Businesses are always looking for new ways to draw the attention of consumers to their brand and products and with the present situation where the virtual world is the dominant ‘hang-out’ for a lot more people than before, ,many online activities are going on, especially on social media.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), one of the early companies to make use of social media and online sales, today scored another historical first with Instagram ‘Live With’, a collaboration between Facebook Malaysia and VPCM.
The inaugural event this afternoon saw Instagram influencers doing virtual walk-throughs of three Volkswagen models, while highlighting key USPs and answering viewers questions live. Those who tuned in to watch also had a chance to win an Apple iPhone 12.
Increased digital presence
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said: “In efforts to adapt to the new normal, Volkswagen has evolved and increased our digital presence. This is evident in our new sales and aftersales offerings. We need to be where our customers are and that is in the palm of their hands. With new formats such as Instagram LIVE With, this will allow us to connect and reach a wider audience regardless of location. This pilot collaboration with Facebook will be the first of many to come.”
The offers continue for existing Volkswagen owners as well as those who book their service appointment online today (December 11, 2020) will receive exclusive merchandise worth RM170 and enjoy discounts under the 5-Star Service Campaign. This is applicable for service appointments made between December 15 – 31, 2020.
Online with VW dealerships this weekend
Tomorrow and Sunday (December 12 & 13), authorised Volkswagen dealerships around the country will be holding their own celebrations with an online showroom event from 11 am to 5 pm. This will provide interested customers a chance to get to know more about Volkswagen models as there will be detailed walk-throughs. They can also interact with the Sales Consultants from the comfort and safety of their own home.
The event will be on the respective Facebook pages of each dealership which you can get by clicking on your preferred dealership on this page.
Alternatively, you can also visit www.volkswagen.com.my for information on Volkswagen products and services available in Malaysia. For news and articles about Volkswagen, click here.
The country is still under various levels of the Movement Control Order (MCO) since it was introduced in March this year as a way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, over the year, as the situation has changed, the conditions of the MCO have been varied and right now, with interstate travel being permitted again (except through Red Zones), many more vehicles are on the highways.
PLUS Malaysia Berhad expects a big increase in traffic volume on its highways over the next few days, especially as today is a holiday in Selangor (Sultan’s birthday). As the Klang Valley has the biggest vehicle population, it is expected that many may take the opportunity to travel to see relatives in kampungs, or just go on a long-missed holiday.
Plan your route, get help from PUTRI
The high volume of traffic may not be like the festive season periods but nevertheless, PLUS advises motorists to plan their journeys before departing. To do journey planning, they can check live highway CCTV feeds and consult PUTRI, a real-time customer texting interface to assist with any enquiries & feedback. Alternatively, they can also call the PLUSLINE 1-800-88-0000 or send an e-mail with their enquiry or feedback to customerfeedback@plus.com.my.
The concessionaire is prepared for the increased traffic but also hopes that motorists will cooperate by ensuring their Touch‘NGo cards and e-Wallets are sufficiently reloaded to minimize disruptions and need for physical interactions. There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to help highway customers reload their cards early.
RFID for quicker passage
For those travelling northwards, PLUS recommends that they set the auto-reload on their e-Wallets to facilitate a new, contactless experience via RFID, currently available as part of public pilot at the Sungai Dua – Hutan Kampung stretch of PLUS (in the northern region) as well as all Open System toll plazas nationwide.
Remember the SOPs
While there is freedom to travel longer distances and across borders, the Standard Operating Procedures must still be followed, meaning social distancing, use of facemasks, temperature checks and washing hands, among others. You would also be required to register in a record book or scan a QR code.
“PLUS is taking all necessary precautions to ensure our customers’ safety, comfort & convenience including at the Rest & Service Areas (R&R). I would like to appeal to all our customers to support PLUS’ efforts in ensuring compliance with all health and safety procedures throughout their journey by wearing face masks, maintaining physical distancing and practicing good personal hygiene. In order to promote safe physical distancing, we also recommend our customers to pre-order food and drinks using the PLUS mobile app,” said PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail.
Drive cautiously in rainy weather and have your lights on.
He also reminded motorists to be cautious and to practice safe driving at all times, especially as this is the season of rainy weather throughout the country. Having a bigger gap between vehicles and switching on headlights is recommended.
The effects of aerodynamics on the car body and influencing how air flows over it have been studied since the 1920s. As designers came to see how certain shapes and features could reduce drag and improve performance in various ways, the styling also evolved… sometimes to extremes as with the teardrop shapes.
The quest to lower wind resistance has never been greater, especially in this age of hybrids and electric cars where every bit of resistance removed means less of the motor’s power is wasted overcoming it.
And while you might think that sportcars, with their high-powered engines, don’t really need the assistance of good aerodynamics, this aspect is even more advanced. Even the Bugatti Bolide, a concept hyper sportscar with a 1,850 ps W16 8-litre engine has many aerodynamic innovations that contribute to its ability to reach a top speed claimed to be well over 500 km/h.
Morphable outer skin
Chief among them is the Dimple Airscoop – a new technology for which a patent application was submitted a few weeks ago by Nils Ballerstein, one of the engineers at Bugatti. Since the beginning of 2020, he has been preparing a doctoral thesis project to develop a special morphable outer skin for the company’s New Technologies department – and this has now been used for the first time in the Bugatti Bolide.
The idea for the invention began in 2019, while Ballerstein was doing his master’s degree thesis. The young engineer was undertaking research for Bugatti, looking at new 3D-printed brake calipers made of titanium which cooled water as it flowed through. In order to improve the heat transfer and dissipate heat more selectively, he used a dimple pattern inside the channels. The rounded dents in the boundary layer produce turbulence – similar a golf ball.
The result was that the fluid mixes better in the channels – and the temperature in the brake caliper drops. “I was positively surprised when I saw the results with the surface patterns. I then wondered whether the same effect couldn’t be achieved with airflow,” recalled Ballerstein.
Same advantages as golf ball design
For non-scientists, the effect of the aerodynamic design is similar that that of golf balls: the dimples on the surface minimise air drag to such an extent that the ball travels about twice as far with the same impact force compared to an identical golf ball without the dimples.
The same principle applies – the dimples create turbulence on the surface of the golf ball so that air adheres better to the surface, thereby reducing the vortex flow in the slipstream of the ball and subsequently also the drag.
Ballerstein simulated test objects with dimple patterns in order to establish a factual basis to underpin his idea. After completing his master’s thesis, he stayed on with Bugatti while also starting his doctorate at the Institute of Aircraft Design and Lightweight Structures at the Technische Universitat (Technical University) Braunschweig in Germany. He sees the Bolide project as a perfect way to advance his idea.
“Everything about the Bolide is exceptional and extreme. The dimples further improve the car’s already excellent aerodynamics, thereby increasing agility and efficiency,” explained Frank Gotzke, Head of New Technologies at Bugatti.
A world first
The morphable outer skin of the intake scoop on the roof is a world first. It ensures active airflow optimisation. When the hypercar is driven at a slow speed, the surface of the scoop remains smooth; at fast speeds, a field of dimples bulges out. The 60 individual elements extend variably by up to 10 mm depending on the speed – if this benefits the driving state.
From about 80 km/h upwards, air is the dominant resistance factor, and from about 120 km/h upwards, the dimples significantly improve the car’s aerodynamics by reducing this resistance. As with the golf ball, the pattern causes a more turbulent boundary layer, which means that the air flowing around it adheres to the surface for longer and does not detach until later. As a result, the detachment and recirculation areas are reduced and the car’s cd value decreases.
In order to respond swiftly to changes in speed, the dimples extend and retract very quickly, within tenths of a second, in the same way as the active rear wing on the Veyron and the Chiron, for example.
The Bolide is an experimental study to create a track-only hyper sportscar featuring the W16 engine. No plans for production yet so it’s a superfast testbed for developing new technologies.
10% less drag
The overall result is that the dimples reduce the aerodynamic drag of the scoop by 10% and also decrease lift by 17%. Airflow to the rear wing is also optimised; at 320 km/h, the downforce on the rear wing is 1,800 kgs while on the front wing, it is 800 kgs.
Another benefit is that the lower aerodynamic drag also reduces the car’s fuel or energy consumption. “This is why the new technology is so crucial – not just for Bugatti. Optimised airflow can save energy on all vehicles,” explained Ballerstein. “We’re still in the development phase, but tests so far show that dimples improve aerodynamics, thereby reducing drag and increasing efficiency.”
Next March, Jaguar will celebrate the diamond anniversary of its legendary E-type by offering a limited edition of the F-TYPE. Only 60 units will be available for sale worldwide, each priced from £122,500 (about RM662,000).
The limited-edition F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition, as it will be known, will be hand-finished by the personalisation experts at the SV Bespoke division. It will be available in both Coupe and Convertible bodystyles with exclusive Diamond-Turned Gloss Black 20-inch forged alloy wheels, Gloss Black and Chrome exterior accents and black brake calipers.
A specially curated commemorative specification includes solid Sherwood Green paintwork, an original E-type colour that hasn’t been offered on a new Jaguar since the 1960s, and extended duo-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather interior trim (normally not available for the F-TYPE).
The exclusive cars will also feature a unique aluminium console finisher inspired by the E-type’s rearview mirror casing, the E-type 60th anniversary logo embossed on the headrests of the lightweight Performance seats and E-type 60 badging shared with the limited-edition E-type 60 Collection vehicles announced by Jaguar Classic earlier this year. Commemorative treadplates, an SV Bespoke commissioning plaque and Caraway-edged carpet mats provide finishing touches.
Marrying E-type inspired detailing with the F-TYPE
“The F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition is a fantastic example of what the SV Bespoke team is capable of. Marrying E-type inspired detailing with new F-TYPE gave us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the heritage of Jaguar’s legendary sports cars. With unrivalled access to original drawings, paint codes and reference materials, working hand-in-hand with our colleagues at Jaguar Classic, we’ve created a distinctive and highly collectible interpretation of the definitive Jaguar sports car,” said Clare Hansen, Director of Vehicle Personalisation at Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations.
The technical specifications will be similar to the F-TYPE R (launched in December 2019) with a 575 ps/700 Nm supercharged V8, all-wheel drive, plus revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear suspension knuckles. The claimed time for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is 3.7 seconds with maximum speed electronically-limited to 300 km/h.
“Celebrating 60 years of the iconic Jaguar E-type is the perfect moment to create our first-ever SV Bespoke limited edition – and the rarest F-TYPE, with just 60 cars available globally. We’ve worked closely with Jaguar Design to develop a theme for the F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition that pays homage to the E-type in a contemporary way. It’s testament to Jaguar’s sportscar design lineage that the 1960s Sherwood Green colour looks as though it was designed for today’s F-TYPE,” said Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Jaguar SV Bespoke.
6 classic E-Types to be restored
Besides the F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition, Jaguar also has another 60th anniversary project related to its iconic sportscar. Jaguar Classic is creating 6 limited-edition matched pairs of restored 3.8-litre 1960s E-types, paying tribute to two of the most famous examples – the ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’.
Whatever gloom and doom was said about car sales in the first half of the year doesn’t seem to be the case the way sales have been going these past few months. Many have lost their jobs or have reduced incomes so the thinking is that consumer spending should go down, especially for things like new cars.
Yet companies are reporting strong sales and one of them is Honda Malaysia which says that its new Honda CR-V has seen a 180% increase in bookings within a month since its official launch in November 2020. This number – more than 1,700 units – has exceeded expectations. To-date, more than 1,300 customers have received their new SUV.
Of the three variants available, the CR-V 1.5 TC-P with 2WD (priced from RM157,615.91 without insurance) is the most popular, accounting for 46% of total bookings. The engine choices are a 2-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC or 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged VTEC, and all engines come with a CVT. Only one variant has all-wheel drive. Incidentally, Dark Olive Metallic is the most preferred colour among the 5 colours, accounting for 30% of bookings.
“The New CR-V is an all-rounder SUV with a sporty driving experience that is suitable for different kinds of lifestyles; be it as a family car or daily commute for work. We believe the New CR-V is the ideal SUV for customers, especially families and professionals who have a discerning taste for SUV with top-notch specifications,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
Special Sales Rebate extended to end of month
The company has also announced that the ‘All-New City 12.12 Special Sales’ with a rebate worth RM2,000 has been extended to December 31, 2020. It was originally only for December 12, but Honda Malaysia is giving more time for customers to visit authorised Honda dealerships to view and test-drive the new model.
Customers can now book and register their cars by December 31, 2020 and they will be entitled for the rebate once the booking and registration requirements are met and completed (terms and conditions apply).
Commenting on the response to the new City, Mr. Ishiyama said that, since its launch, close to 5,800 units have been delivered from the factory in Melaka. “To date, we have received over 11,100 bookings for the All-New City and the ‘All-New City 12.12 Special Sales’ have been received,” he said.
“With the travel ban on inter-district and inter-state lifted since December 7, we acknowledge the feedback from our customers and understand that most customers would like to visit Honda dealers to test-drive the cars. Therefore, we have decided to extend the offer until December 31, 2020,” he explained, adding that the company endeavours to continue to work hard to meet customer demand and deliver the cars to all customers in a timely manner.
SOPs are strictly observed at Honda dealerships for the protection of customers and staff.
Mr. Ishiyama stressed that the well-being and safety of customers and Honda associates at dealerships is a priority. “We would like to emphasize that all Honda dealerships adhere to strict Standard Operating Procedures according to the guidelines set by the government,” he said.
To locate an authorised Honda dealership in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.
It’s not often that a new model arrives in Malaysia less than a year after it has its global debut. Often, the manufacturer may start with a lefthand drive model, or give priority to important markets like the domestic market or the USA. In the case of the all-new Hyundai Elantra, it’s been just 9 months since the 7th generation of the model was introduced to the world from Hollywood – online. That’s the new normal for the auto industry, with a number of new models having their launches online due to restrictions in many countries.
But one of the reasons why Malaysia is able to get the new Elantra so quickly is that it is not assembled locally, unlike the generation before which was assembled at the Inokom factory in Kedah. This time round, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) decided to import CBU (completely built-up) from Korea and as the Elantra is one of the carmaker’s more successful global models, righthand drive variants are important enough to be available right from the start.
More models for this market
For some models, Hyundai has chosen not to develop RHD variants probably because of the smaller potential volumes than LHD. This has resulted in a ‘dry season’ for HSDM in the past few years but now it appears that things are picking up again, product-wise, with new models becoming available for this market.
We’ve already described the new Elantra last week and today, the only thing to report is the price which has been announced as RM158,888 (private registration in Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance and 5% sales tax exempted till December 31, 2020). There is only one variant available for now and the price is said to be an introductory one. The warranty is 5 years long, or a maximum of 300,000 kms, which would be good for those who are high-mileage drivers.
“The new Elantra is a game-changer, not just in its looks but the entire package that comes with it. Its sporty elegant look that comes with a high-tech premium interior and Hyundai’s Smartsense features make it an unbeatable C-segment car in its class,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.
Return to the 1.6-litre size
The 7th generation Elantra comes with a powertrain from the Smartstream family and where the engine size was 2 litres before, it is now 1.6-litres, the same as when the Elantra first appeared in the 1990s. Back then, even with 16 valves, EFI and all that, the output was 114 ps with 139 Nm of torque. The Smartstream G1.6 MPi engine in today’s Elantra produces 123 ps and 154 Nm, thanks to many advances in engine technology that improve efficiency.
And where the driver of the 1992 Elantra had basically one engine ‘map’ for its tuning, the Smartstream engine has 4 different programs that the driver can choose, according to personal preference or driving conditions. For instance, acceleration can be prioritized by selecting the Sport mode while fuel consumption can be lower with the Eco mode. There’s also a Comfort mode for relaxed cruising and a Smart mode where the computer makes decisions based on driving style and conditions. Basically, it’s like having 4 different engines in the engine bay!
Better than a conventional CVT
The powertrain also has an advanced Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) developed by the Hyundai Motor Group. It’s better than a CVT while keeping the benefits of the CVT. It also eliminates the ‘rubber band feel’ of CVTs and reproduces the manual transmission’s shifting pattern to give better responsiveness.
Rather than having no set gear speed (as in CVTs), the driver can also take advantage of the virtual gear speeds generated by the IVT as needed, which do a great job in approximating the fun feel of the manual transmission.
The new Elantra rides on a new platform and its overall length has been increased while the roofline is marginally lower. Though seemingly minor, the small increases have enabled the designers to change the appearance of the car without encroaching on cabin space.
Unconventional design language
The coupe-like form is sportier and incorporates a design language called ‘Parametric Dynamics’. The language has elements not commonly used by car designers, so it gives the new Elantra a ‘disrupter-spirit’ image. With Parametric Dynamics, there is an intricate design of geometric crystals cut and divided body surfaces with the clever usage of line patterns.
Aircraft cockpit theme
The interior has been designed with an aircraft cockpit for the driver’s area. A large interface consisting of two connected expansive touchscreen displays will give that sort of feel. While there is no Head Up Display (HUD) like a fighter jet, the TFT LCD Supervision cluster provides a lot of information about the car’s operation, including the air pressure in each tyre. The meter display is available in three different presentations, each giving more emphasis on certain information.
The 8-inch infotainment system displays a wide variety of useful information and has Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as multi-connection Bluetooth support which allows for two devices to be paired at the same time (one for phone calls and one for streaming audio).
Hyundai SmartSense
The Elantra is also very well equipped with safety systems and features, with a number of them integrated in the SmartSense suite. These are driver-assistance systems such as forward collision/autonomous emergency braking, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Following Assist and even Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.
The sensors for the Blind Spot monitor are also used for the Safe Exit Warning whereby the occupant can receive a warning when opening the door if there is a vehicle approaching on the side. There is also a monitor on the driver’s actions and the Driver will be alerted if found to be driving in an unsafe way.
LEGO, the Danish company well known for its plastic bricks that can form various objects, has a range of vehicles in its line-up. However, it may surprise you to know that there has never been a Jeep model in its catalogue. But that omission has now been rectified with the first-ever LEGO model of the iconic American SUV.
Jeep and the LEGO Group have revealed the newest LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon which will go on sale from January 2021. Available for purchase online as well as stores globally, it will have a price which, in Europe, will be 49.99 euros (about RM246).
665 pieces with 4×4 drivetrain
The new model of this SUV, which has a heritage going back to World War II, will provide a thrilling building experience for LEGO fans of all ages. It comes with the high-performance 4×4 drivetrain, rugged tyres, fold-down rear seats, full-size spare wheel and classic 7-slot grille in LEGO Technic form. The vehicle is finished in sporty yellow and black colour scheme.
Once the 665 pieces are brought together as a complete 240 mm long vehicle, builders can create endless off-road adventures. A button-operated front steering system, powerful axle-articulation suspension and winch will enable to SUV model to tackle and cross all types of obstacles inside the home or outside.
”The Jeep Wrangler is an icon in the off-road world,” said Lars Thygesen, designer, LEGO Technic. “The Rubicon has a lot of the iconic details loved by 4×4 fans the world over, so it was important to me to pack as many of the authentic, powerful features of the real vehicle into the LEGO Technic replica. I hope LEGO fans and vehicle lovers enjoy all aspects, including the suspension, winch and open-air design that we developed alongside the talented Jeep design team.”
“Ask any Jeep Wrangler owner and they’ll tell you that their vehicle is just a bigger version of this new LEGO set,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep design. “The design of the Jeep Wrangler allows them to take it apart, top off, doors off, reconfigure it, add new pieces from our Mopar team, and then put it back together again. This LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler should bring a new level of joy to our Jeep enthusiasts and help inspire future designers to the brand.”
Most powerful Wrangler
Meanwhile, Jeep has launched its Wrangler Rubicon 392 as the most-capable, quickest, most powerful Wrangler ever. Powered by a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing up to 470 bhp/637 Nm, the 2021 model is claimed to be able to go from standing still to 0 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. It is fitted with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time active transfer case for 4-wheel drive.
The addition of the 6.4-litre engine marks the first time in nearly 40 years that a V-8 has been a factory option for the Wrangler. Tuned specifically for the Wrangler Rubicon 392 (the number refers to the engine capacity in cubic inches), nearly 75% of peak torque is available just above engine idle speed.
Although the engine has a cast iron cylinder block (but aluminium heads), it has the latest technologies such as an active intake manifold, variable camshaft timing, twin spark plugs per cylinder, sodium-filled exhaust valves, hollow-stem intake valves and piston oil cooling jets.
For those who have concerns about fuel consumption (which Jeep has not provided yet), the engine has Fuel Saver Technology which deactivates cylinders when conditions permit. The engine can go into a more economical 4-cylinder mode when loads are light, such as when cruising on the highway.
The even more environmentally-conscious who still want to own the iconic SUV can have a clear conscience too with the 4xe versions of the Wrangler (top), Renegade and Compass. These have plug-in hybrid powertrains with lithium-ion battery packs. The Wrangler 4xe powertrain uses a 2-litre turbocharged engine with a motor generator has a system output of produces 375 bhp/637 Nm. The Compass and Renegade models have a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that can produce up to 240 bhp. Coupled with an electric motor, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is claimed to be less than 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h (in hybrid mode).
As part of its expansion, used car trading platform myTukar Sdn Bhd has taken another step towards ensuring that its processes and services are of high quality and professional. The company was recently awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management Systems, and it is the first company within the used car market in Malaysia to have such certification.
ISO 9001:2015 is an international Quality Management Systems (QMS) standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization. The standard is based on several quality management principles, including an outlined process-based method, strong customer focus, and involvement of upper-level company leadership.
Global certification
Organizations worldwide use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The scope of myTukar’s certification includes provision of used car vehicle inspection via online bidding platform, evaluation, transaction and trading of used cars at myTukar’s headquarters and its Glenmarie branch.
The certificate was issued to myTukar by SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd. The ISO certification process began in February 2020 and now that myTukar is certified, it must submit annual audits to retain its certification.
“We are committed to expand our customer touchpoints for an unrivalled car selling experience and are driven by our mission to digitalise and transform the traditional way of selling used cars. Complementing our current nationwide expansion of branches is our focus on quality and trust for customer satisfaction. Thus, the ISO 9001:2015 Certification is timely as it ensures that myTukar is able to meet our commitment which is to be the trusted, transparent, effective and efficient online Car Selling platform to benefits our customers,” said Fong Hon Sum, CEO of myTukar.
The company began operations in 2018 and serves the used car industry through digitalisation of the purchasing process. According to Mr. Fong, myTukar’s 2,000 strong dealership network, with 13 inspection centres, has transacted over 23,000 vehicles with an estimated value of RM750 million.
“This achievement of the certification is made possible through the dedication and commitment of myTukar’s operations staff and suppliers,” he said.
The Mirai, Toyota’s electric vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) has started its second generation with its market launch in Japan, on schedule, today. The company had given an early glimpse of the new model a year ago at the Tokyo Motorshow and said it would begin selling the car by the end of 2020.
After beginning serious development of FCEVs in 1992, the Mirai’s predecessor was launched in 2014 and was a revolutionary model. Like the Prius hybrid, it was a global forerunner in mass production of FCEVs. However, it was sold only in a limited number of markets where hydrogen refuelling stations were available.
2021 Mirai second generationFirst generation Mirai
Feedback from customers indicated that more seating space was desired, so the new Mirai has space for 5 persons instead of 4. Its cruising range has also been increased by approximately 30% compared to the first generation, with up to 650 kms claimed.
Also following the way the Prius design evolved, the new Mirai’s appearance is less radical and has been given a more premium image. The concept of ‘silent dynamism’ was incorporated into the design with the aim of creating an emotional appeal not just because it is an eco-car, but because of its styling.
Sleeker, less radical styling
The new Mirai has sleeker proportions with overall height by 65 mm and 140 mm added to the wheelbase to extend it to 2920 mm. With the rear overhang extended by 85 mm, overall vehicle length is now 4975 mm.
“We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer who also headed the team for the development of the first generation.
“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society,” he added.
Simple, modern cabin
The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. As the Mirai runs only with an electric motor, there is no engine vibration or noise and with the enhanced body rigidity and additional soundproofing measures, the low level of quietness is significant.
A Toyota innovation is the catalyst-type filter is incorporated in the air intake. As air is drawn into the car to supply the fuel cell, an electric charge on the non-woven fabric filter element captures microscopic particles of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxides and PM 2.5 particulates. The system is effective in removing 90 to 100% of particles between 0 and 2.5 microns in diameter from the air as it passes into the fuel cell system.
The Mirai sits on the TNGA-based GA-L platform which is intended for high-end rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The structures of various parts including the rear have been redesigned to create greatly enhanced body rigidity. This has a positive effect on ride and handling, enhancing driving dynamics and comfort.
The more rigid body also contributes to better occupant protection and with advanced driver assistance systems, the Mirai offers higher standards of motoring safety than before with the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite.
The driver assist functions are based on the Mobility Teammate Concept, a unique Toyota concept for automated driving whereby the car and driver act as partners to enhance each other’s capabilities and drive together. AI technology is used with on deep learning capability to forecast various situations that may be encountered while driving and provide support for driver responses.
Increased used of hydrogen for mobility
Since launching the first generation 6 years ago, hydrogen use for mobility has progressed widely to include trucks and buses. Toyota has continued to improve and advance its fuel cell (FC) systems in areas such as size, efficiency, and productivity.
There are three tanks which together increase the fuel capacity by around 1 kg (compared to the first generation), increasing hydrogen capacity by approximately 20% which, in turn, extends range. One of the tanks is now installed inside the floor tunnel space, which also helps in weight distribution for better stability and handling.
Though the Mirai is also powered by electricity, the hydrogen it uses can be pumped in much faster than the fastest recharging time for an electric vehicle which can be up to 25 minutes. The FCEV is said to be able to fully refuel in about 3 minutes from high-pressure pumps, certainly something that will appeal to potential buyers.
Compact and more powerful FC system
The compact, high-output FC stack is located in what is traditionally the ‘engine compartment’ but the motor and battery are at the rear. Toyota’s new FC stack and fuel cell power converter (FCPC) have been developed specifically for use with the GA-L platform. The designers have been able to bring all the elements together in the stack frame with each part made smaller and lighter, while at the same time improving performance.
The FC stack uses a solid polymer, as in the current Mirai, but has been made smaller and has fewer cells (330 instead of 370). Nonetheless, it sets a new record for specific power density at 5.4 kW/litre as maximum power has risen from 114 kW to 128 kW. Cold weather performance is also said to have been improved with start-up now possible at temperatures from as low as -30˚.
The car is equipped with lithium-ion high-voltage battery in place of the previous nickel-metal hydride unit. Although smaller in size, it is more energy-dense, giving higher output and superior environmental performance. Containing 84 cells, it has a 310.8 rated voltage compared to 244.8, and a 4.0 Ah capacity, versus 6.5 Ah. Overall weight has been reduced from 46.9 to 44.6 kgs.
Aiming for higher sales volumes
The introduction of the new Mirai will see Toyota target deeper market penetration with a 10-fold expansion in sales volume. To achieve this, the carmaker has adjusted the price downwards by around 20%. In Japan, where two grades are offered, prices start from 7,100,000 yen (about RM277,200) while the pricing in Europe is expected to start from 64,000 euros (about RM316,000) which is less than what Tesla charges for its similarly-sized EV.
Of course, actual prices customers pay will depend on incentives and rebates that governments in different countries offer. As with hybrids, the acceptance of FCEVs will depend on how much they are sold for and right now, with the advanced technologies being new, they are expensive. Therefore, governments have to help to make them affordable while the carmakers boost volumes so that economies of scale can kick in to lower costs. This has already happened with hybrids and next would be EVs, before FCEVs.
There is also the matter of refuelling stations which is an even greater challenge because it involves hydrogen supply. Even with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs, the issue of recharging stations has been one that consumers think about. This is being addressed by rapid expansion of the recharging station network in some countries, as well as the improvements in technology to provide longer range.
Don’t expect it in Malaysia anytime soon
Vehicles with petrol and diesel engines will be phased out eventually and in fact, they will be banned in some countries, including Japan, by the end of the decade. It’s uncertain how the situation will be in Malaysia given the instability of policies and the way they are executed. The aspiration to become the ‘EV hub of ASEAN’ is pretty much a dream, especially the governments of Thailand and Indonesia are already pushing ahead with clearly-defined programs to increase EV usage, which attracts some of the carmakers to make further investments as well.
