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The new 911 GT3 Cup (992) makes its racing debut in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monaco Grand Prix this weekend and it will be the first time the car’s 4-litre naturally aspirated engine will run on Esso Renewable Racing Fuel. Referred to as ‘eFuel’, this is a blend of fuels mostly made of lower carbon, renewable, bio-based components.

The first racetrack test of the Esso Renewable Racing Fuels was held 2 months ago at the Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands. As in the entire 2021 season, the first version of Esso Renewable Racing Fuels will be used there. This is mainly based on an advanced biofuel whose raw materials consist of organic waste. On this basis, an ExxonMobil team of scientists and engineers composed a racing fuel that, in initial tests, has shown the potential for significant reductions in CO2 emissions.

Second version to be used next year
In the course of the 2022 season, the two companies plan to use the second version of the Esso Renewable Racing Fuels which, for the most part consists of eFuels. These eFuels are the focus of the collaboration between ExxonMobil and Porsche. eFuels are synthetic fuels that are generated using renewable energy from hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the air.

With the eFuel-based Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85% if it complies with the current fuel standard according to the necessary blending. The eFuel comes from the Haru Oni pilot plant in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured carbon dioxide drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol which will result in a lower-carbon fuel.

Future consumer adoption potential
In the pilot phase, over 130,000 litres of eFuels will be produced in 2022. Porsche and ExxonMobil are working together to gain valuable experiences to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption. The switch to so-called eFuel is planned over the course of the 2022 season. As the main buyer of this fuel, Porsche will use the eFuels from Chile in the Porsche Experience Centres in addition to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in the 2022 season.

“Purely electrically powered vehicles have the highest priority for us,” emphasized Michael Steiner, member of the Board of Management for Research and Development at Porsche. “eFuels complement our drive strategy perfectly. They offer our customers the option of driving cars with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids that are almost CO2-neutral. By working with ExxonMobil, we can test the eFuels under demanding conditions on the racetrack. We are thus taking another step on the way to a marketable and CO2-reduced eFuel that can replace conventional fuels.”

It’s not surprising that Ford will start selling an electrically-powered truck from early 2022, the new version of the F-150 range which is to be called the Lightning. After all, it’s been making pick-up trucks since 1917 and over more than 100 years of making such vehicles, it has built up vast experience. Now, it is using all that experience plus new EV technology to continue the journey forward.

“For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company. “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The F-150 Lightning is one of the outcomes from the company’s more than US$22 billion global electric vehicle plan to lead electrification in areas of strength. Other fully electrified models developed in recent times have been the Mustang and Transit.

Pricing for the new electric truck will start from US$39,974 (about RM165,550) before any incentives (in the USA) and can rise to US$52,974 (about RM220,000) in versions equipped with the extensive range of features, technology and accessories.

Most aerodynamic F-150
The F-150 Lightning is the most aerodynamic F-150 ever developed. While it started from the current F-150, it has improvements like newly shaped running boards, a sculpted bonnet to reduce drag, and grilles that replace air intake holes with a smoother, textured surface. Even more functional design delivers optional enhanced 360-degree Zone Lighting, which can light up a specific zone or the entire area around the vehicle.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The electric platform unlocks new capabilities as well – such as being a mobile power generation that can supply electricity to power an entire home. Besides providing electrical power when camping, it can also be valuable when in disaster-struck area where emergency power supplies are needed. The added advantage is that the F-150 Lightning will also have the capability to travel through all kinds of terrain, just like other Ford trucks.

The powertrain has dual in-board motors expected to generate the equivalent of 563 hp with up to 1,050 Nm of torque available from almost standstill. That’s more torque than any F-150 have ever offered and will give a claimed 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) time in the mid 4-second range.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Two battery pack choices
There will be two choices of next-generation lithium-ion battery packs for the F-150 Lightning: a standard-range pack targeting 370 kms and an extended-range pack 480 kms. As with other EVs, charging time depends on the type of charging equipment used. Ford is the only automaker to offer an 80A charge station as standard equipment, allowing owners to recharge easily at home. This system takes advantage of the only dual onboard charging system on an electric truck in the industry for even faster home charging.

With this approach, the F-150 Lightning adds an average range of about 50 kms per charging hour, fully charging an extended-range pack from 15% to 100% in about 8 hours. With a 150-kW DC fast-charger, up to 87 kms of range can be available in 10 minutes and from 15% to 80% will take about 41 minutes, it is claimed.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Considering the sort of conditions that the aluminium-bodied F-150 Lightning will be used in, ‘Built Ford Tough’ has never been more important as the battery pack cannot be damaged. Rugged underbody protection keeps it safe, with metal skid plates shielding both the battery pack and inboard motors from. The battery pack itself is secured inside waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection and has been tested at temperatures as extreme as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Huge front storage area
Just as front-wheel drive with transverse engine orientation liberated space that could be allocated to the cabin, the electric powertrain allows for a versatile, high-tech mega power dedicated storage space that’s secure, lockable and easily accessible by a powered open and close system. This spacious area under the bonnet will have 400 litres of volume and can take 180 kgs of payload. It is water-resistant and has 4 electrical outlets, 2 USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. With 2.4 kW of power, there’s enough capability to plug in power tools, TVs, laptops, speakers, crockpots and more.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Talking of payload, a feature called Onboard Scales uses the front boot space sensors to estimate payload and tell customers how much they’re hauling. And since payload can impact range, Onboard Scales is integrated with Intelligent Range to help ensure an accurate estimate.

Smart and connected
Like the Ranger, the F-150 Lightning is packed with intelligent features, combining advanced digital technologies with proven engineering know-how. As part of the optional Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, BlueCruise allows for true hands-free driving on more than 160,000 kms of pre-qualified divided highways in North America, – with more Hands-Free Blue Zones to come in the future.

Owners will find that, like their smartphone, the software running certain systems can be updated without going to the service centre. Ford Power-Up software updates will come over the air and improve performance, update existing features or even add all-new functions and capabilities. The majority of updates will be completed in under 2 minutes and whenever the owner chooses.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

SYNC gets more advanced
Making its truck debut on F-150 Lightning is SYNC 4A – the latest version of Ford’s interface supported by a 15.5-inch touchscreen and designed to adapt to driver behaviour. SYNC 4A employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to favourite services with connectivity that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

“It really is the smartest F-150 we’ve ever made,” said Darren Palmer, General Manager, Battery Electric Vehicles, Ford Motor Company. “F-150 Lightning offers an immersive touchscreen, giving our customers all the info they want in an instant – a real-time view of where they’re going, what they’re hauling or how much real-world range they’ve got banked. And with Ford Power-Up software updates, the experience is only going to get better.”

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

StayAtHome

Pirelli is the first company in the world to produce a range of FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) tyres which represent a new horizon for increasingly sustainable tyre production. The tyres are made from rayon and FSC-certified natural rubber which comes from FSC-certified plantations.

What is FSC?
FSC forest management certification confirms that plantations are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability. In Malaysia, 684,913 hectares of plantations are FSC-certified (as of January 2021).

The complex FSC chain of custody certification process verifies that FSC-certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified material as it makes its way along the supply chain, from the plantations to the tyre manufacturer.

Malaysia has 684,913 hectares of plantations FSC-certified to preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers.

First fitment on BMW X5 PHEV
The world’s first FSC-certified tyre is the Pirelli P Zero and the first vehicle in the world to have it as Original Equipment is the BMW X5, specifically the xDrive45e Plug-in-Hybrid. It is sized 275/35 R22 for the front wheels and 315/30 R22 for the rear wheels.

The use of this tyre complements the ‘green’ philosophy of the PHEV. The BMW Group has also conducted a full-cycle CO2 certification for the X5 xDrive45e from raw material procurement, the supply chain, manufacturing and the use phase, all the way to recycling.

“As a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” said Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We have been committed to improving cultivation of natural rubber and increasing transparency in the supplier network since 2015. The use of tyres made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement for our industry. In this way, we are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change.”

Low rolling resistance and quieter
The new tyre, produced only at Pirelli’s factory in the USA, is designed to specifically target environmental sustainability along with low rolling resistance as well as lower noise levels.

The FSC certification for the natural rubber used to make the new P ZERO tyre for BMW’s X5 Plug-in-Hybrid procured from certified plantations is the latest step on the path that Pirelli has been on for many years towards the sustainable management of the natural rubber supply chain. This is achieved through a roadmap of activities based on the training and sharing of good practices in the countries of origin of the material, in line with the principles and values contained in the Pirelli Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy, which was issued in 2017.

To know more about the X5 PHEV or other BMW models in Malaysia, visit www.bmw.com.my.

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

The Turkish Grand Prix, which was to replace the cancelled Canadian GP, has also been postponed and will possibly be cancelled altogether. Most of the F1 teams are based in the UK and stricter travel restrictions (imposed recently by the UK) relating to Turkey make it difficult for the teams to travel there.

The race promoters hoped that the situation will change later on and a new date on the 2021 calendar can be scheduled. This development means that there will again be two races in Austria, like last year. The first will be the Styrian Grand Prix on June 27, and the second will be the Austrian Grand Prix on July 4. Both races will be run at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

Last year’s Turkish Grand Prix was a wet one,

This weekend, F1 will be back on the streets of twisty Monaco street circuit after not being able to run in 2020.

This weekend will see the fifth round run in Monaco, which was forced to cancel last year due to worsening COVID-19 pandemic conditions. It was one of 7 races on the 22-round calendar which had to be cancelled.

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

The war on COVID-19 has not ended and our dedicated frontliners continue the fight to protect us and save those who are infected. The hospitals continue to need medical supplies, a large portion of which has to be disposed daily as they are part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) personnel must wear. At the same time, the hospitals also require other equipment for patients who may be undergoing intensive care or recovering.

Support for war on COVID-19
Perodua has always been supporting key public institutions nationwide in various ways, more so in the past year when it made major contributions in cash and supplies to help in fighting the pandemic. Recently, the Malaysian carmaker contributed an additional RM80,000 worth of medical supplies to Hospital Sungai Buloh, a key medical facility that handles a large number of COVID-19 cases.

The medical supplies included 5,000 face shields, wheelchairs equipped with safety belts, commode chairs, transfer boards, bed railings, rehabilitation chairs, walking frames, walking sticks and a therapy tilt table.

35,000 faceshields donated nationwide
The face shields, manufactured by an associate company of Perodua, were also contributed to various organisations in Malaysia over the past year. The latest contribution brings the total number to 35,000 pieces. Recipients of the face shields have been schools, clinics, local government offices and councils, and even hawkers at markets in Perodua’s surrounding community.

Perodua
Faceshields donated to a school in Hulu Selangor last year.

“We will continue to communicate with key public institutions to see where Perodua may contribute strategically in supporting the nation. We thank and salute our brave men and women who work tirelessly to serve us all,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

To know more about Perodua’s CSR activities, visit www.perodua.com.my .

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Opel, a brand more familiar to older Malaysians, has brought back the iconic Manta as a one-off all-electric special to celebrate the coupe’s 50th anniversary. Called the Manta GSe ElektroMOD, it reflects the growing trend of transforming classic cars like into so-called ‘RestoMods’ with modern components and powertrains.

Change of ‘heart’
The first electric RestoMod by Opel (once a GM subsidiary and now part of the Stellantis Group), the Manta GSe has an electric powertrain with an output of 108 kW (147 ps) and 225 Nm of torque. It uses the original 4-speed gearbox, allowing drivers to manually change gears, or alternatively, engage the fourth gear and drive automatically.

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

With a 31-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Manta GSe has a claimed range of around 200 kms, with regenerative braking to improve range. Full recharging with a 9-kW onboard charger can be completed in just under 4 hours.

Design elements from Vauxhall
The Manta GSe also uses some of the latest design elements from Vauxhall, the British brand that is also part of the Stellantis Group. These include the brand’s Vizor-styled front end with Pixel technology allowing it to issue messages, such as ‘I am on a zero e-mission’, followed by the silhouette of a manta ray gliding over the Pixel-Vizor.

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

1973 Opel Manta
The original Manta in 1973

The front end also features LED daylight running lights, while the iconic circular rear lights come with a striking three-dimensional LED design. The yellow paintwork is contrasted by the signature black bonnet, with the wheel arches housing specially designed 17-inch Ronal alloy wheels with 195/40 tyres at the front, and 205/40 tyres at the rear.

Digital tech inside
As expected of a modern RestoMod, the interior features the latest digital technology. The classic round instruments have been replaced by a Pure Panel, with two driver-oriented 12-inch and 10-inch digital displays. The sound system has also been modernised with a new unit that has connectivity which was not available in the 1970s.

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

The sports seats come with a yellow centre line and have a modern structure for improved comfort and support. The steering wheel has a classic 3-spoke design (no airbag as this is only a showcar) and features a yellow marker in the 12 o’clock position for an added sporty touch.

Surfaces in the cockpit and door panels are matt grey, matching the neo-classic’s other yellow and black coloured elements. The ceiling of the passenger compartment is lined with fine Alcantara and completes the stylish ambience.

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

2021 Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

Lim Tayar, a member of the CKL Group, an automotive services group, has launched the Lim Tayar Family (LTF) licensing programme for the aftermarket industry. The programme enables tyre retailers and car workshop owners to upgrade their business for growth and profitability. With the LTF programme, tyre retailers as well as car workshop owners will be able to get the expertise and support to drive and manage their business from Lim Tayar, which has been in the tyre servicing business in Malaysia since 1985.

Alternative to legacy dealership model
According to Clement Lim, Joint Managing Director of CKL Group, the pandemic which started last year has brought to light the struggles of the dealership model in Malaysia. “Hence, we have specially curated this programme to offer assistance to these owners who are looking for a better option than the legacy dealership model. This programme will also cater to those who wish to upgrade their business under the umbrella of a trusted and reputable vehicle servicing chain store,” he explained.

“Lim Tayar is one of the largest one-stop car service chains in Malaysia. Together with our sister company, School of Skills which offers technical vocational training, we are confident we will be able to help our partners to build up the skills of their current workforce and also to mitigate the skilled manpower shortage faced by the industry,” he added.

35 years of experience
Under the programme, the licensed workshops or tyre retailers will have the support of a Lim Tayar which has been acquired over 35 years of experience in the industry. Other benefits include inventory support like tyres, engine oil, spare parts, batteries, marketing, as well as a comprehensive business operations solution, which includes a point-of-sale system, a fixed price list and a ready-to-move in business premise located at a strategic location.

The LTF Programme will offer similar benefits as that of a franchise. However, the partner workshops will also have the flexibility to offer additional services or other areas of expertise, apart from what Lim Tayar has to offer. There will also be a flexible financing plan for the programme, which includes an installment plan for the licensing fee as well.

Complementing Lim Tayar’s network
The licensing programme will also result in an expansion of Lim Tayar’s services and network nationwide. Currently, the CKL Group owns 18 Lim Tayar outlets in the Klang Valley and one outlet in Seremban. “With this nationwide expansion, we will be able to offer the same experience through our licensed partners to our customers all over the country,” Mr. Lim said.

Gulf Oil was one of the original ‘Seven Sisters’, the biggest oil companies in the world which dominated the industry up till the mid-1970s. Like many companies in the oil industry, Gulf Oil used motorsports as one of its marketing tools, sponsoring Ford and McLaren in major international races like the Le Mans 24  Hours.

It ceased to exist after the mid-1980s but various spin-off businesses continued in various fields. One of those companies, known as Gulf Oil International, signed a multi-year multi-year strategic partnership with McLaren in July 2020 which will see the name and iconic colours on the British sportscars as well as business associations in other areas.

2021 Gulf McLaren 720S

Various partnership activities
For example, Gulf is now the preferred lubricant supplier to McLaren Automotive, with all cars filled with Gulf Oil and fuel optimised for its high-performance engines. Gulf branding will also be displayed at McLaren Automotive’s PURE customer events that take place around the world, at retailers and on team kit.

In addition, a small and exclusive number of customers will be given the option to have their car hand-painted by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the firm’s bespoke division, in Gulf colours which echo the famous F1 GTR Le Mans car that raced in the 1990s. In October last year, an Elva Gulf Theme by MSO was unveiled during the Goodwood SpeedWeek in England.

Senna GTR LM in Gulf colours

MSO project
This month, MSO reveals a bespoke 720S in the iconic Gulf racing colours, the hand-painted livery having taken 20 days to complete. Having trialled several iterations to create the perfect finish from McLaren Automotive paint technology partner AkzoNobel’s exhaustive pallet of premium automotive paint hues.

In addition to the iconic racing blue and orange colours, MSO has echoed the Gulf solid orange colour on the brake calipers, with the bespoke interior of this 720S featuring matching blue and orange stitching with Gulf logos embroidered on the headrests and painted on the sills.

The famous McLaren steering wheel incorporates a centre band to match the exterior stripe in Gulf solid orange and Gulf solid dark blue on the visual carbon fibre spokes. Matching key shells are also provided to the customer.

2021 Gulf McLaren 720S

2021 Gulf McLaren 720S

Technical specs similar to other 720S models
Technically, the 720S remains the benchmark supercar with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing up to 720 ps/770 Nm to give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and an unrestricted maximum speed of 341 km/h.

Its carbonfibre Monocage II contributes to a class-leading lightest dry weight of 1,283 kgs, while Proactive Chassis Control II suspension and active aerodynamics provide the outstanding performance on both road and track.

2021 Gulf McLaren 720S

McLaren V8 engine

The 720S is the culmination of a joint project between MSO and Gulf to ensure a perfectly colour-matched range of paints in metallic and solid finishes that capture both of their unique identities. “McLaren Automotive has firmly established itself as the pioneering supercar company within just 10 years, but the McLaren brand has a remarkable history before this and it is always great to see customers embracing famous liveries on modern McLaren supercars,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

“The 720S in Gulf colours celebrates two high-performance brands who draw on a deep automotive and racing history that have embarked on a new strategic partnership to excite customers and fans around the world. This project is a showcase of MSO’s capabilities and echoes the recent full restoration of the McLaren F1 GTR 25R, a car raced in the 1990s. The 720S in such an evocative livery and interior finish, created in close association with Gulf, which perfectly shows the potential for our customers to work with MSO’s skilled team to personalise their McLaren,” he said.

2021 Gulf McLaren 720S

The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Program began 20 years ago and has become an annual event which UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) continues to run. Even the ‘new normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic did not dampen UMW Toyota  Motor’s efforts to cultivate environmental consciousness among Malaysia’s younger generation.

Spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas
For its 20th year, the event has an aptly coined theme – Reimagining Mobility – to promote the spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas as the foundation for creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility, despite the challenges of the  pandemic.

Toyota Eco Youth 2020-2021

Digital/online platform
In view of the pandemic conditions, the format has been revised to run on a fully online platform. Launched in January 2021  (for secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old), it attracted the participation of 282 teams  from 177 schools, the highest ever participation recorded by the program.

The adaptability of the program into a digital/online platform has included interactive e-learning  lessons and workshops which proved to be highly effective. All in all, school teams were able  to showcase their ideas through impressively produced videos and online presentations.

Toyota Eco Youth 2020-2021

Toyota Eco Youth 2020-2021

Since last December, 16 shortlisted teams have been formulating their proposals which were  posted in social media channels for the public to view. Additionally, each team developed a  podcast episode presented on Spotify.

The final judging phase in April saw 10 finalists being selected and the winning teams will be chosen after making their respective ‘pitches’ through live presentations on May 29, 2021.

Waste and recycling themes
Addressing the issue of waste and recycling were popular themes for the proposals. Showcasing impressive capability for innovation and advanced technology, many schools put forward ideas for digital smart tools, supported by carefully built prototypes.

Toyota Eco Youth 2020-2021

Toyota Eco Youth 2020-2021

Prize money doubled
“As always, we are highly impressed by the quality of the projects and the innovative ideas  proposed. It is never easy for our judges to choose the best as everyone is a winner in their own way,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K.

This year, UMWT has doubled the prize money to further reward ingenuity amongst the youth.  Winning teams stand a chance to win cash prizes from a RM64,000 prize pool.

About the Toyota Eco Youth program
The program began 20 years ago in collaboration with the Malaysian  Ministry of Education. Over the course of two decades, 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers. Have participated.

Each year, challenging and interesting themes have been provided, and participants have come  up with innovative solutions and proposals applicable to their school or community. Over RM7 million has been spent by UMWT to run the program annually.

An annual event that has the participation of secondary schools from all over the country.

“Toyota Motor Corporation and UMW Toyota Motor are proud to be playing a part in cultivating environment consciousness and innovative thinking for the young generation. This year, we are pleased to share our vision for mobility with these students. It is assuring to know  that the next generation will be ready to face new challenges that arise as we all strive to make our planet a more mobile and inclusive place for everyone,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

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