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Lexus previews range of vehicles for mobility on the Moon

Carmakers must be very optimistic about continuing their business in the distant future, with Porsche having designed a starship in collaboration with LucasFilms. Now, Lexus has revealed a vehicle for use on the moon, joining an elite group of design industry luminaries selected to contribute a suite of design concept drawings to Document Journal’s prestigious portfolio.

For Document Journal‘s issue No. 15, the art & fashion magazine invited a selection of the culture’s most compelling architects and designers to imagine human life on the moon for The Lunar Design Portfolio. How shall we live? What will it look like? What will we wear? What will we drive?

ED2, the European Advanced Design Studio for Toyota and Lexus dedicated to advanced concept proposals and groundbreaking design, was selected to contribute a lunar mobility concept. Drawing on the just-released LF-30 Future Concept vehicle, the studio created a series of 7 concepts from 5 different designers, all ready to tackle the lunar landscape.

”When Document Journal approached us about the Lunar Design Portfolio, our team was working on the LF-30 Concept, which represents the ‘Lexus Electrified’ futuristic vision for the brand. The design team was already looking beyond near-term production and ahead to how advanced technology will change the way we interact with vehicles,” said Ian Cartabiano, President of ED2.

“The lunar project came at the right time, halfway through the LF-30 development. It gave the team a chance to dream further out, and then apply some of the design language from the LF-30 interior to their lunar proposals,” he added.

Zero Gravity, the concept sketch selected to appear in the print issue of the magazine, is a single rider vehicle that evolves the LF-30’s ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision to incorporate Magnetic Levitation technology. The design reinterprets the signature Lexus spindle grille and uses the motorcycle-style of driving to employ the new concept of Tazuna (which mean ‘reins’ in Japanese): the fundamental human-centered philosophy. Inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between horse and rider, the steering control provides active driving enjoyment created by the direct communication between human and machine.

The other proposals are the Lunar Cruiser, a multipurpose vehicle that can provide a smooth ride over rough lunar terrain and the Cosmos, which has a lot of glass for a panoramic view. The Moon Roller is a rotating vehicle while the Moon Racer could be the future Lexus LX for exploring the moon. The Lunar Mission is a transport vehicle to take earthlings to the moon.

Visit www.lexus.com.my to know more about Lexus models you can buy in Malaysia today.

Lexus LF-30 concept shows the electrified future of Toyota’s luxury brand (w/VIDEO)

Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India

As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, Skoda Auto, the Czech subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is leading the activities of the Group brands on the Indian sub-continent. Several cross-brand Skoda and Volkswagen models will be created based on the MQB A0 IN variant of the Modular Transverse Matrix, which the 125-year old carmaker is developing with a focus on India and Indian customers.

The new localised sub-compact platform is being showcased for the first time in the Skoda VISION IN concept model with two design sketches that show the exterior style of the VISION IN. The vehicle, which is approximately 4.26 metres long, have been serving as a study for a new compact SUV model developed especially for the Indian market.

The first design sketch shows the dynamic front which has a wide bonnet with a large Skoda grille incorporating solid ribs shapes the visual impression. The upper, very flat units of the split headlights progress directly to the grille. Beneath is a robustly designed front apron with large side air intakes and a massive front spoiler made of aluminium.

The second sketch illustrates a clearly structured, distinctive rear with sharply contoured, three-dimensional rear lights; an additional horizontal light strip connects the reflectors. Illuminated Skoda lettering is prominently positioned in the centre of the rear; an aluminium diffuser is integrated into the rear apron underneath.

Earlier, the interior was revealed in a sketch which showed a wide dashboard arranged on several levels, echoing the symmetrical contours of the Skoda grille in the centre. The colour orange, which inspires vitality and creativity, is used extensively throughout the interior, for example, on the centre armrest and door panels.

In addition to the large, free-standing central screen and virtual cockpit, a new crystalline element on the instrument panel creates an optical highlight. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel features buttons and knurl wheels following Skoda’s new operating concept. The reduced and clearly structured centre console has a small control lever for gear selection.

Best times to drive to the East Coast this weekend

Ever since the East Coast Expressway (LPT2) was opened in 2015, providing a fast and smooth highway link from the Klang Valley to Kuala Terengganu, many people have found it preferable to drive to the East Coast than use the bus. Prior to the LPT2 being available, the highway link was only up to Karak and the rest of the way was on winding roads which limited speeds and a journey would take many hours.

As a result, traffic volumes have been increasing over the past 4 years and it is common for congestion to occur from the Bentong toll plaza all the way to the toll plaza at Gombak. Naturally, it doesn’t help that the terrain is undulating with slopes causing traffic to slow down further. Fortunately, heavy commercial vehicles will not be allowed to use the highway on January 23rd/24th and 27th/28th.

ANIH Berhad, the concessionaire which maintains the 60-km highway from the Gombak toll plaza to the Bentong toll plaza offers suggestions on the best times to travel during the Chinese New Year period. It notes that the express buses heading to destinations on the East Coast enter the highway during two periods of the day – between 9:30 am and noon and 9:30 pm and midnight. Therefore, motorists are advised not to also start their journeys during these periods.

The chart below shows the suggested times for travel to the East Coast on January 23rd – 25th (Thursday to Saturday), and then if returning on the 26^th or 27^th (Sunday or Monday).

Travelling between midnight and 6 am would be congestion-free but be sure you are up to it and have had sufficient rest to remain awake and alert! If you are drowsy, pull over at a R&R and have a nap rather than struggle to continue. There is the danger of what is known as ‘microsleep’ where you doze off suddenly and you would no longer control the car – and an accident could occur.

Night driving — *You won’t have to endure congestion when travelling after midnight but be sure you are up to it and have had enough rest before starting the journey so you do not become drowsy.*

ANIH Berhad also reminds motorists to ensure that their Touch ‘n Go and RFID e-Wallets have sufficient balance for the toll payable. Reloads can usually be done at the Gombak and Bentong Toll Plaza Customer Service Centres from 7 am – 10 pm but between January 23rd and 27^th, reloads will not be available at the toll plaza booths.

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 bring back the Boxer Six – and manual transmission (w/VIDEO)

The beginning of the second quarter of 2020 will see the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster arriving in European showrooms in the new GTS 4.0 form. The new versions of the mid-engine sportscars are powered by a naturally-aspirated 4-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine developing 400 ps/419 Nm of torque. This engine is closely related to the engine used in the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4 but detuned to produce about 20 ps less (but still more than the old turbocharged 4-cylinder 718 GTS engine).

The new GTS engine revs effortlessly to 7,800 rpm and emits a particularly rich 6-cylinder boxer engine sound via the standard Sports Exhaust System. The 718 GTS 4.0 models adopt the twin tailpipe Sport Exhaust System from the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4. Its saddle-type design creates space for the contrasting black rear lower fascia, which was specifically designed for the GTS models.

As in the 718 Spyder/718 Cayman GT4, the boxer engine also features adaptive cylinder control that alternately switches off one of the two cylinder banks at low engine loads, direct fuel injection with piezo injectors and a variable intake system to enhance the car’s efficiency which is claimed to be up to 9.2 kms/litre.

Equipped exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and standard Sport Exhaust System, the 718 GTS 4.0 models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 293 km/h.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport suspension with a 20 mm lower ride height (compared to other 718 Boxster and Cayman models) is standard. Other standard equipment on the 718 GTS 4.0 models includes Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with individually selectable PSM Sport mode, Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

With the increased power, the brake system has been enhanced compared to the 718 S and previous 718 GTS models. The cross-drilled cast-iron front rotors now measure 350 mm in diameter (up from 330 mm previously) and are equipped with red 6-piston calipers, while the rear rotor size has been increased to 330 mm. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option.

The 20-inch light-alloy wheels are painted in satin black and fitted with high-performance tyres (235/35ZR20 at the front, 265/35ZR20 at the rear).

As is typical for GTS models, the spoiler lip, the all-black air intake of the Sport Design front fascia and the redesigned lower rear fascia are kept in black, while the front running light lenses and taillights are tinted.

Black Alcantara is the material of choice for the interior, covering the centre sections of the standard Sport Seats Plus as well as the steering wheel rim, centre console, gear lever and door armrests. In the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, Alcantara also covers the A-pillars and roof lining.

With the optional GTS Interior Package, the tachometer, seatbelts, all decorative stitching including the embroidered GTS emblem in the headrests and the Porsche lettering on the floor mats are kept in either Carmine Red or Chalk. The interior trim for the 718 GTS 4.0 models is dominantly in carbonfibre but other trims are optionally available.

20 years of the Porsche 911 GT3

Tips from PLUS for a less stressful drive on the N-S Highway next week

Another long weekend is coming with the Chinese New Year festival and PLUS Malaysia expects traffic volumes on the highways, especially the North-South Expressway (NSE) to start increasing from Monday, January 20. At least 2 million vehicles are expected to be on the highways daily, and make the return journey on February 2.

With data collected over the years, PLUS has been able to formulate a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for highway travellers which can help to reduce traffic congestion during this period. Basically, if you are departing from the Klang Valley and going north or south on the NSE, make your start before 9 am.

For travellers who are going to other places in Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, it would be better to start your journey afternoon. This should make the journey less stressful without delays to endure.

For the return trip to the Klang Valley, PLUS suggests starting on the NSE before 9 am. Obviously, there will be traffic joining from various entry points along the 748-km long highway. The 9 am time will help to ensure the traffic flows in stages from all locations towards the Klang Valley.

If your journey is a long one, do take a break along the way. Facilities at the R&R are plentiful with a wide range of food and drink. Or you can also drop by at the petrol stations to pick up snacks and drinks. BHPetrol stations, for example, have hot food available and for the festive period, special offers on many items.

*The BHPetromart convenience stores at BHPetrol stations have a wide variety of items to pick up for a long journey.*

Toll plaza — *Be sure the balance in your TnG card is sufficient to cover toll charges. Don’t cause inconvenience to other motorists by getting stuck at the toll plaza because your card has insufficient balance.*

Needless to say, you should ensure that your tollcard has sufficient balance to cover the toll charges for the entire journey. If you need to reload, there are numerous places along the highway (self-service kiosks at R&R locations and petrol stations) as well as many convenience stores in towns. Don’t create problems for other motorists by not having enough balance and being stuck in the toll plaza.

No more TAMBAH NILAI at exit toll plazas on PLUS highways from November 5, 2019

BMW Group Malaysia’s offers for Chinese New Year

This coming Chinese New Year will start the Year of the Rat, which is also the beginning of a new cycle of the Chinese zodiac. For those who are planning on buying a new car, this could be a good time to join the BMW or MINI family.

BMW Group Malaysia is having Chinese New Year offers which include cash rebates with financing solutions to make it easy to purchase a new BMW or MINI model. The offers are available at all authorised dealerships nationwide.

Deals for BMW
Until March 31, 2020, customers can obtain attractive financing interest of 1.38% for the 530e M Sport, and 1.88% for models including the 330i M Sport, 530i M Sport, 520i Luxury, 740Le xDrive LCI, 630i GT, X1 sDrive20i, X3 xDrive30i Luxury and X3 xDrive30i M Sport.

During the promotion period, new owners of the BMW 330i M Sport will also receive a complimentary BMW Ultimate Protection Programme for one year. It is described as a first-of-its kind insurance plan that covers both the owner and their BMW vehicle. Owners of other models mentioned will also enjoy the same benefit, with the added advantage of a one-year complimentary BMW Comprehensive Insurance.

*BMW ChargeNow card provides easy access to public charging stations in many locations across Malaysia.*

Additionally, those who choose the 530e M Sport or 740Le xDrive LCI and have it registered by March 31, 2020 will receive a complimentary BMW i Wallbox and BMW ChargeNow card. The former will enable recharging of the battery pack to be done at home while the latter will provide easy access to public charging stations in many locations across Malaysia.

If you prefer a MINI
MINI Malaysia’s ‘Springs Into Action’ campaign has festive offers which will be available up to the end of March 2020. These include monthly instalments starting from RM2,388 and cash rebates of between RM8,000 to RM22,000 on selected models.

Additionally, for the first 20 owners of the MINI 3 Door or MINI 5 Door (during the campaign period), there will be an exclusive invitation to the exciting MINI Track Driving Experience. This will enable a new owner to immediately understand why the MINI has been so highly regarded for its go-kart handling.

2020 MINI Clubman unveiled – RM298,888

Third Dakar Rally victory for Carlos Sainz, with a different team again

Carlos Sainz collected his third his Dakar Rally victory, this time with yet another team. Having previously triumphed with Peugeot (2019) and Volkswagen (2016), he presented MINI with its fifth overall victory in what is described as the toughest race in the world.

For MINI and MINI Motorsport partner X-raid, this was the first success since their winning run together, which lasted from 2012 to 2015. Sainz, with co-driver Lucas Cruz (also from Spain), drove a John Cooper Works Buggy. He finished 6 minutes 21 seconds ahead of last year’s winner, Nasser Al-Attiyah after completing roughly 7,500 kms through Saudi Arabia’s deserts.

Dakar record winner Stephane Peterhansel and his co-driver Paulo Fiuza finished third, 9 minutes 58 seconds behind Sainz and Cruz, to round off an impressive performance from the two JCW Buggies. The two JCW Buggy crews each won 4 stages, while MINI vehicles went fastest on a total of 9 of the 12 days. Seven of the 9 MINI crews that started the rally reached the finish in Al-Quiddia, 4 of them in the top 10.

The 42nd edition of the Dakar Rally this year was held in Saudi Arabia for the first time. The route took competitors from the shores of the Red Sea in Jeddah, around the canyons and mountains of the western part of Saudi Arabia, over the dunes of the Empty Quarter and all the way to the Qiddiya Sports and Culture Complex near the capital Riyadh.

237 out of the 342 vehicles (59.3%) that started the rally in Jeddah were classified as finishers. A further 19 vehicles withdrew from the race but reached Qiddiya under Dakar Experience rules. Over the 7,500-km route through deserts, there were 12 competitive stages which totalled approximately 5,000 kms.

2020 DAKAR RALLY
OVERALL WINNERS IN CAR CATEGORY
1. CARLOS SAINZ/LUCAS CRUZ – Bahrain JCW X-Raid Team
2. NASSER AL-ATTIYAH/MATTHIEU BAUMEL – Toyota Gazoo Racing
3. STEPHANE PETERHANSEL/PAULO FIUZA – Bahrain JCW X-Raid Team
4. YAZEED AL RAJHI/KONSTANTIN ZHILTSOV – Overdrive Toyota
5. GINIEL DE VILLIERS/ALEX HARO BRAVO – Toyota Gazoo Racing
6. ORLANDO TERRANOVA/BERNARDO GRAUE – X-Raid MINI JCW Team
7. BERNHARD TEN BRINKE/TOM COLSOUL – Toyota Gazoo Racing
8. MATHIEU SERRADORI/FABIAN LURQUIN – SRT Racing
9. YASIR SEAIDAN/KUZMICH ALEXY – Race World Team
10. WEI HAN/MIN LIAO – Geely Auto Shell Lubricant Team

Fuel prices for January 18 – 24, 2020

Lower toll rates on PLUS highways – but not in time for Chinese New Year travel

Apart from putting to rest the long-standing question of whether PLUS, the highway concessionaires, will be sold off by the government, it has also been announced that toll charges will decrease by 18% – but only on for private-registered vehicles and only on PLUS- operated highways.

Unfortunately, the reduction will only begin from February 1, 2020, so it won’t be in time to benefit those who will be travelling during the Chinese New Year holidays. However, there are likely to be discounts offered by highway concessionaires, the usual practice during major festive periods.

Bernama reports that, besides the toll reduction, the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also confirmed that there will be no change in toll rates on PLUS highways until 2058. This is in consideration for the concession period being extended by 20 years beyond 2038. PLUS is expected to carry out highway maintenance and operational activities without depending on the government, the statement added.

What does 18% mean to the motorist?
The 18% reduction lowers the toll rate on the North-South Expressway – the longest among PLUS highways – to 11.15 sen per km from the present 13.6 sen per km. Travelling from the Jalan Duta toll plaza in Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar in Kedah would be RM45.50 or RM10 less than what it costs now. The savings from the same departure point in Kuala Lumpur to Skudai in Johor would be RM8.50.

The government will not be compensating PLUS for lowering the rate, and has cancelled the earlier concession agreement which provided for gradual increases in toll rates. The government will save RM42 billion as it does not have to pay compensation, and the money can be used for other development purposes. It also believes that PLUS will remain in a sound financial position to carry out its obligations for the next 58 years.

PLUS to accept TnG RFID system on its highways, also addressing reload issues

Laffite G-Tec X-Road – the first all-terrain street-legal supercar

With up to 720 bhp and weighing just 1,300 kgs for a power-to-weight ratio of a supercar to achieve a top speed of 230 km/h, the Laffite G-Tec X-Road is claimed to be the first all-terrain street-legal supercar.

It has been developed Laffite Supercars, a multi-national company (based in Valencia, Spain as well as Los Angeles and Miami in the USA) which specialises in automotive design. Racing engineer Philippe Gautheron engineered the chromium molybdenum steel rolling chassis while the Team Virage Group tested and fine-tuned it for several years.

GM V8 powertrain with electric option
The G-Tec X-Road is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 from General Motors which is mated to a 5-speed sequential or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on customer requirements. The drivetrain is only rear-wheel drive but the company is willing to develop an electric powertrain for customers who are more eco-conscious.

17-inch suspension travel will allow drivers to jump and fly the 4.3-metre long car like a Dakar rally racer in the desert or navigate the freeway and local streets in comfort. Interior appointments can be customised to personal preference with high quality materials and high-tech accessories.

Only 30 units available
Final assembly of the 30 units to be available will be done in Los Angeles and the car can be registered for road use in California. Being able to conform to vehicle regulations in California would enable it to meet regulations in other markets.

Customers will get their cars towards the end of 2020 after paying retail prices that start from US$465,000 (about RM1.9 million) with the electric version costing at least US$545,000 (about RM2.21 million).

Laffite G-Tec X-Road — *Laetitia and Bruno Laffite, owners of Laffite Supercars*

About Laffite Supercars
The company creates concept cars and road-ready vehicles in limited runs, and also works on confidential projects for customers wishing to acquire unique and exceptional road-ready supercars.

The owners are Bruno and Laetitia Laffite and Bruno is the nephew of 6-time winner Formula One racing driver, Jacques Laffite, and competed for more than 15 years in numerous racing events in the 1990s. Laetitia has driven and tested many sportscars, spent 15 years in the art industry and is also as an exclusive art dealer in the prestigious Monaco Yacht Club.

Piston.my

Archive

Lexus previews range of vehicles for mobility on the Moon

Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India

Best times to drive to the East Coast this weekend

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS 4.0 bring back the Boxer Six – and manual transmission (w/VIDEO)

Tips from PLUS for a less stressful drive on the N-S Highway next week

BMW Group Malaysia’s offers for Chinese New Year

Third Dakar Rally victory for Carlos Sainz, with a different team again

Fuel prices for January 18 – 24, 2020

Lower toll rates on PLUS highways – but not in time for Chinese New Year travel

Laffite G-Tec X-Road – the first all-terrain street-legal supercar

Toyota Expands Hybrid Lineup With The 2025 Crown Signia

Toyota Reveals the 2025 Camry: Hybrid-Only With AWD Option

Honda Malaysia Opens Bookings for 6th Generation All-New CR-V

Boeing 747 Diverts Back To JFK After Horse Breaks Loose Onboard

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia Secures Retailer of the Year Award Once Again

BYD Set to Unveil Sea Lion 07 SUV at Guangzhou Auto Show

Tesla Whistleblower Faces Legal Scrutiny After Data Leak

Porsche Elevates Turbo Lineup with Exclusive “Turbonite” Badge and Finishes

Geely Galaxy E8 Electric Sedan: The New Tesla And BYD Killer?

Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train, Whoosh, Breaks Passenger Record

Archive

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