold the rear seats down). For you avid cyclists out there, you know that this is definitely a convenience.

Moving on the driving experience, it’s a very, VERY easy car to drive. The 2.5-litre Dynamic Force Engine with VVT-iE produces around 207ps/243Nm allows for great drivability around cities and highways. This is further elevated with the brand’s latest Direct Shift 8-Speed automatic transmission which offers great acceleration and optimum cruising performance whilst maintaining impressively low fuel consumption.

Overall, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is definitely a worthy car to give its competitors a run for their money. With that being said, some might feel that its RM215,664.50 price tag (excluding insurance) is a bit on the expensive side, but that investment will probably make sense once you get behind the wheel. That feeling will only get better the more you drive.

The new RAV4 is not really a driver’s car but we can assure you that everyone in the SUV (like your family members) will be able to appreciate the high levels of comfort and space, no matter the distance. It might take some time to convince some folks, but the new RAV4 is definitely up to the task to convince.

Before signing off, we also would like to point out that the only differences between the 2.5L and the 2.0L are the engines and transmission packages. The 2.5L comes with the new 8-speed whereas the 2.0L is fitted with the also respectable CVT transmission (priced at RM196,436 without insurance). The rest of the car? Completely similar. And that’s cool in our books.

All-new 5th generation Toyota RAV4 now in Malaysian showrooms


Perodua HQ goes ‘greener’ with Laman Hijau launch

Perodua’s commitment towards a more environmental-friendly world has been raised onto another level towards a more sustainable operation with the introduction of Laman Hijau located within the Perodua HQ near Rawang, Selangor.

What is Laman Hijau, you ask? Perodua is all about promoting a more positive work environment and this new open recreational area for staff members is set up with greenery and fountains powered by solar electricity to do just that.

According to Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, “This green initiative includes the installation of solar panels on the roofs of our manufacturing facilities, which we will further install on most of the buildings within our campus. Our new staff locker room facility, named Lemari, also makes use of a green wall for natural insulation.”

“And it does not end there – we are also harvesting other natural resources like rainwater and atmospheric water and furthering our efforts to eliminate waste on the whole, benefitting Mother Earth and increasing our operational efficiency. Together with our products, known for their fuel efficiency, this is how we define sustainable growth within our natural ecosystem,” added Dato’ Zainal.

Perodua’s green initiative began in June 2017 with the announcement of its ECO Garden, set to be launched next month. The 1,500 square-metre garden utilises recycled waste materials in its construction, solar energy and a diverse variety of plants and trees, amongst others. Kudos to Perodua and their efforts in preserving the environment and maximising efficiency.


Transfer of technology between real and virtual racing taken to a totally new level

Even before the increased activity in simulator racing this year, BMW Motorsport has been an active participant in the world of virtual racing. Its presence at such online events help to actively promote the industry with innovations in the hardware that forms part of its holistic involvement.

Recently, BMW Motorsport SIM Racing took the transfer of technology between real and virtual racing to a totally new level with three world premieres at its digital BMW SIM event. The BMW M4 GT3, which is set to become the new flagship in the BMW M Customer Racing range of racing cars from 2022, made its debut on the iRacing sim racing platform as a prototype ahead of its first real race outing.

The steering wheel in the BMW M4 GT3 has been developed in cooperation with Fanatec and is the first of its kind to work in both a racing car and a race simulator.

The third global innovation is the concept study of the Fusion SL sim lounge furniture. In just a few simple steps, it can be converted from a designer table into a fully-fledged race simulator.

“With BMW Motorsport SIM Racing, we are following a 360-degree approach. This means that we have our eye on the big picture,” said Rudolf Dittrich, Head of BMW Motorsport SIM Racing. “We have achieved an awful lot in the first year of our involvement. At the same time, we have also identified great potential and, based on that, have decided to continue to focus strongly on hardware developments in 2021, with which we can promote technical innovations and develop new product categories and markets.”

The BMW M4 GT3 steering wheel

BMW Motorsport has collaborated with sim racing hardware producer, Fanatec, to develop a steering wheel for the M4 GT3 that can be used in both a real racing car and a race simulator> It’s technology transfer which has never been seen before in motor racing. Absolutely no modifications are required for it to be used in the racing car.

The carbonfibre steering wheel has a typical motorsport design, with illuminated buttons and magnetic, dual-action shift paddles also made of carbonfibre. The fact that the hybrid steering wheel perfectly fulfils both roles was demonstrated emphatically by BMW works driver Philipp Eng at BMW SIM Live. He entered the stage in the real M4 GT3, emerged holding the steering wheel, inserted it into the simulator, and promptly completed a number of laps in the car’s virtual counterpart.

Extensive tests allow the BMW Motorsport engineers to constantly monitor the durability of the steering wheel in real racing situations. It will be available from Fanatec in the first half of 2021.

“The first time I heard of the idea to design the BMW M4 GT3 steering wheel to be compatible with a simulator, I was flabbergasted – because I was thrilled by the concept from the word go,” said Eng. “You have to take your hat off to the pioneering role that BMW Motorsport and Fanatec have taken on here, and to the courage to implement a project of this kind.”

“Compared to the steering wheel in the BMW M6 GT3, for example, the new wheel has extremely good ergonomics. It is very comfortable to hold. You can tell that real professionals have been at work in every area,” he added.

BMW M4 GT3 prototype on iRacing

As with the M8 GTE and M4 GT4 before it, BMW Motorsport has worked very closely with popular sim racing platform iRacing over the past few months in order to integrate the BMW M4 GT3 as faithfully as possible in the simulation.

The difference this time is that the car is being used as a test car on iRacing even as it is being developed. As such, the sim racers can follow the development together with BMW Motorsport, and can help drive the development forward until the final version is available on iRacing and to real motor racing customers later in 2021.

At the same time as the real car is being developed, BMW Motorsport engineers have provided their colleagues at iRacing with CAD data and photos as a reference, which they can then use as a basis when programming and designing the virtual M4 GT3. In an additional data package, iRacing received all the information on the driving dynamics of the racing car. In total, over 70 GB of data has already been exchanged. The common goal: to recreate the actual driving dynamics as realistically as possible.

Philipp Eng was impressed by how successfully this had been achieved when he took the virtual M4 GT3 for a spin for the first time on the simulator at BMW SIM Live. “I find it extremely cool that the BMW M4 GT3 has been introduced on iRacing parallel to its actual development. After all, I am not only a thoroughbred racing driver, but also a thoroughbred sim racer,” said Eng, who, as an alpha tester for iRacing, plays a role in ensuring that the handling of the car is as close as possible to reality.

Fusion SL concept furniture

Sim racing is growing in popularity all over the world. As such, the number of users building comprehensively-equipped rigs at home is also growing. At BMW Motorsport, this raised the question of how to integrate these rigs in everyday life. Together with BMW Designworks and furniture manufacturer Sedus, they have come up with a solution. The concept study is called “Fusion SL” – a unique combination of sim racing rig and lounge furniture.

The idea was to develop a piece of furniture that would save space and could be aesthetically integrated into a modern living environment. It can be converted into a rig in just a few simple steps, but which is otherwise folded down to serve as a desk, coffee table or seat, thus making ‘boost’ and ‘ease’ concepts that can be experienced not only in the car, but also in the living room.

To implement the project, the engineering quality of BMW Motorsport, design expertise of Michael Scully and his BMW Designworks team, and the production performance of Sedus came together. “The Fusion SL concept combines the best of two worlds,” said Scully. “It is not necessarily intended to replace the high-end sim rigs used by professionals. Our goal was rather to make sim racing and the hardware required attractive for new target groups – and, to be honest, their fellow occupants.”

“It is not easy to strike the right balance between the necessary stability, portability, flat profile, torsional rigidity and a visual impression that will bring the piece of furniture out of the cellar and into the living room, as many of these aspects contradict each other. However, design is all about overcoming these challenges,” explained Ernst Holzapfel, Head of Marketing at Sedus Stoll AG.

The Fusion SL concept can be the perfect home office for sim racers. The Wooom chair is its perfect partner. One minute you can be relaxing comfortably in it, the next it offers you everything you would expect from a good racing seat, with its sporty seating position and good lateral support, thanks to the padding provided.

AMR-C01 – the ultimate racing simulator from Aston Martin


Fuel Price Updates For March 10 – March 16, 2022


From Spyshots To The Real Thing… 50 Owners Get Their New Toyota CH-R! [+Video]

Yup,
FIFTY

proud new owners took delivery of their brand-spanking-new Toyota CH-R in a special ceremony / partayyyyy recently organised by UMW Toyota Motor.

The event was held at
Technology Park Malaysia
 (TPM) , the venue for the final round of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Series being held this weekend of 24-25 March 2018 (details on that
here
).

Here’s a quick look at the CH-R (
C
ompact
H
igh
R
ider) during its maiden public debut during the MAEPS Malaysia Auto Show thanks to
EVO Aurizn:

Speaking at the function,
Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor
 said, the delivery to the first 50 customers in Malaysia also mark the official introduction of the All New Toyota C-HR.

“Since being previewed last year, interest in the All New Toyota C-HR has been high. To date, we have received around 1,500 bookings for the model and because this is a unique model, we wanted to personally handover the vehicle to our first 50 customers,”
 he said.

“We are always grateful for the support given by our customers and they can be assured the best Toyota ownership experience with maintenance and services from fully trained technicians on the C-HR but also availability of replacements parts when needed. Furthermore, only with Toyota models sold by UMW Toyota Motor and its authorised dealers, they can enjoy a 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage,”
 Ravindran added.

Since its global debut, the All New Toyota C-HR has been a hit in every market that it has been launched in. Apart from its obvious looks, the model sits on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which is being used for many new Toyota models.

For the Malaysian market, the C-HR is introduced with one variant, a
1.8-litre petrol engine with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT
. Its safety features include ABS as standard with Vehicle Stability Control (
VSC
) and Traction Control (
TRC
) as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (
RCTA
) and a Blind Spot Monitoring system (
BSM
). The C-HR is also equipped with an Electric Parking Brake and Hill-start Assist Control (
HAC
) to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards while moving on a steep slope.

The interior design concept is a departure from the conventional approaches and combines high-tech functionality with fashionable style. The driver-oriented area incorporates innovative details and intuitive technology with sharp and clear Optitron meters and a 4.2-inch Colour Multi-Information Display (MID) that keeps the driver informed of the vehicle’s operation. For enthusiast drivers, there’s also a G-monitor which shows the G-force exerted by the vehicle during cornering, acceleration or deceleration.

For the official price list, click this:
C-HR 2018

Toyota CH-R Handover Partayyyyy Photo Gallery….


Pay less for the Mitsubishi ASX, Outlander and Triton during August and September

Although our Merdeka celebrations are, unfortunately, subdued this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still promotions in conjunction with the event and one of them is the Merdeka Promotion by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia. The promotion offers savings as well as extras for the full range of Mitsubishi models.

Customers looking to trade-in their current vehicle for the ASX compact SUV can get RM8, 888 as additional trade-in top-up support from authorized dealers. This promotion also comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance. Available in two variants, the ASX 2WD is priced at RM111,628 while the ASX 4WD is priced at RM125,182.

Mitsubishi ASX, available with 2WD and 4WD

If you prefer something bigger with 3 rows of seats for 7 persons, there’s the Outlander with either a 2-litre of 2.4-litre petrol engine. For those who choose the Outlander 2.0, priced at RM133,491, there’s a cash rebate up to RM4,000 and 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. Those who opt for the Outlander 2.4, priced at RM147,762, will get a cash rebate up to RM2,000 as well as 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. All Outlanders come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Mitsubishi Outlander, available with 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre engines

The pricing of the ASX and Outlander is exempt from sales tax till the end of 2020. As both models are assembled locally, they can have full exemption of the 10% sales tax. For the ASX, this saves buyers up to RM8,000 while for the Outlander, the savings are up to RM4, 000.

Low interest rates for Triton

As for the popular Triton pick-up which is imported from Thailand, customers can enjoy a low hire-purchase interest rate of 0.88% per annum or cash rebates of up to RM4,000 (Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium). The special interest rate is only for H-P finance packages from Maybank or Public Bank.

Mitsubishi Triton

Those who buy the Triton VGT with manual transmission during the promotion period can enjoy a cash rebate of RM6,000, while the Triton Quest 4×2 has a cash rebate of RM4,000. All Triton variants except for Triton Quest comes with a 5-year warranty or maximum of 200,000 kms. Prices range from RM78,488 to RM121,000.

The Merdeka Promotion is on until the
end of September 2020
 and available at all 51 Mitsubishi Motors showrooms nationwide. More information on the models can be found at
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
 .

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BMW Group Malaysia looking for oldest M models in Malaysia for 50th anniversary

This year is a special year for BMW M GmbH, the high-performance and motorsports division of BMW. It was in 50 years ago, in May 1972, that the small business unit with 35 employees was created and initially known as BMW Motorsport GmbH. It was only in 1993 that the present name was established, by which time its role was a fundamental part of the BMW Group, broadening its scope to more than just competition cars. It exemplified the engineers’ expertise in combining authentic motorsport functionality with exclusive and sporty aesthetics, while producing its own memorable models.

Commemorating the golden anniversary of BMW M GmbH which takes place next Tuesday (May 24), BMW Group Malaysia is now searching for the oldest BMW M model in the country, preferably with every model series represented. If you own or know who had of the oldest BMW M in the country, let BMW Malaysia know at
this link
.

Winners will stand a chance to receive exclusive BMW M merchandise and a feature of their prized vehicle by BMW Group Malaysia. One winner will be selected for every BMW M model series, with special prizes for notable submissions as well. While the celebration takes place next Tuesday, submissions will be accepted up
 till June 8, 2022.

“At the BMW Group, M remains the most powerful letter in the world, as it represents our high-performance vehicles born out of pure passion for motorsports. This fascination for power, speed and dynamics has put M on the map since 1972. Fifty years on, we are thrilled to be celebrating the legacy of the BMW Motorsport GmbH with a great community of owners and enthusiasts alike. This milestone is not one we could have achieved without their loyal support throughout these years,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Over the past 50 years, BMW M has given the motoring world many iconic performance cars –  models like the legendary M1, M3, M5 and M635CSi. The M1 was the first-ever official M car, making its debut in 1978. Only 456 units were produced with pure racing technology that continues to be admired to this day.

BMW M635 CSi and M1

The M635CSi is one of the most significant models in the history of BMW M. In 1984, the 4-seater continued the concept of high-performance 6-cylinder in-line engines that the M1 had established earlier. But like no other BMW M model before it, it embodied the ultimate symbiosis of luxury and high performance. Dubbing it ‘Sharknose’ and ‘Bayern-Express’, the first ‘Six’ had a production period of over 13 years – from 1976 to 1989 – making it BMW’s longest lasting series.

Although BMW M focused almost exclusively on the construction of performance and racing cars, many BMW enthusiasts were also looking for the BMW M power and badging on road cars. The M5, which premiered in 1985, offered high performance with elegance in its segment.

BMW M3

It was followed by the M3, launched in 1986, which quickly became one of the most iconic BMW M vehicles in the line-up for its numerous championship victories in touring car racing, while also performing impressive on the road.

BMW M has followed market trends and as even enthusiasts came to appreciate SUVs, it developed the X5 M and X6 M, the first M models with 4-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. Today, the BMW X family members with M badges include the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition.

BMW iX M60

And now, with electrification underway, the company is also responding accordingly with the debut of its first fully electric model in this anniversary year.  For a company like BMW M, which has built up a reputation producing cars with superlative performance means that the same kind of performance is expected even with electric models. This is promised with new iX M60, which has a powertrain output of 455 kW/619 ps and up to 1.015 Nm of torque. And while it is claimed to be able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, it will also be able to travel up to 566 kms, factory tests have shown.


First Driving Impressions Of The Honda Civic RS e:HEV Sedan (w/VIDEO)

When the latest 11
th
 generation Honda Civic was launched in January, we asked Honda Malaysia about the possibility of a hybrid version also being available. At that time, it was already known that the latest generation did have a hybrid variant (which Honda refers to as e:HEV) that was to be sold in Europe with a hatchback bodystyle. Honda Malaysia said they ‘would consider it’ as a future addition then…

10 months later, the Civic e:HEV is about to be launched and it’s clear that the company must have already been working on it and not just ‘considering it’ because it takes time to plan for local assembly at the Melaka plant. And now that the launch will take place soon, Honda Malaysia has offered us a chance to get first impressions of the new model.

Our drive took place at the Sepang International Circuit with the same condition that we can tell you about the exterior and the driving impressions and the e:HEV technology, but not what the interior is like (for now).

Externally, the Civic RS e:HEV looks similar to the petrol-engined versions at a glance. And since it’s been on the road for 10 months, we don’t need to go into the design again. However, when you put it next to its combustion engine counterpart, then the subtle differences are noticeable in the chrome trim around the windows and the different 18-inch wheels, and of course, the badging which has a blue highlight.

The e:HEV technology is Honda’s latest hybrid technology and similar to that in the
City RS e:HEV
, However, instead of a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the system has a 2-litre VTEC engine and with this bigger engine, the e:HEV system for the Civic is the most powerful currently available. The engine output is 143 ps/189 Nm, with the total electric motor output being 184 ps/315 Nm.

Related feature:
Honda e:HEV – How Honda’s hybrid technology has evolved in over 20 years

Unlike some other hybrid systems, the e:HEV system prioritizes the electric motor which does the work most of the time. The engine is more for generating electricity but will also come in for propulsion duties when strong acceleration is needed or at high cruising speeds. Using the electric motor to propel the car most of the time gives advantages that a fully electric car has, like minimal vibrations (almost none actually), strong response and of course fuel-saving.

With the motor almost always being used to move the car off the line, there is very high torque available the moment it moves. One thing that is rather weird, though, is that pressing the start button doesn’t start the engine so there is no noise, no vibration and only a READY indicator to say it can move.

With almost 100% of maximum torque available from start, there’s strong acceleration and this was very evident doing side-by-side runs with the combustion engine Civic that has a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. The Civic e:HEV would very quickly pull ahead and then continue accelerating without losing its momentum.

It would be an exaggeration to say it ‘rockets’ off but it does have strong and satisfying acceleration. This characteristic also means that drivers new to the e:HEV (and fully electric cars) need to change their way of driving a bit. Most may be used to pressing the accelerator pedal hard to get the strongest acceleration but you don’t need to press so hard. If you do, you may find the surge stronger than what is usually expected and possibly bump into someone.

At sustained higher speeds, the engine does come into play to provide additional power. But you don’t feel the different unless you watch the energy flow meter. The transition between the engine being connected to drive the wheels and not being connected is seamless, an impressive achievement by the engineers and programmers. And whenever the load eases off, even momentarily, the engine disconnects right away. All these brief disconnections will help to save fuel in the long run, which is why it’s a good idea to own a hybrid.

Power flows from the motor through an eCVT which is essentially a 1-speed transmission which can spin up to 13,500 rpm. Though it has ‘CVT’ in its name, it does not have the unpleasant ‘rubberband’ character and smoothly matches the speed of the motor in a progressive way.

Going through the slalom test with the Civic e:HEV and the combustion engine version, it was evident that the additional weight of the lithium-ion battery pack – in the right place under the middle – enhanced stability. The car rolls less as it shifts from left to right, and with the lower centre of gravity, it feels l more planted through sweeping curves.

The overall handling behaviour is not a lot different, which is to say it is competent reasonably agile. With the slight weight increase, the ride feels a bit more stable so there’s a good balance between comfort and handling.

While much attention is focussed on fully electric vehicles these days, we feel that hybrids like the Civic e:HEV are more practical to own, if you want an electrified vehicle. Just as turbochargers are not uncommon now and people don’t think about them being part of the engine, hybrid systems are also just as ‘transparent’ in that they need no special attention.

You don’t need to worry about finding a place to recharge the battery pack regularly because the system is self-charging as the car moves. And in the worst case when the battery pack does completely empty, the engine can still get you home. It may not run pleasantly but that’s better than being stranded along the highway.

Click here
 to see more videos at The Piston Show.


Fuel Prices For September 7 to 13 2019


LOOKING BACK: The Volvo 240 Turbo

The Volvo 240 was the Swedish carmaker’s first model to be a production ‘multi-millionaire’ and it was a major revenue-earner for the company in the 1970s. It was part of the 200 series which sold very well in America, a market that at one point accounted for over 50% of Volvo’s export sales.

Most people remember that 240 as a solid and safe car. However, it was not only in safety that this model gained a reputation as it was also one of the cars which was on the starting line of the age of powerful and efficient turbocharged engines 40 years ago. As the 245, It was also the first stationwagon with a turbocharged petrol engine.

Volvo’s engineers used their expertise with turbocharged engines, which was accumulated from 1954 when the brand’s L395 Titan truck went into mass production. Today, modular turbocharging forms the basis for all Volvo Drive-E engines in order to generate different power levels with the same cubic capacity.

The Volvo Turbo

40 years ago, there were some sportscars with turbocharged engines and such engines were also used in Formula 1 cars. But the 240 with a turbocharged petrol engine marked the beginning of a new era with the Volvo B21ET 4-cylinder petrol engine. It had a turbine that could spin at 110,000 rpm and produced up to 155 bhp from a displacement of 2.1 litres.

While a higher output usually meant higher fuel consumption, the 4-cylinder engine consumed less fuel than the bigger V6 engine in the 264. Performance-wise, a 0 to 100 km/h time of just under 9 seconds put the 245 Stationwagon briefly in pole position among the world’s fastest stationwagons.

In the USA, Volvo advertising even compared ‘
The Turbo By Volvo
’ with Italian supercars. What was important to Volvo was the acceleration and not the maximum speed. After all, the speed limit on US highways during that period was 55 mph (88 km/h) due to the energy crisis so Volvo did not highlight any top speed capability in its advertisements.

Advertisements for the 240 Turbo in America in the late 1970s.

Innovative technology

With around 2.7 million units sold in almost 20 years of production, the 240, introduced in 1974, became an icon of Volvo cars. Its design gave the car a recognisable identity with the massive safety bumpers.

The 240 Turbo made its debut in 1977 and the 3-year lapse was because the engine was subjected to a stress test in everyday work by Swedish police authorities. The result was so convincing that the later production version of the 240 Turbo was used by police authorities in many countries. Even Pehr Gyllenhammar, then CEO and President of Volvo, personally tested the model with its higher performance before approving start of production.

The mode of operation of the somewhat small turbocharger (for that time) was revolutionary. Because it was already boosting the charge at 1,400 rpm (just above idling speed) the turbo in the B21ET engine reached maximum boost at a low 2,600 rpm, then the wastegate valve opened at a pressure of 0.72 bar.

The idea of downsizing engines in favour of maximized efficiency was also accelerated by the 240 Turbo. There was a 1.9-litre turbo 4-cylinder unit (B19ET) available for certain markets where a capacity below 2 litres was advantageous tax-wise.

Engine construction with racing expertise

Motorsport often drives technical developments and Volvo developed a R-Sport turbo kit for those who wanted to participate in the one-make series Volvo Turbo Cup in 1982. In the same year, the FIA introduced new regulations that made it possible for the car to be entered in the Group A touring car categories.

The specially developed 240 Turbo Evolution, produced in the required 500 units, had a larger turbocharger, a modified engine control system and water injection, an invention patented by Volvo. At the opening race of the new German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 1984, the 330 ps racing car that became famous as ‘The Flying Brick’ took overall victory. A year later, a 240 Turbo dominated the racing series in Europe and not only secured the title in the DTM, but also in the European Touring Car Championship.

New milestones in Volvo Turbo engine development followed. The 760, launched in 1982, made its debut as the world’s most dynamic 6-cylinder turbodiesel, and the 480 which appeared 3 years later combined front-wheel drive with turbocharging.

Then came the 850 in the early 1990s and this combined 4-wheel drive with high-torque turbo power, while the 1.6-litre GTDi engines which were introduced in 2010 in the S60/V60 offered direct injection with turbocharging.

480 Turbo

Future-oriented advantages

With all current Volvo Drive powertrains, modular charging offers different power levels with the same displacement, because the compact design of the highly efficient Volvo motors allows the installation of one or more turbochargers. The fully integrated turbo system developed by Volvo is a globally unique innovation and has been patented by the company.

Volvo P1800 Cyan offers genuine ’60s driving pleasure


Toyota preview C-HR for Malaysian market

During the Carlist.my MAA Test, Drive & Buy Event, which took place last weekend, Toyota unveiled its latest compact SUV, the C-HR. Sporting sharp contours and angular headlights, the new addition is meant to slot below the automaker’s current full size pick up and SUV vehicles. Many of its design elements have been kept relatively unchanged from concept to production form. It features a diamond architectural theme but the overall dimensions aren’t that far off from the offerings by Honda and Nissan, which is probably what it will be competing against.

The unveil was meant as a preview of the model that was originally launched outside Malaysia in 2016. The C-HR is built on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which allows the automaker flexibility as well as designing and building new vehicles in a more efficient way that will give rise to even better vehicle development.

Besides the big reveal, during the same event, Toyota also displayed a number of its vehicles including its 4×4 range for the general public to see and experience. Test-drive sessions were available for members of the public who wanted to experience the vehicles’ capabilities. Those who booked a new Toyota vehicle at the event were given an additional e-service voucher worth RM200 which can be used to cover the relevant service costs of their new vehicle at any authorized Toyota service centres.

There’s no word yet on when the car will be officially launched, but based on our estimate, it be too long. We are certain that Toyota wants a piece of the compact SUV market, which Honda has had mostly to itself, these past few years. Stay tuned, we will bring you more news as soon as Toyota releases it.


Porsche has art cars too, and these are some of the best ones

You’re probably heard of the
BMW Art Cars
, a series of classic models which were turned into works of art by renowned artists. They have been displayed all over the world (including Malaysia) since the first one was created in 1975.

Perhaps less well known is the fact that there are also art cars which are from another German brand – Porsche. Over the years, innovative artists have made Porsche models their ‘canvas’ and also made them works of art. Following the recent release of the 968 L’ART, here are some of the best examples of Porsche art cars, from Taycans to a 356 to a colourful array of 911 models.

968 L’ART by Arthur Kar

Embodying the connection between vehicles and fashion, this outstanding redesigned car – the brainchild of L’Art de L’Automobile’s founder Arthur Kar – transports a retro look to the modern era. Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week this year alongside a matching capsule collection, attendees saw the worlds of fashion, art and cars collide to mark the 30th anniversary of the 968. The 968 L’ART comes alive in Green Pearl, with the added mystique of appearing to be three other hues, depending on which angle you view it from. TAG Heuer created a matching chronograph to accompany this one-off car, while the roof was removed and Recaro seats were added, incorporating graphic leather in the centre panel that matches the exterior colour. A custom-designed audio system by BOSE was also installed and the headlights were elevated with chrome.

996 Swan by Chris Labrooy

Porsche offered Scottish digital artist Chris Labrooy the opportunity to transport one of his digital artworks into the real world for the first time. The result is the 996 Swan, which was designed for the anniversary ‘20 years of Porsche in China’. The 911 Type 996 was the first car sold in China two decades ago. The choice of ‘swan’ is because, in China, the swan stands for happiness.

911 Carrera by Nelson Makamo

Famed South African artist Nelson Makamo always knew he would own a Porsche, but what he didn’t expect was the manner in how it happened. Having fantasised since childhood about what it would feel like to hold the keys to one, it was an unexpected meeting with a modern-day example during a residency in Western Cape that reignited his Porsche dream and he would eventually own a Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera. The painter ordered his first ever Porsche with the view to putting his mark on his most unusual canvas yet. Makamo’s Porsche art car saw him hand-paint a number of elements, from the rear bumper to the seat mouldings, door panel inserts and side mirror covers. Look closely enough and you’ll find three letters – ‘Mma’ – in the left door panel insert, which mean ‘mother’ in his native tongue. For Makamo, the art car in its entirety is a reflection of his success, the important people he’s met along the way and his hope that his work will spark the imagination of children all over the continent of Africa.

Taycan Art Car by Richard Phillips

This is the kind of artwork that makes watching paint dry a legitimately fun pastime, thanks to American artist Richard Phillips. His vision has applied an artful second skin for the all-electric sportscar which bloomed to life in Zurich. There, it was created live at a pop-up restaurant in December 2020. To create the final masterpiece, Phillips applied his 2010 painting, Queen of the Night, onto the body of a Porsche Taycan 4S, with the lush piece spreading its leafy and floral arrangement from the front bonnet to the rear. Earlier this year it was auctioned off for charity, with all proceeds being donated to a non-profit organisation which supports artists hit hard by the pandemic.

Taycan with Artwork by Dale Chihuly

Another electrifying artwork also sparked to life in 2021. The horticultural oasis of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay not only plays host to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants but became the temporary home for this floral Taycan. With Porsche as the official automotive partner for American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s ‘Glass in Bloom’ exhibition, audiences were exposed to the idea of sportscars beyond the simple need for speed. Wrapped in an unmissable livery from Chihuly’s Persians series – comprising ultra-bright flowers in a diverse palette – the car was more than a match for its foliage-laced surroundings. Sitting pretty on a pedestal, set against the futuristic backdrop of the SG50 Lattice – it provided a harmonious reflection of the future-forward DNA of the sustainable Taycan, all amid an organic green oasis.

Taycan Artcar by SUMO!

On the occasion of the opening of the Porsche Centre Roost, Porsche of Losch Luxembourg decided to create a unique artwork on the theme of ‘Future’ in collaboration with the renowned Luxembourg artist SUMO!. In close cooperation with the Porsche Centre team, the car was first completely disassembled. Then the individual parts were transported to an unknown location where SUMO! could begin its work over the next 5 months. The interior, the inside of the doors, the rims and the keys of the car were also painted.

Janis Joplin’s 356 C

Rock legend Janis Joplin sung ‘my friends all drive Porsches’, and she actually owned a number herself. She bought this car in 1968 in Dolphin Grey using it as an everyday car that fans would soon come to recognise as one of her closest companions. Describing the 1964 356 SC as having a colourful paint job is somewhat of an understatement. Janis paid her roadie, David Richards, $500 to portray ‘The History of the Universe’ on the car in almost every hue possible. It was a history that included images of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Californian landscapes, the eye of God, Capricorn, skulls, mushrooms and much more. It became so synonymous with its owner that fans would leave notes to her under the windscreen wipers. When it was stolen in 1969, the thief tried to hide his crime by spray painting over the giveaway mural, only to be caught by police.

Tragically, Joplin died in 1970, just 2 years after purchasing the car. Her beloved Porsche eventually found its way into the hands of her siblings, with her brother restoring it to its original Dolphin Grey condition, as it had deteriorated. Then, in the 1990s, it was decided to return it to psychedelic glory, with her family commissioning artists Jana Mitchell and Amber Owen to replicate the original mural. After doing the rounds at museums for decades, it was finally put up for auction to support charities in their sister’s name. The price? An astonishing $1.76 million – breaking all records for the sale of any Porsche 356 at public auction.

911 RSR Le Mans by Richard Phillips

This  911 RSR is more than just a work of art. It also became the first Porsche art car to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when it took victory in the GTE Am class in 2019. Its existence is the result of a firm friendship between the artist, Richard Phillips, and the Porsche factory driver, Jorg Bergmeister – a relationship that had already resulted in Phillips designing a helmet for Bergmeister in 2013. It proved to be a stepping stone, 6 years later, to designing this Porsche art car, when the artist used some of his existing work to project an intricate 2D livery onto the car. The oversized details and bold contrasting colours meant there was no need to have a grandstand view to take in the full design – spectators could more than follow it from afar.

911 Fat Car NFT by Erwin Wurm

Austrian sculpture and painter Erwin Wurm is known for his larger-than-life artworks – his collection of Fat Sculptures has spanned the subject areas of houses and cars for 2 decades. On the 20th anniversary of his iconic Fat Car, in 2021, Wurm’s quirkiness came to the fore once more to breathe life into – literally his first NFT, entitled ‘Breathe in, breathe out’. The video showcases his interpretation of what it would look like if a 911 inhaled in and breathed out. Already well-known for his eccentric depictions of day-to-day life, and with a signature nudge and a wink as he takes a sideways look at consumer society, the disfigured style on show here is an example of Wurm’s inimitable style.

Porsche Mission R is ‘just a vision’ – but it is ready to race too


Audi unveils new electric racer that will compete in the 2017/18 Formula E championship

Audi will be fielding its first ever factory-backed Formula E racer this coming season. The car adorns a livery that has a white, metallic green and black paint scheme. Due to the restrictive nature of the sport, there’s very little that teams can do with regards to the design.

Teams and manufacturers are only allowed to develop the motor, transmission, parts of the suspension and their respective software. Audi claims its motor-generator unit, that is the heart of its e-tron FE04 racer, has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency. Transmitting power to the wheels is a high-efficiency transmission with only one gear that should lower power loses.

This year’s Formula E championship winner, Lucas di Grassi, will be piloting the new Audi e-tron FE04 and his teammate for the upcoming season will be a youngster named Daniel Abt. Lucas di Grassi will be driving the car with a number ‘1’ badge while his teammate gets ’66’ on his with additional red colored markings to enable spectators to differentiate between both cars.

“After nearly 40 years of being successfully active in Motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production,” says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG.

“Following quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our first single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018,” he later added.

Called Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffle, the factory-backed Formula E team will be lead by team principle, Allan McNish. It’s a name that needs no introduction, McNish is veteran when it comes to Motorsports and was involved in number of racing disciplines that included Formula 1.

He has been an Audi factory driver for many years and is a celebrated three-time Le Mans winner. McNish, brings a significant amount of knowledge of racing to the team, which should give it a considerable advantage during the new season.

The Audi e-tron FE04 will make its racing debut at the Formula E season opener in Hong Kong on December 2, 2017. That said, Audi will be readying the car for test sessions within the coming days. First, the car’s abilities will be put on display by Daniel Abt during the E-Mobility Play Days at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Then, the team heads to Valencia, Spain, which is the official venue of the Formula E pre-season tests. Audi will be putting both cars and drivers through their paces as they gear up for the upcoming 2017/2018 Formula E season.


McLaren Racing to enter a team in Extreme E in 2022

The McLaren name became known in motorsports when Bruce McLaren’s team won the 1968 Belgian F1 Grand Prix and grew in fame with its regular presence in different types of international motorsports. It scored many victories in American events as well as the Formula 1 World Championship.

Now McLaren Racing will open a new motorsport chapter in 2022 when it enters a team for Extreme E, the all-electric off-road series that started this year. Two rounds have already been run – in
Saudi Arabia
 and in
Senegal
. Besides the excitement of motor racing in the tough conditions, the event also promotes sustainability and diversity.

Although
McLaren had earlier indicated its interest in Formula E
, the all-electric single-seater series on closed tarmac circuits, it appears that they now prefer Extreme E. The decision to enter Extreme E follows a detailed evaluation of the series by McLaren against a set of strategic, economic and operational criteria. These were underpinned by a clear imperative for accelerating McLaren Racing’s own sustainability mission, which places carbon reduction, the recycling, reuse and elimination of waste, and diversity, equality and inclusion at its core.

More than just a race series

Extreme E highlights the impact of climate change in some of the world’s most remote environments, promotes the adoption of electric vehicles to pave the way for a lower carbon future, and provides a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform.

“Extreme E’s mission is to use sport to build awareness and accelerate clean technology innovations that benefit the mobility industry and beyond,” said Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E. ”To have McLaren on board – which symbolizes the highest level of racing and automotive innovation – is a huge endorsement that what we have delivered in just our first two races of Season 1 has already created real impact in motorsport.”

McLaren no stranger to electric motorsport

McLaren Racing has been a leader in electric motorsport from the outset, supplying the battery powertrain to the FIA Formula E Championship for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 seasons, employing the same technology pioneered in the McLaren P1 hypercar. With its move from supplier to team, McLaren Racing will continue to build its know-how and expertise in the all-electric racing space.

Simultaneous competition in different series has been embedded in McLaren Racing since the founding of the team in 1963, with Can-Am, Formula 1, INDYCAR and Le Mans all forming part of the McLaren legacy of motorsport competition and innovation.

McLaren has been active in motorsports at the highest levels since the 1960s, with numerous successes and championship wins.

The team will be operated by McLaren Racing using both existing personnel from outside the Formula 1 programme and additional specialist resources. Like all teams, McLaren Racing is limited to 4 mechanics and 1 engineer at each event for the one-make car and its two drivers (one of whom must be female), transported by Extreme E as part of the overall franchise package.

Complementary to other activities

“While Formula 1 will always remain at the centre of our world, like INDYCAR and esports, our entry into Extreme E is additive to the McLaren Racing franchise and will complement and help support all our programmes. We will be competing against big names we’re very familiar with from F1 and INDYCAR but, like all series we compete in, the competition objective is clear: we are there to win,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.

“From the outset, McLaren has always been at the forefront and never afraid to push new boundaries. This new venture is true to our roots of participating in a variety of categories, innovation and bravery. Extreme E is paving new ground in motorsport as a force for good in confronting some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and in the future,” he added.


BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme gets support from BMW Group Financial Services

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia today committed, on behalf of their customers, to a RM100 donation to the BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme. The donation will come from every contract funded through BMW Engage, its online financing platform. By spending only 15 minutes to submit their applications through BMW Engage, customers can indirectly contribute to this good cause via BMW Group Financial Services.

25,000 applications for subsidised childseats

The BMW Safety 360° initiative subsidy programme was first introduced in December 2019 with Safe ‘n Sound and Childline Foundation. For that inaugural initiative, 150 units of infant carrier carseats were made available at a subsidised price of RM100 each. The initiative drew over 25,000 registrations from parents in the B40 income group. The second phase of the subsidy programme focused on equipping the remaining registrants from the first phase with a range of child safety seats for newborns to children of up to 36 kgs.

“Although the government has postponed the enforcement of the use of Child Restraint System (CRS) until the end of the year, we hope parents recognise the need for CRS to keep their children safe while on the road – no matter how short the driving distance. However, we recognise that advocating for child safety seats is a shared responsibility, and with BMW Safety 360° and its respective partners, we are also taking ownership to ensure more child safety seats are accessible to those in the B40 income group,” said Tobias Eismann, MD of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.

More supporters invited

Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Group Malaysia, notes that the support from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia’s has come at just the right time. “We are continuing to equip even more parents with child safety seats before the end of the year. Once again, we want to continue to urge individuals, partners and companies who have the means to support – be it through raising greater awareness on the topic through education, making child safety seats more accessible or reaching out to us for collaborations – to make child safety seats instinctive for parents moving forward,” he said.

BMW Engage is a first-of-its-kind online financing platform introduced by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia which makes applying for financing for a BMW or MINI vehicle purchase easier. The process can be done from home or office, thereby supporting the government’s call to practice social distancing as much as possible so as to prevent spread of COVID-19.

It also supports the BMW Group’s overall contribution to sustainable environment by reducing the use of paper through digitised processes.

BMW Group Malaysia invites other companies to join in childseat subsidy initiative


BMW to intoduce Z4 concept at Pebble Beach

BMW’s latest Z4 will be showcased in concept form at the upcoming Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, which will take place soon. This is a sports car that is of significant importance to the brand. And compared to the previous Z4, this one is bound to turn heads.

It still has the same traits of its predecessor but this time, BMW has broken convention in terms of design. The new Z4 has an angular headlight design that stretches towards the car’s fenders. The twin kidney grilles are larger and are more pronounced than before as well as feature more complicated fin design.

This low-slung look give the front fascia more depth. As a result, the car’s silhouette seems to make an arc as it stretches towards the windscreen. The front splitter takes on a racing-like design with the centre carbon bit forming a v pattern that integrates with the front fascia’s side pods.

Based on the side profile, the Z4 has a simpler and more angular shape reminiscent of the Lexus LFA, which is a good thing. The creases at the top that stretch from the front fender and tapers towards the rear, they  provide the illusion of a continuous single stroke design.

Then there’s the double bubble roll over guards that are both aesthetically pleasing and should offer a good amount of protection in the event of an accident. The colour complements that of the 20-inch alloy wheels which still retain BMW’s unique fork pattern.

As for the rear, it’s as minimalist as things can get. Long and narrow LED taillights flank both sides of the boot lid which also has an integrate boot spoiler. The rear bumper is quite large though and we doubt that this will actually be used for the production version.

As a whole, BMW says that it took various design elements from several of its more notable models including the Z8 and 328 Mille Miglia. And as such, the Z4’s design is a culmination of all the best lines and curves that have been penned by the automaker’s best designers.

On the inside, the cockpit incorporates the same basic design of current BMW sports cars but feature a more minimalist look thanks to an LCD meter panel and consolidated instrument panel that also houses the iDrive infotainment system.

No exact specifications have been revealed especially when it comes to the powertrain. But we won’t be surprised if BMW choose to include some form of electrification to help boost power yet retaining respectable fuel consumption figures.


Fuel Price Updates For January 23 – January 29, 2021

To know more, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.


MOTORSPORTS – Day 1: Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival & Vios Challenge Season 3, Rd. 2 (w/VIDEO)

One of the unique things about the Toyota Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival that is now in its third season, is the fact that each track has been brand new and created just for the races (with the exception of the Sepang International Circuit used for the final round of Season 2). In fact, once the event is over, the track vanishes and the area reverts to what is usually a large carpark.

For the second round of Season 3, the uniqueness went up one notch as the location chosen was Bandar Malaysia, formerly an airbase of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) and before that, an international airport between 1952 and 1965, after which Subang airport replaced it. Motor vehicles would certainly have been driven on its runway but there were no races ever held – until this weekend.

Following the official departure of the TUDM from the airbase in March 2018, construction work has been underway to develop Bandar Malaysia (above). The circuit created this weekend on the runway (below) is unique and will be available just for this one time.

The runway that aircraft – which includes Malaysia’s first fighter jets like the Tebuan and Sabre – landed on was 1,199 metres long and on this runway, the event organisers created a track that is 1.96 kms long with two long straights (the longest being 600 metres). This track is one of the fastest and longest ever constructed for the series. Thus the stage was set for the fastest street racing action so far, presenting a new challenge of higher speeds than usual (140 – 150 km/h).

“I like the track because it is high speed and very wide. The long straight is awesome and I love the chicane. It’s both about being gutsy and a test of your skill in controlling the car,” said Dato’ Ken Foo, a competitor in the Sporting Class. “While the track is wider, overtaking will still not be easy because we are all driving identical cars. It’s about how you pace yourself the entire race, managing you speeds into and out of the corners, and looking at the opportunities. The weather will also make a lot of difference in the race, especially with the changing surface conditions from tarmac to concrete.”

SPORTING CLASS

In the Sporting Class for amateur drivers, S&D Tama Motorsports’ Tom Goh (Car 33 in the picture below) raced to his first victory of the season ahead of Crestmax Motorsports’ Adam Khalid in second place, in an incident-riddled 20-lap race which saw the Safety car coming out twice and leading the cars around. In third place was 15-year-old Hayden Haikal.

23 Motors’ Mirza Syahmi Mahzan led opening stages of the race from pole position but his race weekend was severely ruined by a 15-second penalty for a start infringement subsequently followed by a retirement. Three laps into the race, Saksama Motorsports’ Ricky Tan was too wide going into a left-hander and collided with the concrete barrier ending his race early. When the Safety Car peeled off the track 3 laps later, it didn’t take more than a few corners to bring it right back out due to a second collision between Distinctive Model’s Clement Yeo and Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh.

“After Mirza’s crash, it was pretty much a race on my own at the front. I was however, trying to play it safe because the level of grip on the track was completely different during the race to what we had initially set-up the car for (wet conditions) during the unofficial practice session,” said Tom.

For Adam, second place was a solid finish considering he started fifth on the grid and missed out on scoring any championship points due to a badly damaged car in the opening round of Season 3 in Kuala Terengganu in September. “This is literally my first race weekend considering I was unable to compete in Kuala Terengganu after an incident during qualifying. It’s a great result for me!” he said.

The Safety Car (below) was kept busy as accidents occurred in all the races and some of the cars returned to the pits on tow trucks, with body parts needing replacement.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

The pros delivered a sterling drive as expected in the Super Sporting Class with 23 Motors’ Tengku Djan Ley storming to victory from pole position in his black Vios (shown below). He would finish the 20-lap battle just 2 seconds ahead of Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin and Telegamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang in third place.

Tengku Djan and Mark set a blistering pace and were locked in a private duel at the front. ”My car felt good throughout the whole race and I could keep a consistent pace. I saw the lead stretching so I just maintained my focus to retain a comfortable gap to the finish. The track in Bandar Malaysia is wide and it allows you to take many different lines of attack into the corners and that builds for closer racing which is good,” said Tengku Djan.

While drivers endured a wet track on the first day of unofficial practice, today’s race was run in perfectly good dry (and very hot) weather which made it difficult for racing crews to find the most ideal set-up for the cars.

“This is the best track we’ve been able to race in the championship. There are slow corners and also high-speed corners which really reward drivers who commit. It is also about how well you can set up the car. So it doesn’t just boil down to the driver but you’re talking about an entire package in order to excel,” said Mark.

“Frankly speaking, I prefer it to be a wet race tomorrow. In rain, anything can happen. You can be the fastest but all it takes is one mistake and you’re out. It’ll be quite exciting and I certainly hope it rains tomorrow,” added Mark.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

This class for celebrities has always been a big crowd-puller, especially fans who have followed celebrities like Janna Nick, Diana Danielle and Shukri Yahaya. Starting with the same experience – which was none – as all the other 35 competitors in the Vios Challenge, beat-boxer Shawn Lee made a textbook start from pole position to win the 20-lap race ahead of actor Shukri Yahaya and presenter Nabil Ahmad who finished third.

Shawn drove almost unopposed as the top 3 drivers broke away from the rest of the pack early in the race. It wasn’t that their cars had more power but their personal driving skills gave them an advantage. “I really love this track. It’s really high speed,” said Shawn, who crossed the finish line 2.2 seconds ahead of Shukri. Finishing fourth and fifth were actress Diana Danielle and singer Khai Bahar.

The battle for sixth and seventh positions was also intense between singers Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali, and it lasted for a good 16 laps before Nabila managed to successfully overtake. “Today was a very difficult day for me but thankfully, I managed to overcome these challenges. I love the track but I must admit that it is very tricky,” said Nabila.

The race was not without incident as, in the 10
th
 lap, actor Syafiq Kyle crashed into the wall. For model Ain Edruce, finishing eighth was a consolation considering she started tenth on the grid after running into the wall during the qualifying session.

Street circuits allow spectators to be closer to the track and get a more vivid experience of the racing.

Race 2 of the three classes will run tomorrow with the top six finishers today lining up on the starting grid in reverse order. So Tom Goh and Tengku Djan Ley will be starting from the back and have to fight their way through the pack.

Visit
Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia
 for updates on the event.


Mazda x Mizuno driving shoes enhance Jinba Ittai for drivers

Mazda owners and fans will know about ‘
Jinba Ittai’
 – that unity between the driver and the car, the way a rider and a horse can be ‘one’.
‘Jinba Ittai’
 became embedded as a core philosophy for Mazda from 1987, during the development of the first MX-5. Tetsu Kasahara, a young engineer in the Chassis Dynamics Development Department at that time, recalls the term being used internally. “One day, Toshihiko Hirai, the first-gen MX-5’s Programme Manager, started printing ‘
Jinba Ittai
‘ on his business cards, and I think that’s how it came to be used externally,” he said.

Since then,
Jinba-Ittai
 is a must for every Mazda and it is what makes the company’s cars special, especially to those who love driving. It’s not just in the sports models but in every model Mazda makes, including its trucks and MPVs. In some cases where models have been shared with other mnufacturers, eg the early Mazda3 and the Tribute SUV, Mazda engineers have made some small but effective modifications that have achieved
Jinba Ittai
 for the brand’s models.

The importance of driving shoes

Just as the tyres are the crucial contact a car has with the road, the feet of the driver are crucial in the control and driving experience. In pursuit of the best possible
Jinba Ittai
 experience for drivers, Mazda teamed up with Mizuno, a well-known sportswear company, to jointly develop driving shoes. Also involved in the project was Makuake Incubation Studio which provides new product and new business development support.

The driving shoes are said to provide the driver with a driving experience of light yet stable and comfortable pedal operation. For effective operation of the pedals, ‘dorsiflexion support upper’ helps to pull back the foot to the top. The reaction force of the areas that flex makes it easier to adjust the amount of pedal depression more precisely. Mizuno used posture control technology that it cultivated in the development of competition swimwear.

MIZUNO COB technology in sole

The shoes use MIZUNO COB, which enhances the sensitivity of the soles of the feet in order to communicate with the car and obtain a direct feeling of operation. MIZUNO COB can transmit more accurate information to the sole by adding unevenness on the upper surface of the midsole that is linked to the design of the outsole. It provides a direct pedal feel while ensuring the cushioning required for comfort. It therefore enhances
Jinba Ittai
 during driving, giving the sense of unity between the driver and the car and enables smooth pedal operation in various driving situations.

Commenting on the shoes, a Mizuno designer said that if the shoes that connect the driver and the car are solid, human abilities will naturally be brought out. “Shoes are also an important factor in driving; after all, you can’t run well if you wear business shoes when running,” he explained.

First shoe project for Mazda Design

Mazda Design was involved in the shoe design as well, welcoming the challenge of designing a product they have never done before. As with Mazda vehicles, the form is fused with texture and functionality at a high level. The shoe has a black theme (with grey elements) in its design  and each shoe weighs 270 grams.

Only for sale in Japan

The shoes, which are only available in Japan, will be on display at Mizuno stores, Mazda headquarters and Mazda dealers from tomorrow. However, deliveries to purchasers will only take place from March 2022. Only 1,350 pairs (in 4 batches) are available and with tax, the total price is 44,000 yen (about RM1,675).

To know more about the Mazda range of vehicles available in Malaysia, visit
www.mazda.com.my
.

Mazda’s Kodo Design is 10 years old and continues to evolve


New Mitsubishi Motors dealership opens in Kota Damansara, Selangor

Car-buyers and Mitsubishi owners in the Klang Valley, specifically the Kota Damansara area, now have a new Mitsubishi 3S centre to serve then. Authorized dealer Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd recently opened a new 3S Centre which will offer sales, aftersales services and spare parts in the growing township. The new outlet joins the Mitsubishi Motors network which now numbers 15 throughout Malaysia.

The facility, which is easily accessible via the NKVE Highway, has a built-up area of 12,370 square feet. As a 3S centre, all services are on one site, so it is convenient for both customers and owners. For those interested in buying a new Mitsubishi vehicle, there is a spacious showroom to view the latest models while, for owners, the fully-equipped service centre has 5 bays for efficient daily throughput.

“Congratulations to Millennium Autohaus for opening a Mitsubishi Motors showroom here in the Klang Valley. As business operations have restored nationwide, Mitsubishi Motors is placing a lot of emphasis on enhancing our network development such as establishing more dealerships and upgrading our facility, as well as digitally advancing our platforms to provide our customers with the best shopping experience,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO  of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“MMM achieved a new record in October with 2,041 units of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles sold. We are appreciative of the government’s effort to extend the sales tax exemption until June 2022. This move will certainly help more Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings and, at the same time, boost the nation’s economy through the automotive sector. We would also like to thank our customers for their great support and patience towards the Mitsubishi Motors brand. We will continue to enrich our customer’s touchpoints, providing them with more convenience and only the best,” he added.

The Triton pick-up and XPANDER MPV (below) are popular Mitsubishi models available at every authorised dealership.

Your new Mitsubishi vehicle can now be delivered right to your home


Hyundai unveils Fuel Cell Concept at Seoul Motorshow

At the ongoing Seoul International Motorshow, Hyundai has also unveiled its stab at the hydrogen powered vehicle of tomorrow. Dubbed the Future Eco (FE) Fuel Cell Concept, the car is meant to provide a glimpse at the actual production ready vehicle, which will be launched in February next year.

This unveiling hints at the possibility of realizing the Korean automakers’s hopes of becoming a global leader of manufacturing mass-produced hydrogen vehicles of tomorrow. The new car, when launched, will feature advanced driver assistance technologies and a respectable 800km range on a tank of hydrogen.

Apart from that, the car will also have clever tech to aid occupant comfort, convenience and safety. One such feature is the ability of this vehicle to take the byproduct of its fuel cell process, which is water, and use it for its air humidifier in the cabin. The added moisture should provide occupants with better levels of comfort especially on long journeys.

But that wasn’t the only tech on display, besides the Smart House concept that blurs the line between the mobility of a car and practicality offered by a house, Hyundai’s VR take on the futuristic Ioniq was also intriguing. The automaker had Virtual Reality simulators at their stand which allowed visitors to peer into the abilities of an autonomous Ioniq. The simulator demonstrates how the actual car can behave with advanced auto-piloting capabilities through the use of its many sensors and radar systems.

Hyundai says that the autonomous Ioniq is one of few such vehicles to have its self-driving systems integrated into the front bumper instead of the big bulky ones placed on the roof of some mainstream automakers’ prototypes. The company will be able to accomplish this by integrating the new systems with existing ones which include Smart Cruise Control’s forward facing radar and Lane Keeping Assist cameras.

Expect more from the Korean giant in the future but until then, its most cherished vehicle here in Malaysia is the hybrid Ioniq which blends both electric and petrol power to offer better efficiency and emissions.


Lamborghini Urus S Gets Performante Power For Update

Since going on sale in 2018, the Lamborghini Urus has been a great successor for the Italian sportscar company. Up to June this year, over 20,000 units have been delivered worldwide, making it Lamborghini’s bestselling model in the shortest time ever.

The impressive high performance of the Urus inspired Lamborghini to coin the term ‘Super SUV’ for its model. And in the four years that the Urus has been around, other carmakers like
Aston Martin
, Audi and
BMW M
 have also launched their Super SUVs.

So Lamborghini has decided it’s time to update its original Super SUV with enhanced performance. The new Urus S replaces the standard Urus and gets the same performance level as the
Urus Performante
 which debuted in August. However, where the Performante is performance-focussed, the Urus S is more oriented towards luxury.

“The Urus has proven its appeal for those seeking the decisive combination of the sportiest SUV and a Lamborghini to drive every day: the Urus S sits perfectly alongside the new Urus Performante, for those choosing the purest sublimation of performance, luxury and versatility,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Urus’ commercial success, with more than 20,000 vehicles produced, is testament to its credentials as the first and enduring Super SUV: the Urus S elevates that reputation.”

Performante power
The twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine has increased power output of 666 ps, 16 ps more than before, which is the same as that of the Performante. Maximum torque is still at 850 Nm, peaking at 2,300 rpm (50 rpm higher than before). A retuned exhaust system gives a more distinct sound at start-up and a sharper note in each drive mode.

While the Performante underwent a weight-reduction course, the Urus S did not get such a stringent exercise although the extra power does slightly improve its weight-to-power ratio to 3.3 kg/ps. Factory tests have shown also slightly improved acceleration of 3.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 12.5 seconds to 200 km/h, which is 0.3 second quicker. The unrestricted top speed is still 305 km/h and if the driver hits the brakes at 100 km/h, the car should come to a full stop within 33.7 metres.

The chassis with adaptive air suspension ensures sporty driving dynamics while also smoothening out rough surfaces. On highways, the driver can choose the STRADA, SPORT, CORSA and EGO drive modes, and when driving off-road, there are the TERRA, NEVE and SABBIA programs to optimize performance.

Design presence
The Urus S gets a new front bumper design with more refined lines and a new matt black-painted stainless steel skidplate beneath it. Black lines on the front grille identify the new model, along with a new lightweight carbonfibre-painted bonnet. The bonnet comes with matt black air vents, with optional finishes to the vents in gloss black, body color or carbonfibre in shiny or matt finish.

Customers can also specify an optional visible carbonfibre roof for their new Urus S. There 5 further style configuration options combining body colour, shiny black, and carbonfibre components in shiny and matt finish, allowing a degree of individualization.

At the rear, the new bumper styling is more streamlined and elegant. A matt black-painted lower portion features a new twin-pipe exhaust design in brushed steel as standard, with optional matt or shiny black, or Ad Personam option in bright chrome.

For those who don’t want the standard 21-inch wheels, there are optional 22-inch Nath rims with titanium matt and diamond polish finish, while 23-inch Taigete wheels can be selected in bronze and diamond polish alternatives.

Revised interior themes
The interior of the Urus S has fully-revised colour and trim themes. Both the new Bi-colour Sportivo, and a new Bi-color Sophisticated option feature the Performante stitching pattern. The Bi-colour Sportivo has a more discreet and stylish use of the complementary colour, with refined new Blu Leandro and Verde Aura alongside tan, cream and brown.

Connectivity, an important area for customers today, is comprehensive and there’s connected navigation, security features and several in-car control services. Services such as Remote Park via the Lamborghini Unica App can also be managed via smartphone integration, with the enhancement of smartwatch controls including the virtual car key function.

Lamborghini Urus Performante Takes the Super SUV’s Performance To A Higher Level


Hopium Machina FCEV from new French carmaker to make global debut in October

Hopium is a French car brand you probably never heard of. In fact, before October 2019, it never existed and was established in that month by Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner in the 24 hours of Le Mans (LMP2 class). Hopium is the brand of Hydrogen Motive Company which will make high-end hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (FCEVs).

Now 31 years old, Lombard starts off with 7 years of personal experience with such vehicles and has assembled a team of experts as well as business partners to develop the car of the future. While the transport sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, Hopium is positioning itself as a player in the fight against climate change.

Prototype developed in record time

The development work began in October 2020 and by June 2021, the first prototype was produced in record time. It has been known as Alpha 0 and is used to certify the reliability of the fuel cell system. After the design and architecture phases, followed by the implementation of the various components within the vehicle, the prototype went through lab and track tests. It has already reached a maximum speed of 200 km/h, the performance level which is promised for the Machina, as the production model is to be known.

Over the past 12 months, the next phase following the rolling prototype has been underway and has led to the completion of the Machina concept car which gives a preview of the design features. Conceived by automotive designer Felix Godard (previously at Porsche, Tesla and Lucid) has a sleek aerodynamic form with an imposing grille in the ascending fuselage to optimize fuel cell cooling.

Inspired by water

The lighting signature is distinctive and also serves as the emblem of Hopium. The lines replicate the stratification of hydrogen and the movement of waves on the surface of water. In fact, much of the design has been inspired by water, which is a harmless by-product of the reaction in the fuel cell to generate electricity.

The platform has the fuel cell system installed up front, generating electricity that is stored in battery packs that are optimised in size and efficiency. The hydrogen storage tanks can contain over 6 kgs of the gas which will take only 3 minutes to fill with high-pressure pumps. The performance targets for the Machina are 500 ps, 230 km/h and 1,000 kms of range.

Future of the Human/Machine relationship

Godard and his designers imagine the future of the Human/Machine relationship inside the Machina. Facing the front occupants is a pillar-to-pillar display with a ‘digital landscape’ of information. It can transform into a full or minimized layout as desired, in a wave-like motion. The haptic console offers a new sensory connection with the interface.

At the back, passengers can enjoy the comfort of a spacious interior with a view of the sky. All the materials used for the interior are of the highest quality, and made to last a long time. The materials will be sourced in Europe to reduce their environmental impact.

Orders for the first 1,000 units of the Machina have been accepted over the past year  but the company has not revealed how many there are. It will make its world premiere at the 2022 Paris Motor Show this October.

UKM team completes development of two hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)