Lokatech Engineering together with EFKON has launched the LokaTAG built-in toll reader. This is Malaysia’s first aftermarket built-in infra-red electronic toll collection system which is 100% compatible with all SmartTAG lane here in Malaysia. (more…)
The Hyundai brand is quickly becoming a name to be considered amongst other major Continental giants of the motoring industry. Thanks to their constant strive to research and develop their models, we are beginning to see more and more of their vehicles on Malaysian roads. We had the opportunity to test out their latest 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe yesterday and here are our first impressions of it. (more…)
These days, in order to close the order books as early as possible – and get customers to pay deposits – carmakers are revealing future products in more detail before launch. That of course puts spy photographers out of business although it also takes the fun out of guessing what the production model will look like.
Yesterday, Aston Martin released a further glimpse of the final production exterior of its upcoming DBS GT Zagato model. Paired with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation to complete the DBZ Centenary Collection – of which only 19 will be created and are priced at £6 million (about RM31 million) for the pair – these latest renders provide a fresh look at some of the model’s key design features.
The DBS GT Zagato is set for production in 2020, joining each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato cars set to be created at the Aston Martin Works the rest of this year.
Next evolution in design language
Taking Aston Martin’s most potent series production car – the acclaimed DBS Superleggera – as its starting point, the DBS GT Zagato embodies the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language. Inspired by the voluptuous shapes that previously dressed the original DB4 GT Zagato, designers at the two companies have worked hard to conjure a similarly evocative design language.
At the car’s front, a newly created and unique ‘dynamic’ grille allows the car’s frontal area to transform its appearance. When stationary, each of the 108-individual diamond-shaped carbonfibre pieces remain flush with the car’s beautiful formed exterior. However, upon start-up DBS GT Zagato will appear to flutter into life, as each piece opens to allow the car’s twin-turbo V12 to breathe.
Drama in design
Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda said: “This is a car that is not only focused around beauty, but drama too. Our dynamic grille gives us an opportunity to provide the car with two very different identities. When parked, DBS GT Zagato will almost look like it’s resting, but with the rear of the car still appearing muscular and primed for action. Only on start-up will the car truly become alert and ready to perform, delivering both an aural and visual treat for onlookers”.
While the front end will be intricately finished, Aston Martin’s design studio has utilised a camera-operated rearview central mirror, to accommodate the previously shown full length carbonfibre roof. The latest images showcase the final design for this large, single piece of carbonfibre covering where the rear windscreen would typically be placed. Instead, DBS GT Zagato is treated to a pure and simple roofline without any compromises on practicality to the driver.
“Form and function are constantly in battle with one another, but this is a great example of where we have been able to utilise modern technologies to ensure no concession has been made on either side. It was important to me and our teams to deliver something as beautiful as the original DB4 GT Zagato and I feel that we have achieved that with this model and I can’t wait to see it in the metal,” Reichman added.
When Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh retired at the end of last year, he said that he would like to spend his time sharing and passing on his experiences and knowledge gained in over 25 years in the auto industry. He served in various roles in UMW Toyota Motor, including establishing and heading the division which handled the Lexus premium brand. After that, he was appointed President & CEO of Perodua, leading it through a period of significant development and growth.
Now, MBM Resources Berhad (MBMR) will benefit from having Datuk Aminar to provide guidance as the new Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. He takes over from Dato’ Abdul Rahim bin Abd Halim who has been holding the position since 2007 and is retiring from the Board as Directors.
Industry veteran with long ties to Daihatsu
Dato’ Abdul Rahim too is a veteran in the auto industry and has an association with the Daihatsu brand going back to 1977 when he was in Med-Bumikar-MARA which imported the 1-litre Daihatsu Charade. He remained with the company, moving up as it evolved into the public-listed Med-Bumikar Mara Sdn. Bhd. Group of Companies (the MBM Group) in 1995.
Datuk Aminar will be involved in Perodua again in his new role as MBMR has the second largest shareholding of 20% in the Malaysian carmaker. MBMR also has a 42% share in Hino Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Besides handling the Daihatsu brand via subsidiary Daihatsu (Malaysia), it is also involved in the retail business as dealer for the Volvo and Volkswagen brands.
MBMR also expanded into automotive parts manufacturing with the acquisition of wheel manufacturer, Oriental Metal Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.; and Autoliv Hirotako Sdn. Bhd. and Hirotako Acoustics Sdn. Bhd.
Assurance of continuity in leadership
A statement from MBMR regarding the change of leadership gave assurance that, ‘despite the departure of the long-serving and experienced directors and the Chairman, the Board is committed in ensuring continuity and has made several changes in the Board composition to focus on plans and strategies to boost MBMR’s future growth. The restructuring of the committee includes the appointment of the new members in the Audit and Risk Management Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) and Chairman of MBMR Group.’
If you’re thinking of buying a new Mitsubishi Triton in the next few months, you have a choice of either paying a lower interest rate for the high-purchase (H-P) loan or get a cash rebate of up to RM6,000 to reduce the amount of the loan taken. This is the latest offer from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day festivities.
Some of the conditions
The offer is for three variants of the Triton VGT – Adventure X (RM135,200 without insurance), Premium with automatic transmission (RM118,600) and Premium with manual transmission (RM112,500). The special interest rate is only applicable for H-P loans taken from Maybank. Only available while stocks last and vehicles purchased must be registered by September 30, 2019.
Additionally, MMM is also offering RM4,000 cash rebates for the standard Triton VGT with either automatic or manual transmission. These variants are priced, without insurance, at RM105,990 and RM100,200, respectively.
Cash rebates for SUVs too
Prefer a SUV instead of a pick-up truck? You can save money too as there are cash rebates of up to RM6,000 for the Outlander which is available with 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines. Cash rebates of up to RM12,000 are also offered for the smaller ASX which has 4WD and 2WD variants.
Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view, test-drive or purchase the models.
As mentioned just before the first weekend in July, there was an amazing number of Malaysian drivers involved in racing in an International/Asian series – but sadly, reports of such activities are not spread widely among Malaysians. Gary Khor, our contributor who now identifies himself as ‘HardKhor Motorsports’, believes that this needs to be corrected and is doing his part to highlight the drivers in his reports…
During the weekend, the professional (PRO) Malaysian drivers were Adam Khalid, Jazeman Jaafar, Melvin Moh and Afiq Ikhwan Yazid. Gentlemen drivers were Douglas Khoo in TCR Asia Series, H.H. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahim in Blancpain GT World Asia, and East Malaysian Zen Low in the Lamborghini Trofeo Asia. My apologies to Zen Low for having accidentally omitted him in my first article.
That’s a total of 8 Malaysian Race drivers out there racing for Malaysia last weekend. Not forgetting of course Douglas Khoo’s complete Malaysian team of mechanics and Engineer in the Viper Niza Racing team in TCR Asia.
TCR ASIA ROUNDS 5&6 – ZHEJIANG
Sadly, this race weekend didn’t start well for Douglas Khoo as he was having a fever from the Thursday and his Viper Niza Race team had to skip both the paid practice sessions on Friday.
In spite of a lingering and intermittent fever, Douglas nevertheless went out for Race 1 on Saturday only to incur a puncture leading to a cracked rear damper! Race 2 was uneventful and he was just glad to finish his race and collect some more points towards his championship.
Commenting in the pits, Douglas said: “Had a good start for Race 2 but was just not physically strong to compete”. A brave drive then in physically very trying conditions for Douglas. We wish him a speedy recovery and a better race in the final rounds in Thailand next month.
Adam Khalid, the rookie in the TCR Asia Series had to learn and adapt to the Zhejiang International Circuit which was green throughout the weekend. This meant that constant rain had denied the track a chance to build up rubber and therefore grip. “I owe this weekend to the team for giving me such a great base set-up on the car so we only had to make minor changes throughout practice sessions,” said Adam. Qualifying in the cool conditions and green track meant a distinct lack of grip and heat in the tyres. Despite that, Adam managed a 7th starting position for Race 1 and 8th in Race 2 out of a field of 20 cars.
In Race 1, he moved up to 5th place and started fighting it out with cars from 2nd down to 8th as Luca Engstler had bolted from pole. Close racing like this tends to overheat the brakes and affects engine performance too, so Adam wisely dropped back to preserve his car and passed the chequered in P4 in TCR Asia and P1 in the Asian driver category!
Race 2 saw Adam start from 3rd on the grid. A big tussle (normal in TCR Racing) among some of the frontrunners saw him taking avoiding action using the scenic route and dropping him down to 11th. But a determined drive saw him climb back to finish 5th and in a similar position to Race 1. He now is 6th overall in TCR Asia standings and 3rd in the Asian Drivers title. Well done Adam!
BLANCPAIN GT WORLD CHALLENGE ASIA Rd 7 & 8 – FUJI SPEEDWAY
The premium International GT series in Asia was held in Fuji Speedway this round saw intense and close driving even before Races 1 & 2 evident from the practice sessions. Both races were 1 hour in duration with a compulsory pit-stop of no less than 60 seconds and a driver change.
PRACTICE
Free Practice 1 on Friday saw Craft-Bamboo team mates #88 Alessio Picariello and #55 Melvin Moh first and second quickest and separated by an incredible 3/1000ths of a second! Weiron Tan in the #12 Absolute Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 was 4th fastest while Jazeman in Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia #888 was 14th. Later, Jazeman would top the timesheets in Official Practice followed by Melvin and Weiron, 4th and 5th fastest respectively.
QUALIFYING
Qualifying 1 determines starting positions in Race 1 and Martin Rump, Weiron Tan’s driving partner, put their Audi in 2nd. H.H. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, Jazeman Jaafar’s team mate would start in 17th while Singaporean Daniel Au and Melvin’s drive partner started in 24th.
Qualifying 2 and hence Race 2 grid positions saw Jazeman put #888 in 2nd with Melvin 4th and Weiron Tan just behind in 5th.
RACE 1
Race 1 saw 31 cars on the grid, made up of 24 GT3 cars and 7 GT4-spec cars. It was going to be an interesting race as most of the Am drivers from the PRO-AM teams would be starting this race.
Remember, of the Malaysians taking part, only Weiron Tan is in a PRO classified team and Melvin and Jazeman are both in the PRO-AM class. Weiron had to start from 7th due to a penalty incurred in the previous round in Suzuka Japan. He did very well to bring his car up to 4th by the first turn.
And then an incredible chain of incidents and accidents began to start within the next 15 mins of Race 1. During the formation lap, iRace’s Mercedes-AMG GT4 spun around after a tap from the #910 Li Chao Porsche. Then the #88 Picariello/Jeffrey Lee driven Mercedes-AMG GT3 would be put into a spin by the #17 Mercedes AMG GT3.
Next, the bonnet on Vutthikorn’s #918 Porsche GT3 R flipped open, blinding him and his car slid into the path of the #92 Porsche following behind and minding its own business. Then, to cap it off, the unlucky Jeffrey Lee in #88 got hit and spun around a second time by the SAME car!
Inevitably, #17 would incur two drive-through penalties and just to add to their woes, they incurred an unbelievable 3rd penalty for speeding in the pitlane whilst serving one of the drive-through penalties. Some days, it’s better to just stay in bed!
Thus, in the first 15 minutes, the pits had a flurry of activity with damaged cars limping in for repairs. Even the Thai-owned Vattana Lamborghini Huracan was seemingly not spared with some bodywork hanging off the side of the car.
Meanwhile, Weiron soldiered on to 4th and our Johor prince drove well to bring the #888 AMG up to 13th position. Daniel too drove well to keep out of the mayhem. After the mandatory pitstops, Weiron’s team mate rejoined in 5th, Jazeman in 17th and Melvin below 20th.
In a thankfully incident-free 2nd half of Race 1, Martin Rump would bring the Absolute Racing run Audi to 2nd, Jazeman would finish in 11th with Melvin in 17th.
RACE 2
Sunday started out warm, overcast and a little windy but soon Fuji Speedway would heat up with the action on track. Based on Quali 2, the Craft-Bamboo #88 was on pole, followed by Jazeman Jaafar in the #888, 3rd on the grid was Yokomizo’s #17 AMG which had a string of penalties the day before, and 4th was Melvin and Weiron was in 5th spot on the grid.
The action heated up straight into Turn 1 when Yokomizo tapped Jazeman in the back sending the car sideways into the side of Picariello. But everyone survived to continue through Turn 2 and settled down into a very quick train of 5 cars for the next 15 minutes.
Picariello in #88 was running away from Yokomizo, now in front of a very determined Jaafar, followed by Melvin and Weiron. Yokomizo then received a drive-through penalty for what had happened to Jazeman at Turn 1. The pit stop window opened with some 33 minutes left in the race and predictably, the PRO drivers stayed out as long as they could before coming in to hand over to their AM partners, except for Weiron who handed #12 to another PRO, Martin Rump.
With 20 minutes of the race left, Jeffrey Lee led in #88 over the Prince in #888, Weiron was in 5th when Melvin’s team mate went into a spin and then a collision with the #75 Ryo Haryanto Ferrari 488. This brought out the Safety Car which would see things up front change significantly.
With just 9 minutes left before the chequered flag would wave and the lead car incurring a penalty for exceeding track limits, it was a frantic race to the finish. Another accident between the #17 AMG and the #27 Ferrari with 4 minutes left and more penalties for overtaking under the Safety Car for #777 and #13 meant that Malaysian Weiron Tan in #12 won with the Prince of Johor coming in 5th overall and 2nd in PRO-AM class!
LAMBORGHINI SUPER TROFEO ASIA – FUJI
This one-make Lamborghini series follows the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia series. Weather conditions for both their races were fairly similar.
RACE 1
Malaysian PRO driver, Afiq Yazid driving for Japan-based Team Hojust Wakayama Racing started Race 1 from 4th on the grid and brought his car up to 2nd before handing over to his team mate Ochiai Toshiyoki. Ochiai kept it there to finish 2nd overall and 1st in PRO-AM class.
East Malaysian Zen Low and AM driver shared his car with A. Negro who went as high as 15th, finished in 17th. Position in Race 1.
RACE 2
Ochiai started Race 2 from 6th on the grid and managed to make up 4 places before handing over to Afiq. The Malaysian driver then drove #38 to the top spot making up a whopping 20-second deficit in the process. This was the team’s first overall victory this season and they will be heading the PRO-AM class when they are at Yeongnam for the next round in Korea.
Zen Low, ever consistent and careful finished again in 17th in Race 2. Well done to both Afiq and Zen in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Fuji!
So there you have it, in first weekend of July, 8 Malaysian drivers and 1 all-Malaysian team raced in 2 countries in 3 International Race Series and stood on podiums across all series… can’t get better than that – for now!
If you’re looking for a fuel that has the performance of a world record breaker, you’re in luck with the Caltex with Techron®. Their recent partnership with Jamaican-Chinese race car driver, Natasha Chang, proved their worth as they set a new Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Ascent of Doi Chang Mountain Road by Car’. (more…)
It’s been 60 years since the original Mini appeared on the roads and MINI Malaysia is celebrating the anniversary by giving customers a 60-month warranty (unlimited mileage) as well as 60 months of MINI Service + Repair Inclusive (MSR) Programme. The offer is for any new model or variant purchased and registered by August 31, 2019.
The 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme is also applicable for fleet purchases, duty-exempted vehicles and the Returning Expert Programme (REP) customers.
“This year, we celebrate 60 years of British innovation, iconic design and thrilling go-kart handling. Since 1959, MINI has continued to push the boundaries whilst keeping the creative use of space, driving fun, style and individualisation at its core. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are thrilled to extend the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme to all new MINI owners to deliver the complete Premium Ownership Experience,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.
Condition-based service approach
For those not familiar with the MSR Inclusive Programme, this uses a Condition Based Service (CBS) system, an approach that does not follow scheduled mileage or time intervals. Instead, maintenance is carried out based on the actual condition of the engine as it is used. Depending on how it is driven and other factors, the intervals could be longer or shorter.
The BMW Group was among the first manufacturers to introduce CBS in 2002 with the 7-Series. It was an evolution of BMW’s service indicator system and created a flexible, more economical maintenance schedule. Studies found that some owners enjoyed significant savings in maintenance costs in the longer run by not having to stick to scheduled service and replacement intervals.
Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), a small British company founded by two brothers, has officially launched its all-new Mono R. It is a new, more advanced generation of the original Mono with enhanced performance and lower weight. The new Mono R serves as ‘The New Reference’, as the company refers to it, and features revolutionary new materials and technology.
Brand new approach
Although still undeniably a Mono, the R sports a brand new approach to body engineering that has seen all surfaces designed from scratch and 44 bespoke carbonfibre parts restyled to give the car a more aggressive, organic and futuristic stance.
The striking new look of Mono R is defined by the imposing shark nose front, which epitomises true efficiency of form courtesy of a sleek and homogeneous redesign. Main beam LED headlights centrally mounted on the nose are a distinguishing feature that reduce the frontal area and contribute to a more minimalist appearance.
The new nose coupled with the Formula-inspired ram-air inlet system issue a hint at the R’s phenomenal performance potential, while the upper body design is more slender and organic to enhance aerodynamics. Lower down on the R, all technical surfaces are thinner and more blade-like to effectively sculpt and divert airflow.
The R has been the subject of numerous aerodynamic enhancements, with more efficient front arches and wider sidepods as well as a larger and more aerodynamically efficient rear spoiler extending over the rear arches.
Inside, the Mono R remains a perfect canvas for customer personalisation, plus there’s a new-look, race-inspired, even lighter steering wheel and optional carbon interior side panels.
More powerful 2.5-litre engine
BAC’s engineers have ensured Mono R breaks new ground with its engine, too. Co-developed with long-standing engine partner Mountune, the Mono’s 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit has increased in power by 35 bhp to deliver an astonishing 340 bhp. This equates to a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 612 bhp-per-tonne. At 136 bhp/litre, it also sets a new naturally aspirated global record for a road-legal car.
The striking new Formula-inspired ram-air inlet system provides pressurised air into an all-new throttle body and cylinder head system to further increase power, plus a higher-spec, drive-by-wire motor allows for a quicker throttle response.
The Mono R is the first production car in the world fully incorporating the use of graphene-enhanced carbonfibre in every body panel. Using the revolutionary material enhances the structural properties of the fibre to make panels stronger and lighter with improved mechanical and thermal performance.
The suspension geometry has been optimised to reduce pitch under braking, with increased anti-dive at the front and anti-squat at the rear maximising traction, while two-way adjustable dampers from Ohlins feature for the first time.
All 30 units already sold
One of the most exclusive supercars ever made, a total of just 30 units of the Mono R will be produced. Each is priced at £190,950 (about RM990,000). And although it was only launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 recently, the full production run has already sold out, with deliveries to take place before the year ends.
A lot of different people will give you a lot of different reasons what cars to buy. It all goes down to your personal preference but when it comes to the new Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R, Renault has make things easier by listing down all the good things about their model (which also happens to be the fastest ever front-wheel drive production car lap of the Nürburgring). (more…)
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