Like Volvo (and Saab), Polestar is a Swedish brand and ‘lives’ in a region with a lot of snow and ice as well as long periods of darkness in the winter months. As such, the cars that it has developed would have received a lot of extra attention relating to grip, stability and of course cabin insulation, among other things. After all, the engineers who go to work daily experience extremely cold and slippery conditions which they would want to ensure the cars they develop are safe in such conditions.
Lighting is also very important, not only to illuminate the road ahead but also make the car visible to others. Even in the daytime, the lighting levels may be low, reducing when it snows. So the designers also pay extra attention to the lighting systems and the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback gets highly advanced lighting technology.
Pixel LED Headlights
For example, the Polestar 2 ‘Launch Edition’ comes with standard Pixel LED headlights, an active high beam technology as well as a ‘welcome sequence’ that activates when the vehicle is unlocked. A total of 84 individual LED pixels form a matrix in each lamp; within this matrix, each LED is controlled individually.
In turn, this allows the headlights to shade out their light in the path of up to 5 leading or oncoming vehicles when in motion. The functionality allows the driver to leave their lights on high beam, enabling maximum forward visibility at all times without blinding other road users, and without having to think about switching between modes.
“When you drive Polestar 2, especially in the dark, you really understand how much this technology increases safety,” explained Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. “LED lighting also allows for creativity, and the light signatures we have designed are unmistakable. They are distinctive and people will know you are driving a Polestar.”
Front foglights with cornering support utilize energy efficient LED technology and activate automatically at low speeds according to steering or turn signal input, further enhancing visibility when maneuvering the vehicle.
Intelligent rear lighting technology
At the rear of the Polestar 2, the signature rear lighting has no less than 288 LEDs in a distinctive full-width wrap-around light bar, featuring unique welcome and farewell lighting sequences. The rear light bar includes adaptive lighting technology. In daylight, the brightness is increased to ensure optimal visibility of the light signature. At night, the LEDs automatically dim to prevent drivers behind from being dazzled.
Only if regulations permit
Pixel LED technology is available for all markets but only if regulations allow. At present, regulations in the USA do not allow such functionality so the cars sold there will not have it. However, should the regulations change in future, the feature can be activated with a software update. Owners won’t even have to bring their cars to a service centre for this as it can be transmitted over-the-air (OTA) free of charge. OTA updates for other systems can also be provided, ensuring that the car operates optimally all the time.
The owl isn’t known for any speed records but there is one ‘owl’ that has an acceleration record. It’s the Aspark Owl and was recently confirmed as the quickest accelerating car in the world – 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 1.72 seconds, set at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. It is also the first Japanese all-electric hypercar to go into production for commercial sale.
“It’s a great honour for us to announce this achievement, reached in a record time,” said Aspark CEO Masanori Yoshida. “In 2015 when we decided to start this project, no one believed it could have been done”.
From concept to production in 3 years
The Owl was first shown as a concept in 2017 and a production prototype was displayed at the 2019 Dubai Motor Show. The original plan had been to start first deliveries in the second quarter of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the schedule. Production is now underway with a limited series of 50 cars to be available worldwide, each one priced from 2,900,000 euros (about RM14.4 million). The Owl will be offered by selected dealers in North America, Europe and Japan, as well as the Middle East.
The hypercar is the product of Aspark, a Japanese company which ventured into car manufacturing in recent years. The company was founded in 2005 by Yoshida and has global operations providing engineering and R&D services for the automotive industry, as well as for electronic, industrial and medical sectors. It has a Technology Development Centre in Japan and also carries out development and production of the Owl hypercar in Turin, Italy.
The Owl is the first of a series of extreme and disruptive automotive projects planned by the Osaka-based company. It has the most powerful powertrain with 4 electric motors ever made. The rotational speed of each motor is 15,000 rpm, said to be the fastest in the world.
They produce a total output of 1,480 kW (2012 horsepower), with maximum torque of around 2,000 Nm. That’s 3 times more power than Formula E electric racing cars and 2 times more than today’s Formula 1 cars.
Unique Battery Monitoring System
The centrally mounted unique shape of the battery pack is specifically designed and developed for the Owl. The lithium-ion battery pack has a total capacity of 1,300 kW and can be charged within 80 minutes with 44 kW system.
One of the strongest characteristics of the battery pack is the Battery Monitoring System, which continuously monitors the level of each cell and protects the battery from overcharge, over-discharge, overheat and more. This safety device keeps the battery system under automatic control.
Carbonfibre monocoque structure
The chassis of the Owl is a single piece carbonfibre monocoque structure. The overall weight of the chassis is only 120 kgs. Honeycomb features are used on the chassis in order to absorb the shock as much as possible and to increase the safety. The body of the Owl, weighing 180 kgs, is completely made with the highest quality level of CFRP, which has high stiffness, an extreme level of lightness and a great beauty.
Stainless steel frames under the carbonfibre roof and a combination of steel frames with high stiffness ensure maximum safety for the occupants in the cockpit in case the car rolls over. It is just 99 cm tall, but the ride height can be varied between 80 and 160 mm.
“By accelerating the final stage of the Owl project in Italy and establishing a new legal subsidiary in Switzerland (Aspark Promotion AG) dedicated to the hypercar business, Aspark reinforces its international presence outside Japan,” said Head of Sales and Communication, “We are not only delivering the premium-level hypercars to our customers, but we also take the full responsibility for aftersales, right level of warranty and full product liability.”
The first member of the Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt portfolio – the Bacalar – is now undergoing final test, development and durability work ahead of the start of build next year of 12 pre-sold customer cars. The on-car validation programmes have been condensed into an extremely busy schedule covering 20 weeks, which started this month.
So far, the car – designated Bacalar Car Zero – has completed wind tunnel-based aerodynamic assessment, high speed stability and top speed testing, handling and dynamics evaluations, appraisal of noise and vibration, and careful thermal measurements. It now enters a period of ongoing customer-focused mileage accumulation and durability work, before a phase of climate cycle testing up to 80°C and an intensive electrical system validation.
The purpose-built engineering prototype and the first barchetta-style Bentley of the modern era is already accumulating mileage and passing crucial quality tests at a variety of locations around Europe.
All of this work is vital to sign-off the new and bespoke nature of the Bacalar. It incorporates a total of more than 750 new components, all of which have to pass Bentley’s exceptionally stringent quality, functionality and durability standards. More than 40 of those parts are crafted in carbonfibre, while a complement of nearly 100 are produced using rapid additive manufacture techniques.
“Very much like Blower Car Zero that we unveiled earlier, Bacalar Car Zero is the crucial prototype that we’re using to sign-off the design, engineering and craftsmanship of this ground-breaking part of Bentley Mulliner’s future. The Bacalar is a thoroughly modern iteration of the coachbuilt Bentleys of the past – extremely rare, entirely handcrafted, totally bespoke to each customer and exquisite in its details. The whole team behind the car is thrilled to see the prototype shrugging off every test we throw at it, and we’re really looking forward to starting the build of the 12 customer cars,” said Bentley’s Director of Mulliner, Paul Williams.
Just 12 examples of this striking, limited edition model are being created, guaranteeing rarity and exclusivity. The Bacalar looks to the future of bespoke luxury motoring as each model will be handcrafted according to the individual customer’s personal tastes.
This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.
The Bacalar brought to life by Bentley Mulliner is a roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork. Embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar will be truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and the individual customer.
The Bacalar features an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6-litre, W12 TSI engine. Claimed to be the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 ps/900 Nm, delivered to the wheels through an advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System. The system allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.
The Bacalar shares no body panel with any other car in the Bentley model line-up and derives inspiration from the dramatic EXP 100 GT concept car conceived to mark the company’s centenary last year. Indeed, it only shares one exterior component with a Continental GT – the door handle, simply because it contains the keyless entry system.
The rear clamshell, wings and top deck of the Bacalar are crafted from carbonfibre, while the doors are lightweight aluminium. Combined with the use of three-dimensional printing, it has allowed designers to create an even more distinctive car.
The exterior look of each model is completed in collaboration with individual customers, who have been able to further personalise their car, choosing from rare paint options, exterior treatments and design themes. The Bacalar represents a return to the exciting early years of Bentley, allowing owners to help shape the car of their dreams.
Only 12 people will get to own this super exclusive Bentley Bacalar (w/VIDEO)
Some manufacturers provide it as a standard item, or their distributors/dealers will take the initiative and throw it in. The item referred to is the First Aid Kit and while it is not offered in every car in Malaysia, it is something which has been mandatory for passenger cars sold in Germany since 1970.
Although the requirement began 50 years ago, first aid kits were already being provided in cars as far back as the 1920s, the various medical items stored in a special pouch or container. In time, the items were standardised with the typical ones needed to treat minor injuries.
It was an amendment to Article 35h of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulation in 1969 which made it compulsory for a newly registered vehicle from 1970 onwards to have a first aid kit on board at all times. It had already been mandatory for buses and coaches to carry a first aid kit since August 1960.
Eventually, the regulation was extended to all vehicles, not just newly registered ones. Since January 1972, all vehicles in Germany have had to carry a first aid kit. Similar rules apply in many European countries today.
Inspected regularly by law
In Germany, the first aid kits in the vehicle are also checked as part of the statutory inspection. According to the TUV Rheinland testing authority, this became mandatory in January 1971. However, it appears that there was a lapse of attention to this detail for several years, and since 2012, the regulation has been given firm attention.
And it is not just checking whether there is a first aid kit but the inspectors also take a close look at whether it is complete. Furthermore, they also inspect materials’ expiry dates so owners must also be attentive to this aspect. While things like a scissors may not have an expiry date, some disinfectants and liquids may only last for a certain period and will need to be replaced.
The early first aid kits were kept in sturdy metal boxes but over time, soft pouches made of durable material came to be used. Plastic containers are also used as they can be shaped in any form, perhaps to suit a space in the boot more neatly. The individual items usually have their own packaging to protect them until they need to be used.
Knowing how to give first aid
First aid kits won’t be really effective unless their contents are used properly. For this reason, it is important for drivers to know how to give first aid. As of 1970, the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulation made sure this was the case by also making a first aid course mandatory for those getting a driving licence. Successful completion of the course is proven by a certificate of ‘induction to emergency measures at the scene of an accident’, which is generally issued by large aid organisations which offer such courses.
While not directly related to the subject of first aid kits, the horrific accident which Romain Grosjean had at the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix in late November underlines the significance of having medical aid quickly on site. The arrival of the high-speed Mercedes-AMG F1 Medical Car within seconds of the accident and quick initiation of first aid measures by the trained crew likely saved the racing driver’s life.
So if your vehicle comes with a first aid kit, be sure you know how to use it as you might one day save a life. If there is no such kit, perhaps you could consider getting one (they are available at pharmacies) to keep in the boot or glovebox.
Enhanced insurance and takaful packages from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia
The Head-Up Display (HUD) was originally developed for use in fighter jets, providing pilots with important operating information without having to look down at instruments. This was important at the speeds they were flying, more so when in combat where they had to be looking ahead (or around) all the time.
The value of HUDs eventually saw them being installed in commercial aircraft, providing pilots with an additional ‘screen’ ahead of them so they could still view the runway ahead when landing. The system also caught the attention of engineers in the auto industry who thought it would be a good idea to use in cars. By projecting information on the windscreen, the driver could stay focussed on the road ahead and still be informed of things like speed and other functions.
The earliest use of the HUD in a car was in a Nissan Silvia in the mid-1980s and General Motors also put it in some of its models. However, the early HUDs were simple with just a few items of information. There were initial issues of visibility in bright sunlight which limited their wider use, apart from the cost. As such, while they continued to be offered, only very expensive models had them, usually as an option.
Some manufacturers came up with a low-cost approach which did not need any special windscreen glass. Instead, a flip-up see-through panel was installed on top of the dashboard ahead of the steering wheel. Information was projected onto this from inside the dashboard, which was visible to the driver. In a way, it was a return to the earliest concept of the HUD which was basically a reflector sight installed in fighter planes in World War II.
A genuine innovation
With advancements in electronics and other technologies, the HUD for cars has also evolved and with costs dropping as volume increases, it is slowly becoming available in lower segments. Volkswagen is the first car manufacturer in the world to introduce this technology in the compact segment (initially in the new ID.3 and ID.4 electric models), and it includes augmented reality (AR) as well.
With AR, the virtual and real worlds are merged in the HUD panel. The innovative system superimposes selected symbols onto the outside world and displays them dynamically. It’s a new chapter in driver information displays and a genuine global innovation.
Two fields, two levels.
The AR HUD projects important information onto the windscreen – separated into two fields and levels. The large window for the dynamic displays is located in the driver’s field of view at a virtual distance of around 10 metres and has a diagonal measuring around 1.8 metres. Information from the driver assist systems as well as the turn arrows and starting points and destinations of the navigation system are displayed in this far-range window.
The close-range window is located as a flat band under the large far-range window. This shows the driving speed, road signs, and assist and navigation symbols as static displays. They appear to ‘float’ around 3 metres in front of the driver.
All displays are positioned perfectly in line with the real world outside the vehicle and are shown dynamically. When the vehicle approaches a junction where it should turn off according to the navigation route, the driver sees two indications: in the first step, an advance notification on the road level, and then three arrows located at the junction.
The closer the driver gets to the junction, the larger the arrows become. At the same time, their textures fade in order to ensure a clear view of the road. When developing all displays, Volkswagen followed the basic concept of “Less is more”. This ensures that the driver is not overwhelmed with distracting information under any circumstances.
The Lane Assist function is also visualised in the far-range window. If the vehicle moves closer to a boundary line at the edge of the road without indicating, this line is displayed in orange. Two green lines appear after switching on Travel Assist, which keeps the car in the middle of the lane. When following another vehicle, the display marks the vehicle in front with a coloured stripe as soon as Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist is activated. When the assist systems are switched off, the driver sees a red warning signal if they drive dangerously close to the vehicle in front.
The technical heart
The technical heart of the AR HUD is the picture generation unit display located deep inside the dash panel. The beam bundles generated by an especially bright LCD display are transmitted onto two flat mirrors, and special lenses separate the portions for the close and far range display levels. The flat mirrors deflect the beams onto a large, electrically adjustable concave mirror. From here, the beams reach the windscreen and thus enter the driver’s field of view. The driver sees the symbols with the same sharp definition as the real world at an apparent distance of just under 10 metres.
The images are generated by an AR creator located in one of the two central computers in the ID. models. The AR creator calculates the positioning of the symbols corresponding to the surroundings. To make these calculations, it receives information from the raw data of the front camera, radar sensor and navigation map. The displays that appear in the large window are stabilised with respect to the vehicle’s movements and adapted to the geometry of the optical projection system.
“We have introduced a genuine innovation not in a premium vehicle, but in the compact models of the all-electric ID. family. Making pioneering technologies available to a large number of customers is a core competency of Volkswagen,” said Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management for Development at Volkswagen.
This has been a year of a lot of bad news, some even tragic. But in between the bad news, there have been times when good news has come through like rays of sun piercing through dark clouds. For the auto industry, things looked grim in the first half of the year when shutdowns collapsed the market for a month. Then when the government started to plan for recovery, help came in the form of exemption of sales tax until the end the year.
This incentive must have made a difference as sales have been high over the past 5 months while people wanted to use the opportunity to save money on their purchase. As always, being able to sell cars at lower prices helps, and the companies hoped that they would get the exemption period extended into 2021. The Finance Ministry at first said no, and despite it being a time when many go on leave, some had to prepare new pricelists with the sales tax included again.
Finance Ministry changes its mind
Then, for reasons unknown, the Finance Ministry changed its mind and like the ray of sunshine in June, there was another ray again as it was announced that the exemption would continue until June 30, 2021. Whether it continues to be part of the Penjana stimulus package or is a separate provision is not known.
So for those who were disappointed that they missed the chance to save money because they could not get their loan applications approved in time or stocks were not available, this would be good news. There is no change to the exemption which also includes reconditioned vehicles.
Full exemption for locally-assembled models
Vehicles that are assembled locally will be entitled to the full exemption which is 10%, and those which are imported in CBU (Completed Built-Up) form will have only half the exemption, ie 5%. However, the exemption is not applicable to commercial vehicles and pick-ups.
Generally, this means that the sales tax-exempt prices that have been applied since June will continue unless the company has reason to adjust prices. There may also be some new models that were due for delivery starting in January (eg the new Honda City RS e:HEV and the BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition) which will be cheaper without sales tax being included.
It is also learnt that the dreaded revision of Open Market Value (OMV) calculations that was to have been adopted from the start of 2021 would no longer take place. This would have raised prices of new vehicles but now, it seems that Customs has decided not to pursue the matter.
If you have travel plans for this upcoming long weekend, or on your way back home after your final break for 2020, PLUS has some tips on the best times to start so you get a smooth journey. Its Travel Time Advisory (TTA), based on data from other festive periods, focuses on traffic distribution and is aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the highway, most notably at major stretches, toll plazas and rest areas (R&Rs).
Motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards destinations in states further to the north and south are advised to enter the North-South Expressway (NSE) before 9 am. However, if they are heading to destinations closer to the Klang Valley, they can enter the highway after 12 noon.
For motorists who are travelling towards the Klang Valley from the north or south using the NSE, it is best to enter the highway before 9 am. If you are travelling to the East Coast, Melaka or Negeri Sembilan, the TTA recommends entering the highway after 12 noon over the coming days.
30% more traffic on highways
“PLUS expects an increase up to 30% in traffic volume, or 1.7 million vehicles, on every peak day as compared to 1.3 million vehicles on normal days to utilize all PLUS-operated highways in conjunction with the Christmas and New Year festive season,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.
“We therefore strongly encourage the public to closely follow the TTA schedule as they stand a better chance of experiencing a smoother journey as well as to avoid congestion,” he advised.
The latest traffic updates on the highways from the PLUS app, PLUSTrafik Twitter, PUTRI chatbot (a real-time customer texting interface), highway electronic message boards and the toll-free PLUSLine 1800 88 0000.
Mobile route navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps also provide useful traffic information and can be used to plan routes. Additionally, the public can view traffic conditions (in almost real-time) at many sections along the various highways at the Jalanow website.
As always, remember to have sufficient balance in your Touch’NGo tollcard or e-Wallet. While it is a good idea to reload before starting your journey, you can also do so along the way at many R&R locations as well as petrol stations – but remember to do it before you reach the exit toll plaza! There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to reload the card.
Remember the SOPs!
During festive seasons, the R&R areas have always been very crowded and while less people will be travelling this year (some may prefer to reduce the risk of being infected), there are still likely to be many people stopping. Do remember to practice social distancing and be at least 1 metre apart, do not gather in groups and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. As the R&R is a public area, you will need to have a face mask on unless you are eating or drinking.
PLUS encourages using the Pre-Order service available on the PLUS Apps for take-away meals at its R&Rs. This will help in reducing crowds seated at tables and minimise exposure time too.
PLUSRonda will come to the rescue
Finally, be sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the tyre pressures, lights, wipers and signals. If you do have a breakdown on the highway, there are usually emergency phones by the side or you can call 1800-88-0000 to get assistance from PLUSRONDA. Be sure to park your vehicle as far off the highway as possible, and ensure that small children either remain in the car or if they get down, are far off the highway and emergency lanes.
Have a safe journey!
The BMW 5-Series is the best-selling executive sedan in the world, so there are obviously many on the road. For those who want their 5-Series to be a bit more exclusive, BMW Malaysia has prepared 36 units of a Dark Shadow Edition of the latest 530i M Sport.
RM10,000 more than standard version
Priced at RM392,800 (excluding insurance) – RM10,000 more than the 530i M Sport – the limited edition has a Carbon Black exterior colour with Shadow Line Part and M Performance Wheelset. The signature kidney grille is also finished in high-gloss black, and the window finishers are also in black. Also fitted are 20-inch M Performance light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 669 M Orbitgrey.
Customers can choose either Black Dakota leather with blue stitching, or Cognac Dakota leather with contrast stitching.
Assembled locally at the BMW facility in Kedah, the 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition has a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol with an output of 252 bhp/350 Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
For online purchase only
While you can view the car at selected dealerships in the Klang Valley, you can only purchase the 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition via BMW Shop Online from January 4, 2021. The booking fee is just RM1,000.
Customers requiring financing for their purchase can consider the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. This plan has monthly instalments starting from RM4,488 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure), subjected to terms and conditions.
Click here for other news and articles about BMW.
Hispano Suiza, a Spanish carmaker that was founded over 100 years ago and reappeared in recent years with the aim of becoming one of Europe’s most luxurious and exclusive car manufacturers, will be among the brands participating in the inaugural season of Extreme E. The team has been formed in association with the energy drink brand, XITE ENERGY.
The entry marks the brand’s return to competition 100 years from Andre Dubonnet´s win in the George Boillot Cup, behind the wheel of the H6 Coupe in France.
The all-new motorsports championship is based on three pillars: electrification, environment and equality. All participating vehicles will be powered only by electricity and their battery packs are to be recharged with hydrogen-based fuel.
The teams will travel the world by ship, which will minimize the carbon footprint of transport, and a group of scientific researchers will accompany the championship at each of its appointments, thus contributing to research in areas affected by the climate change.
The season, which begins in March 2021 and ends in December the same year, will travel through different continents and extreme locations, such as the Saudi Arabia desert, the Pink Lake of Senegal, Greenland, the Amazon and Tierra del Fuego, in Argentina. Each of the 5 events on the calendar will show the environmental impact the areas have suffered over the past decades.
The ‘equality’ mentioned as one of the pillars refers to gender equality in motor racing. Therefore, all teams will be made up of a man and a woman, both having driving roles. In the case of Hispano Suiza XITE ENERGY team, the crew will be Oliver Bennett and Christine Giampaoli Zonca.
Oliver Bennett is a 28-year-old British driver with experience in rallycross competitions. In 2016, he made his debut in the British Rallycross Championship and the following season he fought for the title. He also made his debut in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, where he has competed in recent seasons. Bennet has also participated in a number of Americas Rallycross events and the Gymkhana GRID in Cape Town in 2018, where he put on a great performance.
Christine Giampaoli Zonca, better known as Christine GZ, is a 27-year old Italian-Canary driver. In 2014, in her full-time debut in competition, she achieved her first victory in a gravel rally, becoming regional champion of the Canary Islands in FWD vehicles, as well as in group B4. In 2016, she made her debut in the World Rally Championship at Rally de Catalunya as a member of the first all-female rally team, and won the women’s category of the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship. She has continued to gain experience in off-road races in the USA and Mexico, taking part in events such as the Baja 1000 as well as the Andalucia Road to Dakar Rally.
“I think that having mixed teams will be a great opportunity to give female drivers more visibility and will contribute to have a stronger female presence in motorsport in the future. I am extremely happy to share a car with Oliver; he is a great driver and I have followed his career for a while now and I am sure that we are going to complement each other perfectly. Now I’m just looking forward to racing and doing my best for our team,” she said.
After Formula E, Extreme E will take electric cars into off-road competition
© Copyright – Piston.my 2024 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
