The current Mazda CX-5 has been selling like hotcakes since its launch, partly thanks to its competitive pricing due to local assembly. In the first 6 months of this year, it is estimated that almost 9,000 units were assembled at the Mazda facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah. Some are exported to neighbouring countries as Mazda has chosen Malaysia as the production hub for the model.
Soon Bermaz Motor will add a another turbocharged variant to the CX-5 line-up, to cater to those who want an extra boost in performance. The new variant will be powered by a SKYACTIV-G petrol engine with a 2.5-litre displacement. The engine, without a turbocharger, is already available in the current range but does not have All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
19% more power, 63% more torque
Adding a turbocharger to the 2.5-litre engine bumps up the engine output by about 19% to 230 ps at 5,000 rpm, with torque getting a big jump of 63% to 420 Nm. And all of that 420 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm, whereas peak torque for the non-turbocharged engine is at 3,250 rpm. Power flows through a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission and is intelligently distributed to all four wheels with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system.
Flagship level specs can be expected
At this time, Bermaz has not released the specs and price but from the preview unit on display, a very high equipment level can be expected. The CX-5 sports LED headlamps/DRLs and tail lamps and on each corner are 19-inch wheels with 225/55 tyres. The dashboard has the updates for the 2019 model year (we saw a heads-up display) and the Mazda Connect infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Safety-wise, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD should have the complete Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies to help the driver avoid an accident as well as reduce the effects of one if it occurs. High-tech features like LED headlights which can adjust their beams depending on conditions as well as pivot as the car goes around corners are already offered in some of the variants. There’s also autonomous braking – not just at the front to avoid a collision but also when reversing, which is a rare feature.
More information will be available when the new variant is officially launched in the near future. In the meantime, if you are in the Klang Valley from September 4 – 9, you can check out the CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD at the Sunway Pyramid complex in Petaling Jaya.
It was not so long ago that hybrid models being introduced were vehicles with modest performance. The carmakers introducing them stressed on environment-friendliness more than performance since they did help reduce exhaust emissions. However, development of hybrid technology, which went into mass production in the late 1990s, accelerated as the major carmakers wanted to achieve economies of scale as quickly as possible and push costs down.
Within 10 years, the new hybrid models were faster and went further too. The advancement was timely since advanced countries were beginning to introduce strict emission regulations that requires ‘electrification’ of powertrains to meet. Fully electric powertrains are still expensive but hybrid powertrains offer a transitional solution that was acceptable.
You would think that where the supercar manufacturers are concerned, hybrids would be of no interest but Lamborghini will soon show that it can produce a super sportscar – like the rest of its range – with a hybrid powertrain. To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow this month, it will be called the Sian – the name meaning ‘flash’ or ‘lightning’ in dialect of the Bolognese region in Italy. This is in reference to the first electric application in a Lamborghini production car.
Fastest Lamborghini of all time
The Sian will be the fastest Lamborghini of all time, thanks to a unique new hybrid system which focuses on providing the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It has a V12 engine – huge for a hybrid powertrain – and a 48-volt e-motor. The 6.5-litre V12, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 bhp at 8,500 rpm (the highest output ever from a Lamborghini powerplant) combines with the 34 bhp from the electric motor. Total system output is 819 bhp with a weight-to-power ratio claimed to be better than that of the Aventador SVJ, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials.
The Sian has a claimed a top speed of over 350 km/h so it will be able to keep up with any other Lamborghini model. More significantly, it lays claim to having the fastest acceleration of any production Lamborghini ever – 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds.
Advanced and world-first technologies
The energy accumulation technology is a world-first. Rather than a lithium-ion battery, there is an innovative supercapacitor application. This technology was pioneered originally in the Aventador but has been dramatically developed to store 10 times the power. It is 3 times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and yet 3 times lighter than a battery producing the same power.
The Sian incorporates a highly advanced regenerative braking system developed by Lamborghini. Thanks to the symmetric behaviour of the supercapacitor, which contrary to normal li-ion batteries can be charged and discharged with the same power, the energy storage system is fully charged every time the vehicle brakes. The energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away, up to 130 km/h when the e-motor automatically disconnects, improving the elasticity manoeuvres and making it more than 10% faster than a car without this system.
A design heading for the future
The Sian’s design is visionary and futuristic as would be expected of a car that takes Lamborghini into a new era. Taking futuristic inspiration from the Countach, the Gandini line is evident in its profile, while the silhouette introduces new features such as the characteristic aero wings, giving the Sian an unmistakable profile. The iconic Lamborghini ‘Y’ shape can be seen in the NACA air inlets on the doors, glass elements are included in the engine cover, and the diagonal line features in the front bonnet, as in the Countach.
In the roof, the ‘Periscopio’ tunnel that originally incorporated a rear mirror in the Countach adds a bold feature that links with the slats of the rear engine cover and important elements contributing to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.
“The Sian is a masterpiece in possibilities,” said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “Not only does the Sian deliver a formidable hypercar design and engineering tour de force today, it augments the potential for Lamborghini as a super sportscar brand for tomorrow and for decades to come, even as hybridization becomes more desirable and inevitably essential. With the Sian, Automobili Lamborghini demonstrates its dynastic strength as a legendary super sportscar brand for the future.”
63 units at US$3.6 million each
Like the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster which we wrote about earlier, Lamborghini will produce and sell only 63 units of the Sian. The number has been chosen to commemorate the founding year of the company – 1963. Each of the 63 customers who have already paid their deposits will spend upwards of US$3.6 million (about RM15.2 million), the final price depending on the degree of customisation.
The increased automation, particularly the use of robots, is feared to reduce the number of humans needed to do work in factories. It has a lot of implications and companies are trying to find a balance in their workforce. However, humans are still needed for some types of assembly work, especially where it involves variations. Robots work more efficiently when the work is constantly similar (eg welding bodies) so customisation of specifications is harder to programme.
Therefore there will still be a need for humans in the factory and the dream of the former General Motors CEO, Roger Smith, of a factory with no humans at all, building cars non-stop all day long will likely remain just a dream for some time to come.
Long hours in difficult environments
Though the work humans will do will be suited for them physically and less dangerous, they may still spend long hours working in difficult environments. To reduce fatigue, the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has developed a Vest EXoskeleton (VEX) which is a wearable robot to assist them.
The VEX helps by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility. The wearable vest the polycentric axis – combining multiple pivot points with multi-link muscular assistance – to function, eliminating the need for a battery.
Attached like a backpack
At 2.5 kgs, it weighs 22 – 42% less than competing products and is worn like a backpack. The worker places his or her arms through the shoulder straps of the vest, then fastens the chest and waist buckles. The back section can adjust in length by up to 18 cm to fit a variety of body sizes, while the degree of force assistance can be adjusted over 6 levels – up to as much as 5.5 kgf.
“VEX gives workers greater load support, mobility, and adaptability when operating in overhead environments,” said DongJin Hyun, Head of Robotics team of HMG. “Workers will also appreciate how light VEX is to wear and work with.”
The newly-developed product is targeted at production-line workers whose job is primarily overhead, such as those working on the underside of vehicles – fitting brake tubes, attaching exhaust systems, etc.
Already used in 2 US plants
The development of the VEX included a pilot program in two HMG plants in the USA. The trial was widely successful in assisting workers and boosting productivity and both plants have incorporated VEX systems in their production lines.
One of the two Hyundai Motor Group factories in the USA where the VEX is already assisting workers.
The Group is considering introducing the VEX in plants around the world. It is expected to go into commercial production in December and is projected to cost as much as 30% lower than existing products which usually costs around US$5,000 (about RM21,000).
Growing demand for wearable robots
According to the International Federation of Robotics, the wearable robotics industry is growing 14% annually, a rate which is accelerating. By 2021, approximately 630,000 commercial robots will be sold worldwide, with the greatest demand coming from the automotive sector. Recognizing the market trend, HMG is making active investments and strengthening its presence within the growing robotics industry by securing relevant technologies.
Proton is on a roll with their current sales growth heading upwards. Just last month, they’ve successfully registered 9,127 units which represents a Total Industry Volume (TIV) share of 17.6% for the month of August. As for year-on-year, sales growth now stands at 36% as compared to the same period in 2018 where Proton’s TIV actually shrunk by 5.8%. (more…)
An exclusive new BMW M4 ///M Heritage Edition will make its world debut on the legendary racetrack in the Eifel, a low mountainous region in western Germany, on 13 September. Based on the M4 DTM developed by BMW M Motorsport, the special edition of the M4 Coupe has an exterior replicating the colours of the BMW M GmbH logo.
Characteristic colours of the legendary racing cars
Immediately after the founding of the BMW’s high-performance subsidiary in 1972, the characteristic colours already adorned these racing cars, which were based on the 3.0 CSL and became highly successful in touring car racing.
The BMW 3.0 CSL which, in the 1970s, gained sporting fame and fortune as a successful touring car.
The M4 Edition///M Heritage takes up this unmistakable colour combination on unique exterior and interior design features. There is a choice of the three body colours – Laguna Seca Blue, Velvet Blue metallic and Imola Red available for the limited edition model.
Furthermore, the two-seater’s carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof boasts a striking decorative strip in the BMW M colours, which is integrated into the CFRP composite at the factory using a special manufacturing process. Likewise unique are the forged, 20-inch M light alloy wheels in a star spoke design finished in Orbit Grey matt and fitted with mixed tyres.
Exclusive colours and materials within
The interior is also characterised by an exclusive selection of colours and materials. The spectrum of equipment includes model-specific full leather M seats in a bicolour design and with prominent openings within the area of the seatbacks. Each seat colour is oriented towards the exterior paint and is complemented by partly bicoloured contrast stitching.
In conjunction with the exterior colours Laguna Seca Blue and Velvet Blue metallic, the seats come in Silverstone/Black with turquoise stitching or Velvet Blue and Orange respectively. With the exterior finish Imola Red, the seat colours Red and Black correspond with yellow and red contrast stitching.
There are interior carbon trim strips designed exclusively for the M4 Edition ///M Heritage and whose CFRP structure incorporates the stripe design featuring the three characteristic M colours. Both the interior trim strips and the door sills bear emblems with the imprints “Edition ///M Heritage” and “1/750” as an indication of the limited edition of this model. The lettering “///M Heritage” – in turquoise, orange or red respectively – is also to be found on the front headrests.
Only 750 units to be offered worldwide
Powered by a 450 bhp/550 Nm straight 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, the M4 Edition ///M Heritage will be produced and sold worldwide between November 2019 and April 2020. Only 750 units will be available.
So you bought a Ford Ranger Raptor and you enjoy the feeling of ‘invincibility’ as you drive around. But are you completely familiar with the vehicle and its considerable capabilities? For those who are keen to gain more in-depth knowledge of the pick-up truck, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is offering a Ranger Raptor Deep Dive Workshop free-of-charge. The initiative is to provide to new and existing customers on the Ranger Raptor’s functionality and capability.
Leearn more about cutting-edge tech features
Conducted by experienced motoring experts, attendees will learn how to maximise the usage of the multitude of high-tech features and functions that come with the truck. This includes when and how to use the Terrain Management System (TMS), a cutting-edge system that offers 6 pre-set driving modes to conquer any terrain at a turn of a dial. Having the system is like having an invisible co-driver who is an off-road professional choosing the best settings!
Attendees will also understand the engineering aspects of the first and only performance pick-up in the market, and how that is translated to the overall driving dynamics – wider track, lifted height, flared fenders, race-bred FOX Racing Shox suspensions, bigger and wider tyres and a huge underbody protection bash plate.
“The workshops are aimed at offering new and existing customers an experience that creates immediate value. The topics covered by experienced motoring experts will also allow attendees to appreciate and understand in depth the first and only high-speed off-road performance truck in the market,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri bin Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Small groups for more effective workshop
To ensure an effective workshop, the size of the group will be not more than 10 participants. However, owners are encouraged to invite friends to attend the workshop to benefit from the ‘refer-a-friend’ promotion. With this, there will be a reward with a petrol card worth RM500 if the friend purchases either a Ranger WildTrak or a Ranger Raptor. Customers with children need not worry, as a children’s corner will be made available so parents can focus on the workshop discussions and activities.
Dates and locations of the nine Ranger Raptor Deep Dive Workshops are as follow:
BMW Group Malaysia will be hosting their largest pre-owned vehicle fair next weekend from 13-15 September 2019. Called the BMW Premium Selection Fair, the event will feature a fine selection of pre-owned vehicles from the X5, 3 Series, 7 Series, as well as MINI models and several BMW Motorrad premium motorcycles. (more…)
MINI will be putting on quite an ‘electrifying’ show at the IAA Cars 2019 where they plan to globally unveil a number of new electrified models but the one that caught our attention the most is their new all-electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE which marks a new era for the brand’s pure electric mobility. (more…)
Lamborghini has created the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, a limited edition of the iconic V12 super sportscar with the same exclusivity as the SVJ 63 coupe. The SVJ Roadster will also be produced in just 63 numbered units, commemorating the company’s founding year of 1963 – and collectors have already put their money down for every unit.
8 exclusive design expressions
With the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design team and Ad Personam department have drawn on the virtually limitless colour and trim options available through Lamborghini’s personalization program, with the collaboration creating 8 exclusive new design expressions. Each of the eight unique combinations comprises an exotic exterior and interior, unique to the Roadster version of the SVJ 63.
The exterior styling is specifically developed for the Roadster model, with a matt or shiny carbonfibre upper part that includes roof, engine cover, engine air vents, windscreen rim and wing mirrors. A new matt titanium finish features on the Leirion forged rims and the car carries the SVJ 63 livery, as well as a ‘1 of 63’ numbered plate.
3 choices of cabin colour schemes
Inside, three colour schemes in Alcantara, featuring carbonfibre elements throughout the cockpit, are complemented by Lamborghini’s patented lightweight CarbonSkin. A badge on the steering wheel endorses the car as one of a limited edition, as does a ‘63’ logo on the rear wall in Alcantara and CarbonSkin.
The Aventador SVJ Roadster upholds the exceptional performance, handling and aerodynamic superiority of the SVJ coupe. Sporting the ‘Super Veloce’ for superfast and ‘Jota’ suffix signifying the car’s performance and track prowess, its coupe stablemate took the Nurburgring-Nordschleife production car record.
Generating 770 ps at a maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm, the SVJ delivers 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. The SVJ Roadster accelerates from standing still to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.9 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.8 seconds. It is said to be able to reach a top speed of more than 350 km/h and come to a stop from 100 km/h in 31 metres.
Lamborghini has also come out with the Huracan EVO GT Celebration as a tribute to the Huracan GT3 EVO which triumphed at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring for two consecutive seasons. The design evokes the livery of the GRT Grasser Racing Team, which along with Paul Miller Racing brought Lamborghini the 4 victories, characterized by the combination of Verde Egeria green and Arancio Aten orange. Three body colours have been created by Lamborghini Ad Personam in collaboration with the Centro Stile, with which three other colours can be combined for the livery, for a total of 9 combinations. Available only for the US market, deliveries of the V10 supercar start in early 2020.
The 680hp all-electric Volkswagen ID. R has set the very first record of the “China Challenge” on Tianmen Mountain earlier this week. With a time of 7:38.585, Romain Dumas conquered all 99 corners of 10.9km “Big Gate Road” and we’re guessing that this record is going to stay there at the top for quite some time. (more…)
