Volkswagen has finally entered a new era of environmentally friendly mobility where the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 makes its global debut at the IAA 2019. With high levels of dynamic characteristics and zero emissions, the ID.3 family will come in several models starting with the ID.3 1ST. (more…)
For most car companies, the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia accounts for many of their new vehicle sales. It is a prosperous region with steady development and opening of new townships. For this reason, network development gives a lot of focus to Johor and recently, Naza Kia Malaysia opened a new 3S outlet in Tampoi, Johor Bahru, in partnership with authorised dealer Supreme Priority Sdn Bhd.
Located along Jalan Tampoi, the Kia Tampoi 3S Centre has a built-up area of 18,000 square feet. Its showroom can display up to 7 vehicles so visitors will be able to see a good selection of models. As a 3S centre, it offers sales, service and spare parts and is geared to handle up to 100 Kia vehicles a month. Supreme Priority invested RM5 million to establish this 3S outlet.
Serving owners in Tampoi and surroundings
The Kia Tampoi 3S Centre is also intended to serve owners in the surrounding areas of Tampoi New Village, Skudai, Nusajaya and Larkin. Its strategic location means that they now have a shorter distance to travel to get full aftersales support.
“With the new Kia Tampoi 3S Centre, we have altogether 6 Kia outlets in Johor and with that, we are confident we will be able to cater to the needs and demands of our customers and future customers here. Johor has been a significant market for us as 90% of Korean car owners here own a Kia,” said R. Devaraju, Deputy Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
Mr. Devaraju added that the company has plans in the pipeline to further enhance the current network and expand on the 45 Kia outlets nationwide.
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Visit www.kia.com to know more about Kia models available in Malaysia.
There are many ways on how you can sample the finer things in life, and many would agree that when trying such things, the location or surroundings are also important as well. That is why Isuzu Malaysia took a bunch of Malaysian motoring media members to Thailand to test out the upcoming 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Blue Power. (more…)
The first ever PHEV model from Jeep is currently being previewed at the Motorvillage Champs-Elysées in Paris and it’s called the 2020 Jeep Renegade Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). Displayed in the Trailhawk specification, Paris will be the first location to preview the model after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. (more…)
On the same weekend that Ferrari scored a F1 victory in its home race after 9 years, the company also unveiled the F8 Spider, the new generation drop-top sportscar powered by the most successful mid-rear-mounted V8 in history. The F8 Spider was designed in parallel with the F8 Tributo berlinetta and features the compact and efficient RHT (Retractable Hard Top). The RHT takes just 14 seconds to deploy or retract and can be closed or opened while the car is on the move up to 45 km/h.
Open-top V8s since 1977
The F8 Spider is the latest addition to an exclusive and prestigious bloodline of open-top V8 cars which began with the 308 GTS in 1977. It is less extreme than the 488 Pista Spider, but sportier than the 488 Spider which it replaces in the range.
Consequently, the F8 Spider sets a new benchmark for the ‘en plein air’ sportscar in terms of usable performance and exceptional handling, providing an incredibly rewarding driving experience. In fact, it is claimed to excel in merging handling dynamics with surprising in-car comfort.
Award-winning engine for 4 consecutive years
The 3902 cc twin-turbo engine is a development of the V8 that won the ‘International Engine of the Year Award’ for four consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019) and that was also selected as the best engine of the last two decades.
The F8 Spider’s greatest achievement is the fact that it unleashes its power instantaneously with zero turbo lag, whilst retaining this V8’s unique and very special ‘soundtrack’. This performance and the car’s disarmingly effortless handling were made possible by integrating a series of innovative, track-derived aero solutions into its design.
The F8 Spider replaces the 488 Spider and improves on all aspects of its specifications. Aside from the fact that its engine delivers an extra 50 ps (now 720 ps, with 770 Nm of torque), the new Ferrari is 20 kgs lighter than its predecessor and 20 kgs more than the more extreme 488 Pista Spider. Significantly more aerodynamically efficient, it features the new 6.1 version of the Side Slip Angle Control system.
Improved performance-enhancing systems
The new car also has a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which can now be activated in the manettino’s RACE position, a move designed to make performance on the limit easier to reach and control. Adaptive Performance Launch analyses grip as the car accelerates and then uses electronic controls to optimise the torque delivered to suit the road’s grip level, reducing wheel slip to a minimum which, in turn, maximises acceleration.
The rev limiter’s ‘Wall Effect’ strategy is another leap forward in terms of extreme engine performance. Rather than gradually limiting the revs towards the limit, it cuts off right at the 8,000 rpm redline, maximising the amount of power available in power-on dynamic driving situations and consequently improving lap times.
The F8 Spider’s cockpit retains the classic, driver-oriented look typical of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinettas. A concept that creates a symbiotic relationship between driver and car, with all controls mounted on the new generation steering wheel.
The dash incorporates an aluminium sail panel supporting the central satellite and continuing into the dash itself. Also to create a sense of visual lightness, a sliver of carbonfibre divides the upper and lower parts, streamlining the whole look. This section also incorporates the optional 7-inch touchscreen passenger-side display and the dash is completed by the classic instrument cluster with its central tachometer.
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♦ Second consecutive victory for 21-year old Charles Leclerc. He also gave Ferrari its first win on home ground after 9 years.
♦ Although under attack from both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas at different stages of the race, Leclerc stayed cool and remained out of reach to take the chequered flag.
♦ Sebastian Vettel’s race was one he would want to forget. After losing control of his car at a chicane, he was involved in a collision with Racing Point’s Lance Stroll got him a 10-second penalty.
♦ Although Ferrari seems to be competitive enough, the improvements being made to their car can’t be fast enough to collect more wins before the season ends, especially if circuits are tight with lots of corners.
♦ Daniel Ricciardo’s fourth placing was the best for Renault since the carmaker returned to F1 in 2016.
♦ The McLaren team was fined 5,000 euros (about RM23,000) for an unsafe release that caused Sainz to retire from the race.
Next race in Singapore on September 22
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department made one hell of a bust last Friday when they seized several supercars and other high-end vehicles worth RM12.2 million in Shah Alam, Selangor. 21 cars in total were seized from two car importing companies where they were found guilty of forging declaration documents in bringing them over into Malaysia. (more…)
The second day of the Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival Season 3 held in Kuala Terengganu on Friday and Saturday, produced a series of many firsts. For starters, 15-year-old Hayden Haikal stormed to his second race victory and his first ever win on a street circuit in the Sporting Class, while singers Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali climbed the winners’ podium for their first time in the Promotional Class for celebrity drivers.
SPORTING CLASS
“I’m extremely happy with the race win because Kuala Terengganu is a very challenging track. Frankly, I don’t really enjoy this track because there’s hardly any opportunity to overtake here but thankfully everything fell into place today,” said Hayden who finished the race ahead of Hiewa Racing Team’s Wong Chin Eeg and Panglima City Racing’s Kenneth Koh who crossed the finish line in third position.
Coincidentally, Kuala Terengganu was also the venue where Hayden made his debut in the Vios Challenge in the last season. A rookie then, he started his first ever saloon car race in ninth position and also finished ninth.
The start of the 22-lap race started rather dramatically with pole position man Shanmuganathan Arumugan being squeezed out of contention going into the first corner. Wong had an exceptionally good start from second on the grid to punch a hole in the traffic to slip into the lead, leaving enough space for Hayden and Kulim Topwheels driver Dato’ Kenneth Foo to move into second and third positions respectively. Koh however, overtook Foo for third position by the end of the first lap.
Wong held on to his lead for seven laps until making a slight mistake which allowed Hayden to inherit the lead. “Hayden was a lot quicker on the track and as soon as I made a mistake, I saw him beside me. I then made the decision to back off and let him through. It would not have benefitted any of us had the two cars came together,” said Wong.
“After overtaking, I tried to build a gap to Wong, pace myself and focus to not make any mistakes especially in the corners,” Hayden said of the duel.
Koh meanwhile, was a man on a mission to score as many championship points possible as he claimed his second visit to the winners’ podium in two consecutive races over the weekend. His third place finish was a fitting end to the weekend which also included winning Race 1.
“I felt a slight impact at the rear going into the first corner and from then on, I became rather paranoid of having incurred any damage. I tried to close the gap to the car ahead but in the end, the most sensible thing to do was to pace myself to the end because there was also a big gap between me and the car behind,” said Koh.
PROMOTIONAL CLASS
Rain again came in the late afternoon (like last year) and as the drivers were more cautious, this popular race was uneventful. In fact, the start had to be delayed for 30 minutes before resuming behind the Safety Car.
The wet conditions however, turned out to be in favour of singer Wany Hasrita who stormed into her first ever race win. In second place was fellow singer Nabila Razali, also making her first appearance on the winners’ podium, followed by actor Shukri Yahaya in third position.
“The wet track conditions made the race twice as difficult but I did my best to keep my cool and to avoid making any mistakes. The track was slippery and that meant having to pick an earlier braking point into the corners,” said Wany who started from pole position on the grid.
Victory was also extremely sweet for Nabila who demonstrated a more calm and composed drive to finish in second place and claim her first visit to the winners’ podium.
“Season 2 was really difficult for me and I struggled to finish the race but thankfully, the long hours of practice and with guidance from the instructors, my driving and confidence level on the track has improved so much. I’m hoping to do much better this season,” said Nabila.
SUPER SPORTING CLASS
With the exception of Brendon Lim who dropped from fourth position on the grid to eighth place and Brendan Paul Anthony who lost one place, all the drivers in the Super Sporting class maintained their track positions from start to finish in the 22-lap race.
Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho led from start to finish, with Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang taking second place some 1.93 seconds behind, and Kenny Lee of Kegani Racing completing the top three a further two seconds adrift.
In the class of the elite professional racers, the race unfolded with all drivers posting super competitive times and remaining within the 1 minute 15 second to 1 minute 16 second bracket around the tight and narrow 1.65-km street circuit. While it is always difficult for any competitor to overtake on a narrow street track, Ho found that leading the race also placed a degree of pressure.
“Freddie was very close to me and I tried my best to pull away but that proved to be very difficult and I tried my best to keep composed and to not hit the concrete barrier. It was a question of maintaining my pace, not pushing too hard and finishing the race to score valuable championship points,” recalled Ho after the race.
Round 2 of the Vios Challenge and TGR Festival will be held in the Central Region but the venue has not been confirmed yet. It would likely be at the MAEPS site outside Kuala Lumpur which has a lot of space for setting up the track, as well as plenty of parking areas. To get updates on the event, visit toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia/tgr-racing-festival/season-3.
An elaborate list of safety features and some minor performance upgrades makes all the difference in the all-new Toyota Vios racing car which made its debut in all three classes of the Vios Challenge Season 3 yesterday and today. Running to a one-make race format where driving skills take much precedence over any vehicle modifications, the series – part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival – was held at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
How different is the new racing car?
“The biggest change in the car is the limited slip differential. The car now feels much more alive and the suspension is good. But the engine and transmission are pretty much the same,” said Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin, winner of Race 1, Super Sporting Class.
“It is a lot more responsive. This weekend was the first time I’ve driven the car as I was unable to do the shakedown. From the practice session, I managed to make small changes here and there and I could actually feel the difference. This year is going to be a good year where those drivers who are able to set up their car for the track will have an advantage. The other biggest difference this season is that the top 9 cars are all within a second of the fastest qualifying time. Everyone is super competitive this year!” said 23 Motors’ Tengku Djan, runner-up in Race 1, Super Sporting Class & Season 1 Super Sporting Class Champion.
TEDCO Racing’s Brendon Lim, who was 3rd in Race 1, Super Sporting Class & Season 2 Sporting Class Champion (TEDCO Racing) noted that car set-up is vital. “Depending on your driving style, the set-up of the car’s camber, toe and tyre pressure is critical to getting the best performance out of the car over a race weekend. Tyre pressure is the most important,” he explained. Of course, whatever adjustments made have to be within the provisions of the regulations and every car is inspected before and after the race.
Quicker times this year
Kenneth Koh of the Panglima City Racing Team can confirm it is better in terms of handling. “The chassis is stiffer and together with better suspension, almost all the drivers posted quicker times in Kuala Terengganu. I was 1.5 seconds quicker in the first unofficial practice session and during the shakedown at Sepang International Circuit, my time was 3 seconds faster. There are a lot of improvements in the car, the car is very different, and it is a lot easier to handle. We also have a lot more grip from this season’s tyres,” he added.
Definitely the biggest strength in the new car is in the more rigid chassis and the suspension which is more firm this season. “We experienced a lot more flex in the older generation car, especially when you hit a kerb on the track but with the new car, it was firm and planted. Our times are also a lot quicker, and I believe this also has something to do with the newer tyres which offer a lot more grip. My qualifying time was half a second faster compared to last season on the same track,” observed William Ho, Super Sporting Class & Season 1 runner-up (Toyotsu Racing).
Set-up will be crucial in Season 3
“The new car has definitely improved, in terms of suspension, brakes, and traction. The biggest challenge last season was fighting for more traction and getting the right balance between getting brake bite and grip. This season is going to be about the driver’s ability to set-up the car well,” said Kenny Lee, one of the drivers in the Super Sporting Class supported by Kegani Racing. It’s amazing how the car reacts better with just minor changes. Understanding the characteristics of the suspension and tyres, as well as depending on the driving style of the driver.”
“We definitely have better grip from the tyres this season. There is also more bite from the car’s LSD. Setting-up the car will also be very important this season. Those who are able to set-up the car to minimize the understeer should be able to be a lot faster on the track. Experiencing understeer means you cannot accelerate because that would just send you into the concrete safety barrier. It’s better to have oversteer because the rear will just point the car in the direction you want and you can immediately be on the accelerator,” explained Syafiq Ali, a Super Sporting Class competitor with the M7 Japan Project Team.
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