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Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback Concept

Audi launched its electric offensive with the all-electric Q4 e-tron SUV in September 2018 and by 2025, the carmaker aims to offer more than 20 vehicles with electric drive and achieve roughly 40% of its sales with electrified models.

To date, Audi has grown its electrified range to six models and the seventh will be the Q4 Sportback e-tron SUV coupe will be launched next year. Previewing the second e-tron SUV model as a concept study for now, Audi’s aim is to give potential Q4 customers the opportunity to start thinking about which version they prefer roughly a year before the first vehicles will be delivered.

MEB and its importance
The technology of the Q4 e-tron concept is provided by the modular electrification platform (MEB), which will be used for numerous electric vehicles produced by the Volkswagen Group in the future. This platform serves as the basis primarily for electric cars in the high-volume A segment. It allows the best technology available to be developed jointly across brands and used in many different electric cars. The MEB thus also helps electric mobility to break through even in the particularly price-sensitive compact segment.

The dimensions of the two Q4 models are almost identical. With an exterior length of 4.6 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, the Sportback is just 1 cm longer and flatter. They are identical in terms of their width and wheelbase.

They will also have the same drive technology using two electric motors with 225 kW of system output. Claimed acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.3 seconds, with the top speed restricted to 180 km/h.

Audi Q4 e-tron — *The Q4 e-tron which was launched in 2018 (left) and the Q4 e-tron Sportback concept which previews the next electric SUV model to go on sale in 2021.*

Electric quattro
The quattro all-wheel drive system sends the power to the road but there is no mechanical connection between the axles. Instead, an electronic control ensures that the torque distribution is coordinated optimally, and it does so in fractions of a second.

In most cases, the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept mainly uses its rear electric motor in order to achieve the highest efficiency. For reasons of efficiency, the drive torque is generally distributed with a rear-axle bias. If the driver requires more power than the rear electric motor can supply, the electric all-wheel drive uses the front asynchronous motor to redistribute the torque as required to the front axle. This also happens predictively even before slip occurs in icy conditions or when cornering fast, or if the car understeers or oversteers.

A large battery pack with a capacity of 82 kWh takes up almost the entire space in the underbody area between the axles. The range claimed from a fully charged pack is over 450 kms. Versions with rear-wheel drive can go further, with a range of over 500 kms. The battery is charged with a maximum of 125 kW, requiring little more than 30 minutes to reach 80% of the total capacity.

Sense of spaciousness
With its dimensions, the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept takes its position in the upper third of the compact class. By contrast, its wheelbase of 2.77 metres puts it at least one class higher. As there is no transmission tunnel restricting the space, there is generous legroom at the front and even more in the rear.

The colour scheme in the cabin emphasizes the sense of spaciousness. Sustainability is the top priority not only in terms of the electric drive but also materials used. The floor covering, for example, is made of recycled materials.

The Audi virtual cockpit displays the main elements for speed, charge level, and navigation, while a large-format head-up display with an augmented reality function is a new feature. It can display important graphical information, such as directional arrows for turning, directly on the course of the road.

As the centre console does not need to hold functional elements such as a gearlever or handbrake lever, the area is used for a more spacious stowage compartment that includes a cell phone charging cradle. In addition to the conventional lower storage compartment, the doors now provide the possibility to store bottles in the specially molded upper section, where they are easy to reach.

Audi electrification strategy — *By 2025, Audi aims to offer more than 20 vehicles with electric drive and achieve roughly 40% of its sales with electrified models.*

The gripping story of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system

50 Rolls-Royce owners will have a special challenge with their cars

This afternoon, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled a new series of cars from its Bespoke Collective range which come with something unusual – cryptic messages are hidden behind a unique Rolls-Royce cipher! This new generation of Collection Car is one that will bring with it an intriguing, entertaining and exclusive challenge for the owners of the 50 units of Wraith that will be available.

“The brilliant and creative minds of our Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective have excelled once again, creating an extraordinarily contemporary and compelling iteration of Wraith. The Wraith Kryptos Collection, on first glance, is a statement of dynamism. I look forward to seeing whether any of our clients will crack the code!” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

2020 Rolls-Royce Wraith Kryptos — To the uninitiated, these ciphers appear, on the surface at least, to be an alluring design purely for aesthetic purposes and devoid of any discernible pattern. However, for those who look closer, those few who hold the key, they will embark on an experience that leads to an ‘enlightening conclusion’, according to Rolls-Royce.

“The name ‘Kryptos’ is derived from Ancient Greek, referring to something unseen, hidden and coded, mythical even. Ciphers can be traced through millennia, capturing the imagination of some of the world’s most brilliant minds,” said Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer, Katrin Lehmann, who has a personal interest in the subject.

“As a designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the notion that you can communicate messages that are understood by only an elite few, using symbols, pictograms, and ciphers. Finding the key becomes integral to appreciating the full meaning of an item that can otherwise be viewed simply as a work of art,” she explained.

The cryptographic journey begins with the Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet of the car. An engraving with green enamel detailing introduces the Rolls-Royce cipher on the base of the enigmatic figurine. Below, recrafted bumper inserts draw the eye lower, subtly modifying both the gesture and posture of Wraith, giving this Collection an identity of its own.

The alluring colourway of the Collection hints at the car’s inner-most secrets. Delphic Grey, a Bespoke exterior hue consisting of a solid Anthracite base colour has a hidden effect – only in sunlight do the blue and green mica flakes appear.

This effect is accentuated by a hand-painted double coachline, the upper being painted in the newly developed Kryptos Green while the lower acts as a shadow in Dark Grey, both depicting clues relating to the interior code. Completing the exterior aesthetic are part polished wheels, with Orbit Grey coloured centres featuring a coloured pinstripe.

Inside, stepping over the illuminated treadplates, the cipher evolves deep into the fabric of the car. There is the accented Bespoke Kryptos Green leather hue, developed to incorporate a metallic effect, set against either Selby Grey or Anthracite.

In perhaps the most apparent clue, elements of the cipher are embroidered into Wraith’s headrests, where the customary ‘double-R’ emblem can so often be found. For the driver’s enjoyment, an intriguing screen print flows across the metal fascia, spanning the width of the interior.

Overhead is a beautifully elaborate, bi-coloured headliner depicting an in-motion data-stream inspired motif (owners who are fans of ‘The Matrix’ should love it). Illuminated door pockets continue this theme with Rolls-Royce woven leather and Kryptos Green threads to reveal an unexpected and subtle illumination that fades towards the base of the pocket. The centre tunnel is exquisitely stitched, repeating the horizontal lines of the door pockets, also hinting towards the driver-focused nature of this special car.

The owners of the cars will be invited to submit their efforts at cracking the code via the members-only Rolls-Royce Application, Whispers. The code is so secret that only two people in the company know the full resolution of the sequence – the designer and the CEO. The answer has been placed in a sealed envelope, in the safe of the CEO at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in England.

There are no clues as to what the message could be. It may be something profound but it is unlikely to be something frivolous, not with a Rolls-Royce. The company has not said what reward awaits the one who successfully deciphers the message.

The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan has arrived in Malaysia

Lexus flagship gets updated with more advanced safety systems

Three years into its product cycle, the fifth generation of the LS, flagship of the Lexus range, has received its first update which, besides cosmetic changes, see the introduction of Lexus Teammate advanced driver assist technologies.

Towards autonomous motoring
Lexus Teammate is another step towards autonomous motoring and is based on the Mobility Teammate Concept. The technology has five characteristics: Perceptive, Intelligent, Interactive, Reliable, and Upgradable. It can seamlessly incorporate future software updates that allow functions to be continually added and performance to be continually enhanced to meet customer needs.

Advanced Drive performs peripheral recognition, estimates vehicle position, calculates vehicle lane and position, adjusts speed, and conducts other tasks on motor-vehicle-only roadways for safe driving support all the way to the roadway exit.

Advanced Park uses cameras and ultrasonic sensors to provides parking assist through driver operation of intuitive controls. It automatically controls acceleration, braking, and gear changes. It not only provides people with safety as a matter of course but also with a parking experience that gives them a sense of precision and security.

Through integrated cameras and ultrasonic sensors, the latest advanced parking assist technologies support the driver in recognition, judgment, and operation. Besides support of all operations – steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes – the bird’s-eye view display also shows the ideal steering wheel positions for a safe and secure parking experience.

High-tech lighting
The new LS also features BladeScan AHS (Adaptive High-beam System), which debuted as a world’s first on the partially redesigned Lexus RX in 2019. In this system, LED-sourced light shines onto a blade mirror spinning at high speed and is transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. While the light does not appear to be moving due to a residual image effect, BladeScan AHS precisely controls light distribution by synchronizing the rotation of the blade mirror and switching the LED headlamps on and off.

Because the effect of the high beam can be expanded in a more-natural manner, the system illuminates areas that might be difficult to see with conventional high-beam systems, such as the shoulder of the road. It also allows the driver to recognize pedestrians and road signs much earlier, without impeding the visibility of drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles.

Other technical changes include increased battery assist during acceleration at often-used driving speeds with more quietness in the hybrid variant. The petrol engine of the LS500 has been retuned for improved initial engine torque at often-used driving speeds to offer greater acceleration response. Shift timing has also been recalibrated to enhance smoothness and provide a wider acceleration range for each gear so there are less frequent downshifts.

All variants of the new LS have undergone Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning for improved quietness, a key aspect of Lexus since the first model was launched in 1989.

A newly developed Adaptive Variable Suspension solenoid reduces damping force, while the vertical spring rate (stiffness) of the run-flat tyres and the rigidity of the stabilizer bars provide optimized performance. Also, the orifice inside the engine mounts has been changed so as to alter damping characteristics, resulting in a reduction in vibrations transmitted into the cabin.

Interior changes
“Hospitality’ has been a feature of Lexus models right from the start and greatest efforts are made to provide occupants with the best comfort to enjoy each journey. For the latest LS, the interior presents various expressions amid the transition of time. Ornamentation is available for the first time in ‘Nishijin & Haku’ (with ‘haku’ being the Japanese word for ‘metal leaf’). By expressing the existence of a ‘path of moonlight on the sea’ formed by the sparkles of light on moonlit waves through the silver threads of Nishijin brocade and the sparkle of platinum leaf, Lexus has aimed to provide the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that would be expected of a true brand flagship.

Besides a digital rearview mirror for the driver, the multimedia system features a new touch display and is compatible with SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Convenience has been greatly enhanced by the ability to control the display screen and audio functions by using an iPhone and Android smartphone linked to the 12.3-inch touch-operated wide display.

The seat coverings feature deeper stitch points, and the underlying seat pads have low-resilience urethane. Vibration absorption and soft seating contribute to even more enhanced comfort.

New paint technology
Gin-ei Luster – a new paint technology and colour providing deep shadows and robust highlights is used on the bodywork of the LS. This comes from much effort spent in the development of silver paint finishes. The new colour is applied using the Sonic Method, which condenses the paint volume of paint containing radiant material (aluminium flakes). The new colour also employs the latest paint technology in which an aluminium evaporation coating is spread over surfaces in high density.

With a smooth, mirror-like texture that is all but absent of a granular touch, the most-notable characteristics of Gin-ei are the beautiful sparkles of light found in its highlights and the sense of depth created by its deep shadows. It reacts to the even slight amounts of surrounding light and that transforms in concert with the transition of time and with changes in the environment to display a variety of expressions.

Providing a safer mobility experience
“The LS, as a flagship, has constantly pursued innovation and has provided new technologies and value for its customers,” said Lexus International President, Koji Sato. “In developing the new LS, we furthered the evolution of the exceptional quietness and comfort that has been a steadfast constant since the model’s first generation, and, by employing the advanced driving assist technologies of Lexus Teammate, we aimed for a mobility experience that is much safer and more secured than before.”

The new model will go on sale in Japan towards the end of 2020, so sales in overseas markets like Malaysia would only start in 2021.

Revised Lexus pricelist with exemption of 5% Sales Tax

LOOKING BACK – The Significance of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Alfa Romeo celebrates its 110^th anniversary this year and among the many models of significance in its history is the 8C Competizione. A return to the roots of Alfa Romeo and a testbed for the future, it was created in the middle of a process of reorganisation in the automotive sector as it prepared to face the new millennium.

In early 2006, the late Sergio Marchionne gave the go-ahead to launch the series production of a concept car that had generated much excitement at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. Alfa Romeo Centro Stile redefined the original design in just 8 months and presented the definitive production version at the Paris Motor Show.

Alfa Romeo dealers around the world collected 1,400 orders for the 8C, and within just a few weeks, the 500 numbered models planned were sold out.

The essence of Alfa Romeo
The story of the 8C Competizione starts from its name. ‘8C’ refers to the 8-cylinder cars designed by Vittorio Jano. These were cars which, in the 1930s, won races all over the world including 4 wins in a row at Le Mans and three at the Mille Miglia. ‘Competizione’, on the other hand, was the name of the 6C 2500 that Juan Manuel Fangio drove in the 1950 Mille Miglia.

Created to synthesise and relaunch the quintessence of Alfa Romeo, the 8C echoed technical themes dear to the brand since the beginning. Lightness was enhanced by the ‘dual frame’ and by the use of aluminium, titanium, carbonfibre and composite materials. The weight balance between front and rear was obtained using a transaxle system, and driving precision was further refined through the use of suspension systems with double transverse arms on both axles.

The 8C had a powerful engine – a 4.7-litre V8 producing 450 bhp – but above all, it marked a return to the rear-axle gearbox. This arrangement had been missing from Alfa Romeo road cars since the early 1990s. The result was a car with an optimal weight/power ratio, able to reach 100 km/h from standstill in just 4.2 seconds.

Homage to the history of car design
Then there was the little matter of style. The almost swollen bonnet seemed to bite the tarmac, its profile soft and sinuous with a horizontal cut uniting the wheel arches, joining them to the muscular shape of the rear mudguard and the rear window was wrapped by the uprights, which extended backwards until they tapered on the tail.

It resembled a ‘quiz’ on design from brand history. Its ‘eyes’ came from the 33 Stradale, slightly higher than the bonnet line; its rear recalled that of the 1961 Giulietta SZ, the first with a truncated tail; and the circular rear lights were a tribute to the Giulia TZ. The 8C played with the past, as though the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile was paying tribute to a whole era of car design.

Creativity and science
From the 1930s, designers and coachbuilders had begun to use aerodynamics as the key to making their racing cars more competitive. The first step was to smoothly incorporate external elements, such as mudguards and headlights, within the bodywork profile. Then they developed increasingly softer, more connected and streamlined shapes.

This was a challenge to stimulate the imaginations of great designers, convinced that everything that is beautiful must also be efficient. Their efforts saw some of the most beautiful and successful cars ever made… and many of them had the Alfa Romeo badge at the front.

The Alfa Romeo trilobo
The front view of an Alfa Romeo is unmistakable, everyone instantly recognises the central shield and the two horizontal air intakes on either side. This combination is perhaps the most famous ‘face’ in the world of motorcars, known as the ‘trilobo’, and was identified in the 1930s.

Before then, there was little space for style, a car’s ‘face’ usually consisted of a radiator flanked by headlights, with some protection from the gravel on the road by a grate. As soon as shapes began to soften, the Alfa Romeo shield appeared but when it became too small to cool the increasingly powerful engines, the two lateral air intakes made their debut. Enthusiasts immediately renamed these ‘the mustache’.

The trilobo was officially adopted as a brand symbol starting with the 6C 2500 Freccia d’Oro of 1939 (shown above). Like all symbols it evolved over time, reflecting tastes and fashions, but always remained unique and unmistakable. It was sinuous and imposing on the 1900 and thinner on Giulietta.

It was minimalist and stylised in the 1990s, but with the 156 and 8C, it returned to its natural leading role, which has since featured on all subsequent models.

The legacy of the 8C Competizione
The 8C Competizione summarised the most classic canons of Alfa Romeo style, and became a natural inspiration for all later models, such as MiTo and Giulietta. However, the 8C also had a close relative in the 4C. A compact technological and sensual supercar, it was clearly related to the 8C but without having to bear the burden of being a limited edition.

With the 4C, Alfa Romeo returned to the compact sports market by offering cutting-edge materials and technological solutions, combined with maximum lightness and extraordinary dynamic qualities.

Legend reborn – The 540 bhp Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm (w/VIDEO)

First ‘Goldfinger’ Aston Martin completed, priced at RM17.7 million (w/VIDEO)

55 years after the last new Aston Martin DB5 left the production line in England, a brand new unit of the same car has done the same thing. It is the first of only 25 cars that the carmaker is making as part of its Continuation programme. Each car will take around 4,500 hours to complete.

It’s not just a standard DB5 that is being made either; it’s the model which James Bond drove in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and comes with an array of gadgets that amazed audiences around the world. Many of the gadgets are functioning too although the machine guns that pop out of the headlights do not fire bullets, for obvious reasons.

Interestingly, though the DB5 is properly engineered like the original, Aston Martin mentions that it is not legal for use on public roads and that the fitment of gadgets is subject to country-specific regulations. Things like the revolving number plates would certainly not be legal. So most of the units will probably for display with occasional drives at special events.

The James Bond DB5 is regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’. Fewer than 900 examples were built between 1963 and 1965 and are today among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models.

Each of the 25 new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen in the movie, taking 4,500 hours to complete. Some modifications and enhancements have been necessary to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability comparable to today’s Aston Martins. All the Goldfinger edition cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition — *The ‘half sunroof’ is actually an opening with a detachable panel removed. In the movie, the car had an ejection seat on the passenger side – which was used to get rid on an unwanted person.*

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels cloaking an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine with three SU carburettors and oil cooler. It produces around 290 bhp which goes through a 5-speed ZF manual transmission and mechanical limited slip differential to the rear wheels.

Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage. The steering system is not power-assisted but Mr. Bond would not have required it, of course.

And now, let look at the list of gadgets the owner gets in the car:

Back in August last year, the original James Bond car was sold at an auction for US$6.4 million (about RM27.37 million) which was the highest price ever paid for a DB5. Each of the 25 modern units are said to cost £3.3 million, equivalent to RM17.66 million.

Click here for other news and articles about Aston Martin.

Enhanced insurance and takaful packages from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia

A Mercedes-Benz is a valuable asset which an owner would want to protect ub the best possible way from damage or loss. To give owners peace of mind, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) now offers Mercedes-Benz Protection with two new insurance and takaful solutions. The Star Protect and Star Protect Plus insurance and takaful solutions, as the packages are known, are available at all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

Repair — *A temporary replacement vehicle will be provided if the car has to be at the authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre for repairs for many days.*

Replacement vehicle for up to 20 days
The solutions are said to be first-of-its-kind in the premium motor insurance and takaful category, and amongst other things, offer a temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement vehicle benefit for up to 20 days per period of insurance if the insured vehicle is in an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop for accident repair.

There are also new benefits for Star Protect and Star Protect Plus. These include a nationwide limitless towing distance and reimbursement of car key replacement costs (today’s sophisticated key fobs are not cheap!). Coverage is also for all authorised drivers and does not require a prior driver name submission to the insurer.

MERCEDES-BENZ KEY — *Losing this key is bad enough but at least if you have Star Protect insurance, the replacement cost is covered.*

“The entire automotive industry is transforming and motor insurance is preparing for changes as the connected vehicle ecosystem comes into being and as consumer ownership preferences shift. Through our customer-centric approach, not only have we widened our insurance partner base, we deep dived into our current offerings in order to develop a more comprehensive motor insurance coverage for Mercedes-Benz owners,” said Mike Ponnaz, MD of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia.

“Our aim is to increase the number of insured and satisfied customers under Mercedes-Benz Protection by offering products which provide owners with greater peace of mind,” he added.

Under the enhanced packages, vehicles will be covered for basic loss or damage such as damage resulting from accidental collision, burglary, housebreaking, theft and attempted theft, or any malicious acts, and liability to third parties, with additional protection for impact damage caused by falling trees due to acts of nature.

No mileage limit for towing assistance
The towing assistance, which includes unlimited towing distance for breakdown and accident, includes one-way toll charges of up to RM30. Under the towing plan, customer can utilize the flood towing for up to six occurrences, 24-hour minor roadside repairs and free assistance in arranging value-added benefits that offer accommodation, taxi transportation, and cross-border towing services. Customers will only have to pay for the value-added benefits if used.

The packages also offer owners compensation for loss of possessions as a result of window snatch theft, flood relief allowance for damage due to flood, and personal accident coverage for the driver and up to 4 passengers.

Mercedes-AMG wheel — *Compensation will be given for accidental damage to any of the four rims or tyres on the car.*

Those who opt for Star Protect Plus will also have coverage for 4 tyres and 4 rims. The coverage is for accidental damage caused by road debris or curbing which can adversely impact the resale value of a car, as well as optimum vehicle performance.

New Mercedes-Benz Pricelist with Sales Tax Exemption

Auto Bavaria takes over BMW/Mini dealership in Tebrau, Johor; to start operations on July 15

The BMW dealership in Tebrau, Johor, which was taken over by Auto Bavaria, will commence operations from July 15, 2020. As a 4S centre, it will offer the full range of services and systems for the BMW, BMW Motorrad, and MINI brands, as well as and BMW Premium Selection (pre-owned vehicles).

The Auto Bavaria Tebrau dealership (formerly managed by a unit of Wearnes) has a large built-up space of 63,000 square feet, capable of displaying up to 10 units of BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles, six MINI cars as well as 8 vehicles from the BMW Premium Selection portfolio.

Auto Bavaria Tebrau Johor — *The car showroom was the first one in Malaysia to have an escalator. It takes visitors upstairs to the motorcycle and MINI sections.*

It will start off with a dedicated staff count of over 80 to serve customers of the various brands. As with other dealerships, there will be a Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories, Handover Area and RATC (reception at the car) Service.

The Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Tebrau, Andy Tian, said: “A new journey is ahead of us in the southern region to deliver the premium ownership experience to more customers here. We continue to stay true to our promise of providing not only the best in customer service, but to exceed expectations in delivering what BMW has always stood for – providing Sheer Driving Pleasure.”

Auto Bavaria, a unit of Sime Darby Motors, was previously the importer and distributor for BMW vehicles, having taken over from BMW Concessionaires in 1988. It steadily developed the brand in the years that followed until BMW Group Malaysia was established in 2003 to manage assembly, marketing and distribution activities for the various brands. Nevertheless, Auto Bavaria, part of the Sime Darby Motors group, has continued to be the leading dealer chain representing BMW and Mini.

The Boss has arrived in Malaysia

Visit www.bmw.com.my or mini.my for more information on products and services of the respective brands.

F1: Results & Highlights of the 2020 Rolex F1 Austrian Grand Prix

*Updated results and points after adjustment for penalties.*

Prior to the start, most drivers ‘took a knee’ (bending down on one knee) to show support for anti-racism and discrimination. The F1 community will this year have a campaign #WeRaceAsOne to spread the message.
Athough the Stewards had earlier taken no action against Lewis Hamilton for not slowing down for yellow flags, a review (requested by Red Bull Racing) saw them reverse their decision – just 85 minutes before the race started – and he was demoted from second position on the starting grid to fifth.
Hamilton’s demotion to fifth slot meant that Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen got alongside Valtteri Bottas on the front row. However, even before he could complete the first lap, his car lost power and ended his chance to win at the event again.
Sebastian Vettel came in contact with Carlos Sainz’ car on lap 30 and sustained damage which dropped his way down the field.
Sensor problems and then gearbox issues appeared in both Mercedes-AMG cars, leading the engineers to urge the drivers to preserve the cars.
As Kimi Raikkonen sprinted forward after a restart on lap 55, wheel came off his Alfa Romeo but fortunately, it rolled towards the pitlane and he managed to get his car off the track. But it brought out the Safety Car, slowing the race again, as track personnel rushed to remove the racing car.
10 laps before the end, Alexander Albon came in contact with Hamilton, and the Thai-British Red Bull Racing lost his strong position to win the race. If the Stewards do not penalise Hamilton, Red Bull Racing will most likely protest against the British driver again.
Sergio Perez was running in fifth but perhaps got anxious and went to fast in the pits, so he got a penalty which will affect his final position.
2 laps from the end, Albon’s car shut down and Daniil Kvyat’s car had a puncture.
9 cars didn’t cross the finish line, almost half the field.
Hamilton crossed the finish line 5.7 seconds behind Bottas, the winner (above). However, he gets a penalty which drops him from second to fourth place. His place was taken by Charles Leclerc, which at least gave Ferrari something to take home from the first race of the season.

2020 Austrian GP — *It must have been strange to be racing around with no spectators in the stands, unlike last year (left).*

Next race
 2020 Pirelli F1 Styrian Grand Prix
 July 12, Red Bull Ring, Austria

The Boss has arrived in Malaysia

ADVERTORIAL

21 years ago, BMW introduced a new type of vehicle to the world. It was the BMW X5 which very quickly established itself as the best in the ever-expanding segment of dual-purpose vehicles. It introduced high performance in a segment that had up till then focused on ruggedness and off-road capability with compromises in on-road performance.

To be a true BMW, the X5 had to be the best in driving dynamics in all conditions, no compromises. The xDrive system gave this capability. Because it was superior to any other all-wheel drive (AWD) system, BMW designated the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle or SAV, rather than the utilitarian-sounding SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

The xDrive system of the BMW X5 adapts to all types of surfaces and terrain. On the hard and smooth highway, it maximizes grip and stability when cornering at high velocities. When the road ends and the surface changes, the system intelligently manages torque flows to each wheel as required – almost instantaneously – to maximise grip on uneven ground, mud, sand and whatever else the X5 encounters.

Over four generations, the BMW X5 has held its commanding position as The Boss in its segment. Each generation has introduced new technologies, extending its capabilities. Powerful, yet nimble, the SAV term has been constantly justified.

Following on from the introduction of the latest G05 BMW X5 generation in Malaysia a year ago, the SAV range is now joined by the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid (or PHEV, for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Like the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series PHEV models, the new BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid has the latest electrification technologies developed by BMW.

Its advanced hybrid powertrain, a major element in BMW’s electrification strategy, provides high performance while also promoting the eco-friendliness and sustainability. This is what today’s generation of customers expect to see in a product from a responsible and forward-thinking manufacturer.

The 3-litre straight six-cylinder petrol powerplant develops maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 450 Nm available between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Battery technology, an area of constant advancement, is one which BMW has leadership in. More energy is packed into the lithium-ion battery pack to give the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid a generous range of travel. It can also run on emission-free electric propulsion for extended periods.

The versatility of the SAV concept has endeared the BMW X5 to a broad spectrum of customers, most of whom are in positions of leadership and influence, just like The Boss. No longer is there a need for a formal image in the choice of transport for such leaders; with the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid, the credentials endowed on the owner confirm leadership qualities that are essential to be The Boss.

Meet The Boss

The new BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid is at BMW showrooms nationwide, ready for a test-drive. Or immerse yourself in the X5 Plug-in Hybrid experience with Augmented Reality (AR) in the comfort and safety of your home. Log on with your mobile device at this link: https://app.bmw.com.my/AR/X5/

Buy like A Boss

– Enjoy added peace of mind with 8 Years/160,000 kms of Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Battery Warranty for any BMW Plug-in Hybrid model.

– Stand a chance to win a BMW i8 Coupe when you book a new BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid online on BMW Shop Online.

Don’t keep The Boss waiting.

Free 5-Star Service Check for Volkswagens

With the lifting of restrictions, especially the prohibition on inter-state travel, Malaysians are motoring again. As always, the vehicles should be in good condition to avoid being inconvenienced by breakdowns or worse, a system failure that could cause an accident.

As part of its VW Cares initiative, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering a 5-Star Service Check to all Volkswagen owners to ensure their vehicles are in good running condition. This is especially important if the vehicle was stationary in the past few months.

The 5-Star Service Check, available at all authorised Volkswagen service centres nationwide, is a comprehensive visual check conducted by the service advisor together with the customer to review and highlight potential wear and tear and identify any severe issue.

It’s free!
The areas inspected include the body and paint condition of the vehicle, lighting, brakes, windscreen and windows, wheels and tyres. The checks do not take long and owners do not have to pay anything.

Money-saving offers
Should any parts need to be changed, owners can enjoy savings while being assured of them being genuine Volkswagen parts or parts approved by Volkswagen. Some examples are batteries (20% off), tyres (up to 20% off), windscreen (5% discount), wiper blades (RM20 less per set), brake pads (discount of RM50 a set), and brake discs (discount of RM50 a disc). These offers are available until December 31, 2020.

Volkswagen Passat — *Whether you’re going on a short journey or a longer one, be sure your car is in good condition to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown.*

While at the service centre, owners can also get an approved fuel additive at RM40 than that the usual price. For a more thorough cleaning job inside the engine, VPCM recommends Walnut Granulate Blasting, a method that is approved by Volkswagen AG. The process removes carbon deposits quickly, safely and without weakening the metal parts.

Service appointments can be booked online (click here) and for more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service.

Volkswagen owners can get more with VIP

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