Remember our earlier report about Geely Auto’s Healthy Car program to develop healthier vehicles? Well, showing just how determined it is to help fight the COVID-19 outbreak, the carmaker has come out with a G-Clean Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) which will be installed in all its vehicles. Working non-stop, Geely’s engineers developed the new system in just 20 days!
IAPS is able to automatically filter out harmful particulates – including airborne viruses – from the vehicles internal air environment. It has an advanced new active carbon chemical filter that can effectively absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde as they enter the vehicle and is also able to filter out irritating odour and harmful pollutants once they are detected by the automatic system.
In addition, the IAPS is equipped with a negative ion generator that can sterilize and deodorize the cabin air, removing in airborne viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds, etc. Geely says that the filtration is of the same level as an N95 respiration system. The ‘N95’ designation means that at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles used in testing can be blocked.
The IAPS system was already installed in the 150 Jiaji MPVs that the company provided to frontline workers battling the Coronavirus epidemic across China. It will be installed in other models from next month.
The IAPS will be installed in all new Geely vehicles produced from next month. 150 units of the Jiaji MPV already have them as they are urgently needed by medical personnel.Besides high levels of occupant protection during accidents, Geely vehicles will also have a clean environment to protect from viruses and other biological pollutants.
Under the Geely Healthy Car program, Geely Auto will move to invest 370 million RMB (about RM220 million) into the development of healthier vehicles. The program will progress in three key phases, starting with the introduction of short-term solutions such as the IASP system that quickly be introduced at affordable levels. In Phase 2 and 3, Geely will be partnering with leading medical agencies and material companies to develop clean materials for interior and exterior parts such as buttons and grab handles which may harbour harmful bacteria and viruses. Hopefully, the solutions will also be shared with other companies in the Geely Group which includes Proton.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR) concluded its third round here at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang, where the Vios Challenge race series presented one heck of an action-packed racing all weekend long in all three classes taking part. Here’s the race report for those who are following the series before they head into the final round later this year at Sepang International Circuit. (more…)
The Toyota Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) that is now in its third season, has drawn newcomers to motor racing, achieving one of its objectives. The newcomers include mechanical engineering undergraduate Mirza Syahmi Mahzan who joins the series for the first time this season. Participating in the racing series provides valuable hands-on experience and exposure and is therefore making the most of this opportunity to develop his racecraft, both as a driver and a profession.
“On the track, it teaches me how to control a vehicle develop my driving skills. Off track, I learn more about setting-up a vehicle and this is line with the field that I am studying. I hope to be able apply what I learn in college in racing and hopefully turn this into a career. And the only way to do this is both seat time in the car and getting my hands dirty working on the car,” said Mirza Syahmi, who is 23 years old.
From gymkhanas to circuit racing
An automotive and motorsports enthusiast, his interest began with competing in gymkhana events using his daily car before venturing into circuit racing in 2017. In his first season of the Toyota Vios Challenge (which is now in its third season), Mirza Syahmi’s best performance has been scoring two pole positions and finishing sixth. He was on pole position for this weekend’s Round 3 at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang and had led for 5 laps into the race when a broken driveshaft robbed him of what could have been a maiden victory.
Mirza Syami (No. 97) started from pole position for the first round in this weekend’s racing at Batu Kawan, Penang.
“That’s part and parcel of racing. I must admit, however, that I was caught by surprise during the first race of the Toyota Vios Challenge in Kuala Terengganu. Competing on a permanent circuit is totally different from driving on a street circuit and honestly, I was caught off guard because a slight mistake or a slight understeer will send you into the concrete barrier,” he explained.
“The Sporting class that I am competing in is also super competitive with a combination of so many accomplished as well as new drivers. I love the atmosphere both on and off the track; we learn a lot from one another and we also exchange notes on setting-up the cars because there are no other parameters that you do so as everyone runs identical vehicles,” he said.
Level playing field for all
Meanwhile, his father, Mahzan Abdul Manan, said the decision to participate in the Toyota Vios Challenge was to enable his son to hone his racecraft and driving skills on a level playing field. “Unlike other local series being organized which emphasizes purely on vehicle performance, the Toyota Vios Challenge ensures that all competitors compete in identical vehicles. This not only makes the competition fair, but it also prevents teams with bigger budgets from having an edge over privateers,” he noted.
He added that the Toyota Vios Challenge also provided him with the opportunity to promote his own sunroof installation and repair business via branding on the car. “It’s an incredibly exciting event that attracts so much of interest, publicity and spectators, and for small businesses like mine, a perfect platform to gain valuable exposure for the products and services we offer,” he said.
Since mid-December, thousands of competitors all over the world have been racing against each other in qualifying rounds for the 2020 Porsche Esports Supercup in the so-called ‘Porsche iRacing Cup’. Their duels have taken place on different virtual racetracks that are replicas of real ones.
To date, over 4,900 sim racers have already taken part in the qualifying rounds – twice as many participants compared to the year before. The qualification concludes on March 2, with the top 20 qualifiers gaining entry to contest the Porsche Esports Supercup.
At present, the Red Bull’s Formula 1 driver and avid sim racer Max Verstappen is competing, currently ranking 20th (as at February 10, 2020). The illustrious grid line-up will be enhanced by the 20 top sim racers from last season who automatically qualify for the 2020 races.
Red Bull Racing’s F1 driver Max Verstappen is also among the competitors in the esports series.
iRating system used
During the qualification, a rating system created by iRacing ensures that the level of performance is evenly-matched. The individual numeric value of the iRating system gives an idea of the general skill and success of each driver. The key to achieving the highest possible numeric value is, for example, flawless driving and the corresponding result. Moreover, the points gained at the end of the qualifying rounds determine the performance level in relation to the entire starting grid.
Last year, a total of 2,372 e-drivers attempted to qualify for the Porsche Esports Supercup. For the 2020 season, the defending champion Joshua Rogers (Australia) and his hottest rivals Max Benecke (Germany), Sebastian Job (Great Britain) and Mitchell deJong (USA) return as the favourites. In 2019, they clinched the first four places in the championship.
10 online races from March to September
40 of the world’s best sim racers will compete against each other in 10 online races in a virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Most of these races take place parallel to the real championship rounds of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which are held as support to the European Formula 1 events.
The first championship sim race takes off on May 2 on the virtual version of the Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands (perhaps Dutchman Verstappen will have an advantage?). Simultaneously, the actual Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will contest its first round at the same venue. On September 19, Italy’s Circuit Monza plays host to the final round of the 2020 Esports Supercup.
Visit www.porsche.com.my for information on new and pre-owned Porsche models in Malaysia.
Many Malaysians who follow social media will not have missed the shocking video of a small child being ejected from a car onto a busy highway – very fortunately not being run over although the possibility was very high. The public was quick to condemn the driver for not having the child restrained in a childseat – in spite of the law already making it compulsory since January 2020.
At the same time, there are still those who say it is costly for them to buy childseats, especially if they have many children. This issue is understandable although the life of a child must be given a high priority. Companies like BMW Group Malaysia have offered childseats at a subsidized price to qualified families and there’s a call for more companies in the private sector to help.
There are different types of childseats for different ages, starting from infant. Prices range from RM100 to RM1,600 or more. What’s important is to ensure that the childseat is certified in accordance with Malaysian law.
TAU Trading Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of TAU Corporation Japan, has responded to that call by offering sponsorship to help lower income families get a subsidy for buying a crash-tested safety-approved child safety seat (or child restraint system, CRS). A mock cheque was presented by TAU Corporation Japan’s CEO, Akitaka Miyamoto, to Jchanet Tan, Director of Child Passenger Safety Malaysia (CPSM), an organization dedicated to child traffic safety.
As a start, the sponsorship amount of RM6,400 will be used for a contest where participants have to answer a question and complete a slogan before submitting their answers. It is one approach to further increase understanding on the needs of using CRS for children in moving vehicles. Winners will be presented with cash vouchers valued at RM100 that can be used at any of the retail outlets or brands collaborating with CPSM. The program runs until February 29, 2020.
CPSM’s mission is to help the public have a better understanding of child safety in moving vehicles.
“It is our hope that once a program like this is launched, more corporations will be called to action and consider participating or supporting our Road Safety Campaigns. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We can all make a difference if we put our hearts and head together,” said Ms Tan.
Ms Tan noted that there are many in the lower income group who care about the safety of their children but lack the knowledge and capability to do something about it as many of them are struggling financially to provide for their family. “We understand that having a child safety seat will mean an extra expenditure, even for that 1-time cost for 6 years of protection and peace of mind,” she said.
The current CRS regulation came into effect on January 1, 2020 and makes it compulsory for children below 135 cm or less than 12 years old to be properly harnessed in a CRS in private vehicles. CPSM has been a strong advocate of CRS as far back as 2016 but due to lack of funding, its initiatives were limited. Support from both the government and private sectors will enable them to do more.
TAU Corporation, established in 1996, is the leader in damaged car business in japan. The company buys vehicles damaged by accidents, wind, or floods in Japan and sells them to customers in more than 110 countries worldwide. Their vision is that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together with this initiative, they hope that children in Malaysia can travel safer in a crashworthy safety seat driven in a safe car by their caregivers.
Round 3 of the TGR Festival (Toyota Gazoo Racing) is currently taking place all weekend long (15-16 February 2020) at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang and if you’ve made plans already, cancel them and head over here right now. Why? Here are our top reasons why you should go to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Round 3. (more…)
Sibling camaraderie, not rivalry, is what strengthens the bond between the Anthony brothers Bradley Benedict and Brendan Paul who are competing in the Toyota Vios Challenge street racing series, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival that is on in Batu Kwan, Penang, this weekend.
For 18-year old Bradley, this is his debut season competing in saloon cars after moving up from karting while 23-year old Brendan holds the distinction of being Toyota Vios Challenge Sporting Class champion in Season 1 and now competes in the Super Sporting Class for professional drivers. “I used to go to the track a lot to watch my brother compete in karting. I guess that was where the interest started,” said Bradley who ventured into karting in 2016. Last year, he emerged third in the Asian Rotax Max Championship (DD2 class).
Bradley Benedict’s aspiration is to race in the touring car series in Europe, and racing in the Toyota Vios Challenge is helping him gain experience.
Despite making a cautious start in Round 1 of the Toyota Vios Challenge, Bradley was quick to adapt and rose into the top three by Round 2. “I wasn’t as fast in the first round but I gained a lot of experience. I don’t find racing on a street circuit intimidating. In fact, I find it very enjoyable. It’s a solid learning ground for new and young drivers because unlike racing on a permanent circuit, you have to be precise and know how to control the car.”
And is it intimidating at all to have elder brother Brendan competing in the same event? “At the moment, no since we’re competing in different classes. Brendan helps me a lot with the technical tips and I try to get as much information from him as I can,” he replied.
“My being in the Toyota Vios Challenge is also due to a family decision. My dad saw how the event helped to elevate Brendan’s racing and he now wants me to follow the identical path my brother takes. That means also competing in events such as the Malaysian Championship Series, MSF and events like the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race,” Bradley explained. With 8 races in the Toyota Vios Challenge, 12 races in the MCS and another 12 races in the MSF, that means no less than 32 weekends of racing for Bradley throughout the year.
“My aspiration is to race in the touring car series in Europe, which is why I chose to compete in the Toyota Vios Challenge as opposed to choosing a path driving Formula cars when I moved up from karting” Bradley said.
The Toyota Vios Challenge – now in its third season – has been successful in attracting young drivers. It provides them with an affordable and competitive platform to hone their racecraft and technical experience. This should help build up motorsports talent from grassroots level in the country.
The BMW Art Car Collection which began in 1975 is well known globally, its 19 uniquely painted cars linking the German brand with art. Now BMW M, the high-performance brand, is also associating itself with contemporary art. In the wake of the further development of BMW Individual, BMW M GmbH has presented its latest collaboration: a multi-tiered project with eminent international contemporary artist FUTURA 2000.
In this collaboration, FUTURA 2000, who is known for his mastery of colour, concentric forms, and kinetic composition, has created three exclusive and unique versions of the BMW M2 Competition in his unmistakable style, whilst also designing a limited-edition of the BMW M2 Competition which the public can purchase in June 2020.
“The BMW M2 Competition is dynamic, extroverted and, to a certain degree, pleasantly provocative. I consider it a great honour to be able to add a special touch to this vehicle,” said FUTURA 2000, the 64-year old American graffiti artist who was born Leonard Hilton McGurr.
The artist worked extensively on the three unique versions of the M2, both on the exterior and in the interior. The limited-production models will also bear his unique signature. The trim strips on the instrument panel and the centre console of each vehicle boast a special, individually created FUTURA 2000 design. The bi-coloured, Dakota leather M sports seats in black and ivory white feature polar blue contrast stitching.
In addition, the interior package includes an M Alcantara leather-clad sports steering wheel with a grey 12 o’clock marking and special door sill trims bearing the consecutive limited-edition number and a Futura signature. From the outside, the BMW M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000 is recognisable by the painted surfaces on the front and rear aprons and the side sills. Moreover, each car is fitted with 19-inch jet black light alloy wheels.
With the one-offs and the M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000, BMW M GmbH is setting trends both in the high-performance vehicle sector and the art scene alike. The M2 Competition is proving to be a successful model for the company. Positioned in the compact class, it is powered by a dual-charged, straight 6-cylinder with 410 ps M TwinPower Turbo Technology engine.
For almost 50 years now, the BMW Group has initiated and engaged in over 100 cultural events and activities worldwide. The company places the main focus of its long-term commitment on contemporary and modern art, classical music and jazz as well as architecture and design. Besides the legendary Art Car series, there have also been gallery partnerships, musical events and more.
Just 75 days after the last race of the 2019 season, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has put its all-new racing car through its first laps. The Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance, as the 2020 car is officially known, was driven at Silverstone by both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Both drivers were eager to get back into the car after their winter break, which included intensive training to prepare for the upcoming season.
The ’EQ Performance’ in the name links the F1 car to the brand’s future Mercedes-AMG performance hybrid models. It showcases how F1 technology is pioneering the future of motor racing and automotive technology in general. ‘W11’ represents the fact that this is the eleventh Mercedes-made Formula 1 car since the 3-pointed star returned to F1 as a works team in 2010.
Stable regulations for the new season
Though ‘all-new’ is mentioned, the W11 EQ Performance is essentially an evolution of last year’s car that won Mercedes-Benz its historic sixth consecutive double championship. The team has looked at a myriad of areas to improve the car and has changed the vast majority of the over 10,000 parts of the car to extract more performance. It is expected to become the fastest Mercedes-Benz racing car ever built.
In addition to many detail changes and smaller improvements, the team has introduced three larger changes – one at the front, one at the middle and one at the back of the car. At the front, there is more structural complexity around the uprights and wheel rims in order to provide a higher performance assembly overall. In the middle of the car, the upper side impact tube has been repositioned to the lower position and banking the aerodynamic gain that comes with this layout. At the rear is an ‘adventurous’ suspension layout in order to free up aerodynamic development opportunity.
An all-new Power Unit
Similar to the development on the chassis side, the all-new Power Unit (PU) is an evolution as the regulations stayed largely the same. However, while the chassis regulations go into their second year of relative stability, the technical regulations around the Power Unit have not had any major changes since the introduction of the current generation of 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engines in 2014, making performance boosts increasingly difficult.
In the 6 years since its introduction, the Mercedes-AMG PU has made significant progress not just in terms of power output and reliability, but also in terms of its efficiency. From 2014 to today, the thermal efficiency has improved from about 44% to over 50%. Thermal efficiency describes an engine’s ability to convert fuel energy into useful work. Achieving more than 50% means that that more than half of the energy in the fuel can be used to propel the car. A typical road car engine would usually reach about 30% of thermal efficiency.
Last year’s car struggled in hot ambient temperatures and the engineers have worked to improve the cooling package for the W11. In addition to larger radiators in the car, the team has focused on making the cooling more efficient. All the cooling fluids on the PU operate at a higher temperature, which increases the temperature difference between that coolant fluid and the ambient temperature that the car is racing in. This increases the effectiveness of the cooling system but there is a downside: large parts of the engine are made from aluminium and the operating temperatures mean the material properties decay quite rapidly. Managing that over an 8-race distance PU cycle is thus a tough engineering challenge.
10th anniversary for the works team
2020 is a special year for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team as the outfit celebrates its 10th anniversary as a modern-day Mercedes works team in Formula 1. Since March 2010, when the new Mercedes F1 team competed in its first race, it has started in 198 Formula 1 Grands Prix, taken 93 victories, 194 podium places and 48 one-two wins.
March 2010 – the new Mercedes F1 team competed in its first race in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“It’s fantastic that the team is able to celebrate its ten-year anniversary,” said Toto Wolff. “We made our first come-back to F1 over 25 years ago as an engine supplier and then we went all in 10 years ago. It shows our long-term commitment – with our own works team and as a Power Unit supplier to valuable customers. We have been a part of Formula One with changing technical regulations, with changes in the Daimler top management, but our commitment to the sport hasn’t changed. It’s great that we get to celebrate our tenth anniversary with the Mercedes works team as one further milestone of this commitment.”
Massive change in regulations in 2021
Looking ahead, he said that the team must prepare for the massive changes that will be introduced in F1 in the following year. 2021 will see the biggest change to the technical regulations in the history of Formula 1 which will require virtually every part of the car to be designed and developed from scratch. In addition to the technical complexity of the regulation change, the new financial regulations mean that teams will have to re-organise the way they tackle these changes.
“2020 is an evolution of the current regulations and the gains will be smaller, so you need more time and effort to keep improving your car,” said Wolff. “On the other hand, the 2021 regulations are so very different that you need a lot of time to prepare for them. Every month you start later than your competitors will make it more difficult to catch up. You also have the effect of the cost cap which means that you will have fewer resources available to throw at things in 2021.”
