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2021 Ariya crossover SUV takes Nissan further along the EV road

Nissan may be buffeted by financial problems at this time but new products still need to get into the market and even though the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed things down, the carmaker is continuing on the road forward.

That road is one which requires electric vehicles (EVs) and Nissan is ready with the all-new Ariya, a crossover SUV which, like the successful LEAF, is powered only by electricity. Introduced online to a global audience today from the new Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, Japan, the Ariya will be priced at around 5 million yen (about RM200,000). It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in mid-2021, with exports starting by the end of next year to Europe, North America and China.

“The Nissan Ariya is a truly beautiful and remarkable car,” said Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer, Ashwani Gupta. “It enables you to go further, easier and in comfort. The Ariya is designed to impress, and to express what Nissan strives for – making our customers’ lives better.”

New electrified brand identity
The Ariya is heavily based on the similarly-named concept vehicle displayed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show although the first design ideas started with the IMx at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The first production model to represent Nissan’s new electrified brand identity, it utilizes an all-new Alliance-developed EV platform.

The styling adopts the company’s new design philosophy which is based on what Nissan calls ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’ – a distinctive Japanese approach conveyed in a simple-yet-powerfully modern way. Embracing the Japanese term ‘iki’, which characterizes the Ariya’s chic, cutting-edge nature, the front of the vehicle appears seamless, elegant and fresh.

It’s highlighted by a shield – a new term for the traditional grille for the EV era. The shield, incorporating a 3-D, traditional Japanese kumiko pattern just under the smooth surface, protects sensing equipment used for ProPILOT functions and Intelligent Key detection without the aesthetics interrupting operation.

Redesigned brand logo
Nissan’s brand logo, which has been redesigned, is prominently placed at the centre of this aerodynamic shield, beaming with crisp definition from the 20 LEDs that compose it. The lower section of the shield is bordered by subtle lighting that illuminates, along with the logo, when the Ariya is ready for operation. Thin LED headlamps, constructed with four 20-mm mini-projectors, are combined with sequential turn signals to reinvent Nissan’s signature V-motion design.

When viewed from the side, the Ariya has a single, uninterrupted horizon line that stretches across the side profile, linking the front fascia and the rear, conveys linear movement, creating architectural beauty in tension and drama from every angle.

The rear of the Ariya characterized by a steeply raked C-pillar that blends into the rear deck. The one-piece light blade, representing the rear combination lamps, has been engineered to give a black-out effect when parked, and a consistent red illumination, day or night, when in use. Rear fender flares and a high-mounted rear wing signal the Ariya’s powerful EV capabilities.

2WD and AWD, with two battery pack sizes
Building on Nissan’s strength as an EV pioneer, the Ariya is said to ‘take the powerful performance and capabilities of zero-emission vehicles to a new level’. Four core models are offered with choices of 2-wheel-drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Using peak 130 kW charging, the Ariya can recover up to 375 kms with a 30-minute quick charge using Japan’s CHAdeMO charging system.

The Ariya 2WD can be ordered with 63 kWh of usable battery capacity which is suitable for urban commuters, or a larger battery pack with 87 kWh which can provide additional range. The Ariya with the smaller battery pack has an output of 168 kW while the bigger one has 178 kW, with torque from standstill at 300 Nm for both versions. Factory testing has achieved up to 610 kms on a fully charged battery pack.

Like the 2WD variant, the Ariya AWD also has two choices of battery pack capacities – 63 kWh and 87 kWh. Output is 250 kW/560 Nm for the 63-kWh version and 290 kW/600 M, for the bigger battery pack. The latter has a top speed claim of 200 km/h.

With e-4ORCE AWD control technology and twin electric motors, Nissan claims it can deliver balanced, predictable power to all four wheels, equal to or better than many premium sportscars.

Vehicle pitch and dive are minimized by adding regenerative rear-motor braking to the usual front-motor regenerative braking employed by typical EV and hybrid systems today. In addition to optimizing front and rear torque allocation, the system applies independent brake control at each of the four wheels to maximize the cornering force generated by each one. This delivers cornering that faithfully follows driver intentions with minimal steering adjustments.

“By taking advantage of e-4ORCE’s precise motor control response, we’re able to control vehicle motion as soon as the brakes are applied for a stable, smooth ride,” said Ryozo Hiraku, expert leader of Nissan’s powertrain and EV engineering division.

Most technologically advanced Nissan car
The Ariya is also the most technologically advanced Nissan car to date, especially with its ProPILOT 2.0 advanced driver assistance system and ProPILOT Remote Park and e-Pedal features.

The e-Pedal, first introduced in the LEAF, allows the driver to launch, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. It works by initiating the electric motor to start the deceleration process of the vehicle when easing off the accelerator pedal. On low-traction surfaces, the brakes are applied simultaneously with the motor, allowing all four wheels to safely slow down the vehicle. On models equipped with e-4ORCE, regenerative torque is distributed not only to the front wheels, but also the rear.

Also standard across the Ariya line-up is Nissan’s Safety Shield system. This includes Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking technology.

‘Like a cafe lounge on a starship’
The interior is described as being more akin to a sleek cafe lounge on a starship, evoking performance and intrigue, than to a traditional automotive cabin. The advantages provided by the new EV platform enabled the interior designers to create the most spacious cabin in its class.

This is also helped by the compact nature of the powertrain components which made it possible for the engineers to install the climate control system under the bonnet (where a traditional gasoline engine would be). This meant that the whole length of the cabin could be utilized without obstructions, such as a transmission tunnel or cabin systems tucked under the instrument panel.

Also, a flat, open floor – made possible by the location of the battery at the base of the chassis – and the Ariya’s slim profile Zero Gravity seats result in vast amounts of legroom and easy interaction between front and rear passengers.

The Ariya’s minimalist dashboard has no buttons and switches, something which is unique. The primary climate control functions are integrated into the wooden centre dash in the form of capacitive haptic switches that offer the same feeling as mechanical switches by vibrating when touched.

The display interface features both a 12.3-inch instrument monitor and 12.3-inch centre display along a single horizon. By displaying multiple facets of information on one horizontal plane, information can be quickly digested without the driver being distracted from the road. The two displays are oriented in a wave-like shape to ensure important vehicle information, such as battery information, range and navigation, can be easily reached and scrolled through with a simple swipe.

Related story: Why Nissan designers avoided the tablet in yhe Ariya Concept

The Ariya is the first Nissan model which can received firmware updates over the air using Remote Software Upgrade. The technology automatically updates various software inside the vehicle, making it unnecessary for the owner to take the car to a service centre. With periodic real-time updates, the Ariya will always be able to operate at its full potential.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ARIYA
Overall length – 4595 mm
Overall width – 1850 mm
Overall height – 1655 mm
Wheelbase – 2775 mm
Kerb weight – 1,900 kgs to 2,200 kgs

The Ariya will only go on sale in 2021 and only in Japan and certain regions, and Malaysia is not included. However, you can own a fully electric EV now as the Nissan LEAF is available in Malaysia. Visit www.nissan.com.my to find out where you can get the EV experience.

Nissan IMk concept EV – the perfect city car of the future? (w/VIDEO)

Power boost for latest Toyota GR Supra

As the first global model to be developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing, the Toyota GR Supra has made an impact wherever it has been launched, including Malaysia. Besides drawing on Toyota’s sportscar heritage, the fifth generation in the legendary nameplate also has advanced powertrain, chassis and safety technologies.

In the spirit of Kaizen (Japanese for ‘constant improvement’), the latest GR Supra has received upgrades which further extend its capabilities. Specifically, the 3-litre engine has additional output which should deliver better performance numbers.

The upgrades centre around the turbocharged inline-six engine which now delivers 388 ps of power at between 5800 and 6500 rpm, an increase of 14% compared to the output when the model was originally launched.

Maximum torque remains at 500 Nm, but peaks through a slightly wider range of 1800 rpm – 5000 rpm instead of 1600 rpm to 4500 rpm.

The engineers increased the power output not just by tuning but also added a new dual-branch exhaust manifold with 6 ports (instead of two), which improves heat management. A new piston design also reduces the engine’s compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.

The improved engine with the torque band raised retains the eagerness to rev to the redline. With the standard 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is said to be 2/10ths of a second quicker, or a claimed 4.1 seconds from 4.3 seconds.

Complementing the extra power are some chassis improvements aimed at increasing roll resistance and enhanced cornering stability. Taking note of feedback from owner in the time that the car has been in the market, the latest GR Supra has received chassis retuning with a new Performance Rod added to increase lateral rigidity.

Apart from the fitment of red-coloured brake calipers with the Supra logo at the front, other technical specifications and features remain the same. Standard with the GR Supra are the Adaptive Variable Suspension and Electronically-Controlled Limited-Slip Differential.

There are seven colour choices customers can select from, but the Deep Blue Metallic exterior finish is no longer available. The available colours are Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow, White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Matte Storm Grey Metallic.

To enable its drivers to take the car to its limits safely, advanced technologies are used. These technologies include a variety of active systems which work together to assist the driver when necessary. Additionally, there are features like a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Intelligent Parking Sensor with Emergency Braking Function and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The standard interior features of the GR Supra include a head-Up Display, memory function for the power seat and JBL audio system with 12 speakers situated around the cabin.

Priced from RM589,987 (with sales tax exemption and without insurance) and RM611,880 (without sales tax exemption and without insurance), the new GR Supra is now available for booking from selected authorised Toyota GR Garage showrooms nationwide.

Visit toyota.com.my for more information or to locate a GR Garage showroom in Malaysia.

GR Heritage Parts project to reproduce Toyota Supra parts for sale

Another new Honda 3S Centre added to network in central region

The Klang Valley has a high concentration of vehicles, many of which are Hondas and over the years, Honda Malaysia has been expanding its dealer network to minimise distances owners and customers have to go to find an authorised dealership to buy a Honda or to have their vehicle serviced.

Recently, the network gained another 3S outlet in Shah Alam, Selangor, which is the 28th Honda 3S Centre in the company’s Central region. The new outlet, operated by Elmina Motors, is strategically located with easy access via Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), North-South Expressway (NSE) and the upcoming Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH).

Elmina Motors invested RM21.8 million in the new Honda 3S Centre which sits on an 85,377 sq. foot property. As a 3S centre, it offers complete sales and after-sales services to customers. Its service centre has 20 bays with specialised areas for jobs involving tyres and air-conditioning and electrical systems.

The facility meets Honda standards in all aspects and customers can also enjoy a variety of amenities such as comfortable lounges and complimentary wifi services. There is also free flow of food and beverages in the pantry area and a Kid’s Corner but these two areas are temporarily closed in view of the current RMCO (Recovery Movement Control Order) situation. All Honda dealerships adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures.

A surau is also available, along with car wash services and roadtax/insurance coverage renewal services.

“In view of the government’s strategies in resuming businesses, we believe the new Honda 3S Centre will contribute to Honda Malaysia’s effort to support the nation’s economy. The timing is opportune as it also provides another conveniently-located Honda showroom for customers to visit and test drive any Honda model, especially the three exciting models that we launched this year – the All-New Accord, New Civic and New BR-V. This is even more impeccable with the price reductions for Honda models after the announcement of the sales tax exemption by the government of Malaysia,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

Mr. Ishiyama believes the opening of the new Honda 3S Centre can support the increase in after-sales service intakes in the Selangor area. In 2019, the company recorded more than 647,100 service intakes in the Central region, a 5.4% increase from the service intakes in 2018.

“With such encouraging growth, Honda Malaysia is continuously working hard to improve in order to provide excellent after-sales services to further elevate customer satisfaction,” he said.

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

Ford brings back the Bronco, the original small SUV

Five years before the Suzuki Jimny and long before the Suzuki Vitara, Ford was already selling a small SUV. It was called the Bronco and appeared in the market in 1965, a time when Ford was still creating excitement with the Mustang that had been launched a year earlier. Although Americans love their vehicles big, the small (for that market) Bronco found a niche for itself and went through 5 generations until 1996 when production of the model ceased,

Today, with strong demand for smaller SUVs, Ford is getting in on the action with a new Bronco. Of course, it is a totally different vehicle from the original and where the Bronco name only referred to the model, Ford is now using it as a brand name for a family of SUVs.

“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4×4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer. “They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA.”

To go on sale in early 2021, the Bronco family comes in two sizes with 2-door and 4-door variants – a larger one and a smaller compact model that differentiated with ‘Sport’ added as a suffix. But both models have all the necessary systems and engineering to give them extensive off-road capability that justifies using the G.O.A.T. – for ‘Goes Over Any Terrain’ – nickname which the original Bronco had.

However, where the earlier generations used mostly mechanical systems, the latest one has many electrical, computer-managed systems that make driving on rough terrain easier and safer. The Terrain Management System with ‘G.O.A.T. Modes’ (probably something Ford engineers learnt when Land Rover was in the Ford group) has 7 driver-selectable modes to customise traction and engine systems for optimum performance over different surface conditions, to boost acceleration or even to economise on fuel. In Rock Crawl mode, the electronic power steering system is calibrated to provide more precise control and help reduce steering wheel disturbance during low-speed manoeuvres over rocky terrain.

“Bronco has the toughness and smarts to help turn off-road novices into 4×4 pros,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s Chief Product Development & Purchasing Officer. “Bronco embraces the needs of outdoor enthusiasts – every inch of it was designed and engineered with weekend adventurers in mind.”

2021 Ford Bronco — *Tough steel chassis for the roughest off-road driving*

The 4×4 systems are available in standard set-up and advanced. The standard system utilizes a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a 2-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain are available if customers want them.

Other driver assistance technologies include a Trail Toolbox which ‘elevates’ the off-road experience for Bronco. Trail Control provides cruise control for low-speed trail driving (up to 33 km/h forward and about 10 km/h in reverse). Trail Turn Assist tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring. The innovative Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control makes for more precise and confident slow-mode rock crawling.

EcoBoost powertrains
Two EcoBoost engines are available with displacements of 2.3 litres and 2.7 litres. The smaller 4-cylinder engine has outputs of 270 bhp/420 Nm while the larger twin-turbo V6 generates 310 bhp/ 542 Nm. There’s a choice of a Getrag 7-speed (6 + 1 ‘crawler gear’) manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid powertrain is in the product plan as well.

*One of the EcoBoost engines available.*

For the Bronco Sport, there’s a 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces 245 bhp/ 373 Nm and also a 1.5-litre EcoBoost unit with 181 bhp/258 Nm. Perhaps these two powertrains will be offered in export markets but at this time, Ford has not mentioned selling the Bronco outside North America and it’s uncertain if there will even be a righthand drive variant. They’ve lost interest in the Southeast Asian markets where there could be a potentially big volume, letting only the Ranger soldier on for the brand.

Every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension and at the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with 5 locating links. Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are optionally available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.

Also available is a semi-active hydraulic stabilizer bar disconnect design which provides maximum articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain. This innovative system works by disconnecting during articulation; it can reconnect automatically under all conditions to improve steering and stability at higher speeds.

Ford claims segment-leading levels of off-road capability for the Bronco with 300 mm of ground clearance and water-crossing capability up to a depth of 850 mm. There’s a choice of tyre types and sizes up to 35 inches too.

The first design ideas for the modern Bronco started 16 years ago with the Bronco concept displayed at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. It drew inspiration from the original Bronco style with a slab-side chunky look that traditional SUVs had. In fact, Ford’s designers did a life-size digital scan of a first-generation model to understand its DNA. Incidentally, if you saw the movie Rampage in 2018, you would have seen that concept SUV being driven by Dwayne Johnson.

Ford Bronco Concept 2014 — *Ford Bronco Concept displayed in 2004.*

The production Bronco adopts much of the concept model’s design with modernised retro looks that include classic round headlights on either side of an encapsulated cartridge grille. The 2-door variants come with a standard 3-section roof system incorporating a modular top with four sections that adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area. The 4-door versions have 4 removable roof sections.

A cloth soft top provides easy access to the open air and a unique tilt-up function for quick access to the rear cargo area. To further enable the ‘wide open’ feeling, every Bronco comes with frameless doors that are easily removed. On 4-door Broncos, all the doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags.

2021 Ford Bronco and 1965 Ford Bronco — *The modern Bronco and the original which was introduced in 1965*

“Similar to the first-generation model, Bronco’s square proportions, short overhangs and wide stance are optimized for off-road adventure,” said Paul Wraith, the SUV’s Chief Designer. “The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.”

Purpose-built cabin
The multicolour LCD instrument panel is clearly inspired by the first-generation Bronco while the colours and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear. With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged. There are washable rubberized floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew. Instrument panel surfaces are wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted hero switches, while rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water.

Attachment points are built into the instrument panel to mount a device rack, with 12V power connections to easily mount cameras, navigation units, phones or other devices that today’s adventurers will carry.

For navigation, especially off-road, Bronco drivers can plan, navigate and share their adventures on the SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch display. The system has advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps of the USA. The SYNC system also displays images from the 360-degree camera system to provide additional visibility in tricky exercises such as rock crawling.

A modern high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats helps protect passengers from side impacts and complements driver and front passenger airbags. Needless to say, there’s a full range of active and passive safety systems around the vehicle.

Click here for more news and articles about Ford and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Visit www.sdacford.com.my to find out about Ford 4×4 models in Malaysia.

Perodua brings smiles to Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital

While a large proportion of Perodua’s sales are in Peninsular Malaysia, the carmaker does not also forget that the East Malaysia markets have also contribute to its ascent to being the No. 1 brand in the country. And like a good corporate citizen, the company has been giving back to the local community there.

Recently, the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital received a portable flexible videoscope set, while 250 underprivileged paediatric patients received contributions ranging from school supplies to prescription glasses, courtesy of Perodua.

Of the 250 child patients, 200 patients aged below 12 received stationery while the remaining 50 outpatient kids were given prescription glasses. “While Malaysia is showing positive signs in the fight against COVID-19, we now include other priorities to ensure the quality of life improves in this country,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“In addition to that, our contributions here are our way of thanking the good staff of Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital for tirelessly and selflessly caring for the patients,” he added.

Perodua first engaged with the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in 2018, contributing two laryngoscope blade sets and 40 bed pillows, and toys for some 250 child patients. “Based on feedback from the hospital, we have decided to further assist this health institution to further increase its capabilities as well as contribute directly to the community.

“It is important that Perodua continues its role as a responsible and caring organisation towards the Malaysian community who has strongly supported us over the years,” he added.

Last month, ahead of the reopening of schools, the carmaker distributed over 5,000 face shields to 17 secondary schools in the Hulu Selangor district which its vehicle manufacturing complex is situated in.

Perodua revisits Selayang Hospital to contribute more and do more.

Technology from road car to racing car

Very often, you would read about how technology developed for racing cars eventually gets transferred to production models sold to the public. The new technology has been proven in the extreme conditions of racing and before it is used in production models, it is refined and most importantly, tested thoroughly for durability and reliability.

But here’s an example of the reverse taking place – from production model to racing car. Engineers at Panasonic Jaguar Racing have taken a technology used in the Jaguar I-PACE all-electric SUV for their racing cars in the single-seater all-electric championship series.

Traffic Sign Recognition system
The technology is from the Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR) but the principles are adapted for a very different purpose: to monitor the battery status of the I-TYPE and competitors’ racing cars – automatically and in real time. This data can then be used to determine the optimum energy strategies for the drivers.

TSR uses an advanced stereo camera and image processing software to detect and read road signs, informing drivers of speed limits, temporary speed limits, and no-overtaking restrictions. This information is also used by the Adaptive Speed Limiter system, helping drivers stay within the permissible speed by automatically slowing the vehicle down, if necessary, when entering areas with a lower limit.

Learnings from the system help the engineers understand when to push and when they can afford to ease off – optimising energy management throughout a race. Adopting digital vision systems with image recognition as the enabler for the new energy strategy modelling process delivered a step-change in speed, accuracy and flexibility compared to the tools used previously, and is future-proofed to make even more detailed analyses possible in seasons to come.

Racing to improve vehicles
The technology transfer is one example of advances in Jaguar’s road cars being used to support success on the track. This advantage is complemented by the on-going application of knowledge gained from the extremes of racing to improve vehicles such as the all-electric I-PACE.

One of the most significant benefits to date – underpinned by invaluable learning gained from the I-PACE eTROPHY race series and Formula E – was a software update to the I- which gave customers worldwide up to 20 kms more real-world range from a full charge. This was delivered though further optimisation of battery management, thermal systems, regenerative braking and all-wheel drive torque distribution.

The on-going collaborative partnership between engineers in Jaguar Racing and those working on core Jaguar vehicle programmes ensures that knowledge, processes and technologies continue to pass from road to track and also vice-versa.

Jaguar unveils first virtual all-electric sportscar for Gran Turismo Sport

Soul Red and the importance of paint finish to Mazda designers

When you look at any car, one of the first things you will often notice is its colour. The colour can enhance the image of the car, complementing its other qualities. Mazda’s designers understand this and in their belief that ‘colour is an element of form’, there is a focus on developing colours that highlight the beauty, quality and uniqueness of its KODO design aims to evoke the same feelings as appreciating a work of art.

Since colour is an important element, Mazda has developed a selection of premium paints that use advanced technology to highlight exterior shape and beauty. With flowing body lines that show off the nuances of curves that are highlighted by the shifting reflections from the interplay of light and shadow, developing a paint to match this is a complex craft. The designers work relentlessly to stretch the possibility of paint and scrutinise the ideal colour.

In a process called Takuminuri (Takumi: master craftsman, Nuri: painting), cutting-edge painting robots use data obtained through simulation painting with Mazda’s best craftsmen to replicate traditional techniques to give mass-production vehicles a precise, high-quality and hand-sprayed finish.

The first premium colours
Starting with Soul Red Metallic and later Machine Grey in 2016 as the first premium colours offered, the three-layer structure comprising clear, translucent and reflective coats with aluminium flakes allowed Mazda designers to achieve colour brightness and depth at the highest level.

Building on the Takuminuri technology and with the idea to create the ‘world’s most beautiful red’ to symbolise the KODO: Soul of Motion philosophy, Mazda designers studied how people perceived colour and light and translated this ideal red into numerical values based on ergonomics to spray with Mazda’s Aqua-tech system.

Not wanting to add a fourth layer of paint due to its environmental impact, the design experts challenged convention to combine light-absorbing flakes along with high-brightness aluminium flakes in a single paint layer.

Mazda Soul Red — *Soul Red was one of the first two premium colours from Mazda and it is available for all models today. It is also available for the Mazda models assembled in Malaysia.*

Further enhancement of Soul Red
Boasting an increase of approximately 20% greater colour saturation and 50% more depth than the already popular Soul Red Metallic, the development of Soul Red Crystal achieved precisely controlled reflections which produced more vivid highlights and even deeper shadows for a fresher, lustrous appearance.

Mazda R360 — *The R360 Coupe of the 1960s.*

Throughout Mazda’s history, the brand has often innovated in paint technology and colours. Examples are the bright colours to highlight the form of Mazda’s first passenger car, the R360 Coupe, and colours such as ‘Grand Prix Red’, ‘Corn Yellow’ and ‘Impulse Blue’ on the 323/Familia to appeal to chic couture in the late 1970s.

Mazda 323/Familia — *Corn Yellow was the ‘hero’ colour for the 323/Familia, along with other colour choices available (below) which appealed to the consumer tastes of the 1970s.*

*Special edition of the MX-5 in the colours of the Mazda 787B racing car which was the first Japanese car to win the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991.*

And not forgetting the world’s best-selling sportscar, the MX-5 which has had an array of limited-edition colours such as British Racing Green, the distinctive orange and green ‘Le Mans 24’ livery and the exclusive Racing Orange body paint available for the 30th Anniversary Edition.

A new premium colour
Polymetal Grey is the latest premium colour developed and will be offered on certain models. This new paint finish combines bright aluminium flakes and opaque pigment, fusing the hard appearance of metal with plastic’s characteristic glossy smoothness. The colour’s tonality changes depending on the light, accentuating the car’s form.

Mazda MX-5 RF — *The MX-5 RF in Polymetal Grey, the latest premium colour.*

Mazda’s approach to using advanced paint technology does not neglect the need to ensuring that there is reduced environmental impact of the painting process. This is in keeping with the brand’s long-term Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 Vision.

Visit www.mazda.com.my to locate a showroom where you can view the latest Mazda models in Malaysia.

Bermaz Motor creates limited edition Mazda CX-3 to celebrate brand’s 100th anniversary

Toyota GAZOO Racing to make parts for Japan’s first supercar

The Toyota 2000GT is a rare and legendary model in the company’s history. On sale between 1967 and 1970, it was Japan’s first supercar produced in collaboration with Yamaha. Only 351 units were made – two of which were used in the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.

The 2000GT had the latest Japanese technology of that period – a 2-litre DOHC straight six engine, 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, radial tyres, magnesium alloy wheels, and retractable headlamps. It had a maximum speed of 220 kph, on a par with European sportscars of the day.

Prior to its launch, it was entered in speed trials and, despite bad weather conditions with an approaching typhoon, it set 3 world records (10,000 miles, 15,000 kms, 72 hours) and 13 international records. It also achieved wins and high placement in various races.

Priced at around US$7,000 when it was new, a 2000GT fetched almost US$1.2 million in 2013, making it the most expensive Asian car sold at that time. Clearly, it is a collectors’ car and owners around the world are taking care of this valuable historical asset.

Toyota 2000GT — *Two units were modified into open-top versions specially for the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.*

While the remaining cars are probably not driven much, some parts may still need replacement and after 50 years, original parts are obviously no longer produced. However, now Toyota GAZOO Racing has announced that it will reproduce some parts for the 2000GT under its GR Heritage Parts Project.

*The transmission and differential-related parts for the 2000GT.*

This project is an initiative that will reproduce spare parts that were no longer available, and sell them as genuine parts to owners of classic Toyota models. The first are for the Supra A70 and A80 models and now, the 2000GT.

Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA — The 2000GT, Japan’s first supercar in the 1960s, with the Lexus LFA, Toyota’s supercar of the 21st century. No convertible versions of the 2000GT were made at the factory so this is probably one of the two customised James Bond cars.

Efforts are underway at specially collaborating suppliers, along with Toyota plants and related divisions, to undertake production of the parts which are transmission and differential-related. They will be available through selected Toyota dealers worldwide and only to actual owners of the car who require them.

GR Heritage Parts project to reproduce Toyota Supra parts for sale

F1 (Round 2): Results and Highlights of the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli Styrian Grand Prix

♦ Prior to the race starting, three drivers received penalties that changed their positions on the starting grid. Charles Leclerc for obstructing another driver, Lando Norris for overtaking under yellow flags and Antonio Giovinazzi for a gearbox change to his Alfa Romeo. Romain Grosjean had to start from the pit lane as his car was worked on while under parc ferme.

♦ If things weren’t bad enough for Leclerc, he collided with team mate Sebastian Vettel as the cars entered Turn 3 after leaving the starting line! Vettel’s Ferrari had rear wing damage and that was the end of his race but Leclerc was able to continue for 5 laps before also having to retire.

♦ Racing Point’s Sergio Perez started in 17th place on the grid and by the 49th lap, he had risen 12 places through the pack, an impressive performance with very fast lap times.

♦ A last lap push by Lando Norris got the McLaren driver past Perez and Stroll to grab 5th place.

♦ Four laps before the end, Valtteri Bottas finally got past Max Verstappen to give Mercedes-AMG a 1-2 finish, as Lewis Hamilton led the way.

♦ Charles Leclerc also got a warning from the FIA about breaching the rule regarding interactions with people outside the team’s ‘bubble’. The rules require all team members to not interact with outsiders but Leclerc was spotted with his friends in Monaco earlier in the week when he returned home after the first round. Understanding that these are new and unusual conditions, he has only received a warning but has been warned that breaking the rules again could have him (or any other member) barred from attending the race.

*Unchallenged, Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory 14 seconds ahead of team mate Bottas.*

*BWT Racing Point driver, Sergio Perez put in very fast laps to move up the field from 17th on the starting grid.*

*A collision with teammate Charles Leclerc in Turn 3 of the very first lap forced Sebastian Vettel to retire as his Ferrari was damaged.*

*With both its cars finishing in the top 5, Red Bull Racing picked up its first points to catapult past Ferrari in the Constructors Championship.*

Three more top awards for Ford Ranger in Europe

Although pick-up trucks were, in earlier years, regarded as just workhorse machines for use off-road most of the time, the Ford Ranger changed that image. When it was introduced in the mid-1990s as Ford’s ‘Asian Car’, it brought to the regional market a new way of using pick-ups – the way they were being used in America, the largest pick-up market in the world.

In America, pick-ups were used for a variety of purposes, not just for tough off-road transport. They were used in daily commuting and as leisure vehicles. Of course, they also had to look good and over time, Ford stylists made the rugged image something that was desirable.

This was how the Ranger changed the perception of the pick-up truck in ASEAN. Before it was introduced, pick-up trucks were pretty basic and boring. They usually came to town from construction sites or logging camps for supplies and then went back in. No one really considered having them as daily transport to work.

Still, the Ranger was ‘Built Ford Tough’ and had all the capabilities a pick-up truck should have – plus stylishness that appealed to those who had never thought of owning such a vehicle before. It made quite an impact and in its early years in the Malaysian market, it accounted for half of all pick-ups sold.

The big factory in Thailand which was built to make the Ranger for regional distribution was also a global production hub for the model. So distant markets like Europe and South America also got their Rangers from Thailand. In Europe, the model steadily made inroads into the market and grew in popularity to become Europe’s No. 1 in its segment. The dominance of the Ranger was again demonstrated when it collected three awards in Germany in recent months.

Readers of the specialist magazine ‘Auto Bild Allrad’ gave the highest number of votes to the Ford model, winning it the overall award among All-wheel Pickups. The expert jury of the trade magazine ‘firmenauto’ was also convinced that the Ranger should win the top award in the pick-up segment, giving it the title of ‘Company Car of the Year 2020’. And finally, readers of the specialist magazine OFF ROAD chose the Ranger as the ‘Off-Road Vehicle of the Year 2020’ in the “Pick-ups” category as well.

Ford Ranger Europe — *In Europe, Ranger owners also attach mobile cabins to the vehicle for camping holidays.*

The three latest awards join the ‘International Pick-up of the Year 2020’ award which was won last year. The jury picked the Ranger for its combination of robustness, clever drive technology, comfort and large loading area.

To know more about the wide range of Ranger models available in Malaysia visit www.sdacford.com.my.

The New Ford Ranger FX4

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