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Register with MySejahtera before refuelling! Additional SOP?

UPDATE: According to a report by Free Malaysia Today which contacted the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), there is no need to register with MySejahtera during ‘brief encounters’ such as pumping fuel, unless the motorist enters the store to make payment.

If you’re refuelling your vehicle today, it’s advisable to walk over to the station store to scan the MySejahtera QR code with your mobilephone (or register as per SOP). This could save you RM1,000 in case a policeman comes by and checks and you cannot show that you have registered.

Sounds ridiculous? Motorists around the country think so, especially when this ‘new’ SOP has been announced out of the blue when it was never ever said to be required in the 237 days that the country has been under a Movement Control Order of one level or another.

Never mentioned before
It is not something that the Ministry of Health or the National Security Council (MKN) has mentioned either. In fact, it only came to light in a report in The Maiay Mail, quoting a report in The China Press. The report said that the requirement was confirmed by Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department deputy director, DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid.

The reason for the requirement which he gave? So that if there were cases of COVID-19 in the area [around the petrol station], the police could carry out contact tracing with the data collected by the app. He explained that if people did not register when they were pumping fuel, the police would be unable to trace them when required. In that case, we may also have to register just going to a postbox to mail a letter (not that many people do that nowadays).

There has already been at least once case, based on the China Press report, where a person was apparently given a summons for not registering while he pumped fuel, and the standard fine is RM1,000.

MKN people not clear either
At this time, it seems there is no clarity in the matter. A reporter at Sin Chew Daily contacted the MKN and got conflicting answers, so it seems that this SOP needs to be clarified quickly as thousands of motorists and motorcyclists refuel daily. Furthermore, the Bukit Aman officer said face masks must be work even when pumping fuel although earlier, another police officer said it is not necessary as the fuel pump is not a crowded area. DCP Datuk Mior, however, classifies it as a public area and therefore a face mask is required – even though the next person may be 10 metres away.

*MySejahtera app can be downloaded at the Google and Apple app stores.*

If the MKN confirms the police interpretation, then station operators may put the QR codes on the pumps for the convenience of customers. After all, why make them walk all the way to the store – and risk coming in contact with others along the way – just to scan for registration?

Abide by one law, break another
But then comes a second problem: in order to abide by the law on registering, you must break another law! That law concerns use of mobilephones at the pumps, which is forbidden for safety reasons. So you may save yourself RM1,000 but then get nailed for being caught using the phone!

Most Malaysians are well aware of the need to stop the spread of the coronavirus and observe the SOPs which are generally reasonable. However, this one about registering when pumping fuel is illogical and unnecessary and hopefully, we’ll hear from Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob at the daily MKN briefing today that it is a ‘misunderstanding’ (which would save face those who make their own interpretations).

Mercedes-Benz EQ Team prepares for second year of Formula E racing

In its debut season in Formula E where it finished third overall in the all-electric single-seater championship, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team is preparing to put in stronger effort in Season 7.

Opting for continuity
The driver pairing remains unchanged for the second campaign as the team has opted for continuity. Thus Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne will once again be in the cockpits, armed with the experience of Season 6. In the last round, there already demonstrated strong performance on track with a 1-2 finish.

In the coming season, the team expects to face a multitude of new challenges, both on and off the racetrack. Competing against some of the world’s strongest drivers, teams and manufacturers is not only about performance, but also about coordinated teamwork, intelligent energy management and carefully thought-out strategies.

*First season of racing for the team saw a 1-2 finish only in the final round.*

Evolved Gen2 car
Since the launch of the Gen2 model for the series, the Formula E cars have been even more visually stunning with their unique, futuristic design. This goes for the Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 02 racing car which is an evolution from its predecessor.

Precise, EQ-blue flow lines extend over the entire length of the vehicle. They give the Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 02 more dynamics and highlight the EQ brand with their blue colouring. At the rear, large silver stars form a distinctive Mercedes-Benz pattern, leaving no doubt that it is a Silver Arrow.

The 5.1-metre long racing car produces 250 kW in the maximum power mode for qualifying or when deploying Fanboost. In race mode, the regulations limit output to 200 kW. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in approximately 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 280 km/h.

The drivetrain consists of an inverter, motor, gearbox and parts of the rear axle as well as the software used for energy management. In contrast to the standard chassis, these areas may be freely developed by the teams and manufacturers.

DJI, well known for its drones, will supply the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team with latest aerial imagery and creative camera technology to bring racing fans closer to the action on and off the track.

4 rounds first
The new season starts in January 2021 in South America and for now, given the uncertainty of the pandemic situation, the organisers have 4 races scheduled with the approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Another set of will be announced in early 2021 following discussions with the FIA.

Intrepid Aura – for those who want a more exclusive Aston Martin DBX

Aston Martin’s DBX, the first SUV from the British marque, has established a presence in many markets around the world, including Malaysia. While owning an Aston Martin is already something exclusive as the numbers sold are small, there may be some customers who want their Aston Martin to be more exclusive.

For those who require this extra degree of exclusvity, Aston Martin KL offers the Intrepid Aura. This adds a sportier flavour to the SUV with a highly liquid, reflective Yellow Tang body finish, or if your prefer, Ceramic Blue, Stratus White or Lime Essence.

The side window surround is finished in Gloss Black, the dark theme complemented by mirror caps in the same colour with smoked rear lights and black 22-inch sport satin alloy wheels. The Aston Martin Wings and wordmark also have a black chrome finish.

Handcrafted interior with Dark Satin Chrome
The luxurious yet functional cabin comes with a Dark Satin Chrome interior jewellery pack and Metallic Black Caithness Leather upholstery with embroidered Aston Martin Wings logos. The colour of the seat stitching is coordinated with the exterior colour – Electron Yellow, Blue, Chancellor Red or Lime Green.

Overhead is Black Alcantara headlining while Piano Black wood veneers are installed around the cabin, with the Obsidian Black Carpet in the footwells.

Abundance of technology
There is an abundance of technology for driver assistance as well as entertainment. A 10.25-inch TFT screen sits flush in the centre console while a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver while on the move. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, as does a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colours in two zones.

Muscular powertrain
Power for the DBX comes from a muscular 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the same unit found in the DB11 and Vantage. This muscular engine delivers its 550 ps/700 Nm through a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is claimed to be able to reach a top speed of up to 291 km/h after sprinting past 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

As would be expected, the drivetrain is an all-wheel drive system, and it is not just for off-road use but also enhances performance on the road. It has active differentials at the centre and rear, the latter being an electronically limited slip differential. This allows the torque to be sent in the precise amount need fore and aft of the vehicle and also across the rear axle.

The SUV comes with adaptive triple volume air suspension, combined with the latest 48V electric anti-roll control system and electronic adaptive dampers. At the touch of a button, the ride height can go up by 45 mm or down by 50 mm, so the DBX can be adapted to a wide range of terrain. The system can be further programmed to aid with ingress, egress and loading requirements on a practical level.

The base price of an officially imported DBX is RM818,000.00 (excluding duties), while the Intrepid Aura version is available from RM958,000.00.

Aston Martin can design an exclusive garage for you too

1.5-litre Powertrain in Proton X50 TGDi Flagship wins China auto industry’s ‘Nobel Prize’.

The auto industry’s move towards engines that are smaller in displacement began about 10 years ago as a practical and cost-effective way to reduce fuel consumption as well as emissions. Unlike the older small engines, the modern powerplants did reduce performance or driving pleasure. On the contrary, with modern technology, they could generate as much or even more power and torque than even larger engines.

There are other advantages from this downsizing of engines too. They are more compact, especially if a 3-cylinder configuration is adopted which, in turn, means lower weight that again helps with fuel economy. Not so obvious to most is also the lower engine weight at the front improves the front-rear weight balance of the vehicle so the handling is better.

Joint development with Volvo
Geely took note of the trend over 10 years ago and as part of its forward-looking strategies, it began a joint development project with Volvo to develop a new powertrain family. The project, which would utilise part of the R&D investment of 20.73 billion yuan (RM 13 billion) during the decade, was carried out at Volvo’s R&D centre and the China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) in Gothenburg, Sweden, as well as the Geely Automotive Research Institute in Hangzhou, China.

A ‘Nobel Prize’ winner
One of the engines that was co-developed was the 1.5-litre TGDi engine (1.5TD). The advanced engineering of this new engine as well as the 7DCT transmission won the Geely Holding Group the first prize in the China Automotive Industry Awards for Science and Technology on October 28, 2020.

*The highest honour from China’s Society of Automotive Engineers in this year’s China Automotive Industry Awards for Science and Technology.*

This highest honour from China’s Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE-China) is the most prestigious and influential technological award for the China automotive industry, considered as the industry’s ‘Nobel Prize’.

The award joins the ‘China Heart’ awards won by Geely for powertrain development earlier. These are the awards given to the Top Ten engines in China each year and are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the auto industry.

Small and compact – but powerful
The 1.5TD engine ticks all the boxes that a modern powertrain must have: powerful performance, lightweight structure, high reliability, good fuel economy and high fuel efficiency. Adopting advanced and innovative technologies, this small, efficient engine can develop up to 177 ps of power with up to 255 Nm of torque.

These are numbers which would be seen for engines with larger displacements but the 1.5TD engine achieves them with just 1477 cc. Helping to boost the output are a low-inertia turbocharger, direct fuel injection and continuous variable timing for both the intake and exhaust valves (Dual VVT).

Engines with three cylinders can be less smooth than the 4-cylinder units. To address consumer concerns about this issue, the engineers worked hard at reducing the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels to that of 4-cylinder engines. No less than 120 NVH optimisation exercises were done as well as the dedicated design of 12 key parts such as counterweighted crankshafts, a vibration damping balancer shaft and dual mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber damper. Additionally, a low noise timing belt, high stiffness oil pan, asymmetric oil pump impeller, and engine compartment and vibration dampener also effectively eliminated perceivable engine vibrations for the occupants.

The 7DCT with a new standard
The 1.5TD is typically paired with Geely’s world-class 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT). Developed based on Volvo’s high standards, this transmission sets a new standard for transmissions in the industry.

Weighing less than a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, the 7DCT offers fast and accurate shift response along with high efficiency. It has a maximum efficiency of 97.2% and 0.2 second shift response time. For the driver, the 7DCT provides more enjoyable driving with the advantages of manual and automatic transmissions as there is the option of selecting gears manually too.

An international powertrain
Accepted and recognised at an international level, the 1.5TD engine powers more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide and the 7DCT transmission is estimated to be used in over one million vehicles by the end of 2020.

The 1.5TD + 7DCT powertrain is also found in the latest Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship, endowing it with powerful and responsive driving performance, coupled with fuel efficiency and proven reliability.

Visit any Proton showroom to experience the performance of the 1.5TD + 7DCT. To locate a showroom near you, visit www.proton.com.

3rd Hot Wheels Legends Tour to be livestreamed this Thursday

Put that date and time in your reminders so you won’t miss the 1st Hot Wheels Legends Tour Malaysia. Malaysia is the first host country in Asia to be selected as host, with Art of Speed as the host.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour, now in its third year, is a global search for the next fan-made custom car to be made into a Hot Wheels die-cast model. The livestream of the digital tour will be on the Hot Wheels Facebook livestream (www.facebook.com/HotWheels) and will feature the winning Malaysian car.

Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2019 was an epic tour which saw more than 110,000 participants, more than 5,000 entries, 18 finalists and 1 extraordinary winner! This year, the event has gone online in view of the pandemic situation, and one of the new stops is Malaysia in search of a winner for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

67 entries from Malaysia
The virtual tour began on September 25 and ran till October 15, 2020 where fans submitted photos and videos of their custom builds for the chance to have their design included. The top Malaysian entries were shortlisted and we’ll know which one is selected on November 12, 2020 (that’s this coming Thursday).

Similar to all Legends Tour stops, the judges will consider creativity, authenticity and garage spirit when selecting the finalists and the winner. A variety of vehicles, representing the breadth of the Hot Wheels in all aspects of car culture, are included.

*Art of Speed’s Asep Ahmad (left) will be the host with Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’ – Tengku Djan Ley – as a Special Guest at the event.*

According to Art of Speed, 67 entries were submitted from Malaysia. Out of all the entries, the Legends Tour judges have selected 12 top finalists. The finalist from the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Malaysia’s virtual stop will join all other Legends Tour finalists at the Virtual Global Finale in Los Angeles in November for a chance to have their car immortalized as an iconic Hot Wheels diecast model. Only one lucky custom build will be immortalized as a diecast car and shared with fans across the globe.

9th Annual Art of Speed Malaysia
The 9th Annual Art of Speed Malaysia will also be held at the 1 Utama New Wing in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, from December 30, 2020 to January 3, 2021. Entrance is free to the event which will be from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on the first two days, and up to 10:30 pm on the remaining three days.

For more information about these two events, visit www.artofspeedmy.com or go to www.facebook.com/ArtOfSpeedMY.

Klein Vision’s AirCar successfully completes flight tests in Slovakia (w/VIDEO)

The last time we heard about a Malaysian company developing a ‘flying car’ was a year ago when a ‘prototype’ took over at a facility near the old Subang airport. However, after that things went quiet with the project and its champion, the Entrepreneur Development Minister, also left the position to become a minister in the Prime Minister’s department.

So we don’t know what has happened to the project which had received RM20 million funding from the government but was being developed with a degree of ‘secrecy’, just like the ‘third national car’ project which has also gone ‘dark’.

However, flying car projects are nothing new and some companies elsewhere have already built such vehicles and shown them flying in public. The challenge has been to commercialise them so as to make money.

One company which has hopes of doing so is Klein Vision, whose founder and CEO, Professor Stefan Klein, has devoted the last 20 years converting his flying-car dream into reality. His flying car has reached its fifth generation of development and has completed two flights at Piestany airport in Slovakia recently. The model safely flew around the airport, landing and taking off twice.

3 minutes for transformation
Known as the AirCar (V5), it can transform from road vehicle into air vehicle in less than 3 minutes, at just the click of a button. Useful for leisure and self-driving/flying journeys, it also has potential as a commercial taxi service.

“The wing and tail deployment/retraction mechanism is very impressive, converting the automobile into an airplane. The cockpit providing space for the driver/pilot and a passenger is very roomy and nicely styled. The overall appearance of the flying car on road and in the air is superb,” said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow (ret).

It is powered by a BMW 1.6-litre engine which produces 140 ps. Based on fuel consumption at a rate of 18 litres an hour, the estimated range of the AirCar is 1,000 kms. It requires a take-off run of 300 metres before getting airborne, after which it can reach up to 200 km/h in flight.

1000-km range
The engineers have kept the AirCar as light as possible since, unlike a car that only travels on the ground, it has to also be able to fly in the air. The 2-seater weighs 1,100 kgs and can carry additional load of 200 kgs per flight.

Simulation methods and design optimization have been used throughout the entire R&D stage. The AirCar is predominantly built from advanced composite materials, with all parts manufactured using high-tech methods.

Versatile concept
“With Aircar, you will arrive at your destination without the hassle of getting a ride to airport and passing through commercial security. Then you can drive the AirCar to the golf course, the office, the mall or hotel and park it in a normal parking space,” said Anton Zajac, Klein Vision’s co-founder, investor and also a pilot.

“The key flight parameters confirmed all theoretical concepts and calculations that the development of the AirCar was based on. Following the completion of all required flight tests in compliance with EASA regulations, we will deliver a model with a certified ADEPT, 300-ps engine within the next 6 months” said Professor Klein, who was also the test pilot. He added that the company already has a buyer for the AirCar.

Malaysia’s ‘flying car’ to take first flight this Thursday

Japan Car of the Year 2020-2021 – Ten Best Cars

While most motorshows have been postponed or cancelled, events that can be held online have continued and the auto industry has in fact moved online for its launch activities. Global product launches and major announcements are now being presented using social media, which actually has a very big audience.

The Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) event has not been a public sort of event so its schedule has not really been affected and this month, assessment of the finalists takes place with the winner to be announced on December 7.

This year’s list of nominees number 33, of which 13 are from Japanese brands and the remainder from other global manufacturers. In earlier years, the JCOTY has two categories, with one for Japanese models and the other for imported brands. However, the organisers decided to merge the two categories and the first non-Japanese brand to win the JCOTY overall award was the Volkswagen Golf Mk. 7 for the 2013-2014 event. Since then, foreign models have won two more times, both being from Volvo.

From the 33 nominees, which must be new models introduced and sold in the Japanese market from November in the previous year to October 31 of the current year (in this case, 2020), ten models are chosen as the ‘Ten Best Cars’. These are considered the finalists, from which one will become the Japan Car of the Year.

The Ten Best Cars for this year are:
Audi e-tron Sportback
BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe
BMW Alpina B3
Honda Fit/Jazz
Land Rover Defender
Mazda MX-30
Nissan Kicks
Peugeot 208/e-208
Subaru Levorg
Toyota Yaris /Yaris Cross/ GR Yaris

Later this month, the judging panel will test the ten models at a racing circuit in the Chiba Prefecture. They will then cast their votes which will determine the JCOTY for 2020-2021.

PAST WINNERS
1980-1981: Mazda Familia (323)
1981-1982: Toyota Soarer
1982-1983: Mazda Capella (626)
1983-1984: Honda Civic
1984-1985: Toyota MR2
1985-1986: Honda Accord
1986-1987: Nissan Pulsar
1987-1988: Mitsubishi Galant
1988-1989: Nissan Silvia SX
1989-1990: Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS)
1990-1991: Mitsubishi Galant
1991-1992: Honda Civic
1992-1993: Nissan March
1993-1994: Honda Accord
1994-1995: Mitsubishi FTO
1995-1996: Honda Civic
1996-1997: Mitsubishi Galant
1997-1998: Toyota Prius
1998-1999: Toyota Altezza (Lexus IS250)
1999-2000: Toyota Vitz (Yaris)
2000-2001: Honda Civic
2001-2002: Honda Fit (Jazz)
2002-2003: Honda Accord
2003-2004: Subaru Legacy
2004-2005: Honda Legend
2005-2006: Mazda MX-5
2006-2007: Lexus LS460
2007-2008: Honda Fit (Jazz)
2008-2009: Toyota iQ
2009-2010: Toyota Prius
2010-2011: Honda CR-Z
2011-2012: Nissan LEAF
2012-2013: Mazda CX-5
2013-2014: Volkswagen Golf 7
2014-2015: Mazda2/Demio
2015-2016: Mazda MX5
2016-2017: Subaru Impreza
2017-2018: Volvo XC60
2018-2019: Volvo XC40
2019-2020: Toyota RAV4

Bowler CSP 575 project to create high-performance off-roader with Defender design

The designs of motor vehicles are proprietary, and manufacturers typically protect them from being copied by other companies. Occasionally, there are court cases when a company introduces its model which looks rather similar and sometimes the original manufacturer wins, or might not. Of course, not all models are copied and it is those with an iconic design that some unethical companies may try to duplicate, believing that they could achieve similar success with their model.

The design of the original Land Rover Defender would be such an example and though Land Rover has come out with a totally new model, the classic shape of the original still appeals to some people. Bowler, a company in England, believes there is enough demand for it to produce vehicles using the classic Defender shape and has obtained permission from Land Rover to do so.

Project CSP 575
It is the next phase of development for Bowler, which makes all-terrain performance cars and rally raid vehicles. With the agreement, the company can develop a new family of high-performance models which will supplement the ongoing motorsport developments that are the foundation of Bowler’s past, present and future plans.

The project is codenamed ‘CSP 575’ and will see a new road-going vehicle with Bowler’s own rally-proven CSP high-strength steel chassis. Onto it will go Defender 110 Station Wagon body panels – made of aluminium alloy like the original – and Land Rover’s 575-ps supercharged V8 engine as well.

Competition-inspired
Initial renders of the planned 4×4 provide a glimpse of the rally-derived model, which will be the first new Bowler since 2016. Full details will be revealed early next year, but the competition-inspired off-roader promises to combine potent performance and motorsport-honed durability in a classic Defender 110 Station Wagon shape capable of accommodating four passengers.

Founded in 1985, Bowler pioneered the production of dedicated off-road competition cars in the UK. It became a subsidiary of Jaguar Land Rover at the end of 2019 and its expertise has been utilised in for a number of projects as part of Special Vehicle Operations.

Bowler customers are already benefitting from this relationship as Land Rover SV engineers are helping develop Bowler vehicles and using their engineering expertise to test Bowler products at Special Vehicle Operations’ world-class facilities.

*The classic Defender (left) and the latest all-new model on the right.*

Land Rover’s decision to issue Bowler with a licence agreement to build vehicles using the classic Defender shape is a natural progression of this relationship and the new stationwagon project represents a unique undertaking. It integrates the technology, components and engineering underpinning Land Rover’s Special Vehicle products with Bowler’s motorsports expertise and experience.

“We’re excited to announce the first major project since our acquisition of Bowler. The ‘CSP 575’ will combine Supercharged V8 performance and 4-seat practicality with Bowler’s rally raid-proven CSP platform, broadening the appeal of the brand. This high-performance road-going model will sit alongside Bowler’s evolving range of rally raid models, which continue to enjoy success in the world’s toughest motorsport events,” said Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.

Bowler specialises in developing vehicles for off-road competition and also provides support services.

The new model will be manufactured in very small quantities at Bowler’s own facilities by the same engineers and technicians producing its competition 4x4s. Bowler will be marketing the model to customers in the UK, select European and overseas markets, with an indicative pricing to be around £200,000 (about RM1.086 million at current exchange rates).

Original launch Land Rover from 1948 restored to running condition

Limited edition of Porsche 911 Turbo S and Embraer Executive Jet (w/VIDEO)

Porsche has collaborated with Embraer, the company well known for its executive jets, to create ‘Duet’, ten units of limited editions of the two sportiest and most successful products from each of their respective segments.

The objective of the collaboration is to offer customers exclusive products that can be personalised and enhanced in almost infinite ways. “As part of our cooperation, we are using the know-how of both brands to jointly develop a one-of-a-kind duo of a sportscar and jet that appeals to both customer groups,” explained Alexander Fabig, Head of Personalisation and Classic at Porsche.

The project team comprised members of Embraer’s executive jet design and marketing departments in Melbourne/Florida, the Porsche design department ‘Style Porsche’ and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Germany, and Studio F.A. Porsche in Austria.

A Duet logo was specially designed for the cooperative project. It takes its cue from aerodynamics and is made up of a stylised aeroplane wing from the Phenom 300E and the rear wing of the flagship 911 with the Sport Design package. The logo is used on the exterior and in the interior of both products.

Latest 911 Turbo S
The latest generation of the 911 Turbo S that is powered by a 3.745-litre boxer engine with 650 ps output. The limited edition coupe has a combined gloss and satin-gloss paintwork for the first time. The upper part is finished in Platinum Silver Metallic, while the bottom part is in Jet Grey Metallic. A trim strip with lines in Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue runs over the sides and doors. All the paintwork is completed by hand, like the painting process for the jet.

The alloy wheels in Exclusive design are painted in Platinum Silver Metallic and feature lines in Speed Blue on the rim flange. These are produced using laser technology. The side air intakes and side window trims are painted in Brilliant Chrome and therefore pick up a design feature of the jet’s engines.

The LED door projectors cast the Duet logo onto the ground. There is also a special emblem on the B-pillar. In addition to the Duet logo, it includes 10 small rectangular fields corresponding to the limited number of units. One of these fields is blue. Every customer can select where this field is placed, representing that the car is one of only ten. This emblem is repeated on the outside of the jet.

Features from the jet cockpit
The entire car interior is hand-crafted, installed by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, and is not available in this form for regular production range. Exclusivity is also the motto in the interior of the 911 Turbo S. Here, the designers have come up with a special colour scheme and combined black and chalk-coloured leather. The black leather surfaces are decorated with stitching in Speed Blue.

The steering wheel also features the two-tone leather combination, matching the jet’s yoke. The 12 o’clock marking is in Speed Blue; the Carbonfibre interior package is as standard and comes with a high-gloss finish. The roofliner is covered with chalk-coloured Alcantara, while the front seats have decorative elements made of high-gloss carbonfibre. The leather loop for folding the front seat backrests is red, matching the loops of the jet’s seats.

The door sill trims feature ‘NO STEP’ lettering illuminated in red – a reference to the corresponding signs on aircraft wings. The stopwatch of the Sport Chrono package also borrows from aviation. In addition to the logo, the dial also has a printed-on artificial horizon, the indicator which tells the pilot of the attitude of the aircraft.

Like many exclusive limited edition cars, the dash panel trim features a ‘One of 10’ logo. The front luggage compartment is hand-finished in black leather, with contrast stitching in Speed Blue. The sides of the car key are painted in Speed Blue and are marked with the jet registration. The logo is embossed in the leather of the key pouch and an indoor car cover with ‘REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT’ tags is also included – again a reference to aircraft.

All-electric Porsche Taycan debuts in Malaysia with pricetag starting from RM725,000

Only electric power for Bentley vehicles by the end of this decade

After over 100 years, the automobile industry is undergoing a major change that will see a progressive diminishing of vehicles with only internal combustion engines, leading to hybrids and eventually only electric powertrains. The global players have already begun the process of making the transition, and Bentley Motors is one of those that has revealed plans which are outlined in its Beyond100 strategy.

Aiming to offer truly sustainable luxury, the carmaker will reinvent every aspect of its business to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation as it embarks on its second century. The target is driven by a transformation programme across Bentley’s entire operations and products. This includes switching its model range to offer exclusively plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2026, and full electric vehicles (EVs) only by 2030.

*Bentley’s traditional powertrains with internal combustion engines will be phased out and replaced with hybrid and then all-electric powertrains by the end of this decade.*

No more ICE by 2030
The announcement today highlights Bentley’s plans for another 100 years, evolving from the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder petrol engines to having no internal combustion engines within a decade.

Bentley’s electrified future was actually previewed with the reveal of the all-electric EXP 100 GT concept car (pictured below) in its centenary year. That concept featured a multitude of sustainable materials. These included 5,000-year-old copper-infused Riverwood, traditionally produced wool carpets and a leather-like textile upholstery made from a by-product of wine-making. Bentley will continue to use only sustainably sourced materials throughout its current, and next generation of cars.

Carbon-neutral production
The Beyond100 strategic plan will see, among other things, the change to a carbon-neutral luxury car factory. Last year, Bentley’s production facility in England became the first luxury automotive factory in the UK to be certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust. This followed two decades of implementing innovative solutions, including a water recycling system in the paint shop, local tree planting, installation of a 10,000 solar panel carport, taking the total number of on-site solar panels to 30,000, and a switch to renewable-only electricity sources.

The factory will continue to improve its environmental operations. By the end of 2025, the company intends to reduce its factory environmental impact by focusing on energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, wastewater, use of solvents in the paint process and becoming plastic neutral. This will result in a climate positive factory by 2030, actively reducing levels of carbon in the atmosphere, while in parallel the business invests in renewable energy and forestation projects.

Sustainable luxury mobility
Bentley will also redefine its business model which is built around its accelerated journey towards electrification. Having already committed that every model line will be offered with the option of a hybrid variant by 2023, with Bentley’s first pure electric model to be launched in 2025, Bentley is making a clear move towards zero emission mobility.

Achieving sustainable luxury mobility relies heavily on a sustainable business model, and Bentley’s aim is to become the world’s benchmark luxury car business, financially resilient and recession-proof. The challenging economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in Bentley undertaking its biggest change programme in a century.

This change programme was driving for consistent financial resilience through rapid productivity improvements across the business, and a fundamental restructure. The results from the comprehensive cost and investment structure has placed the business in a position to achieve a positive financial performance for the full year 2020, in spite of the extenuating external circumstances.

Bespoke continues with sustainability
As well as accelerating the product journey towards electrification, Beyond100 opens a new era for Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, which now has a three-portfolio structure comprising Mulliner Classic, Mulliner Collections and Mulliner Coachbuilt. The recently revealed Bacalar signifies the start of this new age as the first member of the Mulliner Coachbuilt family and incorporates elements of the sustainable materials showcased in EXP 100 GT.

The company is committed to handcrafting cars in Crewe for the next 100 years, whilst also preparing for a digital future, and has confirmed it will be investing in two new Research and Development buildings, a vehicle test centre and a dedicated launch quality centre.

“Since 1919, Bentley has defined luxury grand touring. Being at the forefront of progress is part of our DNA – the original Bentley boys were pioneers and leaders. Now, as we look Beyond100, we will continue to lead by reinventing the company and becoming the world’s benchmark luxury car business,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman & CEO of Bentley Motors.

The Mulsanne chapter in Bentley history ends

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