Toyota continued its winning streak at Le Mans with another victory this weekend, its third successive one in the classic 24-hour endurance race. Kazuki Nakajima was at the wheel of the No. 8 Toyota GAZOO Racing TS050 HYBRID as team mates Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley watched him take the chequered flag after 387 laps.
From No.7 to No.8
The early lead was maintained by Kamui Kobayashi, partnered by Mike Conway and Jose Maria Lopez, in the No. 7 Toyota. However, midway through the race, the car had a turbo problem and the No.8 car quickly moved to take over at the front.
Second overall was Rebellion Racing’s Gibson R-13 driven by the trio of Bruno Senna, Norman Nato and Gustavo Menezes. It was one of two cars from the Swiss team which shadowed the No.8 Toyota, waiting for the car to drop out which, of course, didn’t happen.
LMP1 and GTE winners
While Toyota won the LMP1 category, the LMP2 category was won by the United Autosports Team with an Oreca-Gibson crewed by Paul di Resta, Philip Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque. They finished fifth overall after the No.3 car of Rebellion Racing.
Aston Martin Racing won the FIA GT Manufacturers Championship as the No.97 Aston Martin Vantage AMR finished tops in the GTE Pro class and the #90 TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage AMR collect the trophy for the GTE Am class.
This year’s Le Mans race, the 88th edition since starting in 1923, is the last one before the new Hypercar era starts for the next season. Sadly, the spectator stands were empty as French authorities did not allow large crowds due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2019-2020 WEC season has one more round remaining which will be held in Bahrain on November 14.
Toyota’s GR Super Sport hypercar returned to its spiritual home this weekend to appear in public for the first time, as part of its ongoing development process, shortly before the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Based on the 2-time Le Mans-winning TS050 HYBRID racing car and covered in GR camouflage livery, the car completed a demonstration lap before arriving at a ceremony to return the Le Mans trophy for this year’s race.Besides the win at Le Mans, Toyota GAZOO Racing also won the Rally Turkey this weekend.
♦ It should be noted that the sales volume shown for August does not indicate the Total Industry Volume (TIV) as some companies have chosen not to share their data on a monthly basis and will only do so on a quarterly basis.
♦ Although the August sales volume was 8% lower than July’s, the government’s Sales Tax exemption incentive continued to help boost sales as the same month in 2019 registered 3% lower sales.
♦ Cumulative sales after 8 months have reached 285,045 units, 28% lower than for the same period in 2019 but a slightly narrower gap compared to the January – July period for both years.
♦ To achieve the MAA’s 470,000-unit forecast for 2020, the industry must sell an average of 46,238 units in the remaining 4 months. The 52,800 units sold in August were therefore above that level but can high volumes be sustained till the end of the year?
♦ Production rose again as the plants could resume normal production capabilities and respond to the increased demand. The output rose by 5.4% to 50,228 units which comprised 47,934 passenger vehicles and 2,294 commercial vehicles. However, the loss of almost 3 months of production has put the cumulative output 31% behind that of 2019 in the same 8-month period.
With an investment of over RM15 million, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles and parts in Malaysia, has built the largest 3S Porsche Centre within a single facility in the Porsche Asia-Pacific region. Officially opened recently, the flagship facility known as Porsche Centre Ara Damansara is the third brand new dealership facility established by SDAP in its 10 years representing the brand in this country.
The Porsche Centre Ara Damansara occupies a cumulative built-up area of 12,102 square metres which includes 8,000 square metres of working space across 5 levels, with two showroom floors, two service and workshop levels and the importer office.
Showroom on two floors
The new facility is designed to deliver a best-in-class retail experience for customers and enthusiasts alike. The showroom areas on two floors, connected by escalators, can showcase up to 26 models. Porsche owners and fans will be able to purchase accessories and equipment at the ‘shop-in-shop’ featuring the latest collection of Porsche Driver’s Selection.
The service workshop operates on the second and third floors and has 21 service bays, with frameless telescopic oil hydraulic lifts being used. The Aftersales reception area comprises 4 dialogue bays, air-conditioned for better comfort
Motorsports Zone
There is also a dedicated Motorsports Zone, the first of its kind not only in Malaysia, but globally. Besides showcasing classic and modern Porsche racing cars, there are racing simulators for visitors to experience a virtual drive on a variety of circuits. Personal coaching with a trained instructor is also available for owners.
High-performance chargers
To prepare for the new era of electromobility, SDAP has installed Direct Current (DC) high-performance chargers for customers at all Porsche Centres. These 175 kW chargers are currently the fastest in the country and can fully charge the battery pack of the new Taycan within 36 minutes under optimal conditions.
Owners of the new Taycan all-electric sportscar will be able to get their cars charged within 36 minutes using the high-performance chargers at the facility.
“A central part of the new concept is to create a unique brand experience and a gathering place for our Porsche community, appealing to existing and new customers,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance. ”Strategically located within the newly built Sime Darby Motors City complex of Ara Damansara in Selangor, this latest addition to the Porsche dealer network signals the commitment of SDAP and Sime Darby Motors, as well as Porsche Asia Pacific, to ensure a best-in-class experience for customers and enthusiasts alike.”
This weekend sees the running of the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was originally scheduled for its usual date in June but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On this weekend too, Peugeot and TOTAL officially commence their Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) project. This will see a new racing car, developed to new regulations, for the top tier endurance category.
“Le Mans is the holy grail of the automobile world,” said Jean Philippe Imparato, Peugeot brand CEO. “It is the race who determines its winner. For us, this represents 3 victories but also the endless sweat, tears and joy and an incredible team spirit with TOTAL, with whom we celebrate 25 years of collaboration.”
“The Le Mans Hypercar project provides us possibilities for joint development on the entire energy system of the car. We can work on the efficiency of our fuels – for all the competitors, as the exclusive supplier- or for the lube, specifically designed for hybrid vehicles. It will also allow TOTAL and SAFT to study new battery solutions alongside Peugeot,” said Philippe Montanteme, TOTAL’s Strategy/Marketing & Research Director.
The choice of the LMH category was dictated by several criteria, one being that of a certain aerodynamic freedom. This makes it possible to incorporate, with the support of Peugeot Design, the aesthetic detail of the brand. Draft sketches have already been prepared which show the first design thoughts and verify the fundamental required elements, particularly in terms of dimensions.
The hypercar specifications
After various phases of studies for the general structure, the aerodynamic concept and the choice of engine architecture will come the final decision of the electrical framework. This will lead to development of the hybrid powertrain that can generate 500 kW.
“The hypercar will have 4-wheel drive, equipped – as required by the regulations – with an electric motor and a maximum power of 200 kW on the front axle. The total power level will be identical to that of a 100% thermal 2-wheel drive car (500 kW or approximately 680 ps) that will be distributed between the 2 axles. In comparison with what we currently know in LMP1, the car will be heavier so as to be compatible with road vehicles. It will also be longer and slightly wider,” revealed Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director WEC program at Peugeot Sport which will be involved.
“This regulation is also different because it incorporates ‘BoP’ or ‘Balance of Performance’. It certainly sets limits, but also allows room for many technical possibilities in our development, specifically on the general shape, as long as a certain overall aerodynamic efficiency is not exceeded. This will be measured in a 1:1 scale wind tunnel and which will be part of the BOP,” explained Jansonnie.
Debut in 2022
He added that the aerodynamic concept has been confirmed, engine framework has been decided and the functionality of the hybrid system and its fundamental design are chosen. “We still have several steps left before our debut in endurance in 2022,” he said.
Peugeot is no stranger to Le Mans and endurance racing, having successfully competed with the 908 turbodiesel in earlier years. It stopped participation suddenly after 2011 due to a decline in sales as the company needed to conserve resources on the launch of new models.
“This category unites our entire company and all of our entities, with features and technologies similar to those of our production cars. We are coming back to endurance racing because we have the opportunity to work the sport in a different way, with the hybridization of petrol and electricity. Peugeot Sport is changing its identity and launching its label of electrified high-performance vehicles. This endurance program allows us to integrate ourselves fully into the transition of energies,” declared Imparato.
Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA and also a racing driver, will be the official starter of the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans race today. He will be in a Peugeot 908 which the brand used in endurance racing between 2007 and 2011.
Not everyone will be able to own a Lamborghini as it requires a lot of money to acquire one (an understatement, of course). But many should be able to afford €34.99 (about RM170) for the Lamborghini Huracan EVO created through a collaboration between Automobili Lamborghini and Ravensburger.
108 pieces in faithful detail
This supercar comes in the form of a 3D jigsaw puzzle which Lamborghini enthusiasts can assemble into the Huracan EVO car in a 1:18 scale. Ravensburger, a leading games and recreation brand from Germany, has replicated its dynamic lines and sophisticated aerodynamic styling,
Workers at the Lamborghini factory have to assemble thousands of parts to make a Huracan EVO but you just need to put together 108 plastic pieces which are numbered for easier identification.
Every detail is faithful to the real car, from the Y-style front bumper and Y-shape in the headlights, to the hexagonal details found throughout the car and the original Arancio Xanto orange colour of Lamborghini cars. The completed car can be mounted onto a replica chassis.
The finished model, with the distinctive Lamborghini design DNA evident in its low-slung profile, measures 26 cm in length. Distinctive finishing touches are realized by the 32 high-quality feature accessories, such as the axles and four rotating wheels that faithfully replicate the Aesir rims found on the real car, along with front splitter and rear diffuser.
A full-sized Huracan EVO costs around RM1.15 million.
Most successful V10 Lambo
The Huracan line began in 2014 and then became the Huracan EVO from 2019. It is the evolution of the most successful V10-powered Lamborghini ever. Its 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine, with titanium intake valves, produces 640 bhp/600 Nm and with a dry weight of 1,422 kgs, the Huracan EVO has a weight‑to‑power ratio of 2.22 kgs/bhp. It is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 325 km/h.
As Ferrari’s first series production PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the SF90 Stradale marks the beginning of a whole new chapter in the company’s history.
‘SF90’ is a reference to the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Scuderia Ferrari and ‘Stradale’, which translates to ‘road’, underscores the distinct link that has always existed between Ferrari’s track and road cars.
From a stylistic perspective, it completely rewrites the mid-rear-engined sports berlinetta proportions introduced on the 360 Modena 20 years ago.
Ferrari has successfully taken on the challenge of combining conventional and electrical power sources with its first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, once again drawing upon its advanced technology from the track and making it applicable for the road.
The new model delivers unprecedented performance for a production car, with figures such as 1,000 ps, and a weight-to-power ratio of 1.57 kg/ps, with 390 kgs of downforce at 250 km/h.
The 90° V8 turbo 3990 cc engine delivers 780 ps (the highest power output of any 8-cylinder in Ferrari history), with the remaining 220 ps from 3 electric motors.
The SF90 Stradale is the first Ferrari sportscar to be equipped with 4WD, a step necessary to allow the incredible power unleashed by the hybrid powertrain to be fully exploited. With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, its claimed 0-100 km/h time is 2.5 sec and 0-200 km/h is 6.7 seconds.
As well as exclusively providing propulsion in electric drive, the two front motors independently control the torque delivered to the two wheels, extending the concept of Torque Vectoring.
A major innovation within is the steering wheel which now has a touchpad and a series of haptic buttons that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just their thumbs. The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16-inch curved HD screen which can be fully configured and controlled using the controls on the steering wheel.
To own this Ferrari will require more than RM1,908,000 as the figure does not include duties, insurance and other taxes.
Electrically-powered cars have been in the news more and more in recent years but they have actually been around since the 1800s. In fact, between 1900 and 1912, a third of all vehicles on US roads were powered by electricity, However, when the internal combustion engine (ICE) improved in reliability and performance, electric cars were pushed into extinction as their performance stagnated. After the 1930s, there was little interest in such cars.
It would not be until the 21st century began that pure electric cars would make a comeback, although the hybrid powertrain which used an electric motor with an ICE debuted just as the 20th century was ending. The electrification of cars got underway and this decade will see a surge of models appearing as a number of companies have them in final stages of development.
The early electric cars have had limited performance which raised the question of whether one of the elements of driving pleasure – high performance – would eventually be lost. Hybrid technology advanced a lot and showed that it was possible to have electrification and high performance – but that still included a ICE. What about a pure electric propulsion system?
Full electric but with Porsche DNA
With the new Taycan, launched today in Malaysia by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) , Porsche shows that high performance need not be lost just because of electrification. Just as its engineers made sure that when the company introduced its first SUV, it would still have the dynamics of a sportscar and the character of a Porsche, they also made sure that the brand’s first all-electric car would do justice to the name ‘Porsche’.
Actually, an electrified car is not entirely new to Porsche and with much attention given to the pioneering Toyota Prius hybrid, and Nissan LEAF and Tesla electric cars, the company reminded the world that Dr. Ferdinand Porsche designed what can be considered the world’s first hybrid powerplant for a car back in the late 1890s. And it was even produced until 1915 although only a small number of cars were actually sold.
Advanced battery technology
100 years later, automotive technology has of course progressed greatly, along with the technologies more specific to electric cars, such as battery technology. Porsche has stayed at the forefront of the technological envelope and used the latest hardware for the Taycan which began as the Mission E concept 5 years ago.
For example, the Taycan is the first production electric vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts, instead of the usual 400 volts. This is a particular advantage for owners while on the move as full recharging of the lithium-ion battery pack can be done in just over 36 minutes. However, this requires a 175 kW direct current (DC) charger.
Recharging port is behind a flap on the front fender.
The overall capacity of the Performance Battery Plus is 93.4 kWh and can conduct higher currents, thus speeding up the charging process significantly. Taycan drivers can also charge their cars with up to 11 kW of alternating current (AC) at home using the Porsche Mobile Charger Plus kit. The car can also be recharged at public charging stations, some of which do have the DC facility.
Those who are close enough to a Porsche Centre in Malaysia can get free use of the DC chargers installed at each location. During the charging time of around half an hour, the owner can enjoy a cup of coffee at the lounge or even do some work.
Porsche performance levels
Energy from the battery pack, located under the middle of the car, powers the electric motors which can generate up to 560 kW (761 ps) overboost power in combination with Launch Control in the flagship Taycan Turbo S, and up to 500 kW (680 ps) in the Taycan Turbo. If you wonder why ‘Turbo’ is used when there is no turbocharger, it’s just Porsche’s way of providing a sort of reference point to the relative performance levels of the models.
There’s also a third model – the Taycan 4S – which has a standard Performance Battery. This gives a performance level of up to 390 kW (530 ps) via overboost power in conjunction with Launch Control. It can be increased to a maximum of 420 kW (571 ps) with the optional Performance Battery Plus.
As would be expected, the performance numbers reflect the high torque characteristic that electric motors generate from almost standstill. The Taycan Turbo S, with 1,050 Nm of torque will go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.8 seconds while the Taycan Turbo, with 850 Nm, does the same run in 3.2 seconds. The Taycan 4S is no slowpoke either and will still do 0 to 100 km/h within 4 seconds and get up to 250 km/h.
The profile of the driving modes essentially follows the same philosophy as in other Porsche models. This is supplemented by special settings which enable optimum use of the electric drive. Sport Plus and Individual modes are part of the Sport Chrono Package, which comes as standard on the Taycan Turbo S.
So in as far as straightline performance is concerned, these Porsches can provide the same adrenalin rush as their ICE brothers. However, the feeling won’t be the same with the electric motors being smoother as there isn’t that distant reverberation from reciprocating pistons that can be discerned through the steering wheel and pedals.
Perhaps Porsche engineers are working on creating some sort of ‘classic feel’ but for now, there is the Porsche Electric Sport Sound. This is basically a sound clip that comes on during acceleration, adding a sense of ‘drama’ in spite of the electric whine. In some markets, it’s an optional feature but SDAP has specified it as standard for all the Taycan models.
How far can you go?
What about range? This is something that is on the minds of most people who consider an electric car because you can’t just pull into a station to get extra volts when you need them. The recharging network is growing but nowhere close in coverage to the petrol station network which is the product of over 100 years.
Just like the ICE Porsches, the more powerful the car, the less range it will have (and how the car is driven is still a factor). In this case, the range is dependent on the capacity of the battery pack. The 79.2-kWh battery pack of the Taycan 4S can last for a claimed range of 408 kms and if the owner installs the Performance Battery Plus upgrade with about 18% more capacity, the range can be extended another 55 kms. The more expensive Taycan Turbo and Turbo S come with the 93.4-kWh battery pack and for the former, the range is claimed to be up to 452 kms while for the latter, it’s between 390 and 416 kms.
While the ICE is non-existent, there are still many elements of the Taycan which are still ‘conventional’ and familiar. Around the chassis, there’s still adaptive air suspension with 3-chamber air springs and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The double wishbone front axle and multi-link rear axle are of aluminium and at each wheel are Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake discs.
Futuristic look but still familiar
While Toyota sought to make an impact with a ‘futuristic look’ for the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, Porsche’s designers have given their first all-electric model a blend of a familiar form with some advanced styling elements. We were already given a preview with the Mission E concept in 2015 and many of the ideas of designer Mitja Borkert have been retained.
The traditional Porsche form (with a Cd of 0.25) is evident, with the Panamera coming to mind. The LED matrix headlights which form a visual unit with the air curtains, provide a futuristic touch. The 4-point daytime running lights that are typical of the brand are flatter and wider than any other Porsche.
The lighting technology includes PDLS Plus where the matrix deactivates segments of the permanent high beam cone in a targeted way. 84 individually controlled LEDs can be adjusted as required by switching off or being dimmed so specific areas ahead can be fully illuminated.
Look of 1963 – as well as tomorrow
As with the exterior, the designers also gave the interior a familiar look and feel. They even looked to the original 911 from 1963 for inspiration when designing the dashboard. The freestanding 16.9-inch curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard while a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look and provides the ‘look of tomorrow’.
All user interfaces have been completely re-designed for the Taycan. The number of traditional hardware controls, such as switches and buttons, have been greatly reduced. Instead, control is intelligent and intuitive – via touch operation or voice control.
Sustainability is a big thing in manufacturing today and the sustainable concept of the electric sports car is promoted by offering an entire leather-free interior standard for the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo (option for the Taycan 4S). The upholstery uses Race-Tex microfibre, a textile partly made from recycled polyester fibres while the flooring is of Econyl recycled fibre, made from recycled fishing nets.
As safe as any Porsche
Needless to say, all the active safety systems are provided and there are up to 8 airbags around the cabin to cushion the occupants from serious injuries. The Taycan has already been tested by EuroNCAP which gave it a maximum score of 5 stars. While the lightweight bodywork structure is conventional in one sense, it has also had to take into consideration the presence of the high-voltage battery pack which is cleverly integrated into the bodyshell structure.
The crash sensors of the Taycan were developed to meet the specific requirements of electric vehicles. Additional sensors are therefore used to reliably disconnect high-voltage equipment in the event of a crash. Also in the event of an accident where the airbag is deployed, the battery connection to the vehicle is disconnected as a precaution so that no voltage is live.
First deliveries in 2021
Prices for the Taycan start from RM725,000 for the Taycan 4S, RM999,000 for the Taycan Turbo, and RM1,195,000 for the Taycan Turbo S – all with applicable taxes but without insurance. Unfortunately, you will have to pay the full sales tax as the first deliveries can only start from the first quarter of 2021, after the expiry of the exemption period.
Click here to find out more about Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar.
The new McLaren 765LT has landed in Malaysia, making its local debut today at the McLaren Kuala Lumpur showroom in Glenmarie.
It is undoubtedly a very special car because for a car enthusiast, it represents everything a hypercar should be – dramatic, powerful and very clever.
Lets get one thing out of the way first before going further – the LT in its name stands for Longtail. McLaren has a long history of creating Longtails that goes back all the way to 1995 when the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail was introduced to race in the FIA GT Championship.
Over the next decade, the F1 GTR Longtail competed in about 120 races and won 38 of those races. Race fans will also know that the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail also competed in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
But here’s the curve ball – McLaren now says that the LT now means a step up in performance and does not simply mean that it has a longer tail. It is the same as Ferrari introducing a Speciale or Lamborghini introducing a Performante. It is basically the more hardcore version of the car it is based on.
Talking about cars to be based on – the new 765LT is based on the 720S.
It is both longer and lighter than the base car, and it also uses advanced electronics to create 25% more downforce than the 720S. And as the name suggests, it puts out a staggering 765 horsepower.
The 765LT weighs 80kg’s less than the 720S, and if you want ultimate performance, you can tell McLaren to throw out the air-conditioning, rip out the carpet, and ditch the audio system. In completely dry form the LT weighs just 1229kg.
At the heart of it all is a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that catapults the car to 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds. 200km/h takes just 7.2 seconds.
With great acceleration comes great stopping power, and so the 765LT borrows its braking power from the other incredible car it created not too long ago – the McLaren Senna. The brakes from the Senna feature Formula-One style cooling ducts to keep the roots from overheating, and so you can rest assured that the brakes will never fail on you after a heavy track day.
Mclaren is a bespoke hypercar manufacturer, and with that comes a level of customisation not seen in other supercars. So you can basically have your Mclaren any way you want it, the only limitation being the depths of your pocket.
Only 765 units of the 765LT will be built and 10 have been made it to Malaysia – and all have already been sold. Price is at RM1,488,000 before taxes and options. We estimate price with taxes and options to be at over RM3,000,000.
Car dealerships used to start off just as small showrooms selling just new cars, while the aftersales aspect was elsewhere or left to another party also involved in the same brand which had a service centre. However, as the profit from just selling cars alone is not significant, dealerships have expanded their scope of services to include aftersales service, preferably at one location for customer convenience.
Unitedstar Corporation Sdn Bhd, an authorised Toyota dealership located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has evolved in such a manner since beginning its business with the brand 15 years ago. Today, its outlet in the Taman Mayang area has been upgraded and offers both sales and aftersales services.
Toyota dealer for 15 years
“Unitedstar Corporation has been an authorised Toyota dealership since 2005, with just a showroom for sales at Aman Suria, Damansara followed by new 3S centre at Taman Nilai Perdana, Seremban in 2019. UMW Toyota Motor is pleased to see that the success and growth of the business has led to this upgrading. Broadening their scope of services to customers is in line with our “Customer First” philosophy,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
The upgraded outlet is located in close proximity to large local communities and commercial growth areas. Its fully equipped service centre has 10 bays to provide efficient and speedy servicing daily. There are around 20 personnel who have received specific training to maintain Toyota vehicles and keep them in tip-top condition.
“This modern and inviting dealership reflects Toyota’s high standards in customer care. Throughout the world, Toyota dealers give priority to providing the best possible experience, including the highest standard of aftersales services,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman, UMW Toyota Motor.
To locate Toyota showrooms or service centre in Malaysia, visit toyota.com.my.
