The world of pickup trucks in the US market is so diverse, we get jealous every time they released a new model or variant. This is even more so when Ram Truck unveiled the new Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition in Texas earlier this week.
The launch was held together with the unveiling of the Ram Heavy Duty Big Horn and Laramie Night Editions but our attention was all on the Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition just because of its super badass look. (more…)
Looking for the ultimate premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)? BMW Malaysia has introduced the latest BMW X3 xDrive30i with M Sport Package that has been said by many to have one of the best striking design languages and class-leading driving dynamics. (more…)
The automotive world is going through its biggest phase into the world of electrification and Bentley has announced their pioneer hybrid model, the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid. The first true plug-in hybrid model in the luxury SUV sector is now on sale in Europe which offers a huge enhancement for their most efficient model yet. (more…)
The world of hypercars is getting more and more awesome by the day with more companies releasing super limited and very powerful editions that only the elite of elites can buy. Take for example the RM8 million Rimac C_Two which comes with a 1,888hp. With that amount of power, you can theoretically propel the car to a top speed of 415km/h! (more…)
‘Electrification’ has been a buzzword in the auto industry over the past few years as carmakers have announced plans for the next decade. Tightening emission regulations have forced them to accelerate solutions which largely use electrification of powertrains, either as hybrids or as fully electric.
Volvo Cars was one of the early companies to make progress in its electrification program, introducing its first model with a hybrid powertrain 7 years ago (in a V60 model). Since then, it has focussed on electrified models while developing a fully electric powertrain which will be unveiled next month.
New model will highlight safety leadership
This all-new powertrain will be used in the XC40 SUV (to be called the XC40 Recharge) and while the company is not talking about the powertrain at this time, it is highlighting the safety of the car’s design and engineering. Despite a fresh set of challenges presented by the absence of an internal combustion engine, Volvo once again lives up to its well known reputation for safety leadership.
“Regardless of what drives a car forward, be it an electric motor or combustion engine, a Volvo must be safe,” said Malin Ekholm, Head of Safety at Volvo Cars. “The fully electric XC40 will be one of the safest cars we have ever built.”
While building on the superior safety standards of the original XC40, the safety engineers had to completely redesign and reinforce the frontal structure to deal with the absence of an engine, meet Volvo Cars’ high safety requirements and help protect the occupants as well as in any other Volvo.
“The fundamentals around safety are the same for this car as for any other Volvo. People are inside, and the car needs to be designed to be safe for them,” said Ekholm.
Structural redesign
To help keep passengers safe and the battery intact in the event of a collision, there is a new and unique safety structure for passengers and battery alike in the XC40. The battery is protected by a safety cage which consists of a frame of extruded aluminium and is embedded in the middle of the car’s body structure, creating a built-in crumple zone around the battery. The battery’s placement in the floor of the car also has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity of the car, for better protection against roll-overs.
Meanwhile, the car’s body structure has not just been reinforced in the front but also at the rear. Here, the electric powertrain has been integrated in the body structure to realise a better distribution of collision forces away from the cabin and reduce the strain on people inside the car.
New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
In terms of active safety systems, the XC40 Recharge also introduces new technology. It is the first Volvo model equipped with a new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform with software developed by Zenuity, the joint venture company owned by Volvo Cars and Veoneer.
The new ADAS platform is a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Because of its scalable nature it can easily be developed further and lays the foundation for the future introduction of autonomous drive technology.
The XC40 Recharge is part of the ongoing plan to have 50% of Volvo Cars’ sales volume to be fully electric by 2025.
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The latest 2019 Porsche Macan was just launched a few months back, followed by the more powerful Porsche Macan S variant during the first-ever Porsche Sportscar Together Day held at the Sepang International Circuit just last month.
For months, we’ve been following the progress of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) and their ever-growing range of delicious Porsche vehicles here in Malaysia. Noticing our interest, SDAP decided to let us have a go at the Porsche Macan. We took that opportunity straight away and had it to ourselves for the whole day.
With that being said, here are the five things we absolutely adore about the 2019 Porsche Macan. (more…)
The Peugeot Boxer is a light commercial vehicle that was jointly developed by the PSA Group and Fiat, a typical approach among European companies in order to achieve good economies of scale by having bigger production volumes. The van has been in production since 1981 and the model sold today is the fourth generation. Besides the Peugeot Boxer, it has been sold as a Fiat Ducato, Citroen Jumper/Relay, Alfa Romeo AR6, Talbot Express and Ram Promaster.
Apart from being popular with businesses, the Boxer has also been popular with travellers as a camper van. As a result, Peugeot designers have periodically presented ideas for customers to personalise their vehicle. The Rifter 4×4 concept displayed earlier this year is one example.
Departure from traditional camper vans
Now comes the Boxer 4×4 Concept which has been conceived for a recreational vehicle shown in France. Following on from the Rifter concept, the challenge was to depart from the traditional world of camper vans and showcase Peugeot’s vision for this type of vehicle.
For starters, ‘immersion in nature’ is achieved by using a body colour called Wanderlust Green which enhances the bodywork. The grille is sculpted in the brand’s purest current style with bright cast iron tassels. A more robust lower body frame echoes the protective tread at the front and the notched fender flares.
The proportions of the front end change in depth with the windscreen visor. Practical as ever, with the access areas to the windscreen or front bumper engine have also been restyled. Getting back to camp in the middle of the night will be as easy as in the daytime, thanks to 8 LED modules integrated directly into the bodywork above the windscreen.
Optimised cabin for 3 people
Built on a standard 6-metre long Boxer platform, the cabin has been optimised to offer adventurers a 10 square metre living space, ideally for 3 people. There are 4 distinct zones, with a kitchen and dining area, a sleeping area, a bathroom and the driver’s area.
The interior has been conceived as a refreshing ‘cocoon’ with soothing light tones that contrast with the exterior. The woodwork warms the atmosphere up with the upholstery and trimmings specially fabricated for this concept model.
A sporty technical mesh is used and this is combined with an Alcantara material from the new upholstery of Peugeot models like the e208 GT, 508 HYBRID GT, 508 SW HYBRID GT and 3008 HYBRID 4. The textile transfer uses a technique adopted by major textile brands to achieve a Mint shade.
Eco efficiency in materials
Eco efficiency and durability are at the heart of the Boxer 4 x 4 Concept so special attention has been given to choosing the materials for the table, the worktop and the sink. Aragonite, a white natural mineral which combines the hardness of natural stone with the beauty of ceramic is used. The entire floor is made of 100 recycled and 100 recyclable materials! The plastics used are from 85 car fuel tanks, 10 milk bottles and 5 soap bottles.
Like the Rifter concept, the Boxer concept also has a 4×4 DANGEL transmission with a viscous drive and transfer case at the front. It is activated via 3 switches located within reach on the left side of the dashboard and 3 modes are available for different driving conditions.
To extend the range of adventurers, the Peugeot eM 02 FS Powertube ATV is included. An electrically-assisted mountain bike, this is the latest generation of eBikes from the French company. The compact battery is integrated directly into the frame, so the style is fluid and sleek. It is stored at the rear of the vehicle on a dedicated hitch.
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Long before ‘SUV’ became a segment in the auto industry, Japanese carmakers were already producing such vehicles, except they were usually referred to as dual-purpose vehicles or 4×4 vehicles. Such vehicles originated in the 1950s and were developed on the heavy-duty ladder-frame platforms used for commercial vehicles so they were robust and could carry heavy loads.
Over the years, these vehicles evolved as market needs changed and one of the models which has remained in constant production all these years has been the Nissan Patrol. Some 1.9 million units have been sold around the world since the model debuted in 1951. Known for its durability, reliability and all-terrain performance, the Patrol remains the flagship of Nissan’s 4×4 line-up.
Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies
Recently, the model (currently in its sixth generation) was updated with enhancements that offer customers higher levels of sophistication, comfort, safety and connectivity. In particular, as with other new Nissan models, the Patrol gets the latest advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.
This extensive suite of advanced safety and security technologies is complemented by Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and an Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system.
Strongest V6 and V8 engines in the segment
At the same time, the new Patrol retains its class-leading power with customers having a choice of the strongest V6 and V8 engines in the segment. The base 4-litre V6 produces 275 bhp/394 Nm while the 5.6-litre V8 produces 400 bhp/560 Nm.
An All-Mode 4X4 system lets the driver switch modes to handle different highway and off-road conditions. It also has a Hydraulic Body Motion Control with improved suspension and vibration reduction. Two hydraulic systems connected by cross-link hydraulic pipes to the 4-wheel independent suspension’s hydraulic cylinders absorb road bumps and help reduce body lean when cornering. This helps minimize fluctuation of view of those on board and provides a more comfortable ride. Unlike other similar systems, this does not need a power source, so there is no effect on fuel economy.
More connectivity
Inside, a new centre console incorporates dual displays featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the occupants to make the most of their smartphones. New diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding provide a luxurious feel, as does the new hand-stitched steering wheel. Climate control and powered lumbar support are optionally available for the front seats. Significant reductions in noise and vibration result in a quieter, more pleasant cabin. Improved cooling and air flow distribution systems lead to quicker cooling, ideal in hot climates.
“The Patrol is one of our longest-standing and most cherished models, with a long and proud heritage,” said Joni Paiva, Regional Vice-President of the Africa, Middle East and India region at Nissan. “The new Nissan Patrol represents the peak of luxury and ultimate capability and will continue to provide authentic experiences to its loyal customers in the Middle East and around the world.”
Given the large engine sizes it comes with, the Patrol is offered in markets where fuel prices are not a big issue for motorists. For this reason, Nissan has introduced the Patrol in the Middle East first and then other markets and this will be the case for the latest Patrol.
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The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show is just around the corner and already motoring journalists around the world are feeling the heat of what’s to come. The folks from Mazda also has something up their sleeves as they will be revealing their very first mass-production battery electric vehicle (EV). (more…)
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