It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Uber these days but the latest news surrounding the once successful company here in the country is not a great one. It seems that their operations in London have fallen and their operating license has been stripped (for the second time in two years) on 25 November 2019 after failing several safety and security measures. (more…)
Lego has been around for generations and with its iconic status (and Japan’s involvement in contributing countless ground-breaking innovations), we now have the Lego Nissan GT-R Nismo. Introducing the 2020 Lego Speed Champions Nissan GT-R Nismo and boy oh boy, we sure want a few of them right now. (more…)
Ahead of the World Finals of the 2019 FIA Certified Gran Turismo Championships taking place in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Lamborghini has unveiled its new concept car, the Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo. It had started off as a highly visionary concept within the digital environment of the iconic racing game Gran Turismo Sport for Sony PlayStation 4, where it will be available from early 2020.
“Lamborghini is a very young brand, and this is why we present our newest virtual vision in the form of a real model, with a highly futuristic and cool design to be enjoyed by the young generation of racing game and super sports car enthusiasts,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
The Lambo V12 Vision GT, which uses the powertrain from the Sian FKP 37, features a very exciting design produced by Lamborghini Centro. The design builds on historic Lamborghini design DNA, expanding the potential of the design language in a very futuristic way. Focused on the single centre line, the iconic silhouette of all Lamborghini models, it emphasizes a single-seater layout conceived for a racing game where a passenger is not needed.
The concept car’s powerful overall design is dedicated to sophisticated aerodynamics. A large wing housing a significant Y-taillight dominates the rear. All elements are designed as high performance surfaces, integrating design and aerodynamics. The main body is disconnected from the fenders, and the hexagon-inspired theme in the side windows is inspired by the Lamborghini Marzal from 1968. The Lambo V12 Vision GT uses the typical Lamborghini Y-signature for both front lights and rear lights.
Ultimate virtual car
A visionary concept requires an interior design ahead of its time. The driver enters the cabin like a jetfighter pilot, from the front of the car. The main driving controls are located within the futuristic steering wheel and all driver information is projected virtually in front of the driver.
“The Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo is created to provide the ultimate virtual car for young fans and gamers, who are ultra-enthusiastic about Lamborghini and its futuristic aspirations,” said Mitja Borkert, Head of Lamborghini Centro Stile. ”It is an opportunity for the design talent within Lamborghini to stretch its wings and visualize a car that, like every Lamborghini, is a head-turner and the best driving experience, but also mirrors Lamborghini’s push on future technologies, particularly in the arena of lightweight materials and hybridization.”
Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar
The Honda City started off in the mid-1990s as an ‘Asian Car’, a lower-priced model that could be slotted below what had been the original entry-level model, the Civic. With the appreciation of the yen after the mid-1980s, the Civic’s price level had gone beyond what was ‘entry-level’ so Honda had to offer a model that could help it retain a strong presence in that important segment which brought people into the Honda family.
It was certainly a good move as the primary market, Thailand, was also moving upscale in its own way. Consumers were showing a preference for passenger cars with more comfort instead of the pick-up trucks that dominated the market. The City was an affordable and well built product from a brand that was well respected.
Fast forward to 2019 and four generations have passed; what had been a regional product has become a such a significant model for Honda that the launch of the 5th generation today was billed as a World Premiere.
Speaking at the launch, Masayuki Igarashi, Chief Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President & CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd, said: “Honda City, one of our most important models, was developed and launched as a regional model back in 1996. It has consistently received overwhelming feedback from the 1st through the 4th generations, with accumulated sales of 4 million units in 60 countries worldwide. The Asia & Oceania region is an important market for Honda City, with more than 100,000 units sold in the region in 2019 (January to September 2019), which accounts for almost 70% of Honda City sales worldwide.”
He said that as Thailand is the leading market for the City, the Thai people are given the honour of being the first to see the al-new generation of the City. “We expect to create an unprecedented phenomenon as it exceeds the expectations of customers and sets a new standard for Thailand’s automotive market once again,” Mr. Igarashi said.
A bigger City
Just as the Civic ‘grew up’ and became a larger car in many aspects – just compare today’s generation to the first Civic sedan of the late 1970s – so too has the new City gained additional millimetres. Now measuring 4553 mm in overall length, it is 113 mm longer with 53 mm added to the width to broaden it to 1748 mm. But interestingly, the wheelbase has been marginally shortened by 11 mm to 2589 mm, which is negligible. The roofline is also lower by 10 mm and this reduction helps in giving a sleeker profile for the lengthened body.
Sharp character lines give the new model distinctiveness and sportiness, along with the projector headlights incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and LED tail lights. Chrome is used for the front grille with a Shark Fin Antenna on the roof. There are also newly-designed 15-inch alloy wheels fitted (16 inches for the RS variant).
Premium with more space
“Premium” is what carmakers strive for these days and even at the lower end of their range, they try their best to give a ‘premium’ feel because it helps in creating a more positive perception. Honda has been pretty good at it and this is evident in the cabin.
The interior design, with efficient ergonomics and more space creates an environment with seating that provides optimal comfort for the driver and all passengers. For the Thai market, customers can choose a black interior or leather seats with a two-tone ivory/black interior (SV variant only); a Piano Black console, and chrome inside door handles.
As before, there are useful features such as the Multi-information Display (MID) with illumination, 8-inch Advanced Touch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Siri Voice Control, Multi-function Steering Wheel with HFT, Bluetooth connectivity, and an automatic air-conditioning system.
RS variant for the first time
For the first time, the City is available in a RS variant that gives it a sportier and more premium look. The RS variant comes with a complete set of sporty aeroparts including a Gloss Black front grille with RS logo emblem, sporty front bumper and grille, LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, Sporty Black Power-retractable Side Door Mirrors with Turning Lights, Gloss Black Boot Spoiler with an ‘RS’ logo, and new sporty-design 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
The RS cabin is undeniably sporty with newly-designed suede leather seats with red stitching, a Multi-information Display with red illumination, and an eye-catching new Ignite Red exterior colour only available for the RS variant.
All-new 1-litre engine
This will be the first City with a 1-litre Earcth Dreams engine, but the displacement belies the real performance of the powerplant. It’s a new 1.0-litre DOHC 3-cylinder, 12-valve, VTEC TURBO engine with an output of 122 ps at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 173 Nm from 2000 to 4500 rpm. With driving performance said to be superior to the 1.5-litre engine in the previous generation and torque equivalent to a 1.8-litre engine, customers are likely to ignore the displacement that traditionally indicated performance levels.
The engine is mated to a 7-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) for high fuel efficiency which is claimed to be up to 23.8 kms/litre. The environmental credentials of the new City are also strong with a low carbon dioxide rating of 99 gms/km, Euro5 emission levels and compatibility with E20 petrol.
As for safety, it is only to be expected that Honda will raise the standards and offer better protection for the occupants. The new City’s advanced safety technologies include a G-CON (G-Force Control) body structure with 6 airbags, ABS + EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and A Multi-angle Rearview Camera.
First deliveries
Manufactured in Thailand, the all-new City will be in showrooms there from December 24, 2019. It will be launched progressively in other markets although Malaysia may require some extra time as there is a high degree of localisation of parts.
Looking at the prices in Thailand won’t really give an indication of how much the new model will cost in Malaysia when it is launched as the tax structures are different. However, for those who are interested, the range is from 579,500 baht (equivalent to RM80,000) to 739,000 baht (RM102,000) for the RS variant.
Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar has arrived in the ASEAN region and while it didn’t arrive in a starship, its debut in Singapore was certainly spectacular with a Star Wars theme and a drone show. The involvement of Star Wars is because Porsche and Lucasfilms have collaborated to design a fantasy starship in support of the upcoming Star Wars film, the final episode of the Skywalker saga.
So two legendary icons, Porsche and Star Wars, joined forces at the Porsche Asia Pacific premiere of the new Taycan in Singapore last night, ahead of its regional market launch in 2020. The Taycan marks the beginning of a new chapter for Porsche as the company expands its product range in the field of electromobility.
“The Taycan links our heritage to the future. It is a fascinating sportscar with exciting driving dynamics, performance and technology – and like every Porsche ever built, it comes with a soul. Something you will feel immediately, once you get behind the steering wheel,” said Arthur Willmann, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific, at the event which was themed ‘Soul, electrified’ to highlight the features of the latest Porsche model.
“Asia Pacific is an important sales region for Porsche – with a continuously growing customer and fan base. With the Taycan, we are entering a new era and this spirit fits perfectly with the iconic Star Wars brand and the joint event here in Singapore,” added Matthias Becker, Vice President Region Overseas and Emerging Markets of Porsche AG.
Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche at Porsche AG, who was present at the event, shared the design philosophy behind the vehicle: “Designing the Taycan was one of the most exciting tasks, because the only certainty was that it had to be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance. And by pursuing the strategy of making it the sportiest in the segment, we have defined a new architecture for purely electric vehicles. Just like what the 911 has achieved, my vision is that the Taycan will become an icon of this new era, a synonym for a purely electric sportscar,” he said.
Explaining the design process and presenting design sketches of the spacecraft highlighting the combined Porsche and Star Wars design DNA, Doug Chiang, VP Executive Creative Director, Lucasfilm, said: “Although one brand is placed in a fantasy universe and one in the real world, it’s interesting that both are defined very much by their iconic design principle. The basic challenge of the design brief was to design a starship that would both be true to the Star Wars universe and Porsche design DNA.”
The starship will be unveiled at the world premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ which will be released this December. You can’t buy it, but you can buy the Taycan although local prices have not been revealed yet. Contact Sime Darby Auto Performance to let them know of your interest to buy one.
Porsche developing a starship for the time when its business expands to galaxies far, far away
Paying toll to use highways is part of motoring life these days, an added cost to motoring which is supposedly for quicker travel from A to B. There are alternative routes where you don’t have to pay toll but they will be more congested and if time is valuable to you, then paying the toll might be better to avoid jams.
However, toll charges vary on the different highways operated by nine concessionaires and if you are travelling across the Klang Valley using their highways, you will have different charges to pay. If you want to save some money, you could check out the toll charges along your route and compare the rates. But this means visiting a few of the concessionaires’ websites to get the information which is troublesome.
Toll Prices feature added
Now Waze makes it easier for you with the launch of its Toll Prices feature in Malaysia. One of its most requested features, Toll Prices will enable users to view and compare toll prices before or when they are driving along tolled routes. The feature, which is compatible with high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes, is automatically enabled and users will see a Toll tag on the route if it includes a toll road.
The Toll Prices feature will help drivers make better planning decisions by giving them visibility of prices ahead of time, enabling them to compare prices of different routes. At the same time, they can also compare the estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to see if the savings are worth it.
Info through efforts of Waze community
This hyperlocal feature is only possible due to the work of Waze’s volunteer community of over 30,000 monthly active map editors. The 6 volunteers from the Malaysian Waze community who played a part in this latest feature for Waze were Kadyus, Kweeheng, Rickylo103, EpailXi, Izuaniz and Lutfi_bihar. They helped collect and input toll price information, underscoring once again that Waze is truly people-powered and community-driven.
“We are delighted to bring Toll Prices to Malaysia. Thanks to the phenomenal efforts of our volunteer community, we’ve been able to make one of the most requested features on Waze a reality. Until now, Waze was trying to reduce your time spent in traffic – now, we’re also helping our users save as much money as possible by giving them the absolute best choice of routes, based both on ETA and potential costs of tolls along the way. We look forward to continue working with our community to make this feature available in all markets,” said Moriah Royz, Waze Product Manager.
Click here to download the Waze app, if you don’t already have it.
No more TAMBAH NILAI at exit toll plazas on PLUS highways from November 5, 2019
Switzerland, the land of fine watches and chocolates, has the international code of ‘CH’. Many people have wondered why it is not something like ‘SW’ or ‘SZ’ (which are already taken by Sweden and Swaziland anyway). The answer is that ‘CH’ is the abbreviation of the Latin name for the Swiss Confederation, ‘Confoederatio Helvetica’.
You will also see ‘CH’ at the back of all Swiss vehicles when they go abroad (and on some vehicles in Malaysia that have never left the country). Switzerland has kept to a traditional sticker because (at least for the time being) Swiss numberplates have not integrated the international code. This could change because there is a citizens’ initiative in Switzerland that is aiming to have a referendum to decide on this issue.
A 125-year history
The history of registration numbers in Switzerland goes way back to 1894 when the canton (something like a state) of Basel-Stadt passed a regulation requiring all motorised vehicles to be fitted with a numberplate. The authorities were certainly far-sighted as there can’t have been very many motorised vehicles then since the first car in the world appeared only 9 years earlier. Over time, this regulation was also adopted in other cantons so that, by 1905, it applied throughout Switzerland.
The current system of registration numbers in Switzerland was introduced in 1933, meaning that it has remained unchanged for 86 years. However, in the most populous cantons, the maximum number of possible combinations will soon be reached, so this system may well have to be reformed in the near future.
Reading the numberplates
Swiss registration numbers comprise two initial letters, indicating one of the 26 Swiss cantons, followed by up to 6 digits, which are the serial number. The rear plate also depicts the Swiss coat of arms on the left and the coat of arms of the canton of registration on the right. The front number plate is roughly a third smaller than the rear one and it is always rectangular. The rear plate may be rectangular or square, whichever the owner wishes.
Tied to owner, not vehicle
In the Swiss system, the registration number is not tied to the vehicle but to the owner. This allows it to be used not just for one vehicle but it can be alternated for use on two cars! Registration numbers can also be transferred from parents to their children, treated as family heritage. The older the plate, the lower the number and, as in the UK, for example, the more prestigious it is.
The similarity with the British system does not end there. In Switzerland, retired numberplates are also for sale. However, the individual cantons who determine which ones will be offered for sale. Registration numbers are auctioned, with the most prestigious ones attracting high bids. According to Skoda’s research, the most expensive plate to date is ZG 10, which fetched 233,000 francs (equivalent to about RM988,720) which was auctioned in 2018.
Besides traditional numberplates, there are also special plates on certain types of vehicles, recognisable by their different colour scheme. The letters and digits tend to be black, but the background colour changes. For example, a numberplate with a blue background indicates a construction vehicle or fire-brigade vehicles, while a green background is used for agricultural machinery. Only military plates have non-black letters and digits; they have white lettering on a black background and the number starts with the letter M rather than the canton code.
Team Proton R3 (R3) capped a successful 2019 season yesterday by winning the Sepang 1000km (S1K) race for a third consecutive time. The impressive achievement was led by Mitchell Cheah and Fariqe Hairuman in the latest Proton Iriz which dominated the proceedings in a tough 9-hour race. There was double joy for the team as the 2019 Proton Saga driven by Syafiq Ali and Admi Shahrul crossed the finish line in second place.
Most successful manufacturer in S1K
With a third consecutive and fifth overall S1K victory, Proton has stretched its lead as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the event. It not only reflects on the capabilities of the cars but also the skill, professionalism and teamwork of R3, arguably the leading racing team in Malaysia.
“Being successful in motor racing requires a combination of factors. A manufacturer, for instance, would firstly need the correct models in its range that would be suitable for the job. Even if a suitable model is available, it is difficult to achieve success as the car needs to be developed while the skills of the racing team, from the technicians to the drivers, needs to be finely honed. This requires an investment in time and money and Proton’s success in motorsports is proof our investment in R3, our in-house racing division, is a wise one,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
Lady drivers impress too
There were three Team Proton R3 entrants for the S1K this year with the third car crewed by an all-female driving team. Nurul Husna and Faye Kusairi were selected from the MSF-R3 Lady Drivers Search that gave aspiring female racers a chance to compete in the S1K race. The lead driver for the team was Leona Chin, Malaysia’s fastest female racer.
A technical issue during qualifying meant the team’s 2019 Proton Saga started the race from 26th on the grid. Despite the early setback, the ladies showed amazing skill and fighting spirit as they carved their way up to seventh overall and first among all lady drivers by the end of the race.
“Our lady drivers performed very well and we are proud of their achievement. By finishing seventh, they have proven their capability to compete in the male dominated arena of motorsports and Proton are proud to have given Malaysian women an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Dr. Li.
“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”
The marketing phrase refers to an age-old ethos for car manufacturers who compete in motorsports. By being successful on the track, their products gain an image boost thus helping to improve their performance in the showroom. Additionally, owners also get to feel a sense of pride to be driving a car from the winning brand – especially if it is the same model.
“By winning the S1K for the fifth time in 11 editions, Proton has proven its mastery of the event. A 1,000-km race requires speed as well as reliability and our models have both. What we learn in the heat of competition we then engineer into our products to create better cars. The success of both the 2019 Iriz and 2019 Saga in motorsports helped boost the image of each model and as a result, Iriz sales have increased three-fold while the Saga has achieved over 35,000 bookings since its launch,” Dr. Li revealed.
Want to experience the performance of the latest Proton Iriz and Saga? Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom near your for a test-drive.
When Hyundai Motor was developing its IONIQ model, it took a ‘safe’ approach by engineering the car to have multiple powertrain choices. At launch in 2016, it was available with either a hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or pure electric powertrain. The move would allow the IONIQ to be sold in more different markets depending on the recharging infrastructure available.
It’s now been three years that the IONIQ has been in global markets and an updated version has been released. Apart from the usual cosmetic changes and feature enhancements, the significant change is in the all-electric powertrain’s performance.
Better electric performance
The battery pack now has 36% more energy capacity which enables the car to travel up to 273 kms before it runs out of volts. There’s a standard 7.2-kW on-board charger for Type 2 AC charging; using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery can reach 80% charge within 54 minutes. The IONIQ Electric’s e-motor generates 134 ps/295Nm.
The 2020 IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ PHEV continue to use a 1.6-litre GDI 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 104 ps/148 Nm. The IONIQ Hybrid’s permanent magnet electric motor can generated 32 kW/169 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats.
The PHEV’s electric motor generates 45 kW/169 Nm, powered by an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery. Total system output for the IONIQ Hybrid can be up to 139 ps with a maximum of 264 Nm of torque. The IONIQ PHEV offers a higher total system output of 156 ps and 264 Nm of torque. Drivers using the IONIQ PHEV can expect to travel at least 47 kms on just electric power alone with the fully-charged 8.9 kWh battery pack.
A Predictive Energy Management system, which manages charging and discharging of the battery in uphill and downhill situations to maximize battery usage. When a lack of battery state-of-charge is predicted driving uphill, the IONIQ PHEV and Hybrid increase internal-combustion engine operation to charge the battery. When a sufficient battery state-of-charge is reached during downhill driving, e-motor intervention increases to minimize fuel consumption and further energy is simultaneously recovered through regenerative braking.
Taking a cue from its similarly innovative Kona Electric, the latest IONIQ Electric adopts 1-pedal driving capability, allowing the driver to stop the car by simply holding onto the left paddle shift lever with often no need to engage the braking pedal. This maximizes the use of regenerative braking technology. Using Smart Regenerative Braking, the level of energy recuperation is automatically adjusted depending on the road incline and traffic situation in front when coasting.
SmartSense safety
All 2020 IONIQ models sold in North America will be equipped with a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense technology package. This driver assistance system constantly monitors the environment around the car alerting drivers to potential hazards while on the road. This system includes standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist and a Drivers Attention Warning. There are also new segment first features like Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist to make long trips less stressful and more comfortable.
Eco-conscious materials
A key characteristic of the IONIQ line is its innovative use of recycled or ecologically-sensitive materials. The interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone while providing the same quality appearance of typical materials but reducing weight by 20%. The softer, more natural feel is achieved along with less reliance on oil-based products.
Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are partly applied on the headliner and cargo area. In fact, sugar cane accounts for 25% of the raw materials used. Paint with renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil is used to achieve lustrous metallic colours on key components.
Currently, only the IONIQ Hybrid is sold in Malaysia and local assembly at the Inokom plant in Kedah keeps its price down. Presumably, the updated version will be available next year as the model sells reasonably well with a price just under RM100,000.
The first-ever Perodua Digital Showroom is well on its way after Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Arus Jaya Automotive Sdn. Bhd. and Perodua announced their strategic collaboration for the development of Smart Sales and Service yesterday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. (more…)
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