Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing Team Wins Extreme E Series in Uruguay

It was a fight to the finish in the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix, final round of the Extreme E series for purpose-built electric rallycars. With championship contenders ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing already ruled out of the Final, only Rosberg X Racing and X44 Vida Carbon racing remained in contention to win this year’s Extreme E title.

And it was X44 Vida Carbon Racing which took championship glory although it finished third, with ABT CUPRA XE securing a maiden X Prix victory. X44, Lewis Hamilton’s outfit, had entered a Final that was missing three of the top four teams in the championship standings, including leaders RXR.

As their closest rivals watched on from the paddock, Sebastien Loeb and Cristina Gutierrez secured the podium finish needed to take their maiden Extreme E title, just 2 points clear of RXR in the standings, having bagged a crucial 5 points from the Continental Traction Challenge earlier.

The stakes had been high: and from the outset, it was clear that it would be no easy task for X44 Vida Carbon Racing. ABT CUPRA XE’s Nasser Al-Attiyah and Veloce Racing’s Kevin Hansen had surrounded Loeb as the trio approached the opening sequence of corners.

A fantastic move from Loeb seemed to have taken the lead for the Frenchman, as he carried his speed through a wider line, until Al-Attiyah surged up the inside to take the lead. With the title at stake, Loeb kept the ABT CUPRA XE within reach but as the leading teams tussled for supremacy, NEOM McLaren Extreme E’s Tanner Foust timed his attack perfectly, charging through to take second away from X44 Vida Carbon Racing.

Championship glory slipped further and further away from the challengers as Timmy Hansen managed to get past the recovering Loeb to secure third for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. A masterclass in defending followed, with Hansen keeping Loeb at bay as the teams approached the Switch Zone, where Gutierrez would continue the duel with Catie Munnings.

A 5-second penalty for Veloce Racing, from Hansen hitting a waypoint flag on his stint, took the pressure off X44 Vida Carbon Racing from behind, but the heat was on to overtake Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. Gutierrez threw her ODYSSEY 21 into every corner but was struggling to gain enough ground on Munnings up ahead. What’s more, the Spaniard was under investigation for a collision with Veloce Racing’s Molly Taylor, for which she would later receive a 5-second penalty.

Just as time seemed to be running out for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, a 7-second penalty came through for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E for speeding in the Switch Zone. This was the lifeline that Gutierrez needed as she fought to stay close enough to the Genesys Andretti United Extreme E ODYSSEY 21.

The Spaniard crossed the line in fourth but within 2 seconds of Munnings, thus securing third place and the championship title for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, just 2 points ahead of RXR. It was that close. Further up the field, a measured drive from Klara Andersson kept Emma Gilmour in her mirrors as the NEOM McLaren Extreme E driver chased a maiden podium for the team. Gilmour secured second, while Andersson and Al-Attiyah’s performances earned ABT CUPRA XE their first X Prix win and back-to-back podiums during the pair’s first Extreme E campaign.

“I think the season finale was an amazing rollercoaster. Everything was open! There was an incredible comeback from X44 Vida Carbon Racing and bad luck for Rosberg X Racing, who have done some incredible things this season. Once again, the championship decider was close, with the season going down to the wire, so we’re ready for a fantastic campaign next year!” said Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E.

Extreme E to add Extreme H in 2024 with hydrogen fuel-cell powered rallycars


Toyota and Honda jointly develop a mobile power station

Toyota and Honda may be rivals in the marketplace, battling for sales and market share. However, when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it’s a different matter and where appropriate, they can work together for the good of communities.

During the magnitude 9 earthquake followed by a tsunami in northeastern Japan in 2011, it was found that power outages were a serious matter that affected rescue operations. That’s to be expected when the power supply network is damaged and repairs take a while. To address this issue, Toyota and Honda will bring technologies together to create a mobile power generation/output system.

Mobile power stations

For some time, carmakers have to considered drawing electricity from the big battery packs in their hybrid and electric vehicles, both of which are made by Toyota and Honda. These would become mobile power stations which could supply electricity for emergency use when necessary.

Now Toyota and Honda have jointly developed a system for a mobile and safe power supply. The system incorporates the ‘Moving e’, a fuel-cell bus developed by Toyota using the FC Bus as a basis. In the first step, the versatile application possibilities of the system will be demonstrated in tests starting this month.

CHARGING STATION

The Moving e mobile power generation/output system will consist of Toyota’s CHARGING STATION fuel cell bus with Honda’s Power Exporter 9000 portable external power output device. The CHARGING STATION loaded with all equipment will be driven to the place and the Moving e will supply electricity in actual locations.

More specifically, portable external power output devices and portable batteries will be used to take electricity out of the fuel cell bus, which serves as a power source, and feed electricity to electrical appliances. The CHARGING STATION features a high-output and large-capacity power generation capacity (generates 454 kWh with maximum output of 18 kW).

The Moving e can also be used for routine applications such as large events. As a mobile charging station, the bus drives directly to the place of use. However, it is limited to a radius of about 100 kms from a hydrogen filling station.

Rest area

Furthermore, featuring a space where people can take a nap, the CHARGING STATION can serve not only as a means of transportation but also as a place for people to rest in times of a disaster.

External power delivery devices and portable batteries can be charged with the energy from the fuel-cell via the charging station integrated on the back of the bus. In this way, the selective energy supply can be ensured after the breakdown of a power grid.


Toyota commemorates 20th anniversary of Prius hybrid model with special edition

Twenty years ago, with the Y2K computer glitch reduced to the punchline of the year, technology in another corner took a big leap as a small sedan appeared in the automotive landscape in America. It was the Toyota Prius, the world’s first production car with a hybrid powerplant consisting of a small internal combustion engine which worked with an electric motor.

The original Prius

The Prius would profoundly change the trajectory of automotive propulsion evolution and prepare motorists for the transition to electric vehicles. Over the next two decades, Toyota would go on to sell more than 6 million Prius hybrids worldwide, with more than 3.6 million total hybrid models (including Lexus) sold in the USA alone.

And so, on its 20
th
 anniversary in America, Toyota has come out with 2,020 units of a special anniversary version. The cars will be offered in Supersonic Red or Wind Chill Pearl and feature striking black exterior trim and unique features, including a colour-keyed rear spoiler.

There are also black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, black-out headlight components and trim, B-pillars and mirror housings. Also unique to the Prius 2020 Edition, as it is known, are a ‘2020’ insignia key glove/fob and floormats, as well as black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked air vents.

For the latest Prius, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS) is now available, providing the driver with more assistance that can help avoid accidents. The Pre-Collision System is now enhanced with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection while the forward sensors can detect bicyclists.

The foundation of Prius efficiency is the Toyota Hybrid System II (shown above). It operates much in the same fashion as the original hybrid system but is more compact, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient. Today’s system uses a high-efficiency 1.8-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine working with two motor-generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The advanced Power Control Unit is the key to extracting the greatest efficiency from the powertrain. In most situations, the Prius launches on battery power alone and then seamlessly starts the petrol engine and blends its output once underway, turning it off when its power is not needed.

After 20 years, the Prius has reached its fourth generation which sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K platform (TNGA-K). It is the most efficient and quietest Prius ever offered and is available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well as an AWD-e variant with all-wheel drive.

Four generations of hybrid power and still moving forward with technology


What women want (in their cars)

Although cars are considered to be of greater interest to men than women, the fact remains that the number of women drivers is also high. In the USA, for example, half of the licensed motorists are female and generally, there is a trend of more women driving and owning cars themselves.

The carmakers have never taken women for granted when designing and equipping cars. Even if they do not drive the car themselves, they are often considered as being influential, especially if the purchase is made by a couple.

However, as John Gray’s book, ‘
Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus’
, has explained, there are differences in the way men and women think, and this extends also to how their needs and expectations when it comes to cars. They may be similar in most aspects but prioritisation may be different.

To understand what women want in their cars, South African insurer 1st for Women commissioned a global survey with members of the global Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury.

Not surprisingly, safety is a key consideration when buying a car in many countries. Mebi Nguyen, who represents Vietnam on WWCOTY, agrees that it is paramount. “Women look for safety features like a reverse camera, blind spot monitoring, and ABS. They also look for convenience features such as storage pockets, cupholders, and air-conditioning,” she said.

“I know many of my female friends prioritize safety ratings and fuel economy, followed by appearance and interior,” added Elana Scherr, who represents the USA, and also rates safety highly.

But safety is not the only key consideration for women when it comes to buying a car themselves. Their purchasing decision can be based on multiple factors such as behaviour and performance. “The following qualities are important in a car: handling, ease of operation, safety, power, an aesthetic interior, and environmental impact. The most important consideration for me is reliability,” said Kurcz Erzsebet Magyarorszag, a jury member from Hungary.

The findings led Fran Muñoz, the WWCOTY jury member from Chile, to regard women’s approach to cars as being more rational than emotional – which could contrast with the way men think of the same subject! “Contrary to popular belief, women rely on the head rather than the heart when it comes to choosing a car. Women are increasingly well informed and are always interested in having as much information as possible at hand when deciding to buy a car,” she said.

Of course, when it comes to buying a car, each person’s priorities are often determined by the specific needs of that person. Nicole Wakelin, another jury member representing the USA, believes that women look for features that simplify day-to-day life.

“There’s not the same set of features for every woman. Those who commute want comfort and a responsive yet fuel-efficient car. Moms seek out room for the kids and all their stuff, as well as easy access to buckle-squirming toddlers into childseats. It’s all about making life easier,” Wakelin explained.

“Some women – who play multiple roles in the family – look for power, as they need a car that can get them to their destination faster,” said Shereen Shabnam, who represents the United Arab Emirates.

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Another area of interest for women in the 21st century is the environment, with vehicle emissions becoming an issue of growing concern for women drivers. “Female motorists are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of cars. Accordingly, women are studying emission data and, wherever possible, they’re selecting a ‘greener’ motoring option,” noted Charleen Clarke, coordinator of the study and WWCOTY judge in South Africa.

“In summary, the study conducted on our behalf clearly shows rationality to be very important in car purchase decision-making by women, while safety, functionality, reliability, performance, and the environment are among the most important factors to be taken into account,” concluded Seugnette van Wyngaard, Head of 1st for Women, which pioneered the first ever insurance offering in South Africa specifically designed for women.

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


MINI team ready for new challenges in 2020 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabian desert

The 2020 Dakar Rally will take place on the Arabian Peninsula for the first time from tomorrow (January 5) till January 17. Among the entries are a total of nine MINI racing cars, of which two are Dakar icons in the MINI JCW buggy.

Dakar record winner Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel and co-driver Paulo Fiuza are aiming for his 14th overall Dakar success. The two-time winner and former World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz will also be in the further developed MINI JCW buggy and the support of MINI Motorsport partner X-raid.

The 2020 Dakar Rally will have 12 competitive stages which will total around 5,000 kms through desert. The event will cover some 7,500 kms from Jeddah via the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, to Al-Quiddia.

“After many years in South America, 2020 will see us not only go to a completely new region but also ‘back to the ‘roots’ again. Long special tests, many kilometres and lots of new experiences: that’s what awaits us in Saudi Arabia. It will be a tough Dakar for sure, and hopefully our MINI vehicles will prove their reliability as always,” said Sainz.

“It will be a new challenge for everyone. A few weeks ago, I saw new landscapes and completely different routes in the small Baja around Riyadh, very quickly, but beautiful. I look forward to it!” said Peterhansel.

Peterhansel has an amazing record of winning the Dakar 13 times – 6 times on a motorcycle and 7 times in 4-wheelers. This includes the first joint victory of MINI and X-raid 2012 in MINI ALL4 Racing and the title defence the following year. He actually wanted to contest the Dakar 2020 for the first time with his wife, Andrea, who had previously been a successful rally driver. She had earlier navigated her husband to the FIA World Cup title for cross-country rallies in 2019.

Two other MINI JCW rallycars will be used by X-raid driver Vladimir Vasilyev with Vitaly Yevtyekhov and Saudi Arabian hero Yasir Seaidan with co-driver Alexey Kuzmich. Outside the X-raid team, Denis Krotov/Dmitry Tsyro and Vaidotas Zala/Saulius Jurgelenas will be working hard to finish with good results in their MINI JCW Rallycars.

The 2020 Dakar Rally is running for the first time in Saudi Arabia. It will have 12 competitive stages which will total around 5,000 kms through desert. The event will cover some 7,500 kms from Jeddah via the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, to Al-Quiddia.

2020 MINI John Cooper Works has 306hp! From RM358,888


BIKES: Modenas Launches Dominar D400 At Incredible RM13,788! [+Video]

This has got to be the the bike deal of the decade! Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (
MODENAS
) has launched the highly anticipated
Dominar D400
 sports tourer, the company’s first big bike in nearly two decades as it continues to up its game in the local market. Fully loaded even with ABS as standard, the Dominar D400 is priced at an incredible
RM13,788
! No, that’s not a typo…

The launch of Dominar D400 is aimed at bringing the sports touring culture to Malaysia by offering the combination of satisfying power for short sprints and smooth power delivery for long distance touring.  It is the perfect mid-size sports tourer, with a design and riding posture (upright) that will enhance the riding experience.

Once again, MODENAS has disrupted the market by announcing a pocket-friendly introductory price of RM13,788 (excluding GST) for the Dominar D400.  The bike also comes with a
two-year or 24,000 km warranty
 (whichever comes first) and
five free services
.

(L-R) MODENAS Chief Executive Officer Amirudin Abd Kadir, DRB-HICOM Chief Operating Officer Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah & Bajaj Auto Limited Vice-President – International Business Dinesh Kulkarni with the Dominar D400

Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah
 (above, on bike),
Chief Operating Officer – Automotive Distribution, Defence, Manufacturing & Engineering, DRB-HICOM Berhad
, expressed confidence that the Dominar D400 would appeal to Malaysians with its distinctive, modern design and a competitive price which made it perfect as a daily work commute and a weekend touring machine.

“The demand for street bikes is set to grow with the increasing preference amongst youth who enjoy carving out a fast-paced lifestyle for themselves. The success of the Pulsar and the V15 in our local market has reinforced our belief that it is right time to provide this new offering which will undoubtedly enrich the riding experience of the average Malaysian motorcycle enthusiast,”
 he said.

Dinesh
 Kulkarni, (below, right)
 Vice President, Bajaj Auto Limited
, said that the Dominar D400 was built to offer a superb touring experience, with a growing base of satisfied owners across the globe; from Latin America and Europe to South Asia and now, Southeast Asia.

“Recently, the Dominar D400 successfully completed one of the world’s longest motorable journeys, the Trans-Siberian Odyssey covering 15,000 km in 53 days.  The journey from Uzbekistan to Russia, which passed through six countries, was successfully completed without a single breakdown and showcased the bike’s comfort and power and its pedigree as a true a sports tourer,”
 he said.

Based on one of the best 400 cc bikes in India produced by Bajaj, the Dominar D400 is powered by a
 liquid-cooled 373 cc, four-valve engine
 with digital
triple spark
 ignition (DTS-i) and fuel injection with a maximum power of
35 hp
 at 8,000 rpm. Additionally, 28 Nm of the total available torque of
35 Nm
 is available at 3,000 rpm, which makes riding extremely smooth due to the available power.

It is paired with a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and equipped with dual channel ABS to deliver outstanding performance, handling and safety. The suspension comprises telescopic 43mm forks at the front and a multi-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear for a sporty ride. A curb weight of
182 kg
 and fuel tank capacity of
13 litres
makes the Dominar D400 is ideal for both short sprints and long tours.

The MODENAS Dominar D400 is the fourth product in the street bike segment to emerge from the company’s successful collaboration with Bajaj. Here’s a look at it in action!

NB
: The
Pulsar NS200
 naked street bike,
RS200
 race bike and the retro-styled
V15
 have sold a combined total of more than
4,500
 units since their launch in May 2017, enabling MODENAS to capture
23%
 of the market in the 250 cc and below street bike segment. In the financial year 2017/18, MODENAS sold more than
41,800
 units, a
47%
 increase compared to the financial year 2016/17


Fuel Price Updates For July 28 – August 3, 2022

Fuel Price Updates for coming 7 days see another 10 sen reduction in RON97 petrol to bring the price per litre to RM4.55. New fuel price effective after midnight today.

Fuel saving tips

Slow and steady:
 You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel.

Switch off the engine more
: Many motorists do not fully realise that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

Right tyres pressures
: Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.

Service the engine regularly
: Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight
: The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags.

Plan trips
: If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use
less
 fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.


110 units of Perodua Aruz delivered daily to meet demands

A lot of folks have put in their bookings for the all-new Perodua Aruz, around 25,000 so far. To ensure that deliver those orders as efficiently as possible, Perodua has ramped up the daily average delivery figure from 100 to 110 units. So far, they’ve successfully delivered 13,000 units of the seven-seater SUV to ecstatic customers. This is around 52% of the total bookings fulfilled since its official debut.

Pending the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) official numbers, Perodua sold 22,943 vehicles by its own count throughout May 2019. This brings its five-month tally to 105,743 units – an 8.5% jump over the 97,487 units it sold from January through May 2019.

According to Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, “We are continuing to work closely with our suppliers to further shrink the gap between orders and deliveries. The Perodua Aruz has been met with unprecedented demand. We thank all Malaysians for making the nation’s best-value SUV also one of its best-selling SUVs.”

“To our valued customers whose new cars we could not deliver in time for Raya, we apologise most sincerely and humbly. Perodua is doing all it possibly can to maximise production and deliveries to shorten your wait, and we thank you very much for your understanding, patience and trust,” he added.

“We also express our gratitude to our capable local component suppliers, who have truly proven their mettle by ramping up their production and quality to meet Malaysians’ ever-increasing demand for Perodua models, all of which have well over 90% local content,” the President and CEO said.

“We wish all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin and to all Malaysians, happy holidays. Please drive carefully and courteously, and make safety your and your family’s top priority always.”


Lamborghini’s other records that you may not know about

Lamborghini Marzal: the car with the most glass surface area

Developed with the intention to create a 4-seater grand tourer, the Marzal, designed by Marcello Gandini for Carrozzeria Bertone, became a worldwide icon of style and design. Among the features that made the Marzal’s design special were the interior, entirely upholstered in silver-coloured leather and the hexagon, the central theme of its entire design which was repeated in as many details as possible. It was echoed in the shape of the dashboard, the rear window and in the console cut-out.

But the most striking feature of all was the extensive glass surface that covered 4.5 square metres in total, from the gull-wing doors to the roof. Though the Marzal was a fully operational showcar, it could claim having the largest glass surface in history.

Lamborghini Miura: designed by the youngest team in Lamborghini’s history

From the very beginning of his entrepreneurial history, Ferruccio Lamborghini wanted to give ample space to brilliant and capable young people, and the Miura project was a prime example of this. With the aim of challenging the competition of that era and getting his company off the ground, he  made use of talented collaborators selected from universities and from among the youngest professionals in the automotive world.

In 1966, with an average age of just 29, the youngest in the history of the brand, designer Marcello Gandini and test driver Bob Wallace, both 28, along with chief engineer Gian Paolo Dallara and assistant engineer Paolo Stanzani, both 30, brought the Miura to life, an extraordinary car that was destined to become a legend.

Lamborghini LM002: the first Super SUV

Starting as a project aimed at developing a high-performance off-road vehicle for military use, the LM002 was first unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1986. At the time of its launch, the LM002  was a completely different car from any other available in the market. It had performance similar to those of Lamborghini’s super sportscars, thanks to a 5167 cc engine delivering 450 bhp.

With a body made of aluminium and fibreglass, all-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer-case with central locking differential, it could also be used off-road on rough terrain. It was undoubtedly the first Super SUV in history, with today’s Urus being the direct descendant. 300 units were produced between 1986 and 1992.

Lamborghini Countach: the first car with ‘scissor doors’

‘Scissor doors’, so called because of the way they opened upwards at an angle, were a unique feature in futuristic cars, usually design concepts. The first car with such doors was the Lamborghini Countach designed by Gandini. In 1971, it was the first production car equipped with vertically opening doors of this type, still today a distinctive feature of the most powerful Lamborghini models.

This feature was not just to wow the public as there was a useful function. The driver could lean out to see the area behind the car when reversing, solving the problem of poor rear visibility as well as that of parking in tight spaces, where a long door could not otherwise be opened.

Lamborghini Miura: lowest production roadcar at 105.5 cm in height

In the 1960s, low height and sinuous, aerodynamic forms were the most important aspects in the minds of designers developing a sportscar. At just 105.5 cm in height, the Miura was the lowest mass-produced car ever, a record that is part of Lamborghini’s DNA and still a styling feature in its cars today.

The last front-engined Lamborghini sportscar


Should You Include Add-on Coverage For Your Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy?

The law requires the owners of all motor vehicles used on public roads in Malaysia have valid insurance coverage for the vehicle. This insurance coverage can be one of two types – comprehensive or third party – and must be from a registered insurance company. It is up to the owner to choose which one although if the vehicle is still under a hire-purchase loan, then the bank will want comprehensive coverage to ensure it will be compensated in case of loss.

The difference between the two types of motor insurance is that comprehensive provides for compensation for the vehicle’s repairs if damaged or if a total loss (stolen or beyond repair. Third party coverage does not provide any compensation to the vehicle owner for anything. It only compensates other parties the vehicle has an accident with, either for their injuries/death or damage to property. If the vehicle is stolen, the owner will not get anything from the insurance company.

Like roadtax, insurance is usually renewed annually and the value insured will usually be adjusted to reflect depreciation (in the case of comprehensive coverage). The coverage for comprehensive insurance is usually standard but there are also certain exclusions for which compensation will not be given. For example, belongings in the vehicle which are stolen would not be covered and accessories like an expensive audio system might also not be covered. Not everyone is aware of the fact that there are exclusions.

However, owners can still have certain items covered as ‘add-ons’, which is the subject of this article. Add-ons are like options with a new vehicle where the owner can pay for extra coverage. For example, flood damage is not usually included but an owner can pay extra for coverage. Likewise, with standard comprehensive coverage, there is no coverage for vehicles damaged during riots, landslides, earthquakes or ‘acts of God’.

You can ask your insurance agent about the add-ons available and the additional charge will usually be a percentage of the insured value or of the item. There are quite a number of add-ons available and we’ll look at some of those that may be worth getting.

Flood coverage
With the frequent flooding that occurs these days – blamed on climate change – there is an increased risk of your car being caught in a flood. It might be on a public road where the water level rises too fast for you to get away or worse, your vehicle might be parked in a basement which gets flooded.

The work needed to clean a car that has been flooded is quite great and apart from removing the dirt and water from inside, there may be parts like electrical systems that may be damaged. It’s a big bill and unless you have included such a situation with the insurance policy, you will have to pay for it yourself.

Whether you need to get the additional coverage really depends on your motoring conditions. If you are the sort who works at home most of the time, then you might not need it (unless your home is in an area with risk of flooding!). If you travel a lot or places you go are known to flood, then you might want to consider adding flood risk from now on (the add-on can be made even after you have renewed the policy).

Windscreen breakage
Some people are lucky enough to go through their entire motoring life without experiencing a windscreen breaking. It’s something that is unpredictable and again depends a bit on where you drive. If you visit construction sites with lorries moving about, you might face a higher risk. If you mostly travel around town, the risk is low but can still happen.

Generally, most windscreens today are less likely to shatter because they are laminated. A stone hitting the glass may cause a small crack rather than shatter it into a million pieces as in older cars with tempered glass. The crack on laminated glass may be small but it can also become bigger over time in some cases due to vibrations. Eventually, it could get large enough to be hazardous as there can be a risk of the glass splitting open. In such a case, the glass will need to be replaced.

Windscreen costs vary, depending on the model and if it is one which is not sold in large numbers and is imported, then it could be very expensive. Surprisingly, such damage is not covered in the standard comprehensive policy, maybe because it is not damage caused by an ‘accident’. If, as part of a severe accident, the windscreen is also broken, then it would probably be included in the compensation. But if it breaks when you are just driving along, then it won’t be covered.

It may be worthwhile including this add-on which has a charge based on a percentage of the cost (usually 10% to 15%) of a new windscreen for your vehicle model. Like healthcare insurance, you hope you do not need to make a claim but when you do need to, you will be glad that you chose to include the extra coverage.

Unlike tempered glass in older cars, the laminated glass in most of today’s cars will not shatter into a million pieces but crack. The crack may remain small or start to grow, in which case the windscreen needs to be replaced.

The good thing about windscreen coverage, specifically, is that the insurance industry allows a claim to be made but you will not lose your No Claim Discount (NCD). This discount is given for not making any claim each year and will grow to a maximum of 55%. This is valuable as your insurance cost will be more than half the full amount, saving a lot of money if the premium is high.

So when you have windscreen coverage, you can make the claim if the glass has a small crack and the following year, you will still enjoy the NCD if you do not make any claim. With other claims, you will lose all of your NCD and have to start building up the discount again. So people may sometimes consider pay for repairs themselves just to keep the NCD intact as its value might be more than the repair costs.

Passenger liability
In Malaysia, there is no requirement to have passenger liability insurance (known as Legal Liability to Passengers or LLP) for a private motor vehicle. This is where injuries or death of a person travelling in the vehicle will be compensated by the insurance company. If there is no such coverage, then the owner can be sued and have to pay with his own money if found liable.

For those who go to Singapore regularly, then you have to include it as that is a legal requirement in there. It is up to you whether you want to add LLP to your policy and the extra cost is around 25% of the premium. Again, you have to assess your own motoring conditions and how often you carry people. But remember that it takes just one accident and injury or death to a passenger and things could become very complicated for you if you are found liable by a court.

Accessories
We mentioned just now that accessories are not covered under a standard comprehensive policy. This refers to those accessories which are non-standard and were not originally fitted to the vehicle at the time of purchase. For example, if the car comes with a special rear spoiler installed by the manufacturer, then it will be covered. But if the driver’s seat is changed to one from Recaro and it is stolen or damaged, the insurance company won’t pay for the price of a Recaro but might compensate with the value of a standard seat.

You can declare the accessories you have and then have them covered as an add-on for an extra charge. Then if anything happens or if you have a severe accident that causes those items to be damaged or spoilt, then you can get compensation for them specifically. It all depends on how valuable they are to you and whether you consider the extra cost as add-on coverage worthwhile.

You don’t have to wait till you renew your insurance to include the add-ons as they can be done with the current policy. If you do not have an agent, you can contact the insurance company and ask them for assistance in including the add-ons. The following year, if you use the same company, they will probably offer you a quotation that includes the add-ons for your convenience.

MIB (not Men in Black) can provide compensation when you get hit by an uninsured vehicle

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Volkswagen gives us a sneak peak at the new Polo

Volkswagen has provided us with a sneak peak of what the new Polo will look like. It’s not much to go on but the picture does reveal some intricate details of the new car’s side profile. The rear lights are similar in shape to the current car but its innards are far more sophisticated and may feature LED type illumination system. The design appears somewhat familiar to those found on the current crop of Audi vehicles.

Dimensions wise, the changes are minimal at best, but based on what we can see with the side profile, the new car should feature a more angular silhouette and also incorporates more prominent contours than the vehicle it replaces.

Speaking of the new car, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design Volkswagen Brand, said “This Volkswagen can immediately be made out as the original of its class, but also as a completely new generation. A Polo with an expressive design which makes the compact sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand range. This is a car that fits in perfectly with our times – both visually and technologically.”

The brand new Volkswagen Polo will make its debut in Berlin this Friday, so stay tuned and we will bring you more as soon as we find out.


New Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse in 2022

Since 2009, 950 drivers have raced in the Super Trofeo, competing in the Lamborghini one-make event for over 310 hours at the most prestigious tracks in the world. 2021 sees the series in its 13
th
 season, which will also be the final one before the introduction of the new Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse.

“Seven years have passed since we introduced the first Huracan Super Trofeo, and now Squadra Corse is adding a new chapter to its history,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Huracan is one of the biggest bestsellers in the history of the brand, and the Super Trofeo has additionally helped to increase its success”.

“The Super Trofeo is the best testing ground for technical and aerodynamic solutions for both road cars and GTs, and with the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2, we have definitely taken another step forward,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “In April 2021, we celebrated the milestone of the 400th Huracan racing car, and our goal with the Super Trofeo EVO2 is to reach 500 in just a few years”.

The new version of the racing car will be used across each of the 3 continental Lamborghini series, starting in 2022. Aerodynamics and design are the areas in which Squadra Corse and Centro Stile have concentrated on the most.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 takes the design of the previous generations to the extreme, anticipating the styling elements that will debut on road cars in the coming years. The front end has undergone a radical change, featuring new high-intensity full LED light clusters with a hexagonal design and a pronounced ‘omega’ lip that joins the carbonfibre fins and reinforces the stylistic link with the Huracan STO. Also new are the air curtain intakes, which optimize airflow, by keeping it adherent to the sides, as well as downforce.

The rear, dominated by the large carbonfibre wing, was inspired by minimalism and lightness. The frames of the new LED light clusters pay tribute to the design of the Countach and are efficiently supported by the arched carbonfibre bumper, which harmoniously links the aerodynamic appendages located behind the wheels to the redesigned diffuser fins.

Innovations are also seen in numerous components of the bodywork, such as the side member paneling and the aforementioned rear aerodynamic appendages, replacing plastic materials with carbonfibre, while maintaining the maximum sustainability in terms of running costs. In addition, the rear fenders are now composed of a single element, which includes part of the side spoiler, for optimal surface continuity.

The brake system, designed and developed by Squadra Corse, has also undergone changes. The steel front discs are larger and the new calipers can accommodate pads with a new design and a larger surface area to optimize performance and consumption.

Propulsion is entrusted to the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine that delivers a maximum power output of 620 bhp. Drive to the rear wheels goes through a sequential 6-speed X-Trac gearbox.

The Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 makes its public debut tomorrow at the occasion of the second round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe. The price in Europe is €250,000 (about RM1.26 million) ex-factory. Existing owners can upgrade the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO with a dedicated kit that will be available from early 2022.

Are you good enough to be a Lamborghini Official Sim driver?


Proton To Use Comprehensive New Energy Vehicle Solutions

Zeekr,
 a premium electric car brand owned by Geely Automobile Holdings and established in 2021, focuses on electric vehicles and runs on a user-oriented strategic planning, in keeping with its status as a smart mobility technology company. The Zeekr Intelligent Factory is the pinnacle of production efficiency and makes the best use of IR4.0 and 5G connection.

During a visit to Zeekr Intelligent Factory in Hangzhou Bay, Ningbo, China in order for Proton’s move into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul received a tour of the facilities, spoke with Geely and Proton about the NEV and Intelligent Technology strategy.

He also participated in a test drive session for their full lineup of NEVs, including passenger cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), lifestyle pick-up trucks, and commercial vehicles.

In keeping with the Government’s goals to increase NEV traction, Proton is still looking into ways to speed up its NEV programmes. This includes pursuing local manufacturing and NEV ecosystem development in Malaysia, as well as focusing on providing inexpensive and functional NEV models.

As of today, steps have already been taken toward achieving Proton’s long-term goals. For the purpose of standardizing all communications between the engineering teams, a permanent office has been set up at the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou Bay.

“We will also expand our focus to include other aspects that support the industry. For example, charging infrastructure development is a priority for NEVs so we will optimize synergy with Geely group of companies to enhance the NEV infrastructure for Proton and the ecosystem in Malaysia,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia helps improve quality of life for Orang Asli

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a long history of being a good corporate citizen, having contributed in various ways to different communities. The latest initiative is the donation of high-power solar systems to the Orang Asli community. This will provide electricity to them which can improve the quality of their lives.

The solar systems, which will be used at the Orang Asli’s
Rumah Adat
 (shared community space), were donated through
Global Peace Foundation
, a non-profit non-government organization with a mission to build resilient and cohesive Orang Asli communities.

Lack of access to grid electricity in Orang Asli’s houses and community spaces brings health risks, expensive energy expenses, and environmental impact. To have light after dark, bonfires are frequently created by burning dried palm fruits but these generate a lot of smoke that causes cough and watery eyes among the villagers, and is unhealthy for children especially.

In addition, houses and community spaces are built from resources in the forest such as bamboo wood and additional items such as zinc and PVC. Some of these materials are flammable, making it dangerous to use fire as the source of light.

Some Orang Asli families also rely on disposable energy such as petrol to run generators and batteries to power more than just lights. The petrol, apart from being added cost, can also be hazardous to store.

Children would also have difficulty studying at night with no light or poor light, and activities are limited. By having more and better lighting, there can be more productive hours in the evening for house chores. The electricity from the solar systems can also be used for freezers and for charging mobilephones and other electrical equipment.

“As part of Malaysian society, we want to see Malaysians even the indigenous community live a better life. With high-power solar systems, we will be providing the Orang Asli community access to affordable and renewable energy that enhances productivity- allowing community projects to continue even after dark, minimizing health and environmental impact from non-renewable energy, lessen environmental pollution, and lastly reducing energy expenditure from buying expensive energy sources that are not sustainable,” said Arba Rahman, Senior Vice-President of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“This effort is together with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation global CSR program ‘STEP to the future’ which focuses on four main themes, standing for the first letters of Society, Traffic safety, Environment, and People. At MMM, we are focused to benefit the society through emphasis on the Environment and People, to create a better society where people can hope for a better future,” he added.

To know more about Mitsubishi Motors products and services in Malaysia, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia donates Mitsubishi Triton to the Dignity Farm School in Bentong, Pahang


Perodua D55L SUV to be launched soon and bookings are now accepted

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.

The Perodua D55L SUV (likely to be just the codename for now) was ready for launch earlier but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malaysian carmaker delayed its launch. Now the time is right for it to enter the market and bookings are accepted from today at all authorised Perodua showrooms nationwide.

Spiritual successor of Kembara

Adapted from the latest Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize, the spiritual successor of the Kembara is said to be the most advanced Perodua yet. It will be available in three variants – X, H and AV –  at prices estimated to range
from RM62,500 and RM73,400
 (excluding insurance). As the model should be in the market before June 30, 2021 when the sales tax exemption is set to expire, customers will also get the money-saving benefit.

“The Perodua D55L is the first model under the
Perodua Smart Build blueprint
, spearheading breakthroughs for Perodua in style, safety, technology, equipment levels and value,” Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

The new Perodua D55L is known to be adapted from the latest Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize.

Autonomous motoring for all variants

The claim of being the most advanced Perodua comes from being the model of the brand’s model to offer Level 2 Autonomous motoring. The second of 5 levels in the industry-accepted standards established by the SAE (the American Society of Automotive Engineers), Level 2 allows automatic operation of certain driving functions. These can be related to cruising, steering and braking, but the driver must still monitor the road ahead and take action if necessary.

In the D55L, Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) – standard in all variants – will allow higher operating speeds than the current version and is capable of detecting 2-wheeled vehicles. Also available will be Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, while the top AV variant has Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

That’s certainly a lot of advanced technology which would never have been expected from an entry-level brand like Perodua. “True to our aim to continually bring more and more advanced technology to the masses, the Perodua D55L AV is Malaysia’s most affordable Level 2 Autonomous vehicle, bringing state-of-the-art safety and convenience to a wider audience,” said Dato’ Zainal.

First Perodua with turbo engine and CVT

The D55L will also be Perodua’s first turbocharged vehicle, in line with the global trend of using forced induction while downsizing engine displacements. Perodua has not mentioned the engine size although it is likely to be a 1-litre 3-cylinder unit similar to that of the latest Rocky. Additionally, it will be the first Perodua to use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which will help it achieve fuel consumption claimed to be up to 18.9 kms/litre.

Other features include LED headlamps (standard across the range), while H and AV variants get Adaptive Driving Beams, a 7-inch TFT multi-info display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice command capability.

Built and painted at Perodua’s factory, the X and H variants are available in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey and Cobalt Blue, with the H variant also available in Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red. The last three colours are new for Perodua. The top AV can be had in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Pearl Diamond White, Pearl Delima Red, or the last two colours with a black roof. A 5-year or maximum of 150,000 kms warranty is offered with every new vehicle.

‘Perodua Smart Build’ launched as carmaker’s first sustainable blueprint


Full-sized Lamborghini Sian built from 400,000 LEGO Technic parts

Continuing the
partnership between Lamborghini and LEGO Technic
 which was established in January 2020, a
Lamborghini Sian
 has been built with LEGO parts and is currently on display (until October 6, 2022) at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where the sportscar company’s home in Italy is located.

The model follows the
1:8 scale LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37
 in 2020 but is full-sized, with virtually identical dimensions as the real supercar. More than 154 different types of LEGO pieces – were used to form the unmistakable outline of the Sian, right down to the very smallest details. With some 400,000 LEGO pieces used, the Sian model weighs 2,200 kgs.

Accurate to tiniest detail

The word ‘Sian’ means ‘lightning’ or ‘thunderbolt’ in Bolognese dialect. The experts from the LEGO Group have emphasised his by making the lights and the stylish thunderbolt that flashes down the bodywork shine like the Y-shaped lights on the real car, while also producing hexagonal tail lights that can really turn on and off.

Extremely precise detailing can be seen inside the car, including a LEGO brick steering wheel decorated with the famous Lamborghini badge and the Italian flag, an instrument panel and racing seats.

Project time of 8,660 hours

It took the project team 8,660 hours to complete the model, of which 3,290 hours were spent on building it. This is the first large-scale model by the LEGO Group to have paint-effect UV colour coating which will help to make the model longer lasting. The colour was applied by the Lamborghini paint shop to ensure that the sportscar had a fitting finish.

“After a wait of more than a year, the LEGO Technic model of the Lamborghini Sian is on show at Museo Automobili Lamborghini. It’s the natural place to display the Lamborghini super sportscars that have always given dreams and feelings concrete forms, thanks to innovation and technology. This 1:1 scale model of the Sian shows that Lamborghini – just like LEGO Group – sees challenges as its lifeblood, technology as a means of creation, and design as a linchpin that can and must take people’s breath away,” said Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Automobili Lamborghini.

The Sian, which was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, is the fastest Lamborghini of all time, thanks to a unique new hybrid system which focuses on providing the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It has a V12 engine – huge for a hybrid powertrain – and a 48-volt e-motor. The 6.5-litre V12, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 bhp at 8,500 rpm (the highest output ever from a Lamborghini powerplant) combines with the 34 bhp from the electric motor. Total system output is 819 bhp with a weight-to-power ratio claimed to be better than that of the Aventador SVJ, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials. The Sian has a claimed a top speed of over 350 km/h so it will be able to keep up with any other Lamborghini model. More significantly, it lays claim to having the fastest acceleration of any production Lamborghini ever – 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds. Like the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, Lamborghini will produce and sell only 63 units of the Sian. The number has been chosen to commemorate the founding year of the company – 1963. Each of the 63 customers who have already paid their deposits will spend upwards of US$3.6 million (about RM16.04 million), the final price depending on the degree of customisation.

The fastest Lamborghini is now available as a LEGO Technic model (w/VIDEO)


Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition comes with a variable spoiler

It’s been 70 years since Carlo Abarth founded Abarth & C., following the collapse of Cisitalia where he worked as a sporting director of the factory racing team. From acquiring the assets of Cisitalia, he was able to build some racing cars and then began the business of producing and selling accessories and performance parts for Fiats, Lancias and other Italian cars. In 1951, his company allied itself with Fiat and Abarth cars began to have a presence on racing tracks.

Abarth & C. was sold to Fiat in 1971 and eventually came to be the Fiat Group’s racing department. It prepared well known rallycars like the Fiat 124 Abarth Rally and 131 Abarth, and was also involved in the development of the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo Group 5 racing car which won the 1980 World Championship for Makes and the 1981 World Endurance Championship of Makes.

This month, Abarth (now an independent unit in the Fiat Group) celebrates the 70
th
 anniversary of the original company’s founding with the new Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition. Only 1,949 units will be produced, priced at £29,695 (about RM153,300) in the UK.

Manually adjustable rear spoiler

The 70th Anniversario edition is equipped with the new ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ for improved grip and stability at high speeds and increases overall performance. The spoiler is manually adjustable, just like in races of old where it was not uncommon to see the pit mechanics make adjustments to allow the driver to change the set-up of the car according to the track. It can be adjusted in 12 different positions between zero and 60 degrees. In the maximum setting, the spoiler increases the aerodynamic load by up to 42 kgs at a speed of 200 km/h, greatly improving vehicle dynamics and stability.

The manually adjustable rear spoiler at maximum and minimum angles to increase or decrease downforce over the rear end.

The new ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ is a tribute to the founder’s performance focus, which went beyond the quest for pure power, top speed and acceleration, focusing on the search and development of innovative technical solutions. It is precisely this continuous research that made him one of the pioneers and visionaries in the field of tuning.

The new Abarth 695 70th Anniversario was tested in the full-scale wind tunnel located in Orbassano, south of Turin, where Abarth tests all its vehicles. The facility was built in the 1970s and has been continually updated to implement the latest technologies. This is the only wind tunnel in Italy, capable of allowing full-scale testing and high air speeds of up to 210 km/h.

Exclusive features on bodywork

On its bodywork,, the Abarth 695 70th Anniversario features some iconic style cues from the past and present such as the Monza 1958 green livery, a tribute to the colour of the first 500 Abarth that set 6 international records at Monza. Campovolo grey details, an exclusive body kit, mirror caps, scorpion decals on the bonnet and the chequered sticker on the roof complete the look.

The 17-inch SuperSport alloy wheels and red Brembo brake calipers are also standard. The Brembo brakes are fitted with 4-piston aluminium calipers and 305 mm discs at the front and 240 mm discs at the rear, both self-ventilated. The Record Monza exhaust, limited slip differential and Xenon headlights are also standard fitment for every car.

Inside, there are exclusive ‘Sabelt Tricolore’ seats developed specifically for this special edition.  Each of the 1,949 units will have a numbered plaque, making the 695 70th Anniversario an authentic collectable.

The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 180 bhp/250Nm and enables the car to reach a claimed 223 km/h top speed after accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.


Shell Malaysia launches ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ campaign

In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri (and of course, people’s innate nature to do good), Shell Malaysia is proud to announce their latest Raya CSR (corporate social responsibility) campaign that is the ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ or ‘You Buy, We Donate’ initiative.

This is their fifth consecutive year in running such a campaign where the ‘balik kampung’ experience for fellow motorists more meaningful by spreading the spirit of caring and sharing during the blessed Raya festivities.

From 30 May 2019 until 8 June 2019, Shell Malaysia will be contributing the donations to the National Cancer Society Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation and Malaysian Nature Society. During this period, every litre of Shell fuel pumped will see the company donating 1 sen to these selected organisations. Shell will also donate 1 sen for every Ringgit spent in all Shell SELECT stores (excluding E-Pay products, Touch N Go purchases and other In-Store services).

According to Mr. Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, “The ‘balik kampung’ experience is a meaningful journey for everyone. It’s about loved ones coming together, safely, to celebrate the festivities. This year, we decided to add to the ‘balik kampung’ journey by spreading a little more cheer to those in need.”

“That is why to mark our fifth year of running this campaign, we have increased our collection timeline to 10 days and incorporated spending at Shell SELECT to give our customers more opportunities to contribute to organisations in need. We have also chosen relevant causes that we believe are close to the heart of Malaysians, in line with our efforts to make life’s journeys better for communities in which we operate.”

Mastercard who will be joining this campaign for their second year will also be making additional contributions where for every litre of Shell fuel pumped and every RM1 spent at Shell SELECT, paid with any Mastercard credit or debit card, an additional 1 sen will be contributed to the Food Aid Foundation.

With its 2019 ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ campaign, Shell is giving motorists who pump at Shell or spend at Shell SELECT the option to choose the cause they believe in and influence contribution to their organisation of choice. This can be done when must submit either the original or duplicate copy of their receipt at a Shell station and indicate their choice.

For more information and details on the campaign, head over to
www.shell.com.my/CSR
.


Switching to the trucking lifestyle with the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain

ADVERTORIAL

In the late 1990s, licensing regulations for the use of pick-up trucks changed allowing them to be registered for private use like passenger cars. The development was very significant and gave Malaysians an alternative to the passenger car for personal transport. Furthermore, they were also not subject to excise duty due to the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, allowing their prices to be lower.

The development was significant as it saw rapid expansion of the pick-up truck segment. Tens of thousands of Malaysians switched to trucks over the years, finding them to be great for many different roles – daily transport, leisure activities and as a workhorse for those who had a small business.

Isuzu Motors, having had long experience in pick-up trucks and light commercial vehicles, took serious note of this trend and began to adapt its D-MAX truck to be more suited for personal use. Of course, all the original attributes such as go-anywhere capability, efficient and reliable powertrains and robust engineering were maintained and improved with each generation.

The best of the best

Today, the D-MAX is in its third generation which was launched in April 2021. Without a doubt, it can be considered the best D-MAX ever offered and the ‘best of the best‘ would be the X-Terrain version which is at the top of the range.

The D-MAX X-Terrain would be the ideal pick-up truck for anyone who is keen to switch to the ‘trucking lifestyle’. For starters, let’s consider the interior: back in the old days, pick-up truck interiors were pretty bare because they were used only for rough work. So there was no point putting in good materials or even providing comfort – and certainly, there was no air-conditioning. The pick-up trucks them would have been unappealing even if they could be used for personal transport.

Step (or more correctly, climb) inside and you will find a cabin which would be comparable to a passenger car’s. There’s no bare metal around as all surfaces are covered with trim pieces or soft materials. The seats have been thoughtfully structured for comfort with generous padding and good support. For enhanced comfort the seat cushion pads also feature Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort foam that can absorb vibrations more quickly than conventional cushion material.

The same convenience

You won’t miss anything that you had in your car when you move to a D-MAX X-Terrain because all the same convenience and connectivity features are present. The windows open and close at the touch of a switch and 9-inch display screen serves as a control centre for the infotainment system. You can transfer your favourite apps onto the system and access them from there using Apple Carplay or Android Auto, or Bluetooth connectivity. Voice commands can also be used for handsfree operation, making driving safer.

And yes, there is air-conditioning and it’s as efficient as the one you would have had in your car. Dual-zone distributions brings cool air throughout the cabin and there are also vents for the rear passengers to stay cool. The driver and front passenger car set their own preferred temperature or the system can be left on AUTO and keep the environment cool and comfortable.

Even for those who are not drivers, the transition from passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain will be seamless as the rear seats are just as comfortable. There are lots of storage spaces for devices and small stuff, and there are even hidden compartments under the seats to keep an iPad or other belongings out of sight.

Smart technologies

Other smart technologies also make the ownership experience of a D-MAX X-Terrain as easy as a passenger car. For instance, you can start the engine from a distance and run the air-conditioner to cool down the interior before getting in. There’s no need to use a key to unlock or start the vehicle and it will even lock itself when you walk away. How many cars can do that?

For the driver, the experience is also not much different from driving a car. In fact, the information on the instrument panel and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are more extensive than many cars in the same price range as the D-MAX X-Terrain.

But there is one thing about driving a pick-up truck which is advantageous and which a passenger car does not have – the commanding view. With the cab being higher, the seating position is also higher which gives the driver a better view of the road ahead. And for those who are intimidated by the length, a reverse camera as well as sensors in the rear bumper (also in the front bumper) makes parking easy and you’ll be able to slot into a parking bay without sweating.

ADAS makes driving safer

Just as comfort and convenience were not important in the old pick-up trucks, safety features were basic. However, with the D-MAX X-Terrain, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help the driver to avoid an accident or lessen the damaging effects of a collision. The driver’s workload is also lessened because, with Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle can be left to cruise at a set speed with a safe gap always maintained from the vehicle ahead. Even the headlights will switch to low beams automatically if there is a vehicle approaching.

Isuzu considers the safety of occupants equally important as those in passenger cars and has engineered the D-MAX X-Terrain to provide superior protection in the event of an accident. Apart from the tough structure, there are also various safety systems to helped the driver avoid accidents or reduce their effects. Thus, the D-MAX X-Terrain has been able to receive the maximum score of 5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP evaluation tests.

Comfortable and also powerful

The cabin may have comfortable seating but a truck is still a truck, right? It’s tall and bounces around on rough ground and the engine is noisy. That was how the old trucks were but with modern trucks like the D-MAX X-Terrain, the platform has been more carefully engineered not just for strength but also rigidity. Together with the comfort-oriented suspension, the ride quality is smooth and comfortable even when travelling over rough terrain.

With the 3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating up to 190 ps of power and 450 Nm of torque, the D-MAX X-Terrain can go just about anywhere – and briskly too. Apart from the tree-stump pulling power, it can also get to speeds well beyond the highest national speed limit and if you want to avoid getting a summons, Isuzu provides a speed-limiter to keep the speed at the limit.

Carries more durians than a car

Switching from a passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain can change your life because it will bring a whole new lifestyle for you and your friends or family. There’s a lots of space at the back to carry all kinds of recreational gear and you can certainly carry more durians or plants with a D-MAX X-Terrain than you could with any car (even a stationwagon). And because it has truck genes, the load-carrying capacity is also higher than a passenger car’s.

Reliability and durability are a given with Isuzu vehicles and to give peace of mind to owners, Isuzu Malaysia offers a 7-year warranty with no limit on mileage. This means that the owner can enjoy the full 7 years of coverage against manufacturing defects (terms and condition apply).

The best way to discover how easy it is to switch from a passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain is to test-drive one at an authorized Isuzu dealership. To find one in Peninsular or East Malaysia, visit
www.isuzu.net.my
  and you can soon start your new trucking lifestyle.


WEEKEND SPECIAL: Are You Ready For A Vios Sized Mercedes-Benz? Behold The A-Class Sedan [+Videos]

From
AutoExpress
,
Mercedes-Benz
 has indeed finally revealed the A-Class Saloon, which is basically a booted version of the 4th generation of the brand’s compact car.
“We’ve already seen a four-door variant of the latest model – the Chinese market A-Class L Sedan – but this one will be coming to the UK.”
 –
AutoExpress
. Does this mean it’s destined for our shores too? Check out the video!

Here’s more about the new A-Class Sedan courtesy of AutoExpress:

From the outside, the saloon looks near identical to the
A-class hatchback
 right up until the C-Pillar. From there, the roof drops away slightly more sharply to accommodate the new boot section. The rear end treatment is the same as the
 Chinese L Sedan
, featuring bold light clusters with a Y-shaped LED signature above a bumper flanked by a pair of vertical air vents.

The saloon shares its 2,729mm wheelbase with the hatchback, while the overall length has stretched 130mm beyond the standard five-door variant. At 420 litres, the boot is 50 litres larger than in the hatch, though its opening is inevitably smaller.

The new shape makes the saloon even more aerodynamic than the already slippery A-Class hatch. At
0.22 cd
, Mercedes claims that it boasts the greatest aero efficiency of any current production car, which should bring with it both low levels of wind noise and strong fuel efficiency.

There’s two engines to choose from at launch; the petrol
A200
 and diesel
A180d
. The A 200 is powered by a
1.3-litre turbo
 that makes
161bhp
,
250Nm
 of torque, and is claimed to manage 54.3mpg. The diesel unit is co-developed with Renault, and achieves 71mpg while producing
114bhp
 and
260Nm
.

It’s a fairly small segment the A-Class Saloon will compete in when it makes its Spring
2019
 debut – the
Audi A3 Saloon
 will be its closest competitor – but Mercedes says that it’ll boast class-leading rear headroom. The rest of the A-Class cabin is the same as the regular hatchback; in other words it’s furnished with a well-built, contemporary dash which, with a few select options ticked, gets one of the very best infotainment systems available at any price.

The A-Class Saloon will make its first public appearance at the
Paris Motor Show
 on
4 October
. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but expect a slightly premium over the hatch’s £25,800 start point (circa
RM137,326
 nett before taxes and import duties). Here’s one last video:

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Photo Gallery
 (all photos from
AutoExpress UK
)


New Ford Ranger FX4 to be unveiled on June 3 and you’re invited to the launch event!

Malaysians throughout the country are invited to the launch of the new Ford Ranger FX4 scheduled on this
June 3 at 11 am
. Of course, with the restriction on gatherings due to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), a public event is not possible at this time so Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, will unveil the new model online.

“The Ranger FX4 will be the first pick-up truck in the country to be launched simultaneously online via YouTube and Facebook,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.  “As we embrace the new normal, we also embrace in new ways to bring excitement to our customers.”

The Ford Ranger family in Malaysia will soon get a new member.

While retaining the tough and bold exterior, the new Ranger FX4 has a host of new and unique features which are apparent from first glance. Additionally, it has the Smart Technologies seen in various current Ranger versions. These include 4X4 Shift-On-The-Fly (no need to stop to engage 4×4), Limited Slip Differential, rain-sensing wipers, Electric Power Assisted Steering and Daytime running lights.

Safety systems include SRS airbags, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control.

To celebrate the launch, the
first 150 customers
 who purchase the Ranger FX4 will receive complimentary accessories worth RM5,398. These are a matte black sports bar and executive tinting, along with a built-in Digital Video Recorder with an 8GB memory card.

If you already know about the Ranger and that it’s ‘Built Ford Tough’, and want to be among the first owners of the new FX4 version, you can place a booking ahead of the launch to take advantage of the free accessories offer.

To do so, contact the Ford Digital Salesperson at +6019-204 1200 from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays) and through this dedicated WhatsApp channel, customers can be linked with an authorised Ford salesperson at a dealership located nearest to them. This would allow customers to transact at their own convenience and pay the deposit for their vehicle from wherever they are.

“For customers visiting our showrooms and service centres nationwide, we would like to welcome and assure you that the necessary precautions are in place to ensure the health and safety of our visitors and staff as outlined by the government. This includes the practice of social distancing, temperature checks upon entering the premise, and hand sanitiser dispensers located at common areas. In addition, there is frequent sanitising of high contact points throughout the premises, including service and display vehicles,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD for Retail and Distribution, Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors.

For more information on Ford vehicles or to locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit
www. sdacford.com.my
.

Ford Ranger wins International Pick-up Award 2020


Hyundai Motor Group aims to take lead in technology for future hydrogen society

Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and when used as an energy source, it does not generate carbon dioxide which is known to cause negative climate change. It thus has great potential as a zero-emission energy source for a variety of products. For this reason, a number of leading global companies are carrying out R&D to develop processes to produce hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively as well as to make use of it widely.

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is among these companies and has announced its Hydrogen Vision 2040 to popularize hydrogen by 2040 for ‘
Everyone, Everything and Everywhere
’. Hydrogen Wave represents the group’s plans for a new ‘wave’ of hydrogen-based products and technologies toward a hydrogen society.

“By developing advanced technologies and innovative systems – as well as encouraging close collaboration between public and private sectors across the globe – it is possible to make this sustainable vision a reality for all,” said the Chairman of the HMG, Euisun Chung, at the Hyundai Wave global forum online today.

He explained that Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as homes, workplaces and factories. “The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything, and everywhere,” said Mr. Chung. “We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity and with these breakthroughs, we aim to help foster a worldwide Hydrogen Society by 2040.”

Electrification of commercial vehicle models

In the context of the auto industry, HMG revealed unprecedented plans that will see the electrification of all new commercial vehicle models – featuring fuel cell electric or battery electric powertrains, as well as the application of fuel cell systems – to all models by 2028. Other future product concepts featuring fuel cell technologies include Trailer Drone, a high-performance sportscar, and fuel cell-equipped vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions.

Since the development of its first (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 1998, HMG has been preparing for the future of hydrogen. In 2013, the Tucson FCEV (ix35 Fuel Cell) was introduced, opening the door to the mass production of FCEVs. Then, in 2018, the company launched the next-generation fuel cell SUV, the NEXO, with  the world’s first heavy-duty fuel cell truck, the XCIENT Fuel Cell, being unveiled last year. After 2 decades of fuel cell technology development, HMG will expand its fuel cell technologies for wider applications of its vehicles, including additional mobility solutions and various energy utilization.

Bringing costs down

Fuel cell systems using hydrogen to generate electricity are not only being used commercially for vehicles today but also have the potential for deployment across diverse applications by 2040. To achieve this, HMG is planning to introduce a new generation fuel cell system in 2023 with a reduced price and volume while also having significantly improved durability and output.

Through ongoing R&D gains, engineering teams have been able to reduce fuel cell costs drastically over the last 20 years. By ensuring price competitiveness, the goal is to achieve a fuel cell vehicle price point comparable to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) by 2030. Economies of scale of hydrogen production can be realised by continuous technological innovation of fuel cell systems as well as close collaboration with other organizations and governments across diverse business areas.

Next-generation fuel cell systems

HMG has developed a series of new fuel cell systems including a new prototype of its third-generation fuel cell stack. This is a higher-powered, efficiently packaged successor to the NEXO system that is planned for market introduction in 2023. Currently still in development, the third-generation fuel cell stack  has 2 power versions – 100 kW and 200 kW.

The 100 kW stack has reduced in size by 30%, making it easier to apply to different vehicle types and applications. The 200 kW version is intended for commercial vehicle applications and is similar in size to the current NEXO system, but the power output has doubled.

Fuel cell technology for high-performance vehicle applications is showcased with a concept hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid sportscar named the Vision FK. With a maximum output of over 500 kW, the Vision FK concept can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. Combining a fuel cell energy converter with a high-power, RWD, plug-in powertrain, the Vision FK aims to achieve over 600 kms in range. The prototype is being developed in partnership with Rimac Automobili of Croatia (which HMG invested around US$90 million in).

High durability stacks for commercial vehicles will achieve 500,000 kms of drive range. Furthermore, the price of the third-generation fuel cell stack will be dramatically reduced – with projections being more than 50% – which will be the key factor to achieving cost parity of FCEVs with BEVs by 2030.

HMG will continue to develop hydrogen mobility, expand the production system of fuel cells and establish infrastructures for a global hydrogen society. “The degree and frequency of environmental disasters is rising fast, and we now face a code red warning for humanity,” said Mr. Chung. “The Group seeks to offer powerful and pragmatic solutions for combatting climate change via the tremendous potential of hydrogen energy.”

HydroVILLE to showcase hydrogen vision

Following the Hydrogen Wave forum, HMG will be presenting its plans for hydrogen energy and a global hydrogen society at its ‘Hydrogen Village’ (HydroVILLE) exhibition in Goyang, Korea, this week. HydroVILLE’s various zones will illustrate the Group’s future hydrogen vision. The exhibition space features several fuel cell concepts for future mobility and power generation, including 18 models from Hyundai Motor Group affiliates such as Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Wia and Hyundai Kefico.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV to be used for fully autonomous robotaxi by Motional


PROMO: Honda Malaysia Offering Cash Rebates Up To RM50,000 For Year-End “3XTRAORDINARY” Savings Campaign!

For customers who are eyeing a brand new
Honda
 this season, fabulous news awaits! Honda Malaysia has announced its
3XTRAORDINARY

Savings campaign where customers can enjoy Low Interest Rate* or Cash Option*, Year-End Bonus* and Extra Cash Rebate* which starts from
1 December 2018 until 31 December 2018
*. Customers can enjoy extra cash rebates plus an exclusive gift* when they drive home a new Honda model, in time to usher in the new year!

The rebates ranging from
RM2,500
 to
RM50,000
* are available for various Honda models, namely Jazz, BR-V, City, Civic, CR-V, Accord, Odyssey and Civic Type R. To enjoy the great rebates, the vehicle must be registered between
 1 December 2018 and 31 December 2018
* and purchased from any of the
97 authorised Honda dealers nationwide
. At the same time, Honda Malaysia is also rewarding existing Honda Insurance Plus (HIP) customers with a gift** when they renew their HIP insurance during this campaign period.

The
3XTRAORDINARY

Savings campaign was conceived this time around as a celebration and recognition of the trust that Malaysian customers have placed in the Honda brand. Honda Malaysia has maintained its position as the No.1 in Non-National Segment and No.2 in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) thus far since January, thanks to its stellar sales performance.

Among the best-selling Honda models, the
City
 tops the chart with more than
30,200
 units sold and contributed
32%
 to Honda Malaysia’s total sales from January to November 2018. With this outstanding performance, City sealed its popularity by leading the B-segment sedan as of November 2018. The Civic and CR-V were also highly popular with Malaysians, contributing 16% and 13% respectively to the company’s total sales units as of November 2018.

At the beginning of the year, Honda Malaysia launched the
Odyssey
 with Honda SENSING, completing the line-up of SUV, sedan and MPV equipped with this Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology. Now available in the CR-V, Accord and Odyssey; the Honda SENSING underlines Honda’s continuous efforts to introduce advanced technologies that make mobility better and lives more comfortable and safer. For more information on the 3XTRAORDINARY Savings campaign or to book a test drive, customers can visit any of the 97 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto
www.honda.com.my
 for more information.

* Terms and conditions apply

**Only for customers who renew their HIP insurance at a Honda Authorised Dealer during the campaign

period. Gifts are valid while stocks last. Other terms and conditions apply.


ETCM Introduces Nissan Almera 1.5 “Black Series” Priced Below RM70,000 + Roadshows Announced!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM)
 has launched the Nissan Almera Black Series; the second Nissan model introduced to the Black Series edition. The new Nissan Almera – Black Series features a new
Gloss Black Front Grille
,
 Gloss Black Side Mirror Covers
,
 Gloss Black Trunk Lid Spoiler
 and
Gloss Black Y-Spoke 15-inch Alloy Wheels
, together with a perfectly styled
All-New Aerokit with Dark Titanium accent
 specially designed by TOMEI Powered Inc. Co., Ltd, an established Japanese tuner renowned for its technology, performance and reliability in motorsports.

The interior is further enhanced with newly designed
Leather Seats with Dark Titanium accent
, and a
premium 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Display Audio
 with reverse camera, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, for a connected drive. The Nissan Almera – Black Series is also equipped with
Solar Gard tinting
, and a
Driving Video Recorder (DVR)
 with 150 degrees wide angle, for greater comfort and peace of mind.

“The Nissan Almera is one of our best-selling Nissan models in Malaysia. With the introduction of the new Nissan Almera – Black Series, it adds more style, presence and personality, making it simply menacing!”
said
Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM
(below, extreme left). The new Nissan Almera – Black Series maintains its 1.5-litre HR15DE four cylinder engine with Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control (CVTC) that offers
outstanding fuel economy of 14.9km/L
.

The Almera also comes with Intelligent Key (i-Key) with Immobilizer* (Keyless Entry System), Push Start Ignition*, and Automatic Climate Control*, while its
spacious 25-inch rear legroom
 and
huge trunk space of 490 litres
 offers a comfortable ride without compromising on space.
(
*Applicable to VL variant)

Additionally, the new Nissan Almera – Black Series is available in 5 colour options namely Diamond Black, Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Bronze Gold and
new Titanium Olive, which is exclusive to only the Almera – Black Series
.

The new Nissan Almera – Black Series is factory fitted and available in E and VL variants. The vehicle comes standard with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty, whereas the accessories come with 3-years or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

NISSAN ALMERA – BLACK SERIES*

1.5L E Auto (RM)

(with 10% Sales Tax without Insurance)

1.5L VL Auto (RM)

(with 10% Sales Tax without Insurance)

Peninsular Malaysia

RM 69,800.00

RM 79,800.00

Sabah

RM 72,300.00

RM 82,300.00

Sarawak

RM 72,300.00

RM 82,300.00

* Prices include Black Series package worth RM 8,500:
 All-New TOMEI Aerokit (Front Bumper Spoiler, Side Skirts, Rear Bumper Spoiler), Gloss Black Front Grille, Gloss Black Side Mirror Covers, Gloss Black Trunk Lid Spoiler, Gloss Black Y-Spoke 15-inch Alloy Wheels, Premium Clarion Advanced Display Audio with Reverse Camera, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, Newly Designed Leather Seats, Driving Video Recorder (DVR), Solar Gard Tinting.

YEAR-END SPECIALS

1.5L E Auto

1.5L VL Auto

Additional Rebates

RM 4,000

RM 7,000

Trade-In 2-years Warranty Savings

RM 1,000

Existing Nissan Almera owners who are interested may also opt for an upgrade to the all-new TOMEI Aerokit. Please call 03-4047 8786 or email tomei@tanchonggroup.com.

The new Nissan Almera – Black Series will make its appearance in the upcoming
Nissan Nationwide Test Drive Carnival
 at selected showrooms over two weekends on 9
th
to 11
th
 November and 17
th
 to 18
th
 November 2018, starting from 10am to 8pm. Members of public are invited to visit the carnival and be the first to experience the new Nissan Almera – Black Series.

Nissan Nationwide Test Drive Carnival dates and venues:

Date

Region

Venue

9
th
 – 10
th
 November

Northern

ETCM Alor Setar

East Coast

ETCM Kuala Terengganu

10
th
 – 11
th
 November

Central

ETCM Petaling Jaya

Central

ETCM Jalan Raja Laut*

Northern

ETCM Butterworth

Northern

ETCM Ipoh

Southern

ETCM Taman Tun Aminah

Southern

ETCM Seremban*

Sabah

ETCM Sandakan

Sarawak

ETCM Miri

17
th
 – 18
th
 November

Central

ETCM Glenmarie

Central

ETCM Cheras

Northern

ETCM Penang

Northern

ETCM Sitiawan

East Coast

ETCM Kuantan

Southern

ETCM Johor Jaya

Southern

ETCM Semabok

Sabah

ETCM Kota Kinabalu

Sarawak

ETCM Kuching

Exclusively with Nissan Nurtures Nature activities.

Nissan Roadshow dates and venues:

Date

Venue

6
th
 – 11
th
 November

AEON Tebrau City, Johor

6
th
 – 11
th
 November

Sunway Velocity Mall, Kuala Lumpur

8
th
 – 11
th
 November

East Coast Mall, Kuantan

9
th
 – 11
th
 November

Plaza Merdeka, Kuching

13
th
 – 18
th
 November

AEON Taiping, Perak

16
th
 – 18
th
 November

Kluang Mall, Johor

16
th
 – 18
th
 November

Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu

22th – 25 November

Melawati Mall, Selangor

23 November –

2 December

Nissan @ KL International Motorshow 2018,

MITEC Kuala Lumpur

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


AIWAYS About To Send Prototype U5 Battery Electric SUV on 14,000-km drive to Europe

AIWAYS, a Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, is poised to embark on what is believed to be the longest point-to-point drive of a prototype electric vehicle ever attempted. Its U5 battery-electric SUV will carry out a 14,231-km drive from Xi’an in China to Europe starting next week.

The initiative is part of the comprehensive test and development programme for the first vehicle of its kind to be launched by a Chinese brand in Europe when it arrives in April 2020. The route chosen is from the start of the Silk Road and has historical significance as a hub for trading, cultural exchange and communication between China and Europe.

Extreme testing to meet demands of customers

AIWAYS is subjecting the U5 to extreme conditions which will be encountered along the journey to ensure it delivers the real-world performance, reliability and range demanded by European consumers. The engineering team will also explore how simple and easy it is to live with the U5, driving and recharging as they pass through different countries where temperatures, road conditions and available charging infrastructures differ considerably.

The U5 is a mid-size SUV built on the company’s innovative aluminium-steel More Adaptable Structure (MAS) platform. It is claimed to have a range of 460 kms on a fully-charged battery pack. Its price is expected to be in the region of €25,000 (equivalent to about RM116,000).

To be built at a new production plant in Jiangxi Province, the U5 is the first of a range of electrically-powered family SUVs. AIWAYS plans to introduce one new model to its range each year. Initial production output is planned at 150,000 units a year with a second phase of expansion planned to bring capacity to 300,000 units.

AIWAYS is a Sino-German company which has the involvement of Roland Gumpert, a former Audi engineer who led the team that campaigned the Audi Quattro in the World Rally Championship in the 1980s.

One of the prototypes being prepared for the journey to Europe which starts next week.


F1/Round 20: Preview & Starting Grid For 2021 Qatar Grand Prix

Race starts at 5 pm in Qatar | 10 pm in Malaysia

With the 3 events in the western hemisphere completed, the final leg of the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship takes place in the Middle East this month and next month. This weekend will be the Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix in Qatar, a small country in the Persian Gulf. This race, which is Round 20, will be special as it is the first F1 race held in Qatar, and it is held at night. Each year until 2032 (except for 2022 as it coincides with Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup), the country will be one of the venues.

The Losail International Circuit for the race is not unknown in the motorsport world. It is FIA-certified as it has been a MotoGP venue since 2004, so some technical data is available although it would be related to motorcycle racing. It has also hosted car races, such as the GP2 Asia Series and WTCC, but clearly no car has reached the speeds that the Formula 1 cars will hit, both on straights and in turns.

Sergio Perez is the only current F1 driver to have raced at Losail. The Mexican driving for Red Bull Racing contested 2 rounds of the 2008 – 2009 GP2 Asia series at this circuit. Nico Hulkenberg won that year so if he was also racing in F1 today, he would be the other driver with experience on the circuit.

“This is the first time Formula One has raced in Qatar, so it’s a step into the unknown for everyone. We have no historical data of the Losail International Circuit, so much more focus in the build-up to the event is in the virtual world, working on the computer simulations and driver-in-loop simulator running with the limited information we do have for the track,” said Mercedes-AMG’s Toto Wolff.

“The workload around the simulations is obviously higher, because we’re more dependent on them, and the simulator program will be hard at work all through the week, including running on Friday to maximize the fresh learnings we receive from practice,” he explained.

The 5.38-km track still has its original surface from 2004, which offers high grip and has become quite abrasive over time, accentuating wear and degradation. Despite the presence of strategically-placed artificial grass around the circuit to keep away the sand from the desert, the surfaces could still become very dusty thus affecting grip. Pirelli classifies the circuit as high severity, and have chosen their 3 hardest compounds for this race.

The dominant characteristic of the circuit is the close sequence of 16 corners, many of them taken at high speeds. Downforce levels will be high, but whether or not they are at maximum will depend on how many of those corners are power rather than grip-limited.

“I really like the track here at Loisail, it is great. It’s always interesting to mix things up and see a new venue on the calendar. What will be key is balancing the first and last sectors, due to tyre overheating that is caused by the high temperatures here,” said Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

“Qatar is just one of four races held in the evening under floodlights this year. This means that the evolution of track temperature over the course of the race should be quite different compared to a standard afternoon race, with the potential for a big drop-off as the race goes on. In the desert, there’s a big difference in temperature between day and night,” explained Pirelli’s Mario Isola.

The championship titles are still not confirmed. Victory for Lewis Hamilton in the
previous round in Brazil
 saw the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team extend their lead over Red Bull Racing to 11 points. In the Drivers Championship, Max Verstappen still has the lead but with the 25 points he collected, Hamilton cut that lead to 14 points.


Honda to offer Level 3 autonomy by March next year

With type approval given by the Japanese authorities, Honda Motor will now proceed to commercialise its automated driving system with Level 3 autonomy classification that was established by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and adopted by the auto industry as well as government agencies.

Level 3 autonomy means that the on-board system monitors the driving environment surrounding the vehicle and can take over driving operations under certain conditions. When any of operable driving environment conditions become unsatisfactory, the system will issue a warning, and the driver must take over the driving immediately.

Cruise control, for example, is a Level 1 autonomy capability as it will only maintain a set cruising speed and the driver must brake to avoid a collision. However,
adaptive
 cruise control is Level 2 autonomy as the system will monitor the road ahead and adjust the speed to maintain a safe gap. The speed will automatically be reduced from the set speed, and resumed when the road ahead is clear.

An increasing number of vehicles have Level 2 autonomy which encompasses advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which will provide corrective action, eg staying in the lane correctly. Honda SENSING, which has Level 2 capability, is available in most Honda models in Malaysia today.

Honda SENSING, already available in many models, provides driver-assistance features which are under the Level 2 autonomy.

More intelligence with Level 3

With Level 3, the computer could also make a decision to overtake if it is safe to do so. This means that the vehicle can travel along a highway and pass other vehicles, a major advancement over adaptive cruise control alone.  However, the driver must remain alert and should there be a hazardous situation like another vehicle suddenly changing lanes, then human intervention will be required.

In order for Honda to obtain the approval, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) partially amended a section of the country’s Road Vehicle Act. By this amendment, equipment for Level 3 automated driving was added to the list of motor vehicle equipment, subject to the safety standards defined in the Ministry of Transport Ordinance. Vehicles with Level 3 autonomy will be required to have a sticker on their exterior indicating that they are automated vehicles.

Vehicles with Level 3 autonomous capability must have a sticker (shown on the right) on their bodywork to indicate that they are automated as well.

Honda will offer its Level 3 automated driving system in a version of the Legend model. The system, to be known as
‘Traffic Jam Pilot
’, will be available before the end of March 2021. The equipment is required to have cyber security measures to prevent security threats such as unauthorized access. It must also have a device that records data to confirm operating conditions of the automated driving equipment for a 6-month period (or 2,500 times).

A highway in Tokyo.

Likely to be only for Japan first

It is likely that Honda will offer the
Traffic Jam Pilot
 only in Japan for some time. This is normal practice by the manufacturers with certain new technologies. By keeping it within the domestic market, it will be easier for engineers to investigate any issues that occur so that counter-measures or improvements can be made quickly. Once Honda is satisfied that the system is sufficiently reliable in daily real-world use, then it will start to offer it elsewhere.

But just as in Japan, other countries will also have to amend their regulations to permit such systems to be used in vehicles on public roads. Furthermore, conditions on the roads such as lane markings and signage will have to be of a certain standard to enable the systems to operate properly. This will become an increasingly important matter as greater levels of autonomy are introduced in vehicles.

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

All-new Honda City RS to have Honda Sensing driver-assistance system


Ford Mustang with carbon-fibre body showcased on Jay Leno’s Garage

Carbon-fibre plays a major part when it comes to weight savings. Significantly lighter than steel but just as tough, it’s a material that has been used wherever and whenever reduction in weight is an important priority.

Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Polymer or CFRP, has been used extensively in the aerospace industry as well as the world of motor racing. Many exotic supercar makers tend to use CFRP extensively in the construction of their vehicles’ chassis and bodywork.

This brings us to a video that we stumbled upon recently. Jay Leno, the former Tonight Show host, has a popular Youtube channel that showcases special and bizarre vehicles. And this time, a video was published about a fully carbon-fibred Ford Mustang GT350R made by Speedkore.

Though the powertrain and internals were left relatively stock, Speedkore built the entire body and its panels from CFRP using their own propriety construction methods. This offers the car a significant weight savings, which will be especially noticeable when there’s a sudden shift in vehicle’s direction.

Check out the video and let us know what you think of this amazing creation as well as whether future muscle cars should have more carbon-fibre bits added to them.