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The top comes off the Ferrari SF90 Stradale

The SF90 Stradale, Ferrari’s hybrid plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), has been joined by a topless version – the new SF90 Spider. Just as the SF90 Stradale was the brand’s first PHEV, the SF90 spider is its first production PHEV spider.

Though it loses its roof (when desired), the SF90 Spider’s performance is not compromised and it has the same extreme supercar specification. The retractable hard top (RHT) is the latest version of Ferrari’s signature retractable hardtop architecture.

2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale — *SF90 Stradale, available in Malaysia priced from RM1.91 million.*

14-second operation
The RHT is so simple that it can open or close within 14 seconds, with operation possible even when the car is on the move. The use of aluminium in its construction also means that it is around 40 kgs lighter than a conventional retractable hardtop. Its compactness requires just 100 litres of space, rather than the 150 – 200 litres required by a traditional system.

Ferrari guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when the RHT is raised and it will not deform at high speeds. An adjustable electric rear window also enhances occupant comfort, even when the RHT is lowered at higher speeds.

The hybrid architecture proved a challenge in terms of weight management. While the extra 270 kgs of the hybrid system was amply compensated for by the extra power delivered, extensive optimisation and weight reduction work was also required on the rest of the car to keep overall weight down to 1,670 kgs.

Just as the SF90 Stradale redefined the aerodynamic performance levels of the Ferrari range, the SF90 Spider is pushing the limits of the results delivered still further. The goals that drove the aerodynamic development of the car from the very earliest stages were maintaining the SF90 Stradale’s performance levels with the RHT deployed, minimising aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, and optimising power flows.

Unmatched downforce and aerodynamic efficiency
The downforce and efficiency figures are said to be unmatched by any other car in the category. The main features in the SF90 Spider’s aero design include the shut-off Gurney at the rear, an active control system that varies downforce over the rear axle, the front underbody with vortex generator strakes, and forged wheels with wing profiles. The results: a massive 390 kgs of downforce generated in cornering at 250 km/h (with the special Assetto Fiorano specification).

In a first for a Ferrari production spider, the SF90 Spider has plug-in hybrid architecture in which the internal combustion engine is integrated with two electric motors at the front and one at the rear derived from and named after the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) used in Ferrari’s F1 cars.

Most powerful Ferrari production V8
The synergy between the turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the electric motors generates a maximum of 1,000 ps/900 Nm, with 60 ps more than any other V8 turbo engine ever built by Ferrari. The 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch gearbox used in the SF90 Stradale has been redesigned for the spider version.

Much attention was given to sound quality when redesigning the exhaust system as the soundtrack is one of the pivotal factors in the exhilarating pleasure of driving a Ferrari. The introduction of a ‘hot tube system’, which transfers sound more directly to the cockpit, has produced fuller, richer harmonics across the entire frequency range, improving both in-car sound quality and intensity as revs rise compared to previous Ferrari V8s.

To make full use of the powertrain’s output, the engineers improved the vehicle dynamics systems to allow the driver to enjoy the maximum potential, and not just in terms of pure performance and lap times. The new hybrid architecture required extensive integration work on the car’s many different control logics, which led to the development of the new eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control) vehicle dynamics control system.

Digital instrumentation with HUD
The look and feel of the cabin was driven in large part by the complete redesign of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface). The instrumentation is now predominantly digital with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running. The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16-inch HD screen, complemented by a head-up display.

The steering wheel completes that transfer process from the competition world and also ushers in a new era by introducing a series of touch commands that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car without ever taking the hands off the wheel.

The F1 bridge, a signature on the previous models, has now disappeared from the central tunnel and been replaced by a modern take on the gearshift gate, an iconic feature of Ferrari’s manual gearboxes. In the new gate, however, the gearshift grille is digital as befits an automatic transmission.

Going to the limits
As is the case with the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider is also available with an option for owners who want to go right to the edge of the performance envelope. They can specify the Assetto Fiorano pack with upgrades such as Multimatic shock absorbers. Others include the adoption of high-performance materials (such as carbonfibre and titanium), a carbonfibre rear spoiler and road-homologated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres designed to improve track performance in the dry.

The first customers of the SF90 Spider can expect to get their cars during the second quarter of 2021. Each of them will pay prices that start from €473,000 (around RM2.3 million) in Italy.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale PHEV starts new era for The Prancing Horse, priced from RM1.91 million

Ford wins both 2021 Green Car of the Year and Green Truck of the Year Awards

It’s hard to imagine that a pick-up truck – especially one as big and heavy as the Ford F-150 – can win the Green Truck of the Year Award. However, the version that won the award from Green Car Journal is the latest one with a 3.5-litre PowerBoost full hybrid powertrain. Green Car Journal, in given it the award, also noted the F-150’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy bodywork which continues as a differentiator in the pick-up segment.

Hybrid an important differentiator
“The Ford F-150 earns its well-deserved 2021 Green Truck of the Year honour for an array of important reasons that distinguish it from the crowd,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. “The 2021 F-150’s redesign keeps things fresh. The addition of a full hybrid engine option is an important differentiator, as is this pick-up’s available Pro Power Onboard output system with 120-volt and 240-volt outlets for tradesmen and construction sites.”

EcoBoost, 10-speed transmission + electric motor
The PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain (described above) is said to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup in America. The powertrain combines Ford’s proven EcoBoost engine and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a 35-kW (equivalent to 47 horsepower) electric motor integrated into the transmission. A range of 1,120 kms is claimed for a full tank of fuel.

Most significant electric vehicle effort
Ford also won the Green Car Journal’s 2021 Green Car of the Year for its Mustang Mach-E, the fully electric variant of the bestselling sportscar in the world. The Journal recognised the Mustang Mach-E as being Ford’s most significant electric vehicle effort to date, calling it a truly special entry in today’s electric vehicle market. It also praised the decision to expand the Mustang stable for instant name recognition, while keeping aligned with Mustang’s well-established heritage and lineage.

“With the all-new Mustang Mach-E and F-150 with PowerBoost hybrid and Pro Power Onboard, we’re electrifying two of our most popular nameplates to give customers new capabilities and choices not possible without electrification,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer. “We’re honoured that earning the Green Car and Green Truck of the Year awards affirm Ford is on the right path working to meet our sustainability commitments while innovating to give our customers more.”

The F-150 is not available in Malaysia but Sime Darby Auto ConneXion offers the Ford Ranger, also Built Ford Tough, with a choice of powertrains. To locate a showroom to view or test-drive one, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Ford Ranger XLT Plus gets facelift with enhanced features

Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) website ‘opens’ for business

Proton now has a used car website, providing car-buyers a convenient way to shop for used Proton vehicles. The Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) website provides a listing of current stocks available at 36 dealers nationwide.

PCPO is a further extension of Proton’s used car business which began with the establishment of established a Used Car Management (UCM) division in 2019. Its task was to grow a network of dealers to sell used cars alongside new ones.

Dealers must meet qualifying criteria
From an initial pilot project comprising just 8 Proton outlets, there are now 36 in the PCPO programme. All of them have met several qualifying criteria, both financial and physical, and agree to perform the necessary steps to prepare their trade-in stock for sale. For instance, each car undergoes a comprehensive 201-point inspection and is given a new battery, fresh engine oil and an oil filter.

Other requirements for PCPO vehicles include being less than 7 years old with less than 130,000 kms covered at the time of trade-in. They must also not have any flood or major accident damage that may affect their structural integrity.

“Proton’s PCPO is the next step for the company to build a holistic ecosystem. As we continue to offer new and improved products, we also want to attract those interested in purchasing a used car and offer a quick and easy way for customers to trade-in their current vehicles. All our PCPO cars get an extended one-year warranty for the engine and transmission as well as a free service, redeemable up to 6 months after the date of registration,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

Cars of other brands too
Proton will also sell cars from other brands that have been traded-in via its PCPO website. In this instance, the vehicles do not receive an extended warranty from the company but will still be thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary prior to being put up for sale.

“Aside from helping to drive new car sales, the aim of Proton’s UCM division is to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles. By offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car,” added Encik Roslan.

1.5-litre Powertrain in Proton X50 TGDi Flagship wins China auto industry’s ‘Nobel Prize’.

Special offers from Shell, Petron and Caltex in November and December

Although driving may be reduced now with the CMCO limiting our activities, those who do fuel up at Shell, Petron and Caltex stations can get something extra with their purchases.

SHELL
At Shell stations nationwide, the ‘Ekstra Ganjaran Setiap Hari’ campaign to reward loyal customers will give those with Bonuslink cards up to 4x points. The campaign begins on November 16, 2020 and will end on April 30, 2021.

“At a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, we’ve had to rethink our loyalty programme offerings to ensure we continue to stand behind all our customers and provide them the best value. We hope customers will take this opportunity to get rewarded at Shell so they can go well on their journeys,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

During this campaign, customers can accumulate BonusLink Points faster than before, based on the principle of tiered rewards where the more purchases one makes in a month, the higher the points tier they move up into – up to 4x BonusLink Points!

To participate and be upgraded to a higher points tier, customers simply need to swipe their BonusLink card at Shell and pump a minimum of RM50 of Shell petrol products in a single receipt. They will then earn extra BonusLink Points for each Qualifying Transaction according to the points multiplier at each points tier. With the points collected, customers can redeem special treats in-store for as low as 100 BonusLink Points.

PETRON
Petron customers will be rewarded with a RM3 cashback just by shopping at Watsons and vice-versa using the e-wallet app, Boost. A total of 80,000 cashbacks amounting to RM240,000 via the Boost are available during the promotion duration which is currently running and will end on December 31, 2020.

They must spend a minimum of RM30 on a single purchase using Boost at participating Watsons stores to earn a RM3 cashback for fuel products from Petron. Customers are allowed a maximum of up to 4 cashbacks from both Petron and Watsons using the Boost app.

“This collaboration with Boost and Watsons is meant to further reward our customers with more exciting offers when they fuel up with Petron,” said Choong Kum Choy, Head of Retail and Commercial Business of Petron Malaysia. “In addition to these, they continue to be awarded two PMiles points for every litre of fuel they purchase through our loyalty program. We invite everyone to enjoy this ‘fuel happy’ experience with Petron.

CALTEX
Caltex has tied up with the online e-commerce company Shopee to make payments for purchases easier. Customers can now use Shopee’s e-wallet known as ShopeePay to purchases petrol as well as other items at a Caltex station.

Those who make a minimum purchase of RM40 and pay using ShopeePay at a Caltex station will be rewarded with RM4 cashback from now until the end of 2020. Each ShopeePay user is entitled to receive up to 3 cashbacks throughout the campaign period, or until it is fully redeemed, whichever comes first.

“We are excited to introduce a new contactless payment option as we continuously look for ways to bring a hassle-free fuelling experience to our customers in their Caltex journey. Working together with ShopeePay allows us to provide fast, easy and secure transactions at our stations, more so now with the growing adoption of contactless payments in the country,” said Jay Gomez, Country Chairman for Chevron Malaysia, which markets Caltex fuel and lubricants.

Using ShopeePay does, however, require the motorist to go to the station store to make the transaction as it cannot be done at the pump. This would mean that, in accordance with the clarified SOP, it will be necessary to register manually or using the MySejahtera app on a mobilephone.

The last front-engined Lamborghini sportscar

With the exception of the LM 002 and Urus SUVs, all Lamborghini cars today have their engines mid-mounted, behind the passenger compartment. The last model to have its engine in front was the Jarama, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year.

The Jarama GT made its debut at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show and was a 2+2 grand touring sedan. It was technically based on the 400GT and Islero, maintaining the same mechanical layout but with a revised chassis.

Styled by Bertone’s Gandini
Marcello Gandini at Bertone styled the new bodywork, adopting a silhouette which followed the design trends of the 1970s with taut and angular lines. The bodywork of the pre-series units was assembled by Carrozzeria Marazzi, which had just finished production of the Islero, while the actual production car would be produced in Carrozzeria Bertone’s plant in Turin.

The engine, powered by 6 double-body Weber 40 DCOE carburettors, was the well-proven Lamborghini V12, with double overhead camshafts per bank, capable of delivering 350 hp for a top speed of 260 km/h.

The improved chassis had a brake system with 4 large discs, of which the front ones were ventilated – high-performance features back then! The track width was widened by 10 cm to 1490 mm and 15-inch Campagnolo wheels of magnesium were installed at each corner.

Luxurious,. spacious cabin
The interior was very luxurious, with leather upholstery, air-conditioning, and a comfortable passenger compartment for a sportscar. The was generous space allocated for the boot area for the four occupants’ luggage.

The Jarama was further evolved and a GTS version was displayed at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show. This had 365 bhp and was distinguished by a transverse air intake on the bonnet and two air outlets behind the front wheel arches.

The dashboard was redesigned with new instruments and aluminium trim, and restructured front seats improved the roominess in the back. Also different on the Jarama S version were the alloy wheels – less elaborate and without the single central nut.

One of the special Jarama models was the Rally, a project by Lamborghini’s test driver, Bob Wallace. It had a modified 3.9-litre V12 engine with an output of 380 bhp and a top speed of 270 km/h. The Jarama Rally was never entered in any competition and was later sold off.

Ferrucio Lamborghini’s favourite model
Production of the Jarama spanned 6 years, during which time 328 units were produced. Ferruccio Lamborghini personally owned a Jarama S which he said was his favourite model and his car is among those displayed at the Lamborghini museum next to the factory.

Save lots of money by building your own Lamborghini Huracan EVO!

BMW iX – the new technology flagship of the BMW Group revealed

With a year still to go before its market launch at the end of 2021, the BMW Group is providing a first look ahead to the future BMW iX, the production reality of the BMW Vision iNEXT. Currently undergoing extensive development work, the iX is the first model based on a new, modular, scalable future toolkit developed by the Group.

Conceived from the outset for purely electric mobility, the iX sees BMW redefining the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept that it introduced in the late 1990s with the X5. Just as the X5 was a pioneering model for the carmaker, so too is the iX which is the first representative of what the company promises to be ‘a trailblazing generation of cars’.

The iX harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience with people at its core. To this end, its design has been developed from the inside out to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers.

BMW Group’s new technology flagship
The design and technology of the iX form an overall package that lays the foundations for what is in many respects a new kind of driving experience. In so doing, it comprehensively embodies the character of the BMW i brand, whose mission is to transform personal mobility. BMW i plays a central role at the BMW Group as a ‘workshop for the future’ and driver of innovation across the company.

Testing the BMW eDrive systemThe iX will go into production at BMW Plant Dingolfing from the second half of 2021 as the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It brings together the company’s latest developments in the strategic innovation fields of Design, Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services. Added to which, the vehicle concept and design of the iX are rooted in an all-embracing approach to sustainability. This is reflected in areas of the car such as its optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight design and extensive use of natural and recycled materials

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology
The iX will adopt the BMW eDrive technology and the fact that this technology is in the fifth generation shows how far the BMW Group has come in the field. The eDrive comprises two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology and the high-voltage battery – and guarantees exceptional operating and running efficiency.

The power unit developed by the BMW Group has been manufactured sustainably without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths and will, by the most recent calculations, develop maximum output of more than 370 kW – equivalent to 500 hp. That will power the iX from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.0 seconds, it is claimed.

At the same time, the vehicle’s clear aim is to post an exceptionally low combined electric power consumption figure for its segment of less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle. A gross energy content of more than 100 kWh should enable the latest-generation high-voltage battery to record a range of over 600 kms in the WLTP cycle. That equates to more than 480 kms according to the US EPA’s FTP-75 test procedure.

10 minutes for over 120 kms range
The new charging technology of the iX enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. In this way, the battery can be charged from 10% – 80% of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. For those who are in a hurry and cannot spend too much time on recharging, 10 minutes of recharging will provide a range of over 120 kms (this of course depends on driving conditions). It is projected to take less than 11 hours to charge the high-voltage battery from 0 to 100% at 11 kW from a Wallbox.

The battery pack fitted in the iX is designed as part of a long-term resource cycle and enable an exceptionally high recycling rate. The power used to produce the battery cells for the battery pack as a whole come exclusively from renewable sources.

New technology toolkit
The new technology toolkit making its debut in the iX also provides the platform for significant progress in the areas of automated driving and digital services. For example, the level of computing power has been developed to process 20 times the data volume of previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.

“We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX. The iX has more computing power for data processing and more powerful sensor technology than the newest vehicles in our current line-up. 5G-capable, it will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions and uses the high-performing fifth generation of our electric drive system,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.

Familiar but fresh design
50 years ago, when cars of the future were displayed at motorshows, they either looked way too extreme or were small bubbles on wheels. However, the iX, while having a pioneering character, has familiarity in its design. It is not extreme, but the exterior represents a distinctive re-imagining of the proportions of a large BMW SAV.

The iX is comparable with the X5 in length and width, and is almost the same height as the X6 on account of its flowing roofline. The size of its wheels would bring to mind the larger X7. The minimalist use of character lines and generously shaped surfaces conjure an aura of supreme assurance. The crisp lines, clear structure and almost rectangular contours around the wheelarches contribute to an imposing body design with optimised aerodynamics.

At the centre of the front end stands the prominent, vertically emphasised kidney grille. Since the electric drive system requires only a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely blanked off. Its role has duly turned digital and here it functions as an ‘intelligence panel’. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated into the grille behind a transparent surface.

Developed and produced at the BMW Group’s LuTZ lightweight design and technology centre, the kidney grille for the BMW iX presents a technologically lavish advertisement for intelligent mobility. The grille has reinvented itself as an innovative and multifunctional high-tech interface for the advanced driver assistance systems with which the iX paves the way for automated driving.

Discreetly integrated technology
The exterior design highlights also include the slimmest headlight units ever to feature on a volume-produced model from BMW; the flush-fitted door openers (operated at the press of a button); the frameless side windows; the tailgate (which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear) and the likewise extremely slim rear lights.

The BMW kidney grille is not the only example of how the principle of ‘shy tech’ has been integrated into the design of the BMW iX: an array of other cameras and sensors are likewise positioned discreetly, the filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet and the rear-view camera has been integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. The technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.

“The BMW iX shows how we can give new technologies a very modern and emotionally engaging design. The car is technologically highly complex, but it feels very clear and uncomplicated,” explained Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President BMW Group Design. “The BMW iX offers a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease and the car’s intelligence is always available without becoming obtrusive.”

Interior design: people at centre stage
A high level of spaciousness, a mixture of high-quality materials, newly developed seats with integral head restraints and an exceptionally large panoramic glass roof immerse all 5 seats of the cabin in a luxurious, lounge-like ambience. The all-new architecture of the iX cabin underpins a perfectly clear and straightforward functionality that revolves entirely around the needs and emotions of the driver and their fellow occupants.

The drive concept means there is no centre tunnel, adding to the open, airy feel while also allowing extra legroom in the front and rear, sufficient space for storage facilities, and a centre console crafted to look like a high-quality piece of furniture.

The displays and controls are all stripped down to the essentials, further reinforcing the impression of an uncluttered cabin offering a place of relaxation. The technology used intelligently and only becomes visible when it is needed. This makes it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complex.

The Head-Up Display’s projector is discreetly recessed into the instrument panel, so it is almost invisible. The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display – which forms part of the next-generation BMW Operating System – clearly advertise the futuristic cockpit.

Intelligent lightweight design
The energy and range of the iX benefit from innovative solutions in the areas of lightweight design and aerodynamics. Its body structure, featuring an aluminium spaceframe and innovative Carbon Cage, can claim extremely high torsional stiffness, which in turn enhances agility and maximises occupant protection, while minimising weight. The intelligent material mix, with a variety of materials employed exactly where their specific properties can be utilised to best effect, is unique in this segment.

Together with the superior aerodynamics (0.25 Cd), the intelligent material mix helps to endow the iX with remarkably composed, relaxed driving characteristics combined with instant, precise response to every movement of the accelerator and turn of the steering wheel.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe joins SUV range, priced from RM498,722

The SUV range of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia has a new member – the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe – which is assembled locally at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) facility in Pekan, Pahang. Priced from 498,722.77 (excluding insurance), the new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe, the SUV has a 3-litre V6 biturbo engine with an output of 390 bhp/520 Nm that gives it a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds but the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Besides the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC 4-wheel drive is standard and features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear axle split of 31% to 69%. This enhances driving dynamics and enables higher lateral acceleration on the road as well as improved traction when accelerating.

There’s also AMG RIDE CONTROL+ which combines the advantages of various types of suspension in one. It is based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension with AMG Adaptive Damping System that gives both sporty driving dynamics and comfort. At high speeds, the vehicle sits lower on the road to reduce wind resistance and further increase stability.

While the GLC Coupe is not an unfamiliar sight, the latest generation has been given a more striking appearance, with an AMG radiator grille incorporating vertical chrome-plated fins. The sleek profile view has accentuated side sill panels which visually lower and lengthen the vehicle.

With the AMG Night package, selected exterior elements are finished in high-gloss black. The aerodynamically optimised AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels have a 21-inch diameter and come with AMG lettering.

Cabin layout variability
Even though the exterior form is sporty, the cabin offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage. Its variability allows for more luggage or longer items to be accommodated when necessary. Sports seats are standard, with improved lateral support to both the driver and front passenger. The upholstery is of black ARTICO artificial leather/DINAMICA microfibre and given distinctiveness with red stitching.

The AMG steering wheel is wrapped in nappa microfibre and has a flattened bottom section. It is perforated in the grip area for better grip while ergonomically-positioned Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel make operation of certain systems easier.

Driving Assistance Package
With Mercedes-Benz being a leader in automobile safety, it’s only to be expected that the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe comes with a comprehensive list of safety systems, some of which are advanced. Its Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package has several safety technologies and assistance systems such as cruising speed adjustment, steering, changing lane and autonomous emergency braking.

“The new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe exemplifies the perfect balance between power and functionality. This mid-size performance SUV Coupe combines the new expressive design elements with enhanced performance and absolute viability in everyday use. Its exceptional agility and sporty driving dynamics is a testament to our brand promise of ‘Driving Performance’ in this segment,” said Michael Jopp, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB-class

Waze adds Malaysian railway crossing alerts to its app

Although Malaysia has a railway system network that is pretty old (the first line was built in 1885), most of the places where the lines crossroads usually have barriers. This is unlike Japan or America, with a more extensive network where railway lines crossroads in many places and have no barriers. It is obvious that such crossings require motorists to be alert, especially those without barriers.

While Malaysian motorists may not have to worry so much about railway crossings as there are barriers which come down when a train is about to cross, it is still good to be aware of them when driving, especially in an unfamiliar area. It may seem obvious when a train is approaching but there will still be some people who somehow don’t notice and put themselves at great risk if there is no barrier.

*A railway crossing in Wakaf Bharu, Kelantan. Most railway crossings in Malaysia are either elevated (below) or go through tunnels below the road, causing no disruption to traffic flow.*

Driver alerted near railway crossing
To make things safer, Waze has marked all the railway crossings in the country, as it does for many other countries. Besides the location being identified, there is now also an alert as the vehicle approaches the railway crossing. A banner will appear on the Waze app highlighting the crossing and advising the driver to approach with caution.

“The Railroad Crossing feature is a result of a cross-industry, cross-sector collaboration, both internally within Waze and the community, working together to help fellow drivers map out all highway-railroad intersections,” said Dani Simons, Head of Public Sector Partnerships, Waze. “This feature exemplifies Waze’s commitment to building for its Driving app, being the first to implement features and emphasizes our focus on safety.”

Other benefits of using Waze
For those who have not used Waze yet, it is an app which is very useful for motorists – even those who drive within their own town or city and believe they are familiar with all the roads. Besides the route guidance to a specified destination, the route that is suggested is usually the fastest one. It is based on real-time traffic conditions along the way. Sometimes, the route may take you through what seems like a less direct route but actually, it is guiding you to avoid an area where there is congestion.

Another feature which motorists will find useful is the notification of accidents ahead. These obviously are events which cannot be embedded as data since they occur randomly. So Waze invites people to send a notification that is then recorded and made known to everyone else. This alerts the driver to possible congestion ahead (people slowing down to look at the numberplate!) or even the presence of a disable vehicle in a lane that can be a dangerous obstruction.

Speed limits are also indicated so you are aware and don’t exceed them. Motorists will also notify Waze of police roadblocks or ‘other activity’ so that they can expect to slow down as vehicles queue up.

Waze is free for download to mobilephones or other devices that run on Apple’s iOS or Android systems. With more and more new vehicles coming with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for connectivity, the Waze app can also be mirrored on the dashboard display and accessed from there. This means that maps are always up to date, unlike the early on-board navigation systems where a new digital map (often costing money) would be needed periodically if you wanted updated information.

Like Google Maps, you can also have it on your desktop or laptop computer. From your desk, you can ‘recce’ an area you are going to so you are familiar with the turnings. The current traffic conditions are also shown, so you can decide what route to take to avoid jams.

Waze Beacons enable GPS signals to be received inside SMART Tunnel

Provisional calendar for 2021 Formula 1 World Championship

The Formula 1 organization has announced a provisional calendar of races for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship which will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for approval. While Formula E has confirmed only its first four races, there are 23 rounds proposed by Formula 1 (one of which has yet to be confirmed), and the championship will run from March up till early December.

“We are pleased to announce the 2021 Formula 1 provisional calendar after extensive conversations with our promoters, the teams and the FIA. We are planning for 2021 events with fans that provide an experience close to normal and expect our agreements to be honoured. We have proven that we can safely travel and operate our races and our promoters increasingly recognise the need to move forward and manage the virus. In fact, many hosts actually want to use our event as a platform to show the world they are moving forward,” said Chase Carey, Chairman & CEO of Formula 1.

Two new venues
While most of the venues are familiar to the teams and F1 fans, there are two that are of note. One of the is Zandvoort in Holland which has not had a F1 race since 1985. It was to have run one this year, but the pandemic prevented it. The 2.7-km Zandvoort circuit is quite old, dating back to 1948, but has been redeveloped since the last time F1 cars ran on it.

The other is at Jeddah, a city in Saudi Arabia by the Red Sea. Unlike Bahrain and the UAE, the Saudis aren’t offering a closed circuit for the race but will create a temporary one in the city. No details of the street circuit are known yet, but it should be an interesting new challenge for the drivers – and it might even be run at night. The F1 race won’t be Saudi Arabia’s first international motorsport event as it has already hosted the all-electric Formula E series and the 2020 Dakar Rally.

*The first-ever F1 race in Saudi Arabia might be run at night, like the races in neighbouring Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.*

Vietnam was looking forward to its first-ever F1 event this year but the pandemic prevented it from happening. It is not listed in the 2021 calendar although it might be the one in the empty slot on April 25.

*It is uncertain if Vietnam will get to run a F1 race at its Hanoi circuit in 2021.*

The two countries which had not run F1 races for some time but have been used this year – Turkey and Portugal – are not included either, while the Imola Circuit in Italy is also not in the calendar. It was used for the thirteenth round this year at the beginning of this month.

2020 season unprecedented in F1
The 2021 season follows an unprecedented year for Formula 1 in which the sudden escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the championship not even being able to start its first round in Australia. There were hopes of starting in the second quarter but the situation was still not safe enough and it wasn’t until July that the first of 17 races could be run in Austria.

Safety measures and procedures have been enforced for all participants and for the early races, spectators were not allowed into the circuit. The restriction has been eased a bit for some races but is dependent on approval of local authorities at each venue.

In trying to schedule as many races as possible before the year ended, the organizers took to running two rounds at the same circuit over two weekends in some cases (Austria, the UK and Italy) and the season will conclude on December 13 in Abu Dhabi.

Continued safety measures
The initial races had no spectators and authorities expected strict health and safety measures to be observed by the participants. The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic. “Our hosts for 2021 are reassured by our safe return to racing this season and confident that the plans and procedures we have in place will allow us to return to a level of normality for the 2021 season,” the organizers said.

Of course, the calendar assumes that the pandemic will diminish further by next year – which we should all be praying for – but it is still an unknown factor. So far, the F1 events run have not caused any clusters of COVID-19 infection to be created and the organisers are likely to propose easing of restrictions in the course of the year, subject to approval of the authorities of course.

No need to register/scan if refuelling at pump, says minister

At today’s daily MKN press briefing, Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob confirmed that there is NO NEED to scan the MySejahtera app or register when refuelling if motorists do not visit the station’s shop to make payment for fuel. Presumably, the same applies for putting air in tyres. Therefore if they make contactless payments at the pump , they are not committing an offence.

However, if they go to the shop to make payment, use the ATM or buy things, then they have to follow SOP and have their temperature checked and their details recorded of the visit either manually in a log book or via the MySejahtera app using the QR code. The same applies to going to the toilet or surau at the station which would usually be part of the building premises.

Misleading statements
With his statement, it puts an end to the confusion created after a motorist was reported to have been given a summons for not registering while he was pumping petrol. The confusion was further compounded when a senior officer at Bukit Aman insisted that it is required when pumping petrol even if the motorist does not go to the store.

Attempts to seek clarification in the past 24 hours by members of the media saw conflicting answers being given, with the Petroleum Dealers Association saying it was not needed.

*If you do not go into the shop or use the toilet or surau, then you are not committing an offence if you do not register your visit.*

Some precautions to take
It is a good idea to have your visit registered if you go to a crowded area so that you will be informed if there has been a case. However, at a petrol pump with no one around (but you should wear a facemask anyway), the risk is low of being infected. It is possible that you could pick up germs from the pump nozzle although the stations are supposed to sanitize them frequently. Therefore, you can take precautions of either using paper to hold the pump or ensuring that you throughly clean with hand sanitizer after finishing refuelling. Do not use plastic gloves as these can cause static electricity which is very dangerous and might result in an explosion due to the presence of volatile fumes.

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