Archive Archives

Ferrari reveals fifth (and final) new model of 2019 – the Roma

Misfortunes in Formula 1 notwithstanding, this has been a busy year for Ferrari and before 2019 comes to a close, a fifth model has been announced and displayed at an exclusive client event held in Italy’s capital.

The new model is the Roma, a new mid-front-engined 2+2 coupe. It is said to also represent the pinnacle of performance in this category, thanks to its turbocharged V8 from the family of engines that has won the overall International Engine of the Year award for 4 years running.

In this version, the3.85-litre engine has been tuned to produce around 612 ps/760 Nm. Mated to the engine is a new 8-speed DCT gearbox that was introduced on the SF90 Stradale. Claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 3.4 seconds with a top speed over 320 km/h.

With its distinctive flair and style, the 4656 mm long car is a contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterized Rome in the 1950s and 1960s, Ferrari said in its short news release.

More details will be available at a later date and for now, the price is also not being mentioned (although someone who intends to purchase the Roma is unlikely to need to know).

(more…)

Updated Volvo XC90 SUV launched – From RM373,888

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced that their best-selling Volvo XC90 SUV now comes in an updated version for the Malaysian market and those who are interested can start viewing in from this month onwards. Labelled as the brands top-of-the-line flagship model, the XC90 marks the company’s next step into electrification. (more…)

More Petronas Auto Expert service centres now in Klang Valley

The Petronas Auto Expert service centre which has been developed by Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PLMMSB) and launched last April is now seeing a rapid growth in numbers around the Klang Valley area as part of their development plan. (more…)

Mazda CX-30 is the safest model tested by Euro NCAP to date

The New Car Assessment Programmes (NCAPs) of various countries and regions are conducted by independent organisations and though the scores awarded are not required by authorities in any country for a vehicle to be homologated for sale (provided the vehicle meets regulations). However, consumers pay attention to NCAP scores so as to be better informed when they are considering a vehicle to buy.

Since the mid-1990s, Euro NCAP has been conducting such a programme which includes crash tests. Over the years, the organization has progressively raised its standards and the criteria has evolved, challenging carmakers to make their cars safer and safer. Achieving the maximum of 5 stars and high scores in the various categories of testing can help a model’s sales in the market where buyers are increasingly concerned about safety.

CX-30 has near-perfect score
In its latest series of tests on new models sold in Europe, Euro NCAP’s results show that the new Mazda CX-30, a subcompact crossover between the CX-3 and CX-5, achieved a near-perfect 99% score for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), besides the maximum of 5 stars.

The model, which shares much of its DNA with the all-new Mazda 3, now tops the list for this part of the assessment against Euro NCAP’s 2018/2019 protocols. The highest ratings on record have been at the 98% level with the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Mazda3, Volvo XC60 and Volvo V40.

The CX-30’s impressive AOP score was gained by getting maximum points in the different impact tests (side, pole and barrier). Many vehicles don’t perform so well in the pole test where the vehicle is sent sideways smashing into a pole.

The report said the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, with good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. A similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions.

The standard autonomous emergency braking system or ‘Smart Brake Support’ (SBS) performed well in tests of its functionality at the low speeds, typical of city driving, at which whiplash injuries often occur. With collisions avoided in all test scenarios, the CX-30 scored full points in this part of the assessment.

Reducing pedestrian injuries
The protection offered to the head of a struck pedestrian was good over almost all of the bonnet surface and adequate over much of the rest. Good protection was provided to pedestrians’ legs by the bumper and protection of the pelvis was also rated as good at all test locations.

The SBS can detect vulnerable road-users like pedestrians and cyclists, as well as other vehicles. In tests of its reaction to such road-users, the system performed adequately, with collisions avoided or mitigated in most scenarios.

CX-30 for Malaysia?
Bermaz Motor has confirmed that the CX-30 will be available for the Malaysian market but when it will be in showrooms is not known yet. Given the high demand for the new CX-5 (in Malaysia as well as other markets) which is assembled at the Mazda Malaysia plant in Kedah, it seems unlikely that the CX-30 will be assembled locally. This could mean it will be somewhat expensive with the high taxes imposed.

Visit www.mazda.com.my to know more about Mazda products and services available in Malaysia.

(more…)

Updated Mitsubishi Triton Quest – the workhorse truck that also looks good for personal use

Pick-up trucks used to be just workhorses, vehicles that were bought for business purposes and therefore did not need much by way of features, comfort or performance. They were also priced cheaply because they didn’t have the luxuries of a passenger car. When the regulations in Malaysia changed in the late 1990s to allow private registration of such vehicles, their popularity rose but the new group of people who bought pick-ups wanted the comforts of their passenger cars. So the manufacturers began to add more and more car-like features and even safety systems comparable to passenger cars.

However, at the entry-level end, businesses still wanted a workhorse, something tough and capable in rough conditions to do hard work. And they naturally wanted a low price since they would buy many units. This led to companies offering variants that were fairly simple with basic specifications and even the drivetrain was 4×2 (rear wheel drive only), saving cost and weight and also having lower consumption.

To cater to this end of the market, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) imported the Mitsubishi Triton Lite from Thailand in 2008, in the process introducing the low-rider version to Malaysia. The low-rider pick-up truck is lower and that makes loading more convenient. As mentioned earlier, being intended for the entry-level end, the Triton Lite was priced low and also equipped minimally (though not as spartan as the earlier pick-up trucks).

The Triton Lite found its own niche in the market and as generations changed, MMM maintained the variant in the Triton range. Today, the company presented an updated version – now called the Triton Quest – to the media which has freshened looks with the distinctive Dynamic Shield front end. Though this variant has been around since the new generation was launched, the new looks now make it a workhorse that also looks good enough for use as personal transport. Those who want to enhance the looks can obviously install accessories (especially since they have saved money by choosing the cheapest Triton variant).

Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre commonrail turbodiesel with an output of 110 ps/200 Nm, with power delivery going only to the rear wheels (4×2) through a 5-speed manual gearbox. While 4×4 is desirable, if the vehicle is mainly used on hard surfaces, 4×2 is not that disadvantageous.

MMM highlights the massive 970 kgs of load capacity of the Triton Quest and the cargo deck floor area as being the largest in the low-rider category. In spite of the large area, the cabin is still spacious, thanks to the J-Line profile which allows for good rear room. There’s also additional storage space in a compartment that cannot be seen as it is under the rear seats.

Features-wise, the latest Triton Quest can be said to be generously equipped for the asking price. Safety features and systems such as dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are present and occupant protection is assured by the strong RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure.

Priced at RM79,890 (without insurance), the latest Triton Quest comes with a 5-year (or maximum of 100,000 kms) warranty. It is available only in white but a Pearl White finish. This is unusual as entry-level variants usually come with a basic white colour to minimize production costs.

(more…)

Isuzu D-MAX conquers the Borneo Safari again – this time with the Blue Power 1.9-litre engine!

For the last 13 consecutive years, Isuzu Malaysia has been providing the Borneo Safari (which began in 1991) with vehicles for the media and officials to use. The vehicles have been D-MAX models and not used just to ferry people to the starting and finishing locations but have actually followed the participants deep into the jungle.

And each year, along with those that survived one of the toughest and most extreme events in the region, the D-MAX would also arrive at the finish line. This fact has helped build the solid reputation of the pick-up truck as one of the toughest and most capable off-road vehicles in the annual off-road challenge.

New Blue Power 1.9-litre powerplant
Until this year, the vehicles supplied had big turbodiesel engines, typical for most pick-up trucks. However, with the introduction of the advanced new Blue Power 1.9-litre engine in the latest D-MAX launched this year in Malaysia, the D-MAX entered was something entirely new, powerplant-wise. And, in fact, the vehicle that was sent to Sabah was so new it had only clocked 200 kms after leaving the Isuzu Malaysia assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang.

However, confident in its durability and capabilities, Isuzu Malaysia encouraged the media who used it to drive it as hard as necessary during the gruelling 7-day event. It impressed so much that the organiser gave a Special Award recognizing its remarkable off-roading capabilities.

2019 Borneo Safari — *Two of the other vehicles with more ‘hardcore’ modifications made to tackle the 7-day event.*

Isuzu D-MAX 2019 Borneo Safari — *The D-MAX 1.9 was virtually standard except for necessary protective additions and in fact, it was not even fully run-in at the start of the event.*

Virtually standard with 200 kms on the clock
Nicknamed the ‘Blue Monster’, the vehicle was virtually stock standard except for a few additions to make it more suited to the terrain including a body lift to fit the mud terrain tyres, long travel shock absorbers, snorkel, winch and heavy-duty guards to protect the vehicle from the extreme elements encountered along the way.

The ‘Blue Monster’ joined ‘Red Monster’, ‘White Monster’ and ‘Black Monster’ as part of Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment as the event’s Diamond Sponsor.

“Off-road enthusiasts understand that strong and balanced power delivery is vital when tackling extremes in the jungle. With its impressive power delivery perfectly matched to its new 6-speed gearbox, the new 1.9-litre Blue Power D-MAX simply showed its pedigree and dispelled any notion about the capability of its diminutive engine displacement,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.

(more…)

Maserati allows the world to look inside its top secret Innovation Lab

Some of the most secret areas in a car company are those where future products are planned and new technologies developed. These are the R&D facilities where, in some cases, even the employees are subjected to security checks every day. At one company, they are allowed to bring in handphones but these must be very old models that have no cameras and recording capability.

So it’s a surprise move that Maserati has opened the doors of its Innovation Lab which is usually off-limits. Of course, this look inside the Innovation Lab is not going to be on the list of tourist tours in Modena!

The brand’s engineering hub, inaugurated in September 2015 and located in Modena, Italy, has the fundamental role of driving research technology, development and planning. At this facility, the digital processes support the product development, applying the exclusive Maserati formula which, by means of an integrated approach, prioritizes the human factor right from the initial phases. Concern with customer needs has been scrupulously incorporated into the virtual simulation process thanks to an exclusive mix of hardware and software.

The Product Development hub (or Technical Department) employs more than 1,500 technicians (including those at other locations in Italy). The majority are engineers of some 17 different nationalities and it is a very young and dynamic workforce with an average age of around 37 years. Almost half of the employees are under 35 and 20% are under 30. The organization has grown considerably in recent years, attracting top graduates from the best Italian universities, including those that collaborate with Maserati.

Static Simulator
The Static Simulator is the starting point for every experience in the Maserati realm of simulation. The system is composed of a cockpit, three projectors and high computational power. It is a simple system that helps engineers, from the very initial phase of the development process, obtain immediate feedback from the driver, and makes a major contribution to new model validation.

In particular, Maserati engineering ensures a driver-centred strategy even during virtual development, by creating a link between the Hardware In the Loop (HiL) methodology and the simulator. Using this approach, real subsystems such as steering and braking, ABS and ESC can be added in, to create tests that connect physical and simulated components to provide a test-bed for developing all the characteristics of a new vehicle.

Last, but not least, driver assist systems can be developed, trialled and validated in a safe environment by reproducing the complex scenarios which may arise anywhere in the world.

DiM (Driver-in-Motion) technology
The Dynamic Simulator featuring latest generation DiM (Driver-in-Motion) technology is the most modern and advanced found in Europe. It is extremely valuable in the development of all the new models. The Dynamic Simulator incorporates state-of-the-art technology and enables full exploitation of systems’ integration thanks to the evolution of proprietary control strategies, cutting development times and costs. It also helps to reduce the number of prototypes and ensures that the Virtual Sign-Off is very close to the final product.

With various directions of movement, this tool generates an effective driving experience in a virtual environment that emulates the driving dynamics of a car in the real world. Numerous environments can be programme with a wide variety of road surfaces or contexts, including the world’s top international racing circuits. The simulator makes it possible to test cars on various racetracks on the same day. Modifications to the vehicle can be made with a few simple clicks and this greatly simplifies the analysis of the data gathered.

The majority of simulators utilize six actuators in order to offer six “degrees of freedom”. The innovative dynamic simulator used at the Innovation Lab takes full advantage of 9 actuators, thanks to which it can utilize 3 degrees of freedom with the lower platform and 6 with the upper one. In this way, it can offer in total 9 degrees of freedom to accurately reproduce the driving characteristics of a car. All of this enables the engineers to precisely analyse the dynamics of the car, in addition to driving performance and comfort, all on the same moving platform.

Another particularly interesting characteristic is a very thin cushion of air which makes the entire platform float over the pavement, enabling dynamic, silent and continuous movement thanks to the electric actuators.

The Dynamic Simulator featuring latest generation DiM (Driver-in-Motion) technology offers tried and tested technology that makes it possible to achieve a 50% reduction in time-to-market for new cars, to carry out 90% of all development on the simulator and to reduce by 40% the use of physical prototypes.

Using the simulator makes it possible to study and emulate the electrified vehicles included in Maserati’s future plans even before physical tests become possible. Thus, the new opportunities offered by this different propulsion method can be analysed and explored in ways that keep the Maserati DNA absolutely intact.

The User eXperience development labs
These labs are fundamental in the design of the human-machine interfaces, one of the major challenges of the latest Maserati development projects. The rapid evolution of connectivity and the use of driver assist systems, combined with electrification, generate a vast number of scenarios for multisensorial interaction with the vehicle.

The Maserati driver simulator hub includes a lab dedicated to vehicle ergonomics, enabling accurate reproduction of driving posture, visibility and interactions with the on-board controls and displays, and where the vehicle under development can be driven in any scenario with the utmost realism.

The skylight simulator, for example, is designed to reproduce lighting conditions at all times of day, at any point in the year and at any latitude. Here there is an in-depth focus on reflection problems, to avoid disturbance at the wheel while still providing solutions with attractive shapes, materials, finishes and colours.

(more…)

More Honda Body & Paint Centres to meet growing number of vehicles in Malaysia

Every car company wants to grow its sales volume, a measure of business success. However, selling more and more vehicles means that population increases and demand for aftersales support by owners also increases. Honda Malaysia, for example, has had an average increase of 30% from 2014 to 2018. Forward-thinking companies will plan for such growth and ensure that aftersales facilities are progressively increased to match the rise in vehicle numbers.

Besides establishing new 3S (sales, service and parts) dealerships around the country, Honda Malaysia also makes sure that many of them have Body & Paint (B&P) Centres. This year, the company opened six new B&P Centres, bringing the total number of such facilities to 28 nationwide. The expansion of B&P Centres is in line with the company’s direction to provide convenience to its customers by fulfilling their various needs in just one service centre.

Increasing intakes at B&P centres
As of October 2019, authorised Honda dealerships around Malaysia recorded a combined total of over 36,000 B&P service intakes, a 40% increase from the BP service intakes in the same period last year. The rising number is attributed to customers understanding the need for professional and qualified restoration of bodywork, genuine parts as well as high quality paintwork for their vehicles to ensure continued long-term durability.

Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, that the company is striving to provide more aftersales convenience to customers by extending the B&P Centre footprint. “To date, we have 28 B&P Centres in operation. We believe the expansion of B&P Centres will help Honda Malaysia meet the increasing demand as well as offer high quality aftersales service and benefits to our customers such as skilled technicians and conducive environment. All our dealerships are also equipped with advance facilities and equipment to ensure that our customers’ vehicles are well taken care of,” he said.

Only genuine, quality products used
Honda Malaysia ensures that quality products and materials are used at the B&P Centres. This includes waterborne paint which is more environment-friendly, as well as genuine Honda parts that are certified by Honda Motor.

Additionally, all Honda B&P centres act as one-stop centres by providing comprehensive assistance to owners in terms of vehicle inspection, accident vehicle repairs, painting, quality checks after repair and many more service. More importantly, they provide assistance for making insurance claims which can be very welcome at a time when the owner may be distressed or unfamiliar with the procedures.

For more information on Honda Malaysia’s B&P Centres, visit www.honda.com.my.

(more…)

First-ever rally raid podium with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for Fernando Alonso

After joining TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Fernando Alonso seems to be enjoying much better times than when he was racing in Formula 1. Recently, he achieved his first-ever rally raid podium with the team after a solid performance at the 2019 Al Ula-Neom Cross-Country Rally in Saudi Arabia.

In just their third rally raid competition together, Fernando and navigator, Marc Coma, took home the third-place trophy for the first time since the Spanish duo started their preparations towards the 2020 Dakar Rally just over 2 months ago.

The first 2 of 4 stages took place near the northwestern city of Al Ula which featured two loops of approximately 220 kms each day on mixed terrain of open desert, sand and stone strewn sections, and rocky paths. For Fernando and Marc, this event represented a new challenge of competing on unfamiliar terrain against a field of local rally raid specialists who had more experience.

Nevertheless, the Spanish duo brought their Toyota Hilux home in fourth place after the first stage after negotiating through the dust kicked up by frontrunners, trailing the leader by just 7 minutes 24 seconds. As their Hilux was brand new – only 20 kms on the clock – when they arrived in Saudi Arabia, Fernando elected to take a zero-risk approach during the opening stage by not pushing the vehicle too hard.

After a largely clean run on a route similar to that of the previous day and as they pushed to reduce the overall gap, they picked up a puncture towards the closing part of the stage which was made up of rocky paths. The pair lost approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds to replace the flat tyre, which resulted in an additional 7 minutes 35 seconds of deficit to the leader while maintaining a solid fourth place overall.

The final 2 stages of the event took place near the new city of Neom, on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, approximately 460 kms northwest of Al Ula. This new and unfamiliar terrain and conditions included areas of tricky navigation which pushed competitors to their limits.

Despite the challenges, the duo showed strong pace over the course of the penultimate stage to bring their Hilux back home third-fastest overall and losing just 17 seconds to the leader after some 180 kms of high-speed driving.

They started the final day in third place overall following a late retirement overnight and securing the final podium spot with consistent pace throughout the day despite some time loss due to inaccurate road books and tricky navigation. Their split times showed excellent speed, a clear indication that they have already reached a highly competitive level in rally raid despite their relative lack of experience as they transition into new motorsport disciplines.

The 2019 Al Ula-Neom Cross-Country Rally is the last of 3 rally raid competitions for Fernando and Marc in their intensive training programme to prepare for the 2020 Dakar Rally. The Spanish pairing first entered what turned out to be an eventful Lichtenburg 400 in South Africa before tackling the formidable Rally of Morocco. They persevered through a wide variety of challenges and learnt invaluable lessons along the way.

With under two months to go before the Dakar Rally, Fernando and Marc will continue private testing before joining their TOYOTA GAZOO Racing teammates in Saudi Arabia in January 2020 for the Dakar Rally. Yes, you read that right – the next edition of the Dakar Rally will be held in Saudi Arabia which will be the third region used for the legendary event that started in 1979 as the Paris-Dakar Rally. In 2009, security concerns forced the organisers to stop using the route down West Africa and the event shifted to South America, but still retaining the ‘Dakar’ name.

*The route of the 2020 Dakar Rally which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time since the legendary event began 40 years ago.*

The Toyota Hilux is a global bestseller. To know more about the models available in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.

(more…)

All-new Kia K5 sedan (for Korean market) revealed today

A new generation of the Kia K5 sedan is due for launch in Korea next month and as a prelude to the launch, the carmaker has released the first official pictures. They show the new model as having a sportier fastback profile with a new design direction for the brand.

Like other Kia models over the past 12 years, the ‘Tiger Nose’ has been a permanent feature which has been presented in various interpretations. For the new K5, it is imposing and referred to as the ‘Tiger Nose Evolution’. It has a wide, three-dimensional design which integrates the grille and headlamps more organically than before. Above the grille is the deeply-contoured bonnet and characteristic lower bumper, emphasizing the smooth lines on the front of the car and enhancing the K5’s on-road presence.

The texture of the grille is modelled on the texture of shark skin which has powerful and sporty image. The grille is made with a matrix of interlocking details to give the K5 a classy and dynamic look. The K5’s new front headlamps feature a distinctive ‘heartbeat’ daytime running light signature.

More muscular profile
The profile of the K5 displays a greater sense of muscularity than its predecessor, with the body narrowing slightly at the midpoint between wheelarches. A distinctive crease runs the length of the body, while a dash of chrome above the car’s new frameless windows adds greater drama to its flowing, fastback roofline.

The rear has a new rear-combination lamp design which provides a sporty silhouette mirrored by the three-dimensional design of the subtle rear wing. The unique rear light signature mirrors the slender ‘heartbeat’ motif found at the front of the car, while the flash of chrome from the roofline loops around the base of the rear screen, unifying the side and rear profile.

Longer and wider
The new K5 is longer and wider, with overall length extended by 50 mm to 4905 mm and the width by 25 mm to 1860 mm. The wheelbase is longer too at 2850 mm while a 20-mm drop in the height nicely complements the sleeker style.

Malaysians know the K5 as the Optima, sold by Naza Kia Malaysia. However, it remains to be seen whether Kia will has developed a righthand drive (RHD) variant for markets where cars travel on the left side of the road. Korean manufacturers don’t necessarily see RHD market volumes as being substantial enough for them to cater to and prefer to focus on the huge lefthand drive markets like China and North America.

Visit www.kia.com to know more about Kia models available in Malaysia.

(more…)

Piston.my

Archive

Ferrari reveals fifth (and final) new model of 2019 – the Roma

Updated Volvo XC90 SUV launched – From RM373,888

More Petronas Auto Expert service centres now in Klang Valley

Mazda CX-30 is the safest model tested by Euro NCAP to date

Updated Mitsubishi Triton Quest – the workhorse truck that also looks good for personal use

Isuzu D-MAX conquers the Borneo Safari again – this time with the Blue Power 1.9-litre engine!

Maserati allows the world to look inside its top secret Innovation Lab

More Honda Body & Paint Centres to meet growing number of vehicles in Malaysia

First-ever rally raid podium with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for Fernando Alonso

All-new Kia K5 sedan (for Korean market) revealed today

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

Zeekr Officially Enters Malaysia with Luxury Electric Vehicles: Zeekr 009 and Zeekr X

Sinkhole Developed On NKVE Following Heavy Rainfall

Porsche to Cut Dealer Network in China Amid Declining Sales

Penang JPJ Seizes 17 Vehicles in Crackdown on Foreign Drivers

Proton S70 R3 Makes Racing Debut with Fifth-Place Finish at 2024 Sepang 1000KM

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show