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Hyundai Kona earns 5-Star rating

Hyundai’s newest vehicle, the Kona has received high marks in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash safety tests. The independent European body determined that the Kona deserved a 5 star rating, the highest distinction possible in all four categories: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist.

“The five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP for the All-New KONA proves that our newest SUV fulfills the highest standards for the safety of our customers,” says Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The top result demonstrates that Hyundai Motor not only offers technology-driven and innovative solutions, but also makes them easily accessible to everyone.”

The compact SUV completed the required tests with more than satisfactory results thanks to it’s slew of safety tech. Most notable of the lot have to be Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The former monitors vehicle movements, prompting drivers to keep within the white lines when they stray off course. It does give off audible and visual warnings before stepping in to steer it back on track.

The latter, which is becoming commonplace on many new vehicles, monitors the road ahead via radar and camera sensors. If the system senses an impending collision, it warns drivers both visually and audibly. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings, the system will step in and apply the appropriate braking pressure to avoid or lesson the severity of an impact.

Apart from these, the Kona also benefits from having High-Beam Assist (HBA) with Static Low Beam Assist, Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCCA). Together, these safety features makes up Hyundai’s SmartSense system. Adding to this, the car also offers SUV capabilities, allowing drivers to traverse tricky terrain in a safe manner.

Volvo to work with public to ready autonomous cars

Volvo is one of the pioneers of autonomous cars, this news isn’t new. What is however, is the fact that the Swedish automaker will be developing its fleet of self driving vehicles with the help of regular civilians. Select Swedish families will be responsible for testing these cars on the public roads of Gothenburg and feedback their impressions to Volvo Cars engineers.

The first two families of this pilot programme are the Hains and Simonovskis. They will be tasked with driving their respective XC90 SUV on daily commutes to help the automaker iron out some of the creases with its systems. Called the Drive Me project, data collected here will allow engineers to monitor and study the acquired data from these vehicles.

https://youtu.be/xQvpUZQzcBg

Drive Me will involve real customers who will be responsible for testing various stages of Volvo’s autonomous system from driver-assisted to fully autonomous. During the initial stages, drivers will need to keep their hands on the steering wheel while the vehicles are in motion. Later on, they will be exposed to more advanced autonomous functions after attending special training sessions.

“Drive Me is an important research project for Volvo Cars,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President for the company’s R&D department. “We expect to learn a lot from engaging these families and will use their experiences to shape the development of our autonomous driving technology, so that by 2021 we can offer our customers a fully autonomous car.”

https://youtu.be/gv8Vw8yiliI

These XC90 vehicles have been fitted with Volvo’s latest driver-assistance technology, as well as an array of cameras and sensors. The initial stages of the programme will take place in a controlled environment under the supervision of a Volvo Cars safety expert. Once the Hains and Simonovskis get the hang of things, they will be allowed to use these vehicles as their daily drivers.

Volvo plans on launching its first fully autonomous car for the general public by 2021. And the data acquired through Drive Me, will play a vital role for the automaker as it prepares its technology for mass production.

Ford Focus RS is experiencing engine problems

Ford’s hothatch, the Focus RS, may not be as perfect as we hoped it would. According to a recent article by Autocar UK, several owners if the latest car have reported seeing white smoke from the exhaust. This is a result of coolant being burnt during cold running. A remedy has yet to be established but Ford has stated that a fix will be rolled out to all customers, even ones not affected by the issue.

Several affected owners have already had their engines replaced with ones that are of the latest specification. Whether or not Ford resorts to swapping all these engines with newer ones, remains to be seen but there are several theories as to why the problem occurred in the first place. Some are saying that the issue could be related to the engine head gasket failing to maintain a seal, while others say it’s something worse.

The problem could also be due to the engine block itself getting distorted over the course of several heat cycles. It may not be as tolerant as Ford had hoped with coping with the demands of enthusiastic owners. Whatever the case, Ford could be looking at a major campaign to rectify the issue and help pacify disgruntled owners who yet to even to break-in their new cars.

Coincidentally, the Ford Mustang uses the same engine as the Focus RS but may not inherit the problem. Autocar UK‘s article states that the material used for the Mustang’s block differs from that used for the Focus. Stay tuned and we will keep you updated as the story unfolds.

Source: Autocar UK

Swedish Dodge Charger heads to Jay’s garage

Classic muscle cars are still in high demand in the US. The cool factor, myriad of aftermarket parts and powerful engines, are just some of the reasons why these cars are presently able to exchange hands for huge sums of money.

Jay Leno, the former Tonight Show host, has several of them. But the latest car that rolled into his shop, is something truly extraordinary. Believe it or not, this Dodge Charger was found in Sweden by Johan Eriksson, who painstakingly restored it to ‘beyond brand new’.

It was initially a race car but years of neglect had caused severe deterioration to the bodywork. Thankfully, Eriksson and his small team, managed to restore the car completely with the use of various different parts. Many of the interior’s trim pieces were crafted from aluminium.

Despite what it may look like, this 1968 Dodge Charger RTR is far from stock. In fact, it has more in common with Frankenstein than an original bearing its namesake. The car sits on a Corvette Chassis and is powered by a twin turbo V10 engine from a Viper.

It caused a bit of a stir at SEMA this year, where many stopped and took notice of the excellent level of workmanship that was carried out. The entire restoration process was tastefully done, allowing the car to look almost bone-stock from the outside, but revolutionary on the inside.

Check out the latest Jay Leno’s Garage video and let us know what you think of Eriksson’s creation and whether his efforts deserve more praise.

Classic Mustangs live on as timepieces

Die-hard Mustang fans will be happy to know that a watch company called REC Watches, has a new product line that involves building timepieces out of classic Mustangs. But it isn’t what you think, the company isn’t going about ripping apart valuable cars. Instead they acquire components from cars headed to the scrapheap.

This interesting idea is the brainchild of Christian Mygh and Jonathan Kamstrup, who together scour salvage yards around the world for Mustang models. Each car’s components can be used to create hundreds of unique timepieces, costing from $1,495 (RM6,087).

Based in Denmark, REC Watches is dedicated to this concept, and is willing to create an entirely new watch from parts given to them by customers. Once such person is World Champion Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., has had a timepiece specially made out of carbon fibre bodywork taken from his 700‑horsepower World Drift Series Ford Mustang RTR.

“Most people would just see a pile of metal, a ghost of a Mustang. We see something completely different – the soul of a car and a story that needs to be told,” said co-founder Mygh. “I’m not cutting up Mustangs. I’m bringing Mustangs that are beyond repair back to life as a watch.”

Behind every uniquely crafted timepiece, is a special story, which is the case here. REC Watches painstakingly trace the history of each vehicle that is used, speak with previous owners as well as collect stories and images from the car’s past life. All this information is summarized and presented to buyers and fans alike through a short video.

Each watch’s design incorporates the donor vehicle’s identification number, year of production and classic Mustang design cues. These designs include a power dial designed to look like a fuel gauge, watch hands that look like speedometer needles, date and dials that are a homage to the Mustang’s classic dashboard.

A rare 1966 Raven Black Mustang model was used to create the company’s limited edition P51-04 collection of 250 watches. Expect more of such timepieces from REC Watches because there a plethora of Mustangs at various scrapheaps waiting to be crushed. Atleast here, they get to live on as a timeless wristwatch.

Mitsubishi UK lets you buy a car online

The advent of the smartphone and fast cellular data speeds have contributed to the popularity of online shopping. Unlike the old days, where one would need to travel to a brick and mortar store to browse through items, now its just a tap away. Online shopping stores have made it really easy too, with free shipping and delivery to your doorstep.

Most of what we need can be purchased online, with the exception of the automobile, or so we thought. A customer in the UK named Antony Deane has managed to purchase his Mitsubishi ASX through the automaker’s online purchasing portal. Called Mitsubishi Buy Online, it is designed to offer users better convenience and transparency.

The portal is linked with Mitsubishi Motors UK website, allowing customers to access the Mitsubishi showroom in the comfort of their own home. All current Mitsubishi models are included in the programme and online customers can enjoy the same rebates and offers that are offered in the brand’s dealerships.

This revolutionary service was developed in conjunction with leading online vehicle retailing specialist, Rockar. Adding to that, Mitsubishi also partnered with automotive auction specialist BCA, which will facilitate the trade-in services of customers’ current vehicles. Besides competitive part-exchange services, it can also predict future trade-in values.

Deane’s ASX was purchased in the same way. After browsing through Mitsubishi’s online showroom, he made his choice and opted to trade-in his current vehicle via the trade-in valuation facility. The entire process can be done on Mitsubishi Buy Online, which can be completed in a mere 20 minutes by following the step-by-step guide.

“Buying a new Mitsubishi is a very big thing for me, it’s the first new car I’ve bought in 25 years of driving and the whole experience was brilliant throughout. Other than uploading some documentation, I completed everything on my phone and if I had a question, the Mitsubishi Buy Online team were a fantastic help.”

“The experience has been so enjoyable that there’s a good chance we’ll use Mitsubishi Buy Online when we replace my partner’s car in the near future,” he added.

Expect to hear more of such services in the near future as automakers start to deal directly with customers rather than go through a ‘middle man’. Tesla has attempted a similar strategy in the US but with mixed results. Legislation in certain countries or states forbid manufacturers from directly engaging with customers, hopefully that will change soon.

Continental tyres beat competition

Continental, a leading tyre manufacturer, has been recognised by the Auto Express Tyre awards 2017. It bagged two accolades for both its summer and winter tyres, namely The Continental ContiPremiumContact 5, and the WinterContact TS 860.

Auto Express’ tyre tests, have for years, been considered the benchmark for actua; tyre performance in the UK. The company’s findings are published to highlight the ones that offer the best performance, quality, safety, desirability and value. Many regard the data, as a stamp of approval of the respective tyre, providing consumers with the proper insight.

Speaking about the winning performance, Auto Express said, “The PremiumContact 5 continues to lead the field in summer tyres, delivering high quality performance across multiple testing disciplines. With sharp handling in wet and dry, the PremiumContact 5 continues to be a hard act to follow.”

The ContiPremiumContact 5 builds upon the test success of its predecessor by winning the Auto Express ultimate tyre test 2017. The TS860 won the winter tyre test and is said to be able to handle twists and turns as well as a great deal of braking, very well, even in harsh conditions.

Continental says the latest victories are an excellent endorsement for Continental’s continued ambition to improve driver safety as part of its VisionZero initiative. And judging from what we have heard so far, Continental will continue to produce competitive tyres for the foreseeable future.

McLaren Senna is a true drivers’ car

McLaren has unveiled a new supercar that’s part of its Ultimate Series collection. Called the Senna, this particular machine pays homage to former McLaren F1 Driver and legend Aryton Senna, in more than one way. Unlike the usual crop of cars we are used to seeing from the Woking based automaker, this one has minimal tech and luxuries.

It is built with the company’s carbon fibre Monocage III chassis, the very same one that underpins the McLaren 720S, and is said to be the strongest one that it has ever built. The car sports similar looks to the base 720S but comes with heavily modified bodywork, rear wing and diffusers for aerodynamic efficiency.

This rear-wheel-drive McLaren forgoes the practicality and luxuries of other cars in the stable for a race-focused setup and overall weight of just 1,198kg. In fact, it happens to be the lightest production car that the company has produced since the iconic F1. Downforce is magnified through the use of active aerodynamics for the front and rear.

“The McLaren Senna delivers true performance, all the way to the limit of a driver’s ability. With a truly astonishing power-to-weight ratio, this car is about performance that is accessible and attainable, yet at the same time exciting and challenging for the very best drivers in the world – and with an intense, sensory experience to match, “ Andy Palmer, Vehicle Line Director, McLaren Ultimate Series.

Powering the car is a mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 789bhp and 800Nm of torque. Codenamed M840TR, the company’s engineers from the beginning, set out to build a powerplant that provides the intended visceral feel and experience. And it is mated to a dual clutch 7-speed gearbox that has manual and auto mode.

Output from the drivetrain can be altered via the Active Dynamics Panel, that sets the throttle response based on the selected setting of Comfort Sport or Track. The ambiance is is improved by several added features that include a roof mounted snorkel air intake, as well as engine acoustics transferred to the cabin via the mounts and body panels.

McLaren has fitted the car with the RaceActive Chassis Control II (RCC II), a hydraulic suspension setup works with the active aerodynamics and race tuned chassis to create a truly track-focused experience. The automaker says that the car, though road-legal, isn’t meant for regular runs to the supermarket. It’s a razor-sharp track car that can be used on the road, occasionally.

The Sena’s adaptive dampers are connected to each other hydraulically. Each has two valves independently adjustable for compression and rebound. The car’s stiffness is separately controlled via a kinetic roll system, or K-damper. As for braking power, the Senna has the most advanced system fitted to a McLaren road car. It features carbon ceramic discs that offer exceptional performance.

Production of the car is limited to 500 units, which will be hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England from Q3 2018. Like its siblings, all 500 will probably be snapped up in no time at all.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class tames King of the Jungle

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has for decades, been regarded as the most technologically advanced production vehicle on the planet. Features and systems that are common place in regular econoboxes today, were first introduced on the S-Class years earlier. The car represents Merc’s never-ending pursuit of automotive perfection.

This notion can be proven by looking at the spec sheet of the latest car. Not only does it come with the a slew of advanced active and passive safety systems, but can also alter interior lighting, ambiance and fragrance, depending on one’s mood. This allows for an even more relaxing driving experience then that offered by its predecessors.

In a promotional video advert released by the company recently, these very features have been highlighted. It depicts the day in the life of a top level exec, as he goes through the motions of running a company. The lighthearted nature of the video portrays the stresses that ‘alpha male’ top level management execs are put under on a day-to-day basis.

The video reaches its climax toward the end of the clip where the boss, heading out in his S-Class, gets stuck in a traffic jam. As he is about to implode into manic rage of biblical proportions, the car’s interior system activates its various ‘mood changer’ features that help him calm down, and enjoy the moment.

This amusing yet relatable video is one of many that have been published by the automaker on its official Youtube channel. Check it out and let us know what you think of the car and its advanced tech features.

Renault introduce new efficient engine

Renault has annoounced a new efficient engine that was co-developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and Daimler. This new engine will power the Scénic and Grand Scénic line-up but will eventually make its way into other models in the Renault range from 2018.

According to the automaker, what sets this new powerplant apart from the rest is that it offers a significant improvement in terms of driving pleasure and availability of torque throughout the rev band. It is able to accomplish this without detriment to fuel consumption or CO2 emissions.

The engine will be made available with three different power outputs, which are the Energy TCe 115, TCe 140 and TCe 150. The numbers of their nomenclature denote engine horsepower. The TCe 140 replaces the older TCe 130 and offers 35Nm more torque that is available across a broader range of the rev band.

Philippe Brunet, Alliance Global VP – Powertrain & Electric Vehicles, said, “Our new petrol engine embodies all the expertise of Groupe Renault’s engineers, the Alliance and our partner Daimler. It meets the quality standards of both the Alliance and Daimler, with more than 40,000 hours of testing.”

The engine block, coupled with manual and EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions, is available in a variety of power ratings from 115hp to 160hp. It utilizes a number of different technologies including Bore Spray Coating, a cylinder coating technology from the Nissan GT-R engine, which reduces friction and optimises heat transfer.

Other features of the engine are higher pressure of the direct fuel injection, which is 250 bar and a unique combustion chamber design that optimizes the fuel/air mix. Adding to that, Dual Variable Timing Camshaft technology manipulates the intake and exhaust valves depending on engine load at any given time. The is what allows for better torque levels across the rev range.

Piston.my

English

Hyundai Kona earns 5-Star rating

Volvo to work with public to ready autonomous cars

Ford Focus RS is experiencing engine problems

Swedish Dodge Charger heads to Jay’s garage

Classic Mustangs live on as timepieces

Mitsubishi UK lets you buy a car online

Continental tyres beat competition

McLaren Senna is a true drivers’ car

Renault introduce new efficient engine

Proton e.MAS 7 Receives Overwhelming Response with 2,500 Bookings

Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Sign MOU on Collaborative Considerations

Nissan and Honda sign MOU to Consider Business Integration

TM and Perodua Forge Partnership to Drive EV Development and Digital Innovation

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Corvette Ever

Local Man Files False Report to Claim Insurance for Stolen Luxury Car

Volkswagen Strikes Landmark Agreement with Unions, Plans 35,000 Job Cuts in Germany

BYD Expands Aftersales Network in Malaysia, Strengthens Commitment to EV Owners

Review: The Leapmotor C10 – Perfect For You?

Archive

Nissan Sells A Significant Portion Of Its Shares To Mitsubishi

Proton Champions Sedan Sales In Malaysia

Two Lucky Winners Announced In Proton’s Test Drive & Win Campaign

Review: Proton’s Finest Sedan – Proton S70 is a C-Segment Package for B-Segment Price!

Sime Darby Auto Imports Appointed as Official Importer and BYD Malaysia as Distributor for Denza

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