Hit 315km/h with the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched three new exciting models earlier today at the Sepang International Circuit in the form the new 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and C 63 S Coupe. These models represent the next-generation V8 engines with more power and driving dynamics than ever before.

Coming in at almost RM2 million (RM1,798,888 to be exact), the GT 63 S is essentially a race machine that has been made street legal without comprising any of the manic power output and driving experience. Birthed to tear up any circuit in the world, the youngest member of the Mercedes-AMG family has been further refined with driving comforts similar fitted for the Gran Turismo badge.

Under the hood sits an incredibly powerful AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine which has been enhanced to produce 639hp and 900Nm of manic torque output. The GT 63 S is even crazier with the fact that all its torque is readily available from as low as 2,500rpm.

The end results? 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and the capability to hit 315km/h top speed without breaking too much sweat. The four-door monster is also available in the more modest Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ variant which comes with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. Even that produces a whopping 435hp that kicks it up to 285km/h.

There’s also the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4 MATIC+ which produces 367hp and 500Nm of torque. It might look like it’s a world apart form the GT 63 S but 0-100km/h is cleared in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 270km/h. No matter which Mercedes-AMG GT you opt, there’s no doubt that you’ll have enough power in your hands to ‘tear it up’.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATIC+

Displacement

3,982 cc

2,999  cc

2,999 cc

Output

470 kW (639 hp) at 5,500 – 6,500 rpm

320 (435) at 6,100 (+16kW)

270 (367) at 5,500 – 6,100 (+16kW)

Peak torque

900 Nm at 2,500 – 4,500 rpm

520 Nm at 1,800 – 5,800 rpm

500 Nm at 1,800 – 4,500 rpm

Combined fuel consumption

11.3 l/100 km

9.1 l/100km

9.1 l/100km

CO
2
 emissions

257 g/km

209 g/km

209 g/km

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

3.2 s

4.5 s

4.9 s

Top speed

315 km/h

285 km/h

270 km/h

Estimated Price (OTR without Insurance)

RM 1,798,888

RM 1,298,888

RM 1,098,888

There’s also the AMG TRACK PACE captures and analyses in detail over 80 vehicle-specific data as well as times on the racetrack. AMG TRACK PACE is an additional function of the COMAND Online infotainment system and is part of the standard equipment for the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.

Most folks would call this a 4-door coupe that not only has monstrous amounts of power but also offers great sports ambience and sense of space. Dynamic remains the perfect word to summarise the new Mercedes-AMG addition, both inside and out.

Adapting the Sensual Purity design philosophy, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe probably has one of the best proportions in its category that not only shows off the car’s true elegance but at the same time all that muscle to be showcased once you put the pedal to the metal.

To know more, head over to

https://www.mercedes-benz.com.my/passengercars/the-brand/amg-brand/mercedes-amg-brand/brand.html
.


BAC Delivers 150th Customised Mono Single-Seater Supercar

Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), a specialist carmaker, has delivered its 150
th
 vehicle, a Mono R model which was commissioned by Hong Kong-based financier Julien Begasse de Dhaem. It is the 29th elite Mono R model that the British company has hand-built at its factory in Liverpool, England.

BAC exports 80% of the cars it produces to over 45 different countries across 5 different continents. With the recent expansion of the company’s retail network to incorporate Germany, Singapore and Malaysia, BAC has rapidly scaled its global footprint and presence worldwide.

“We remain proudly British while embracing our transition to a truly global enterprise and family. Mono #150 stands testament to our passionate global customers, loyal workforce, world-leading suppliers and dedicated global retail network,” said BAC Co-Founder and Director of Product Development Neill Briggs.

The Mono #150, like every unit built, is a unique design created to its owner’s personal specification. During the creative process, the customer liaised closely with BAC’s design team to build on the company’s philosophies of form enhancing function and deploying ultra-thin surfaces to cloak a phenomenal driving machine.

The car sports a BAC bespoke livery affectionately entitled ‘Man in the (Satin) Mirror,’ featuring stunning digital metallic Satin Liquid Silver Paint with exposed satin carbonfibre BAC logos. Unique ‘Highlighter Yellow’ details applied to the Mono R’s airbox, rear wing, wing mirrors, diffuser tips and nostril accents further amplify the potent visual impact.

BAC’s design team worked with Julien to formulate a paint mix specific to the car to give an exceptional level of finish. A member of the design team then spent three days painstakingly masking the car by hand to ensure that the painted elements such as the ‘Highlighter Yellow’ technical specifications on the airbox translated onto the finished car with the utmost accuracy.

Extra-terrestrial inspiration

“Like all of our customers, Julien immersed himself in the design process of the car’s livery, detailing and features through our BAC Bespoke Programme,” explained BAC’s Bespoke Specialist, Daniel Youd. “To initiate the consultation process, we studied our Livery Style Boards, with Julien drawing particular inspiration from the sci-fi curation. With the main body finished in bespoke Satin Liquid Silver Metallic and the lower body in exposed matter carbon fibre, the ‘Man in the (Satin) Mirror’ livery represents one of the most visually arresting creations ever to leave our Liverpool factory and stands as a very fitting tribute to mark our 150th model milestone.”

To denote its status as the 29th Mono R built by BAC, the car features the number R29 subtly embedded in the centrally-mounted main beam light surrounds on the nose and on the rear arches. Julien also opted to display the number on the car’s rear wing and outline the car’s technical specification on the side of the airbox.

Mono #150 features ultra-lightweight carbon hybrid wheels, utilising the world-first technology BAC developed in an exclusive collaboration with British high-performance wheel manufacturer Dymag. The lustrous bronze finish on each wheel and Highlighter Yellow Mono logos complete the car’s bespoke exterior design package.

Inside, the driver-focussed feel of the cabin has been further augmented by the introduction of a made-to-measure carbon steering wheel featuring a Satin R logo. Designed specifically to provide perfect feel and control, the bespoke steering wheel typifies BAC’s approach consistently to fulfil each customer’s specific desires and needs. Contrast silver interior stitching on the seat and headrest logo and carbonfibre side panels replete with R logo complete the interior design.

“Since we launched the company in 2009, the desire to offer our customers the most authentic and purest driving experience possible has gone hand-in-glove with our determination to deploy the very latest and most innovative motor-racing derived technologies and materials. To date, that philosophy has been expressed in its most distilled form in our Mono R, and it is fitting that Mono #150 is such a model,” said Briggs.

“Equally paramount to our company DNA is the fact that no two vehicles that leave the factory will ever be the same,” he added. “Our designers draw immense satisfaction and pleasure from collaborating with our customers to commission their unique creations. That was very much the case with Julien Begasse de Dhaem and his exceptional Satin Liquid Silver Mono R.”

BAC takes the Mono further with new R version – and all 30 units are already sold out

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


BMW Group Malaysia Continues To Grow Charging Network For Its EV Customers

With the government helping to promote the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by exempting them from as well as providing some other incentives, the car companies are also doing their part by participating in the development of the charging network nationwide. After all, if they want people to buy their EVs and enjoy using them, then enabling owners to travel far is necessary as part of ‘aftersales’

BMW Group Malaysia, having been among the early pioneers in electric mobility in Malaysia,  is one of the companies that has been helping to grow the number of charging stations. Besides having such facilities at its dealerships, it has now introduced BMW Charging to gives its EV customers peace of mind when they wish to go on long journeys.

Partnership with JomCharge
BMW Charging, in partnership with JomCharge (a local EV charging provider), offers more than 100 charging facilities strategically placed throughout urban areas and national highways. The network includes the facilities set up by Gentari, a division of Petronas.

Over 550 charging stations
To date, BMW Group Malaysia has provided BMW and MINI EV owners with access to over 550 charging facilities nationwide, mainly powered by industry partners that include ChargEV which has over 330 charging stations. Over 80 BMW i charging facilities are also available at most authorised BMW and MINI dealerships across the country, with a strategic infrastructure expansion plan already in place for 2023.

All new and existing BMW EV owners can register for the BMW Charging package. For a one-time fee of RM640, this 1-year non-renewable subscription comes with complimentary JomCharge credits worth RM160 to provide a total package value of RM800. Once registered, customers will be able to enjoy this package as a pay-per-use service with an additional 10% discount on each charging transaction for one year.

“An integral part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the electromobility landscape in Malaysia are our strategic partnerships with industry leaders in the charging infrastructure for EVs such as JomCharge as well as ChargEV and Tenaga Nasional Berhad in the coming months. With our shared goals and diversified expertise, we are bringing more key infrastructure and access to these charging platforms to our ever-growing community of existing and potential EV owners here,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia.

Meeting the growing need for skilled and qualified personnel to maintain BMW EVs

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Use the new Nissan Online Showroom to start your purchase process today

With the Movement Control Order (MCO) in force, people cannot go to car showrooms as they are closed and movement is also restricted. This will be the case until April 28, 2020, the new date for expiry of the MCO which was announced today.

This presents a challenge for many companies, including those selling new vehicles. Virtually all companies have websites to present information to customers and now a number are also setting up ‘showrooms’ online.

The latest is Edaran Tan Chong Motor which has today launched its Nissan Online Showroom.  While the website at
www.nissan.com.my
 has comprehensive information, the complementary Nissan Online Showroom is more focussed on addressing customer enquiries relating to vehicle purchases.

Ar the Nissan Online Showroom, interested customers can submit an online form to make further sales enquiries or request for vehicle booking arrangements with just a few simple clicks. Within 24 hours of submission, a dedicated Nissan sales representative will be in contact with them.

What this means is that many of the processes of buying a new vehicle can be done during the MCO period so that when it is over, it may be possible to get the new vehicle quickly.

Additionally, doorstep test drive appointments can be made and will be carried out when the MCO ends.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor offers warranty extension for Nissan vehicles


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

Motorsports have long been used for the testing and development of many new technologies which have eventually been used for everyday cars. Engineers who work with racing teams have to do so under challenging conditions that also require speed due to competition, and this provides fertile ground for developing new solutions to improve performance.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will also be taking this approach in developing a hydrogen-fuelled engine. Actually, the engine already exists and It has been installed in a racing car based on Toyota’s Corolla Sport. This car will enter races under the ORC ROOKIE Racing banner, starting with the Super Taikyu Series 2021 Powered by Hankook Round 3 NAPAC Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours Race in May.

The hydrogen-fuelled racing car undergoing tests.

By refining its under-development hydrogen engine in the harsh environment of motorsports, Toyota aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable and prosperous mobility society, ultimately enabling a carbon-neutral mobility society.

Toyota has long engaged in the innovation of engine technology, and  in fact, the company has not only successful developed fuel cells (FCs) which use hydrogen that chemically reacts with oxygen in the air to produce electricity, but it has also used those fuel cells to power the electric motor in the Mirai, Toyota’s first commercialised fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Except for the combustion of minute amounts of engine oil during driving, which is also the case with petrol engines, hydrogen engines emit zero CO
2
 when in use.

For the hydrogen engine, the fuel delivery systems for FCEVs have been modified from those used with petrol engines. Combustion in hydrogen engines occurs at a faster rate than in petrol engines, resulting in a characteristic of good responsiveness. While having excellent environmental performance, hydrogen engines also have the potential to relay the fun of driving, including through sounds and vibrations.

https://www.piston.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Toyota-hydrogen-engine-2021.mp4

Plans are for the hydrogen-engined racing car to be fueled during races using hydrogen produced at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field. While aiming to expand the hydrogen infrastructure in Japan by promoting hydrogen use, Toyota intends to continue advancing efforts for economic recovery and revitalization of the Tohoku region together with all parties concerned.

Even in safety, Toyota intends to apply the technologies and know-how that it has accumulated through the development of fuel cell vehicles and the commercialization of the Mirai. To ensure safety related to the use of hydrogen and high voltage, the countermeasures cultivated during the development of electrified vehicles such as FCEVs and HEVs were implemented. These measures are based on the basic approach of ensuring that hydrogen does not leak and, in the unlikely event that any leaks should occur, ensuring their immediate detection and stoppage.

Mirai – Toyota’s first commercialised fuel-cell electric vehicle runs on hydrogen. Two generations have been produced since it first went on sale in 2014.

Toward achieving carbon neutrality, Toyota has been strengthening its efforts, such as by aiming to promote the use of hydrogen through the popularization of FCEVs and numerous other fuel-cell-powered products. Toyota has been taking various initiatives toward the creation of a hydrogen society, such as selling the Mirai and SORA FCEV bus, selling FC systems to FC product companies, as well as allowing royalty-free use of its FCEV-related patent licenses.

Toyota has developed a product that packages individual FC system-related products of second generation Mirai with enhanced performance, such as the FC stack, as well as components that handle air supply, hydrogen supply, cooling, and power control, into a single compact module.

Toyota Mirai FCEV fleet in Germany clocks total of over 5 million kms


Mercedes Teases Concept Car That Will Guide Future Production Models

Mercedes-Benz is about to reveal a new entry-level electric vehicle, most likely in concept form, and has released a teaser with a possible debut at the next International Auto Show in Germany (2023 IAA Mobility). Additionally, it was revealed that two off-road-oriented cars will also be displayed during the event.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The brand’s “Open Space” will be held in the Apothekenhof, where guests will be able to see all of the current and upcoming electric and electrified vehicles from all Mercedes brands, including Mercedes-
AMG
, G-Class, Mercedes-
Maybach
, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, for the first time in one place.

2022 Virgil Abloh Mercedes-Maybach

The German automaker remained mum on its fresh design study, which is expected to guide a future production model, but it did provide a picture of the sleek shape of the vehicle.

Mercedes-AMG A-Class

The inclusion of what seems to be an LED light strip down the beltline, emphasising the car’s arches, is one of its most distinctive elements. Additionally, we can make out a closed line that runs from the back of the car, indicating that it will be a sedan rather than a coupe.

2022-Mercedes-EQ-EQS

The German automaker also announced that it will introduce a new All-Terrain E-Class model to complete the lineup. It states that the robust model will be provided as a plug-in hybrid and electrified (mild-hybrid).

2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+

The new EQA, EQB, and EQV, as well as the streamlined Vision EQXX and recently unveiled Vision One-Eleven concept, will be among the other models on show.


New Nissan Retail Concept launched in Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has unveiled their latest Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) to further improve the overall Nissan customer experience in line with their ever-evolving global presence. The first Nissan showroom to adopt this new retail concept is Nikaijaya Resource (KL) Sdn Bhd.

Located at 923A, Jalan Melor, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara (around 700m after the Damansara Toll Plaza), the new and improved Nissan showroom showcases an improved customer experience and ownership journey for the brand’s presence here in Malaysia. The first exterior feature that is the most noticeable is the iconic red Nissan table signage.

Step inside and customers are welcomed with the exciting ‘Nissan Drive’ sales and consultation areas that provide impressive warmth and comfort. Apart from housing a fleet of test drive vehicles and up to five of the latest Nissan models, the showroom also consists of a café-styled modern customer lounge, FREE Wi-Fi connectivity, and a fun kids’ corner to complete the overall wholesome experience.

According to Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM, “The Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) adapts to the latest ways of our business environment and it represents our commitment in providing our customers with a high-quality experience from the minute they arrive. We continue to expand and enhance our customer touch points to ensure a greater coverage and accessibility for our customers in order to meet the growing demand of our Nissan brand.”

Interested customers can check out the new showroom this weekend (10-20 October 2019) for the Nissan Test Drive Carnival. Amazing deals are for grabs and if you’re interested to test out the all-new electric Nissan Leaf, you’re more than welcome to do so. For more information, head over to
www.nissan.com.my
.

As for those who see much potential in the Nissan business in Malaysia, ETCM invites them to consider investing in a dealership. Interested Dealer Investors can contact ETCM’s Dealer Office at
dealer@tanchonggroup.com
 or call
03-4047 8621
 to know more or register their interest in being a new Nissan dealer.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Nissan Leaf – “Simply Electrifying”


F1/Round 12: Highlights & Provisional Results For 2021 Belgian Grand Prix

Even before the race started, there was already drama as Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) aquaplaned and crashed in the wet and slippery conditions on the way to the starting grid. His right suspension was too severely damaged for repairs to be done in time, so he was out.

Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-AMG) and Lando Norris (McLaren) both had 5-place penalties so they were further down the grid than where the qualifying time had put them. Bottas went to 13th and Norris to 15th, the latter getting a penalty for a gearbox change. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was relocated to last as he too had a 5-place grid penalty from the previous race.

As it continued to rain, the start was delayed by 15 minutes and then another 10 minutes more were added, and the 19 cars would do their formation lap behind the red Safety Car from Mercedes-AMG. The conditions were bad enough that the Red Bull boss, Christian Horner, remarked to
Sky Sports:
 “I certainly wouldn’t want to be getting into a car in these conditions. They are very brave.”

28 minutes after the original scheduled start time, the Safety Car led the racing cars out. It was still raining heavily and messages from the drivers indicated that visibility was a problem with all the spray. The situation looked too hazardous and the start process was suspended with the Safety Car leading the convoy back to the pits. There was no official word on what would happen but virtually everyone was in agreement that the conditions were too dangerous for any racing.

The F1 Safety Car supplied by Mercedes-AMG (Aston Martin also supplies the F1 Safety Car for some races) is driven by Bernd Maylander (inset). He has been behind the wheel of F1 Safety Cars since 2000 and has led the field for a total of at least 700 laps in that time.

In the Red Bull pits, the crew was frantically working on the Perez’ damaged car in the hope that he could join the race. The team was trying to persuade the Race Director to allow Perez to ‘come back from retirement’ and be allowed to race. In the end, the Race Director allowed Perez to start but he would have to do so from the pit lane (so does Kimi Raikkonen for something else).

With the race suspended before it could get started, the drivers could only wait for news of when the restart would be.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit on a day without rain, which was not the case at this year’s Belgian Grand Prix.

There was discussion about whether the race would be abandoned, or run on Monday. It was interesting that there seemed to be no clear position in rules regarding abandonment of a race due to rain, and how it would be handled. The last two races that had been abandoned due to heavy rain were the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang and before that, the 1991 Australian Grand Prix. Older readers will also remember the horrendous conditions of the 1976 Japan Grand Prix in which championship leader Niki Lauda decided to pull out of the race as he was certain the conditions were too dangerous. The race was not stopped in spite of the rain and was won by Mario Andretti in a Lotus.

The 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang was stopped after 31 laps due to rainy conditions making racing too dangerous. As less than 75% of the total of 42 laps were run, only half points were awarded.

Finally, some 3 hours after the race had been scheduled to start came the news that racing would resume within 17 minutes. The teams hurriedly prepared the cars and the spectators who had been sitting and waiting in the rain cheered as the Safety Car led the field back onto the wet track.

The Safety Car remained in the lead as the first few laps were completed but did not come in, so actual racing was not taking place. The Race Director had declared that it would be a time run but the laps were not confirmed.

And then red flags appeared and the race was stopped, with the cars headed back to the pits. The remaining time in the 1-hour allocation counted down but the conditions remained too dangerous to run in. Anyway, the requisite 2 laps had been done, so half-points could thus be awarded even if the rest of the race did not take place. Some drivers would benefit and some would not, but for George Russell who was right up at the front row, even half-points would be a very good day for the British driver.

The race was not able to resume as the rain just kept falling and the Race Director made the decision to abandon it, with the order on the grid being the order for the results, and half-points allocated. It will be remembered as the shortest F1 race as only around 21 kms had been completed out of the 308 kms had a 44-lap race been run.

A replacement circuit for Round 20 has not been announced yet.


V2L Turns EVs Into Mobile Power Banks

Going camping usually means leaving behind the conveniences that modern living has, much of which depends on electric power. To cook or make coffee, you would need to have a fire and for lighting at night, you have a fire or use portable lanterns. Of course, those who travel by a vehicle could bring along a portable generator or with some vehicles (like the
latest Ford Ranger
), there are heavy-duty 3-pin outlets to supply electricity for equipment and devices.

In future, those who travel outdoors with electric vehicles will be able to use their EVs like ‘power banks’ with a feature known as Vehicle-To-Load (V2L). It’s slowly becoming a common feature in many of the latest EVs and is useful not only for camping but also at home. The large amount of energy stored in the battery pack can be used to power appliances in the house, which would be useful when you have a power cut.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 with V2L can power a TV, microwave oven, refrigerator and even a treadmill if you need to exercise while there’s a power supply failure in your area.

In fact, EVs would be useful for emergency work where rescuers have to go to areas which may have power supply cut due to earthquakes or other natural disasters. They can then draw electricity from their vehicles to power their equipment. Nissan proposed such an idea with its
RE-LEAF concept
 a few years ago. With a fully charged 62 kWh battery pack, there should be enough electricity to power a household for up to 6 days.

V2L can also be used to recharge one EV from another.

In order to have V2L, the EV must have a bidirectional power port, which means electricity can flow both ways, not just to the battery pack. EVs with V2L capability would have a built-in converter to convert the direct current (DC) electricity that is in the battery pack to alternating current (AC) which is necessary to power common appliances and devices. The bidirectional capability also means that the EV can be used to charge another EV, which would be useful for roadside assistance services.

The adapter goes into the same port for recharging the battery pack but it has a socket for plugging in normal plugs used for household appliances and devices.

Adapter needed
The same port that is used to recharge the battery pack can also be used for V2L purposes although, at present, most EVs with the capability need an adapter to which normal electrical plugs can be connected. The adapter would be like the wall socket in the home so extension or multiple sockets can also be connected. In future, if V2L proves to be popular and frequently used, the carmakers may provide dedicated ports for the purpose.

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Using EVs to power external appliances is not exactly new though the term has only come into use in recent years. However, as far back as 2011, when Japan was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami, EV models like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Nissan LEAF were used to provide electricity at locations where there was no supply. Even back then, the i-MiEV with a 16 kWh battery could provide power at 1500W of electricity for up to 6 hours – enough to power a rice cooker and other equipment.

In 2011, after the tsunami and earthquake hit the Tohoku region of Japan, many units of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV provided electrical power from their battery packs for use by rescue workers.

Most new EV models like the (from left) Nissan LEAF, Toyota Prius and Ford F-150 Lightning have V2L as standard or as an optional feature.

Which EVs have V2L?
Technically, any EV should be able to have V2L and it is whether the carmaker wants to spend the extra money including the inverter. It might also be something that could become an option that can be obtained later by paying a fee to ‘unlock’ in the car’s system.

But like many features and technologies, as costs go down, they will become more common as a standard feature. Most of the latest EVs have V2L and in time, it might become as common as the 12V cigarette lighter socket or these days, USB ports.

Hotel Hyundai Gets Electric Power From An IONIQ 5!


Fun and excitement return to the 2-day Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival at the Sepang International Circuit

After 2 years of having the event restricted only to participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Racing Festival) returns this weekend with all the excitement and fun that visitors have enjoyed since starting in 2017. For now, UMW Toyota Motor and GAZOO Racing Malaysia seem to be using only the Sepang International Circuit whereas, in the past, purpose-built ‘street circuits’ were created in Penang and Kuala Terengganu. Perhaps rounds outside the Klang Valley will resume in the next season when, hopefully, the situation allows for less restrictions.

The TGR Racing Festival this weekend incorporates Round 2 of the Vios Challenge one-make series and as with other rounds, there are two races – on Saturday and Sunday. Over 5 years, the number of participants has greatly expanded, achieving one aim of having the series which is to draw new blood into motorsport. By making it more accessible and also with the support of Toyota dealers who have formed teams, many young racers now have an opportunity to develop their skills and go further.

Mohammed Fariqe Hairuman of the M7 Japan Project Team, joining the Vios Challenge for the first time, likes the format of the TGR Racing Festival. The international touring car driver sees the one-make format and presence of the Rookie and Sporting Classes for young and new drivers as being a game-changer.

““This is the best thing about the Vios Challenge. It is a series that requires minimal cost to participate in compared to other racing series in Malaysia whereby a sizeable investment goes into building a competitive car. With a one-make format, this cost is significantly reduced making it accessible to more enthusiasts,” he said.

“For newcomers – like someone who is transitioning from karting – the Vios Challenge is an ideal platform to start. For the same individual to compete in another series, it will definitely come down to a money game because it is expensive,” he added.

Laser Motor Racing and Super Sporting Class driver Mark Darwin also commended the TGR Festival’s concept of bringing racing to the people and in growing motorsports awareness in Malaysia. “The biggest difference with the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge series is that, in the past, it was we (as racers) who have to go to the crowd instead of having the crowd come to see the races. It has never been as easy task to bring spectators to a racing track, but the concept of a festival has certainly been able to attract them,” said Darwin.

The Vios Challenge has 4 classes – the Super Sporting Class for the veteran and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur racers; the Promotional Class for the celebrities to race against each other; and the Rookie Class which, this year, has the second batch of graduates from
GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program
.

The program offers training to develop promising young Malaysians and they also get Vios racing cars to use. The talent that GAZOO Racing Malaysia looks out for are those keen to transition from karting and sim-racing to saloon car racing. The students are aged between 14 and 20, and they  undergo intensive training both on and off the track under the close guidance of instructors at the GAZOO Racing School.

In today’s first race of Round 2, the 20-lap Super Sporting Class was dominated by Prima Pearl TD Racing Team’s Mitchell Cheah. He was in control from pole position to taking the chequered flag , just 2.1 seconds ahead of Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin. Freddie Ang from Telagamas Toyota followed in third position.

The first lap of the race unfolded in dramatic fashion when a racing incident quickly eliminated Laser Motor Racing’s Eddie Lew and Prima Pearl TD Racing Team’s Tengku Djan Ley – both strong contenders for the top three positions. The incident behind gave Cheah and Darwin a clear path ahead, opening a gap of more than 10 seconds, while Ang had to fight his way pass Axle Motorsports’ Hayden Haikal from sixth position for a well-deserved third place.

“Conditions were extremely difficult today with the heat. I was just focused on the task in hand and to do my best to avoid making any mistakes. To be honest, that was quite difficult to do with Darwin putting me under tremendous pressure,” said Cheah, whose race win marks his second visit to the podium in 3 races so far this season.

In the Sporting Class, also 20 laps long in hot and sunny conditions, the race was red-flagged after the very first lap due to an incident involving 3 cars. The race was then suspended for 15 minutes before being restarted. But the outcome of the race remained unchanged for the top three, with Axle Motorsports’ Naquib Azlan claiming victory, 2.3 seconds ahead of S&D Tama Motorsports’ Tom Goh, while 23 Motor’s Abdul Miqail claimed a commendable third place after passing Crestmax Motorsport’s Bradley Benedict Anthony in the very last lap.

“First of all, I’m glad that all the drivers were safe and uninjured in the incident. For me, it was a case of being thankful at the restart as the race was cut shorter than expected and I didn’t have to defend as much,” said Naquib, a graduate of the Young Talent Development Program.

The battle of the young drivers in the Rookie Class saw Nabil Azlan (Naquib’s brother) charging to his second race win of the season. His closest rival was Muizz Musyaffa who stuck with him all the way to the finish line, taking second position, and Muhammad Hamdany rounding up the top three. It was also Muizz and Hamdany’s second and third visit to the podium, respectively.

“It wasn’t the easiest race for me with Muizz on my tail. It was very tough, and I just had to maintain a good pace. The heat was also very hard on the tyres this afternoon and that required me to constantly change my braking point into the corners,” said Nabil.

The Promotional Class for celebrities, always popular with spectators (many of whom are fans of the celebrities), saw actor Zizan Razak easily take the win after 18 laps. His steady pace kept him 12 seconds ahead of host and television presenter Nabil Ahmad, while host Ahirine Ahirudin finished third.

The race also began in dramatic fashion when pole position man and actor Shukri Yahaya jumped the start and was later disqualified. Unsure of what to do next, Shukri slowed down and allowed the rest of the grid to pass him before clawing his way back up to finish the race in second position.

“I felt a bit disoriented to be honest. After jumpstarting the race, I became unsure of what to do next and I began slowing down to let everyone else pass and restart my race from the back of the field. I felt that that was the most honourable thing to do, and I later began to chase the drivers in front of me one car at a time. I did not realize that I had already been disqualified. It was purely my mistake and I hope to make amends in Race 2,” admitted Shukri.

Stage performances by the celebrities are an added attraction.

He may be too young to drive but he’s certainly good on the skateboard!

Fans of celebrities always look forward to the ‘meet and greet’ sessions which are part of every TGR Racing Festival.

The second  day of the TGR Racing Festival will see an All-Wheel Fest for non-motorized vehicles being held in the morning for bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, long boards, push bikes, and push scooters, to explore the Sepang International Circuit. There will also be a zumba session, a pump ramp and a skateboard competition as well as a skateboarding lesson for enthusiasts, and a concert by Indonesian singer Judika in the evening. So it’ll be worth an outing for all the family.

Car club owners had an opportunity to push their cars to the limits on the track during periods when there were no races running.

For those who can’t make it to the track, you can still catch Race 2 action and stage performances streamed live on the UMW Toyota Motor  website at
www.toyota.com.my
 and on the Face pages of
Toyota Malaysia
 and
Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia
.

GAZOO Racing to have 11 races in 2022 with addition of Vios Sprint Cup and Vios Enduro Cup


Hyundai begins testing Level 4 Autonomous Driving in Europe

Hyundai Motors is currently pushing their technology prowess on autonomous driving capabilities with their Hyundai IONIQ model. Still in early stages, the hybrid sedan is currently being tested on European roads with Level 4 Autonomous Driving, which is only one level away from a car being completely autonomous in every situation.

Level 4 is already at a very impressive state where the car is ‘fully autonomous in some driving scenarios, though not all. This level can be referred to as highly automated.’ The main purpose of the Autonomous IONIQ research vehicle is keep self-driving systems as simple as possible. This has already been somewhat achieved with Hyundai’s latest driving tech like:

Smart Cruise Control’s forward-facing radar

Blind-spot detection radars in the corners of the vehicle

Lane Keeping Assist camera integrated with LiDAR technology

As Hyundai is one of the first few manufacturers to spearhead the development of Level 4 autonomous driving for C-segment vehicles, their investments and cooperation with companies like Aurora have already proven to have significant results on Hyundai’s flagship electric vehicle, the NEXO. They are planning to further expand the range and platform for the future of autonomous vehicle offerings.

According to Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor Europe, “With the Level 4 Autonomous IONIQ research vehicle, we are already thinking one step ahead by looking at how the car industry, technology and infrastructure have to change in order to be fit for future mobility. Hyundai will continue to invest in autonomous driving technologies to speed up their development.”

Hyundai Veloster N ETCR finishes first track test


Volkswagen Malaysia Unveils ‘JOIN’ Range With 25 Units Exclusively Available @ Lazada, Announces “VW Cares” Customer Programme

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
 has  launched the
‘JOIN’
 range, a special edition model line-up targeted to customers wishing to stand out from the crowd. The ‘JOIN’ range is an accessory package available on Volkswagen’s core models, the Polo, Vento Comfortline and Highline, Tiguan Highline and Passat Comfortline. ‘JOIN’ accessories include side scuff plates, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, VW Tint, and a list of other exclusive add-ons worth up to
RM12,000
, depending on the model.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM
 (above) said that the ‘JOIN’ range further reaffirms Volkswagen’s commitment to provide a wide variety of products to the Malaysian public.
“Whilst our core models are popular on their own, we believe customers are also looking out for an extra touch of exclusivity on their cars. The introduction of the ‘JOIN’ range, and other special edition models is something we are actively doing in our bid to offer to our customers these options with value-added benefits.”
(More details on each of the ‘JOIN’ models below after the photo gallery)

In conjunction with the unveiling of the ‘JOIN’ range, Volkswagen and
Lazada
 Malaysia are once again collaborating to offer a special deal for the Malaysian public. 25 units of JOIN models will be exclusively available on Lazada beginning
 12
th
 October 2018 until the 30
th
 of October
. Customers need only pay the retail price of the car to receive the ‘JOIN’ accessory package for free.

To make a booking, customers are required to pay a booking fee of
RM799
 (for the Polo JOIN and Vento JOIN), or
RM1,699
 for the Passat Comfortline JOIN and Tiguan JOIN via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking, after which they will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on the preferred dealership and to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle. Those interested to purchase any models with the ‘JOIN’ package may visit
https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/volkswagen-passenger-cars-malaysia/
  to find out more.
“We were delighted to have pushed boundaries and make history with our collaboration, when 12 units of the special edition Beetle was sold out in 20 minutes on Lazada last December. This proves that customers, while more discerning than ever, are receptive towards buying big-tickets items online.,”
 said Erik Winter.

CEO of Lazada Malaysia
,
Christophe Lejeune
 (above, left) added,
“Lifestyles are changing due to digital commerce, with more people becoming comfortable to shop for what they need online. The sell-out performance of Volkswagens special edition Beetle last year during 12.12 is a testament to that. 1 out of 4 of the 20 million Malaysians online visited Lazada at least once in September, and we are confident that this number is set to grow even further. We are excited to be working once again with VPCM in pushing the boundaries of online shopping, with even bigger things in store for the future.”

The launch of the ‘JOIN’ special edition range was held in conjunction with
Volkswagen Fest 2018
, which takes place from the 12
th
 till 14
th
 October at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam. A celebration of all things Volkswagen, visitors can enjoy exclusive offers on new and pre-owned Volkswagen models, as well as a variety of activities for the family such as food trucks, busker performances, an outdoor movie screening (12
th
 October), and an open-air concert (13
th
 October).

At the same time, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also launched the
“Volkswagen Cares”

customer loyalty program. The launch was aptly held in conjunction with Volkswagen Fest 2018, which will see Volkswagen fans from all walks of life celebrating their love for the brand over the course of three days starting today. The core of the Volkswagen Cares philosophy is the commitment to care and provide the best for Volkswagen customers. Key to this initiative is the Volkswagen Cares mobile application, an aftersales-led initiative using a new platform for the brand to engage with its customers and continuously improve the ownership experience.

The mobile app comes with a list of features related to both sales and aftersales, and this includes service offers, owner rewards, educational videos and tips event updates, and 24-hours’ roadside assistance – all at the touch of a button. The Volkswagen Cares mobile app is available on both IOS and Android can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play.

Non-Volkswagen owners are also invited to download the mobile app to access offers, Volkswagen video content, and receive Volkswagen event updates via push notifications. Speaking at the launch, Erik mentioned that Volkswagen Cares is more than just a loyalty program.
“Volkswagen Cares applies on all levels, be it to our colleagues, dealer partners and our other stakeholders. And more importantly, it is about how we interact, engage and serve our customers better.”

“Volkswagen is better experienced than explained, and this mobile app was conceptualized with this thought in mind. This mobile app not only makes our services more accessible to our customers, it is also a way for us to appreciate and connect with our loyal customers.” Erik Winter.

Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP)

An integral part of Volkswagen Cares is
Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP)
, an exclusive program for owners with a vehicle 5-years and older. With a one-time payment of only RM138, VCP member privileges include three 20% service discounts vouchers, 2-year extension of Volkswagen’s Roadside Assistance, and a RM100 merchandise voucher, which can be viewed and managed within the mobile app. Interested customers can sign up at any authorized Volkswagen dealer to make payment before receiving their membership card.

More on the VW “JOIN” Family of Cars…

Polo ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM81,990*

Available colours: Candy White, Carbon Steel Grey, Flash Red and Reflex Silver.

The Polo is small but tough and is perfect for city driving. The Polo ‘JOIN’ comes with added accessories such as side scuff plates, trunk garnish, rear spoiler in black, side mouldings, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.

Equipped with a 1.6l 105PS petrol injection 16-Valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic with sport mode, the Polo 1.6l comes with a maximum torque of 153Nm available at a low 3800rpm. The Polo 1.6l is equipped with the new RCD 340G head unit which offers a wide range of connectivity options such as USB and iPod interface, AUX-IN support, SD card slot, Bluetooth and App-Connect (CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink).

Vento Comfortline and Highline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM91,690* and RM98,490*

Available colours:

Candy White and Carbon Steel Grey (Vento Comfortline)

Carbon Steel Grey and Deep Black (Vento Highline)

When it comes to looks, the Vento embodies the Volkswagen design DNA that perfectly balances form and functionality. Both Vento variants is offered with ‘JOIN’ accessories, which includes trunk garnish, rear spoiler, side mouldings, side scuff plates, leather seats and VW Tint worth RM7,000.

The Vento Highline is powered with the award-winning 1.2l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with an output of 105PS. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission DSG (with sport mode) and a maximum torque of 175Nm, between 1,550 – 4,100 rpm, the Vento is the sedan with the highest torque in its class.

The Vento Comfortline comes with a 1.6l 105PS Multi Point Injection (MPI) and a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox with Tiptronic function. Maximum torque is 153Nm at 3,800rpm, and fuel consumption is 6.5l per 100km.

Tiguan Highline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM175,990*

Available Colours: Deep Black, Pure White and Tungsten Silver.

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s most successful SUV with over 2.8 million units sold globally. The Tiguan JOIN comes with additional front design element, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, chrome exhaust tip, load lip protector, footboards and VW Tint worth RM10,000.

The Tiguan combines a 1.4l turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. It boasts an impressive acceleration of 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph.

Passat Comfortline ‘JOIN’

Priced at RM188,690*

Available Colours: Deep Black, Manganese Grey, Pure White and Reflex Silver.

Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Passat, features a superior design, economical engines and state-of-the-art technologies. The Comfortline JOIN variant comes with aluminium sport pedals, side scuff plates, new 18” Marseille alloy wheels and VW Tint worth RM 12,000.

The Passat Comfortline is powered with a 1.8l turbocharged TSI engine, and paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)with sport mode to give an impressive output of 180PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,250 to 5,000rpm.

All JOIN models are also offered with VPCM’s Price Protection Scheme (PPS), which is also still applicable for Volkswagen cars registered before the 30
th
 of November 2018 and while stocks last.  All Volkswagen models come with 3-years free maintenance, 5-years manufacturer’s warranty and 5-years roadside assistance.

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


Perodua alerts customers of scams detected in connection with new Ativa SUV

It’s often the case that when a model is in great demand, there will be people trying to use scams to mislead people who are eager to get the new vehicle quickly. According to Perodua, two scams have been detected since the launch of its
new Ativa SUV
 on March 3.

“We have discovered at least two fraudulent rebate offers online for the newly-launched Perodua Ativa,” said Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, confirming that the promotions did not originate from Perodua or any of its outlets or authorised dealers nationwide.

According to Dato’ Zainal, some scammers have posed as Perodua sales advisors before and lured potential victims into placing their new car purchase deposits into personal bank accounts. Obviously, when making any payments, you should never pay to an individual’s account and always make payment to a company account. If you are suspicious, it is worth calling up the company to confirm the bank account details.

Perodua urges both existing and potential customers to only deal with its authorised sales advisors to avoid being deceived by scams. The company offers this list of Do’s and Don’ts for customers:

All-new Perodua Ativa SUV launched with three variants, priced from RM61,500


Acura Precision EV concept shows new design language for EV future

Acura, Honda’s brand of premium models mainly sold in North America, is transitioning to a new design language and a preview of this is given in the Precision EV Concept unveiled in California this week. This is the brand’s third design concept since 2016.

Created by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the SUV concept model showcases a future vision of electrified vehicles with distinct manual and full driving automation experiences. Its design focuses on performance through design, with inspiration drawn from luxury Italian powerboats.

A special feature is the theatrical lighting approach that previews an electrified powertrain through a dramatic illuminated evolution of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille, Chicane DRL signature and new ‘Particle Glitch’ lighting on the front and rear facias.

Dual driving modes
Inspired by the cockpit of a Formula 1 racing car are the low-slung driving position, high-performance driver sightlines and a 2-grip yoke-style steering wheel. The interior space of the Precision EV concept  features dual experiences – an Instinctive Drive mode for the performance experience and a calming Spiritual Lounge mode during autonomous operation.

The Instinctive Drive mode elevates the dynamic connection with the car with racing-style digital instrumentation and invigorating red ambient and pipe lighting. In Spiritual Lounge mode, the steering wheel retracts and as it does so, the cabin transforms into a warm, calming experience with soothing scents and restful ‘underwater’ animated projection so the driver and occupants can relax and recharge.

The SUV cabin is crafted with sustainable, environmentally-responsible materials creating premium, unique finishes including marbled recycled plastic trim and 100% biomass leather. All the aluminium used, as well as the dimensional green cast acrylic that forms the steering wheel secondary controls, were made from recycled materials. Milled FSC certified wood, harvested from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits, adds warmth and a connection to nature.

Next-generation HMI
The Precision EV Concept also previews the next generation of Acura HMI (Human-Machine Interface) with an intuitive and easy to use hyper-wide, curved transparent display and haptic touch response. ‘Particle Glitch’ boot-up graphics mirror the signature exterior detail, visually harmonizing the experience.

“As the definition of premium and performance evolves to include the application of sustainable materials, we are looking at new and innovative material technologies to inspire our customers while both reducing our carbon footprint and enabling the Acura brand to reshape the perception of quality,” said Gypsy Modina, Principal Designer – colour, materials and finish..

“The Precision EV Concept is a look into our future direction and continues the Acura Precision Crafted Performance design language with a modern expression of performance” said Dave Marek, Acura Executive Creative Director. “The Acura Precision EV Concept will be our ‘North Star’ as we move into an exciting electrified future, and you will see these design cues translate over to future production models.”

A new Acura Integra returns after 21 years


The New Porsche 911 GT3 RS – A Clear Focus On Motorsport [+Videos]

The Porsche motorsport department is presenting Weissach’s latest treat at the
2018 Geneva Motor Show
: The new
911 GT3 RS
 with motorsport chassis and
383kW (520-hp)
, 4-litre, high-speed naturally-aspirated engine. The new high-performance sports car is based on the 911 GT3, which has been refined still further to combine the performance-enhanced engine with a running-gear setup that features recalibrated rear axle steering designed for maximum dynamics and precision.

The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from
0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds
, reaching a top speed of
312 km/h
. Following the launch of the 911 GT3 and the 911 GT2 RS, this latest release will see Porsche present its third GT road-approved sports car within a year.

911 GT3 RS: Aerodynamics and interior based on the race trim

Aerodynamics have determined the design of the wide, weight-optimised body with its classic rigid rear wing. The racing look continues into the interior with full bucket seats made of carbon to provide secure lateral support in response to high-level driving dynamics. Lightweight door panels with storage nets and opening loops, reduced sound absorption and the new lightweight rear lid further emphasise the consistency of the material choices.

911 GT3 RS: The most powerful naturally aspirated engine at 520 hp

The four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine from Porsche in the new 911 GT3 RS pushes the sports car to new limits: The flat engine delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more than the engine in the previous model and the 911 GT3. Together with a speed range reaching up to 9,000 rpm, it was the ideal choice as a thoroughbred sports engine. Combined with the specially calibrated seven-speed PDK, the high-performance engine guarantees an outstanding driving performance.

911 GT3 RS: Motorsport-inspired chassis and Clubsport package

Technology straight from motorsport ensures that the chassis offers exceptional driving dynamics. Ball joints on all arms provide even greater precision than conventional elastokinematic bearings. 20-inch lightweight wheels with newly developed 265/35 sports tyres on the front axle enhance agility and steering behaviour, while 21 inch wheels with 325/30 tyres at the rear axle improve traction.

As with all current GT sports cars, the Clubsport package is also available for the 911 GT3 RS at no extra cost. The package includes a roll-over bar, a manual fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point belt for a sporty driving experience.

911 GT3 RS: Weissach package and magnesium wheels for additional weight savings

For particularly ambitious drivers, the Porsche motorsport department has created an optional Weissach package for a further weight reduction. The package features additional carbon components for the chassis, interior and exterior, as well as optional magnesium wheels. In its lightest configuration, this package reduces the weight of the 911 GT3 RS down to 1,430 kilogrammes.

911 GT3 RS Video:

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Photo Gallery…


TRUCKS: Hide Your Children, The Monster 4×4 Sutton CS3500 Truck Is Here! 5 Things You Need To Know [+Video]

I’m gonna dispense with the preamble, this truck doesn’t need one. So I’m just gonna mention
 5 Things
 you need to know about the
Sutton CS3500

Monster 4×4 Truck
 launched by
Hamawangsa Kredit Sdn. Bhd.
 just now, and then show you a video…

It costs RM780,888 and it’s bigger than your living room.

It’s powered by a V6 3,500cc Twin-Turbo w/Intercooler PETROL engine.

It produces 450bhp and close to 700Nm of torque.

It runs on massive 315/70 R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain Tyres & Fox Racing Shox Suspension.

It comes with a 3-year / 60,000km warranty.

And here’s the walkaround video…

Interested?
To view the Sutton CS3500, Hamawangsa Kredit is located at
Lot 2855 & 2863, Pinggir Taman Tun Dr.Ismail, Jalan Damansara, 60000, KL
 (opposite Mutiara Damansara, the area where LOTUS and MOFAZ Speedzone used to be)
 Tel: +603-7733 1666

Sutton CS3500 Photo Gallery…


Season 3 Of Extreme E To Have New Locations In Scotland And The USA Or Brazil

Extreme E enters its third season in 2023, with the series heading to new locations for the first time and revisiting some of the 2022 favourites. Uniquely, this motorsport event is not just about competition over rough terrain but also aims to drive awareness of climate change issues. It promotes sustainability and competing vehicles run only on electricity.

The extent to which sustainability and minimal impact on the environment are pursued can be seen in the way the logistical aspects. Instead of using aircraft, a ship was specially converted for the purpose to carry the vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure to each location.

Known as the St. Helena, it was formerly a ship used by the British Royal Mail. Besides being the championship’s floating centrepiece, it also has an on-board laboratory for researchers to do their work while at sites.

Each Extreme E round takes place over 2 to 3 days, within an area of around 10 square kms. Routes are designed to incorporate existing obstacles and features with elevation changes and jumps without the need to adapt the natural setting, thereby avoiding negative impact on the environment.

Familiar locations
Extreme E’s third season will again start off in Saudi Arabia with the Desert X Prix on March 11/12. In May, it will head back to the Scotland where an X Prix will be held for the first time. At the midway point of the season, Extreme E will return to Sardinia – where it has raced in each of its past 2 seasons. The Italian island has been the setting for some incredible on-track actions and some of the series’ most dramatic moments, and more of the same is expected in 2023.

The fourth X Prix of Season 3 will see Extreme race in another new setting, with the championship heading to either the USA for its first-ever round in North America, or to the remote parts of Brazil.

Despite being unable to compete in Brazil so far due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Extreme E organisation has continued its vital legacy work in the Amazon. It has partnered with TNC to develop its Amazon-based Legacy Programmes, which funds native forest restoration and a well-established cacao-based agroforestry programme.

The final round will take place in a familiar setting – Chile – in December, for what is sure to be a thrilling finale.

The vehicles and event equipment are transported to each location on this ship.

Hydrogen championship in 2024
There are also plans to advance the all-electric series further with an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. To be called ‘Extreme H’, it will run alongside Extreme E, and will be a world-first for motorsport.

The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E. The key differentiating factor will be that a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source. Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water. This technology is already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

“Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility. It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issue,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme E.

The world’s most extreme battery for an extreme off-road event


TEST DRIVE: Subaru XV 2.0i Reviewed [+Videos]

The age-old question or rather conundrum; do you need 4WD in an SUV? I recently got my hands on the new Subaru XV 2.0i, and during my time with it, the question popped into my mind again, so I decided to get it all down in a video…

[Erratum: The XV as tested has Hill-Hold, and
not
 Hill-Descent Control as mentioned in the above video, sorry! – CW]

If you haven’t fallen asleep and you’re still with me, let’s delve a little deeper into the new XV. Premiered to the media sometime in the middle of 2017 in Taiwan, the new XV was officially launched here toward the end of last year, to a very enthusiastic target audience. Here’s the official launch video from Taiwan…

It’s in speaking about said target audience that got me thinking about that question posed earlier about the need for 4WD or AWD in a ‘family’ SUV. I’ve decided that there’s really no right or wrong in it, it’s all a matter of personal preference. And if you’re worried about the urban-myth about 4WD or AWD vehicles being ‘thirsty’, well, over the course of 4 days, and quite a bit of driving, I only managed to burn 2 ‘bars’ of fuel…

Speaking of the engine, the new XV is powered by a direct-injection, 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed (boxer), DOHC, 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine, capable of
156Ps
 and
196Nm
 of torque. Earth-shattering figures these are not, however, do remember that nowhere on this SUV does it say
STI
…

It is perhaps that fireballs-out-the-flanks
‘performance’
 association with the brand that will dampen the enthusiasm of anyone seeking ‘
WRX
-thrills’ in this Subaru, because that ain’t gonna happen with the XV, nor should it. And besides, gearbox wise, this new XV comes with a 7-speed continuously-variable transmission (CVT) or what Subaru calls a ‘
Lineartronic CVT’,
which is about as far from a performance oriented gearbox as one can possibly get…

Built on Subaru’s new SGP or
Subaru Global Platform
, the new XV feels taut and very well put-together. It has incredible levels of NVH suppression, resulting in one of the quietest cabins I’ve ever come across for a SUV in this mid-size segment.

Its party-trick of course, the thing that sets it apart from other SUVs in this segment, is its
X-Mode
 function, that’s specifically tailored to take the guess work out of any light-off-road driving. Hitting that button on the centre console, this mode controls the engine output, transmission, all-wheel drive torque split, and even the braking system, to ensure the most optimum performance for off-road driving.

But you know what, if that was its only ace up its sleeve, the new XV would be a let-down; but thankfully it isn’t. Perhaps the most important aspect of a mid-size ‘family’ SUV is what it’s like on the inside, the one place that matters most when you’re hauling your most precious cargo, and in that respect, this new XV really shines.

As I mentioned earlier, the NVH of this XV based on the new SGP, is quite remarkable. This is the one thing that’s going to set it apart from the rest of the competition out there, really. Unfortunately, only an extended test-drive will bring forth this benefit, so please, don’t take my word for it, head over to TC Subaru and give it a go for yourself. With prices starting at RM118, 819 incl. GST, it’s definitely a worthy consideration. –
Chris Wee.

Subaru XV 2.0i Photo Gallery…


Suzuki releases more images of upcoming Swift Sport

Suzuki has revealed more images of the upcoming Swift Sport and by the looks of things, its going to be far sportier than its predecessor. We have covered its exterior design in a previous article and as such, we aren’t going to elaborate much about it here.

But we are happy to announce that the new car looks aggressive enough to pass off as a performance vehicle, but not enough to be repulsive to non-enthusiasts.

The recessed matte black honeycomb grille is far prettier than what you would get on the standard Swift, which besides being aesthetically pleasing, should also be able provide higher airflow to the powerplant.

Around the back, the racing style rear bumper features a two piece design that contrasts well with the twin performance exhaust pipes. They protrude somewhat, through dedicated holes in the lower piece of the bumper assembly.

That said, the area that has received the most improvement compared to the previous generation car is the interior. It looks and feels far sportier and more technologically advanced.

The bottom of steering wheel takes on a flattened shape, mimicking that

 of racing cars. Several buttons have been integrated in to the steering wheel and a number of others set directly below it.

Red accents throughout the cabin provide the car with a a racing feel. This is especially evident when glancing at the bright red tachometer. A touch screen infotainment system occupies the majority of the centre stack.

This  will probably function as a tool to inform drivers of their performance as well as provide them with an intuitive way of managing the vehicle’s systems.

The combined use of analog and digital instrument clusters should make for a more rewarding drive. Suzuki has built the car so as to be an extension of the driver instead of overwhelming him/her with a barrage of complicated data that detracts from the Swift’s Sport’s purpose.

Last but not least, we have to mention the semi-bucket racing seats. The minimalist black upholstery and contrasting red stitching are a nice touch. But as a whole, the seats should provide the driver and front passenger with adequate support during cornering.

The new Suzuki Swift Sport is shaping up to be a much needed improvement over its predecessor. We hope that builds upon the lively handling of the previous car without compromising on practicality.

Suzuki Motor Corporation will officially reveal the new Swift Sport at the 67th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, which will take place on 12 to 13 September.


New 3rd generation Nissan Qashqai debuts in Europe

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to know more about promotions at BHPetromart.

The Nissan Qashqai (the name is derived from that of a community in Iran) has a history going back to 2006 and has been sold under a few names in different parts of the world. It has however been largely associated with the European market and is made in Nissan’s UK plant, so it’s not surprising that the new third generation has its debut in Europe.

As a top-selling vehicle for Nissan in the European market, the Qashqai is the latest to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, which prioritizes sustainable growth and profitability across the company’s global operations. It will go on sale in a number of markets from mid-2021

Striking, elegant exterior design

As with just about every Nissan model since 2015, the new Qashqai has the V-Motion grille which was introduced in the Sport Sedan Concept of 2014. It has become  part of the global design language of the brand and integrates well in the latest style of the Qashqai.

The body. With a ‘floating roof’ has a more purposeful stance, with prominent shoulder lines, while the wheelbase has been extended by 20 mm. The LED headlamps are slimmer and sharper, and employ technology that adapts the shape of the beam according to the road conditions and the presence of other road-users. The design of the rear lights creates a 3-D effect, generating a unique visual signature for the model.

The Qashqai is the first model in Europe to use the Alliance CMF-C platform with an entirely new automotive structure and technology architecture. In terms of construction, the body-in-white makes use of more lightweight material, advanced stamping processes and welding techniques to increase strength and reduce weight. For the first time, the rear hatchback door is now made of a composite material, which saves 2.6 kgs. Other advanced manufacturing techniques result in weight savings of 60 kgs while raising structural rigidity by 41%.

With the new CMF-C platform, the Qashqai gets an updated Macpherson strut set-up at the front and rear. The rear suspension features a torsion beam equipped for 2-wheel drive models and a multi-link configuration for all-wheel drive models with 20-inch wheels.

Elevated interior ambience

Connected, comfortable and commanding are the strong features of the cabin and Nissan claims that the Qashqai sets ‘a new segment standard for an elevated feel and enhanced usability’. It has new premium materials and new white ambient lighting which creates a premium and harmonious experience inside the vehicle.

Smart features to make motoring easier include an advanced infotainment system with connected services, in-car wifi for up to 7 devices and NissanConnect Services, which is a dedicated app to control and monitor the vehicle.

A new high-definition, fully electronic 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information, controlled from a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel. The TFT’s digital background has a Japanese Kiriko cut glass motif that references Nissan’s Japanese DNA.

A new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key navigation, driver assistance and road information onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision, allowing drivers to maintain their focus on the road for more comfort and confidence at the wheel.

There’s also a high resolution 9-inch NissanConnect display screen for navigation, entertainment and viewing vehicle settings. This can be interfaced using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa home-to-car compatibility are also available.

e-POWER comes to Europe

The Qashqai will be offered with a 12-volt mild hybrid system comprising a 1.3-litre turbocharged  engine and a lithium-ion battery pack. The system enables energy regenerated during deceleration to be used while driving to contribute to both fuel economy and CO2 emissions reduction.

The new model also introduces Nissan’s e‑POWER drive system to Europe in a second variant. To meet the typical needs of European consumers and their daily drive, the e-POWER system has been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai with the adoption of Nissan’s world-first variable compression ratio petrol engine as the dedicated electricity generating unit. The result is a compact, high-output electrified system that, thanks also to the high combustion efficiency of the engine, delivers more efficiency.

PROPilot driver assist system

Besides the array of safety features and tech that offer driver support in a wider array of circumstances, the Qashqai also has ProPILOT with Navi-link to help reduce fatigue and stress. The system, which has the same intuitive controls as ProPILOT, uses navigation data to smoothly assist with driving, especially with sharp cornering and off-ramp exiting. It can provide assistance with acceleration and braking within a single lane on a highway.

FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine


2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Introduced in Indonesia – Will this be offered as a Perodua in Malaysia?

Toyota Indonesia has unveiled a brand-new model of the
Yaris Cross
, a B- Segment SUV that is unconnected to the one that is already available in Europe, Japan, and Australia. This one, however, is said to be the “sister car” to the Perodua Ativa we have here in Malaysia.

The model borrows stylistic ideas from the Highlander and the larger
RAV4
 with a choice of petrol or hybrid powertrains.

The new Yaris Cross will sit between the Raize and the Corolla Cross in Toyota’s SUV lineup for the Indonesian market.

Exterior

The Highlander-like big grille and robust headlights in the front sits in contrast with the RAV4-like boxy wheel arches, toned-up rear shoulders, and taillights. The ASEAN Yaris Cross differs from its identically called sibling in that it has more angular aspects on its face, such as the headlamps and fog lamp surrounds. It has a two-tone paint schemes, and body cladding are also characteristics of the ‘Solid & Dynamic’ style.

The Indonesian-specific Toyota Yaris Cross is built on Daihatsu’s DNGA platform and measures in at 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,615 mm long with a 2,620 mm wheelbase. It is 130 mm longer than the TNGA-based EU-spec Yaris Cross based on those measurements.

In terms of paint jobs, Super White 2, Silver Metallic, Greenish Gunmetal, Altitude Black Mica, Dark Red, Platinum Pearl White Premium, and Scarlet Premium are just a few of the colours that will be offered. It is also available with a dual-tone paint job – an Altitude Black Mica roof and a body painted in your choice of Silver Metallic, Scarlet Premium, or Platinum Pearl White Premium.

Powertrain

Both petrol and a hybrid powertrain are offered for the vehicle. 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque are produced by the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine. Both a five-speed manual and a CVT transmission are available, and both deliver power to the front axle.

For the more effective self-charging hybrid, a 1.5-litre engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a CVT are all combined. The combustion engine produces 90 hp and 121 Nm, while the electric motor produces 79 hp and 141 Nm. The 110hp total output is sent to the front axles, which is a little less than the output of Toyota hybrids built to EU standards.

The Yaris Cross is a full hybrid, not simply a “mild” hybrid because the electric motor is powerful enough to propel the vehicle in electric mode while the engine is off.

Interior

Little has changed on the inside in comparison to the Raize in terms of the cabin’s appearance and layout. However, Toyota claims that more expensive materials have been used and that higher-end versions now come with a panoramic glass sunroof.

The Yaris Cross will be equipped with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Yaris Cross also comes standard with six airbags, an electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold), a panoramic view monitor, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, passive safety systems (VSC, ABS, EBD), ambient lighting, wireless smartphone connectivity, a powered tailgate with hands-free access, a powered driver’s seat, a wireless charger, T intouch telematics, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance technologies.

A number of motoring portals are suggesting that the Yaris Cross could be offered in Malaysia as a Perodua.

There have been speculations that Perodua is already working on launching a new SUV that is bigger and thus sits above the Ativa. Rumoured to be codenamed D66B, if these rumours turn out to be true, you may be looking at Perodua’s latest model.

There’s no indication when it would be available in Malaysia. But if past trends are to be followed, the Malaysian introduction is not too far away now.


XPANDER MPV keeps Mitsubishi Motors among top 3 in non-national segment

While official industry sales data for April 2021 has not been released by the Malaysia Automotive Association, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) believes that its strong sales performance during the month would put it among the top 3 positions in the non-national brand rankings for the fourth consecutive month.

The brand’s sales have been on an upward trajectory since the year began and April saw a historical high with 1,872 vehicles sold. The major contributor was the
XPANDER MPV
 which accounted for 52% of the total sales volume. Since being launched in the Malaysian market, MMM has collected more than 10,000 bookings for the model which is assembled in Pekan, Pahang.

Increased XPANDER production

“We are very pleased that the Mitsubishi XPANDER sales remain healthy and its demand is ahead of the number of units supplied. Despite the challenges we are facing with the recently announced Movement Control Order (MCO) or even with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) prior to MCO, we are continuing our best efforts to meet with the strong demand for the XPANDER by increasing our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

Triton maintains strong position

The Triton pick-up truck is the other strong seller in the range locally, maintaining a market share close to 20%. The company delivered 680 units in April. including 142 units of the new Triton Athlete.

The
 Triton Athlete
 was launched in early April as the flagship of the pick-up range, taking over from the Adventure X variant. It is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine which produces 181 ps/430 Nm. Priced from RM141,500 (without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia), it comes with a factory warranty of 5 years, or maximum of 200,000 kms after registration.

“Although there was a decline in many economic sectors and the environmental sentiments starts to take a toll on people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are relieved to see our sales remain optimistic and constantly moving towards a positive direction. We are aware that a large number of our customers aim to purchase their cars before the SST exemption expires by end of June. Despite the challenges of supply constraints, Mitsubishi Motors is working our best to meet the expectation of our customers on the delivery preference,” Mr. Shinnishi added.

Besides the XPANDER and Triton, MMM also sells the Outlander SUV which is also assembled locally at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur. It is available in two variants with a choice of 2-litre of 2.5-litre engines.

Visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
 to know more about Xpander and other Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia.


F1/Round 8: Preview & Provisional Starting Grid of 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Race starts at 3 pm in Azerbaijan/7 pm in Malaysia

After the tight and twisty streets of Monaco in the previous round of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship, the teams again face the challenge of any urban circuit. It’s the Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Round 8 of the championship, which has been a venue every year since 2016 except in 2020 when the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Like Monaco, Baku is also along a coast, in this case by the Caspian Sea. Its Old Town has twists and turns and the close barriers of a regular street circuit, which is one type of challenge for the drivers. Then there are also long and wide open boulevards which feed into a number of 90˚ corners, offering many overtaking opportunities.

The cornering speeds and gears used by the drivers of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS racing car at the Baku City Circuit.

The length of the high-speed straight, however, pushes teams towards a low-downforce set-up, potentially making the streets of the Old Town section even more treacherous. Setting up a racing car for Baku is therefore a tricky task. Teams will look for a compromise in the setup, similar to Spa-Francorchamps, where reducing drag without losing too much downforce is a key consideration.

The tarmac on the Baku City Circuit is very smooth, and some sections of it are re-laid annually to completely cover the old town’s cobblestones. Furthermore, the tight confines of the buildings around the circuit mean that there are alternate areas of light and shade, varying the track temperature quite a bit around the lap.

Getting tyres up to temperature can be tough due to the very low average steer angle, which results in very little energy being put into the tyres. Teams have to rely more on the heat from braking to keep tyres warm since not as much energy is generated in the corners as at other circuits.

For this round, Pirelli has brought the three softest tyres in its range. This is the same selection as was made for the same event last year, but the compounds and constructions are completely new for 2022.

“Until Jeddah came along, Baku was the fastest street circuit of the year. But the demands of this city track are still relatively low, as none of the corners take a huge amount of energy out of the tyres due to the low levels of abrasion and contained lateral loads – which means that we can have the same nomination as Monaco,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director.

Since the track is 6 kms long with 10 braking sections, the brakes are used for 20.5 seconds per lap: this may sound a lot but is only 20% of the entire race compared with 21% of the Monaco GP and 22% of the Singapore GP.

In the Drivers’ Championship, third place in Monaco means Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has a 9-point lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who finished fourth in the last round. Victory in Monaco has put Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s team mate, just 6 points behind Leclerc. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull, with 235 points, now lead Ferrari by 36 points.

Since the first race (as the European GP) in 2016, Mercedes-AMG has won 3 times, making it the most successful team in Baku. Red Bull is next with two wins. No driver has managed a repeat win in Baku and last year’s winner, Sergio Perez, will certainly be aiming to go to the top of the podium again.


Several Roads To Close On July 7 In Penang

On July 7, several roads in Penang will be closed from 6am to 12am in order to accommodate the Meng Eng Soo Open House and the George Town Heritage Celebrations 2023.

For the George Town Heritage Celebrations, the roads to be closed are Lebuh Armenian, Lorong Soo Hong, Lebuh Cannon, Lebuh Aceh, and Lorong Lumut; and Jalan Pintal Tali for the Meng Eng Soo Open Day.

Visitors and attendees of cultural celebrations are urged to plan their routes in advance and walk to the event locations after parking their cars at neighbouring parking lots.

Parking spaces will be accessible at the Jalan Maxwell open space parking lot operated by the Penang Development Corporation, the Prangin Mall, First Avenue, Komtar, as well as the multi-level parking garages on Beach Street and Hutton Lane.

The George Town World Heritage Incorporated office (Lebuh Carnarvon) at the intersection of Chulia Street and Jalan Pintal Tali also serves as drop-off locations for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Travellers arriving by bus are recommended to get off at the bus stops on Lebuh Carnarvon and Kampung Kolam.


Audi Malaysia Adds RS Q8 Quattro To Line-Up, Priced From RM1,699,990

PHS Automotive Malaysia
 (PHSAM)/Audi Malaysia, which took over the Audi distributorship in July this year, has added the Audi RS Q8 to its range of offerings. A fairly recent model in Audi’s SUV range, the Q8 made its global debut in 2018, with the performance-enhanced RS version coming the following year.

The Q8’s coupe SUV design was Audi’s response to the appearance of the new generation of coupe crossovers from BMW (X6) and Mercedes-Benz (GLE-Class) which had been enjoying good sales. It thus introduced new design language for the brand, created by Marc Lichte. The design also has some elements from the original Audi Quattro rallycar of the 1980s.

For the RS version, the imposing octagonal Singleframe design has a RS-specific honeycomb grille in high gloss black. The sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheelarches.

There are also RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear. An RS roof edge spoiler provides a sporty appearance as well as being functional as it provides downforce on the rear end for stability at higher speeds.

Audi has long focussed on advanced headlight technology and the RS Q8 comes with the HD Matrix LED headlights. These have the 3-dimensional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similarly on the LED tail lights. A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasizing the wide stance.

The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked.

While Audi has been publicising its electrified models more, it still has models like the RS Q8 with good old-fashioned (but clean) and muscular combustion engines. Under the bonnet is a 4-litre biturbo V8 with an impressive output of 600 ps/800 Nm, giving a 0 to 100 km/h capability claimed to be 3.8 seconds and a top speed just past 300 km/h.

The 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 firing order of the TFSI engine creates a voluminous sound further enhanced by the RS sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipes. The sound can be adjusted to some degree via the Audi drive select system.

Besides having an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, it is only to be expected that a RS model would have quattro permanent all-wheel drive. During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport differential distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring improves traction, stability and dynamics. Additionally, wheel-selective torque control enhances the handling and agility of the RS Q8.

Other standard systems that help the driver to extract maximum performance are the RS-specific adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, sport differential and active roll stabilisation. The air suspension has controlled damping which is variable according to surface conditions. The broad scope of the RS-specific damper tuning allows makes possible a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling sharpness. Body roll during fast cornering is also minimised, thanks to the electromechanical active roll stabilisation system.

The drive select dynamic handling system has been offered in Audi models for a long time, enabling the driver to customise settings for engine and transmission management, steering boost, air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning.

Eight profiles are available and there is also the RS mode with individually configurable RS-specific settings that complement that high performance capabilities.

Clean design has been a hallmark of Audi interiors. The slim dashboard instrument panel and strongly horizontal line design convey a feeling of spaciousness.

The central element in the cockpit is the MMI touch response display. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. Also standard is a head-up display which has several RS-specific graphics.

The RS sports seats come in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching, with ventilation and massage function. Other interior elements exclusive to RS models include grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floormats, and the edges of the seatbelts.

The RS Q8 is available from authorised Audi Centres at a price starting from RM1,699,990 (excluding insurance). Customers get 3 years of free maintenance, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of complimentary  roadside assistance.

Audi 4S Centre In Setia Alam Reopened For Business


BIKES: Naza Premira Launches Vespa GTS SUPER 300! [+Video]

Boasting
21.2bhp
 and
22Nm
 of torque from a
 ‘Quasar’

liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 278cc, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine,
Naza Premira
, the official importers of Vespa scooters in the country has just launched the
GTS Super 300
! Here’s the walk-around video:

Still holding true to the unique and much-loved Vespa styling, the GTS 300 comes with a host of modern tech including a 4-stoke engine with immobilizer, Bike Finder, adjustable twin-shocks, 2-channel (front & rear) ABS, Anti-slip Regulation Traction Control, USB ports for charging, electronic remote saddle opening, LED headlight and single-arm front suspension.

Riding on 12-inch wheels, the GTS 300 weighs only 160kgs, and retails for
RM28,202
 on-the-road including insurance. Stay tuned for our review of this attractive new scoot coming soon! –
Chris Wee
.

Vespa GTS SUPER 300 Photo Gallery…


Iconic Renault 4L Revived As 4EVER Trophy Showcar To Preview Future SUV

Like the Renault 5, the Renault 4L also has significant places in the French carmaker’s history. Though from another era, it is an icon today with over 8 million units sold in more than 100 countries. Production was discontinued 30 years ago but the 4L has never left the limelight, crossing generational and social gaps for the past 60 years.

Unpretentious It is one of the original young-timer vintage cars and the past 25 years have seen the 4L Trophy prove time and again its worth as a versatile car built to last. This explains why it is still a crowd pleaser, even with the younger generations.

Renault has plans to launch a modern successor to the 4L and to show the ideas it has for the model which will be a B-segment SUV, it is presenting the 4EVER Trophy showcar at the Paris Motorshow this week. Predictably, the vehicle will have a battery electric powertrain, showing how Renault taps its illustrious past while moving into a new era.

The 4EVER Trophy is the second iconic model to get an electric reboot, following
Renault 5 Prototype
. Creating new memories while bringing back old ones, under a muscular exterior are stylistic ties to its 4L predecessor. These include the silhouette with the prominent bonnet, bumper, and hallmark angled rear section and the rear, trapezoidal side windows with their rounded corners which are located just above the rear wheels.

The original Renault 4

The retro style of the 4150 mm long vehicle has generous curves and a very elaborate grille. The ‘ultra tech’ connections between the spokes and bodywork bring an added layer of precision and modernity, and the same can be said for the meticulously honed rim around the roof.

“To bring 4EVER Trophy into the modern era, we have infused its streamlined shape with technological sophistication. All these ingredients have been carefully crafted so that the design resonates with those who are familiar with the 4L and its illustrious history, and with younger generations,” said Gilles Vidal, Vice-President, Renault Brand, Design.

Unique light signature

The 4EVER Trophy puts a new twist on the 4L’s iconic wide horizontal grille featuring the round, built-in lamps, now with Matrix LED lights. The innovative lights give the vehicle a strong identity. While the recognisable pill-shaped rear lights have also been entirely redesigned, they remain readily recognisable and clearly link to the iconic predecessor.

The lower section on the 4EVER Trophy, painted Gun Metal Silver, has been designed for the outdoors. It has a certain flair to its look with the silver coat, and magenta highlights on the roof straps, suspension springs and wheel emblems.

The dune-buggy vibe gives 4EVER Trophy a competitive look. The unique hollowed-out bonnet has a huge air exhaust that vastly improves the efficacy of the radiator located in the centre of the shield. The front overhang has been shortened considerably for a greater clearance capacity. The vast body protection panels on the lower section are made with a considerable 20 cm clearance around the wheel arches.

With a spare tyre located on the carbonfibre roof, and a shovel and waffle boards on the upper section of the rear door, the car is ready to travel on any adventure over rough terrain. The high-seated body highlights the width of the 753 mm wheels mounted on 19-inch rims. The underbelly has been reinforced to provide greater protection for the battery located in the middle of the chassis.

Each wheel on 4EVER Trophy has a visible compressor that can be readily adjusted from inside the car to adapt the tyre pressure to suit the terrain.

While clearly an off-roader by nature, the 4EVER Trophy can also be enjoyed on any road, just like the original. The only difference now is that it moves around with zero emissions, unlike the 4L which was powered by combustion engines.

The showcar sits on the new CMF-BEV platform for B segment electric vehicles in the Renault Group. This will also be used for the new B-segment SUV which will be made in France. No launch date has been mentioned although it is likely to be within the next two years.

SUITE N°4 – the original hatchback reinvented as a 21st century EV


Malaysians understand merits of EVs but misconceptions remain, BMW survey finds

With the public transport system yet to be efficient, reliable and appealing enough to attract more users, Malaysians remain car-dependent, resulting in one of the highest car ownership rates in Southeast Asia. A new survey conducted by the BMW Group in Southeast Asia reveals just how car-dependent Malaysian drivers are, with 85% of respondents indicating that they drive every one to three days – either commuting to and from the office (74%), run daily errands (65%), or travel on the weekends (36%).

Encouragingly, 8 out of 10 of Malaysian drivers also wish to see more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, with the hope of contributing to a more environmentally conscious world – not to mention save on fuel costs. Reduced carbon emissions (72%), cost savings from using electricity instead of petrol (49%) and a more premium experience (40%) are just some of the key benefits cited by drivers who see the merits of electrification of motor vehicles.

Nevertheless, misconceptions on EVs remain and, at this time, more than half of the Malaysian drivers surveyed say that they will still likely choose a petrol vehicle (59%) for their next purchase. Some common concerns raised were the electric range of EVs, the maintenance costs, as well as the difficulty in keeping their EVs charged. Specifically, 33% of respondents believe that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before requiring a recharge; another 41% expect EVs to be more expensive to service or maintain over a period of 10 years; while 29% believe that charging EVs would be ‘difficult’.

Valid as they are for any prospective EV owner, these are the concerns of yesterday. As exemplified by BMW i’s pioneering progress in electrified mobility over the years, the technology surrounding EVs and the ecosystem developed to support them have come a long way. With the arrival of the latest BMW i fleet, as well as the expansion of the BMW i public charging network, Malaysians can be more confident switching to EVs.

“It is encouraging to see the level of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysian drivers see EVs as the gateway to a more premium driving experience. Being the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs but remain concerned about key issues surrounding it – all of which we have been actively working to alleviate,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

He added: “In addition to introducing the best that we have to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles from BMW i, we have also been proactively developing our infrastructure for charging the vehicles. With these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made and that an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think. In the end, it is about helping Malaysians realise that they now have a greater Power of Choice to adopt a more sustainable way of mobility.”

The latest EVs from BMW i tackle many of the past and current concerns Malaysians have towards adopting EVs. According to the survey, a significant number of them (39%) have the perception that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before needing to recharge. That’s an out-of-date number and with BMW i models, the maximum range can be as much as 425 kms. With the premise that most Malaysians travel up to 20 km daily at most, recharging would thus be only necessary roughly once every two to three weeks. That range would also make it possible to go from the Klang Valley to Johor Bahru too, without recharging.

Another perception is around the difficulty of charging EVs – with 29% of Malaysians surveyed believing that the process of charging an EV can prove troublesome. However, in many ways, charging a BMW i vehicle would not be disruptive, partly due to its sufficient electric range allowing for less frequent charging. Additionally, a BMW i Wallbox can be installed at home for overnight charging.

The latest BMW i vehicles are also compatible with DC fast-charging, which BMW Group Malaysia has begun to deploy across its dealership network, public spaces and on the highways, in collaboration with its premium partners. Fast-charging shortens recharging time, so the wait is shorter.

On the misconception that EVs are more expensive to service and maintain – a view held by 41% of survey respondents – EVs actually cost less in this regard, due to having fewer components in the vehicle that require servicing. Components and elements, such as engine oil, sparkplugs and air filters, are absent in an EV.

Aside from this, the woes of battery replacements are also mitigated due to the modular nature of the lithium-ion battery packs at the heart of every electrified BMW. With multiple modules making up the battery pack, the cost of replacement is greatly reduced as owners need to replace only the faulty module, not the entire battery pack.

Further peace of mind is also ensured courtesy of substantial warranty programmes, such as the BMW 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, and the BMW 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty. In fact, the survey revealed battery warranty as a motivation to adopt EVs for 39% of Malaysian drivers, while good aftersales support makes up 35%.

Another key motivator is the level of support Malaysians have from the government, as expressed by 45% of respondents. The Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) incentive in the Malaysian automotive policy has encouraged BMW to assemble plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models locally and this year, full duty exemption for EVs is a very welcome development that will narrow the gap in pricing between EVs and traditional vehicles.

“Increased support and confidence from key players in the industry will play a significant role in getting Malaysian drivers comfortable with making the switch over the next few years. As a market leader and pioneer in the Electric Vehicle space, we are committed to delivering innovation that will truly make a change in the Malaysian automotive landscape, while continuing to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure,” Mr. de Visser said.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range