Following on from the recent launch of the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier, the carmaker today debuted the Yaris Cross. Originally planned to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show which was cancelled, the Yaris Cross will have its sales launch in Japan during the fourth quarter of this year and in Europe by the middle of 2021.
With ‘Cross’ as part of its name, the image which Toyota wants this Yaris variant to have is clear – a more rugged SUV off-roader (though not for serious stuff, of course). Standing taller the Yaris with the requisite extra ground clearance (+30 mm), it sits on the TNGA platform (GA-B) for compact models. The wheelbase of 2560 mm is the same as the hatchback but is 240 mm longer at 4.18 metres, 20 mm wider and 90 mm higher.
The overall exterior styling follows the Yaris but has influence from the RAV4 too, along with the new Harrier. SUV-type elements like dark cladding on the sides and squared-off wheelarches are given emphasis so the Yaris Cross fits right into the Toyota range of SUVs.
For the exterior colour, designers at Toyota’s European studio (which was involved in the development) wanted to express ‘an active and high-quality image’ that target customers would really appreciate.
Looking at future colour trends, they saw a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but there was also a desire for something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also desaturating the colour to emphasise the metal-like appearance, gave a fresh urban yet active appeal. The final result is a colour called Brass Gold which is seen on the car in all the images.
Two powertrain options
Depending on the market, two powertrain options will be available – a 1.5-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine or a hybrid with a similar engine. Toyota’s hybrid system is already in its fourth generation since being introduced in the late 1990s.
The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota’s latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed.
The engine’s thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Total system output from the hybrid system is 116 ps and special attention has been given to power delivery to deliver responsiveness.
All-wheel drive available
Most manufacturers have been opting for just front-wheel drive for compact SUVs but Toyota offers its intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i) as well, which should give it an extra selling point in the very competitive segment.
AWD-i is said to provide extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Yaris Cross operates with FWD but when low-grip conditions are detected, AWD drive is engaged automatically.
As this is just an unveiling, Toyota has given limited information on the new model. It will be produced in Japan as well as Europe. In terms of positioning, it will take its place below the C-HR as the brand’s first B-segment SUV.
With the Ministry of International Trade and Industry akkowing companies to resume their service centre operations in stages since April 20, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today confirmed that all Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) service centres have resumed operations.
As the conditions of allowing resumption require companies to have only a minimal number of service personnel and customers at the service centres (so as to enable social distancing), SDAH service centres are only accepting customers by appointment.
So owners are advised to contact their nearest SDAH outlet to arrange an appointment, bearing in mind that there is a 10-km limit from home stipulated by the Movement Control Order (MCO). SDAH service centres are located at Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor; Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur; Ipoh, Perak; Georgetown and Prai, Penang; as well as at Skudai, Johor.
They will operate between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays for most SDAH service centres except for outlets in Georgetown and Prai, which will operate from 8 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 2 pm, respectively.
All SDAH service centres will adhere to health and safety guidelines such as social distancing measures, regularly disinfection, temperature checks for staff and customers upon entry, and provide hand sanitisers at all customer touchpoints.
Warranty Extension Programme
HSDM has also launched the Hyundai C A R E Warranty Extension Programme, allowing for the extension of original warranties that expire in March and April 2020. This initiative is in tandem with Hyundai Motor’s launch of its warranty extension policy for Hyundai vehicles worldwide. This will ensure that Hyundai customers will still be eligible for warranty for repairs and other related services even though delayed due to the MCO.
Warranty extensions will be until May 31, 2020. Nevertheless, should the MCO period is further extend, a 30-day extension will be given from the last day of MCO if that occurs later. Vehicles with service overdue due to the MCO restrictions will need to be sent in for service within 30 days from the last day of MCO to ensure the validity of the warranty.
“We understand our customers’ predicament of not having access to our service centres during this period, and they are probably worried about their warranty,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM. “With Hyundai C A R E, we wish to set their minds at ease with regards to their warranty eligibility. Not only do we care about our customers’ health and safety, we care about the ‘health’ and safety of their vehicles as well.”
Hyundai and Genesis offer incentives that cover job loss due to COVID-19 (in USA)
Collaborating with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Honda Malaysia is providing 50 units of its City model to frontliners in the War on COVID-19 who are also Honda customers. This programme, on a first come, first served basis, is initiated for frontliners who are unable to use their vehicles during this difficult time, in order to help ease their travel challenges.
Available for one-month duration of usage (Honda Malaysia will bear all rental charges), this collaboration with the car-sharing platform provides mobility aid for the frontliners. The move is Honda Malaysia’s way of showing appreciation to the frontliners who have a brave spirit as well as making self-sacrifices.
The company hopes this initiative with SOCAR can reduce the transportation hassle of frontliners, and thus help them perform their jobs with more peace-of-mind. “Everyone is playing their part in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and frontliners hold an even more important role in these difficult times. Despite having to withstand extra strain that is being put on them by the current situation, their selfless dedication and sacrifice have gained utmost respect from people in Malaysia and earned worldwide recognition,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the frontliners; the battle against COVID-19 would have been tougher without their unwavering perseverance. Inspired by the like-minded challenging spirit, Honda Malaysia would like to assist in any way we can in this unprecedented situation,” he added.
So if you are a frontliner, especially in the healthcare area, do contact Honda Malaysia. You can do at www.honda.com.my where there is also more information about the program.
Aerodynamics play a very important role in a car’s performance, especially for high-performance cars. Where efficient aerodynamics will help a car improve its fuel efficiency, for high-performance cars, it also enhances stability and makes the car safer to driver at the very high speeds it is capable of.
Porsche has continuously improved the aerodynamics of its 911 model from generation to generation, often coming up with innovations that set new standards. For the latest 911 Turbo S, the aerodynamic characteristics of the car can be even more precisely adapted to the driving situation, speed and selected driving mode.
Active aerodynamic elements
Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) features active aerodynamic elements that resolve the conflicts between different aerodynamic goals. The comprehensive expansion of the intelligent system in the 911 Turbo S makes it possible to achieve a much larger spread between the aerodynamic configurations for optimum driving dynamics and minimum drag.
The active cooling air flaps are new. together with the variable front spoiler lip as well as the extending and tilting rear wing, the new top-of-the-range model therefore features three active aerodynamic components. On top of the basic aerodynamic configurations of the 911 Turbo, namely PAA Speed and PAA Performance, this now permits realisation of an Eco configuration.
PAA has also been extended to include a Wet Mode function, which moves the aerodynamic balance towards the rear axle for greater driving stability in wet road conditions, as well as the airbrake function, which produces higher drag and greater downforce in the event of full braking at high speed and therefore results in a shorter braking distance and greater driving stability.
Adaptation to the changed airflow around the car also occurs when the sliding roof or convertible top is open. This means that there are a total of 8 different aerodynamic configurations, which are each described by a specific combination of the active aerodynamic components.
Improvements have not just been made in adaptation to the specific requirements in driving operation but also as regards the aerodynamic properties themselves: the newly designed active front spoiler and rear wing have increased the downforce by 15% to guarantee enhanced driving stability and dynamics at higher speeds.
The maximum downforce in the Performance position (Sport Plus mode activated) is now around 170 kgs. The drag coefficient (Cd) of the 911 Turbo S varies depending on the aerodynamic setting. The most efficient configuration has a minimum value of 0.33 Cd achieved with closed flaps and retracted front and rear spoilers.
The cooling air flaps
The newly developed controlled cooling air flaps permit a lower driving resistance and thus reduced fuel consumption. The flaps are located in the right and left air intakes of the front apron. They are continuously adjustable and control the cooling air throughput through the radiators.
Front spoiler with pneumatic actuation
The active front spoiler has been significantly enhanced, with its effective aerodynamic area increased compared with the predecessor. Extension and retraction can now take place in a shorter time with lower pressure.
Three segments can be inflated separately with the help of actuators. The two outer actuators always function synchronously. The front spoiler is made of a flexible plastic (elastomer) and can therefore be rotated so that the middle segment can be retracted or extended when the outer segments are extended.
Rear wing with more functions
The rear wing on the 911 Turbo has always been a distinctive feature. In the latest model, its lightweight construction makes it 440 gms less than the corresponding component of the predecessor but with an 8% larger effective area. Electric adjustment of the wing – which can be extended and tilted – is performed primarily depending on the speed and selected driving mode. There is now an Eco position with the wing retractable over a large speed range so that the car can be driven with minimum drag.
Wet mode and airbrake
With the new Wet mode, the focus is on driving stability in wet conditions. If the in the front wheel housings detect a significantly wet road surface due to spray that is swirled up, a corresponding message is displayed to the driver in the instrument cluster. The driver can then manually activate Wet mode by means of a rotary switch on the steering wheel.
The new airbrake function is activated automatically in the event of full braking at high speeds. The front spoiler and rear wing are then moved to the Performance position. The higher drag and increased downforce can reduce the braking distance. Driving stability is also improved during braking.
On March 18, 2020, the government activated the Movement Control Order (MCO) nationwide as a measure to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus by limiting human contact. As had been seen when some other countries had implemented similar actions, many people quickly left the cities to return to go to other places and as some of them were already infected, they carried the virus further and started an explosion of cases.
The Malaysian government wanted to avoid that so one of the strict conditions was that there would be no interstate travel, besides forbidding Malaysians to leave the country. The aim was to keep those who might be infected where they were so that health authorities could identify and screen them and then isolate them. But even before the MCO started, there were already some infected persons going to other towns and the spread would later be evident in other parts of the country as clusters of infected persons were found.
So there have been many people who went back to their hometowns before the MCO started and then got stuck there ever since. But with Hari Raya coming, the government is still reluctant to lift the interstate travel restriction. The Health Ministry is concerned that if there is the usual ‘balik kampung’ exodus, the number of cases could rise again, and all our #stayathome sacrifices for over a month will have been wasted.
Register with Gerak Malaysia app
However, the government has now announced that those who want to return to urban areas might be able to do so. They can register online using the Gerak Malaysia app with the police and Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC) from April 25 (this Saturday), according to Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during his daily press briefing today.
Download the Gerak Malaysia app at the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore
Those who do not have internet access can go to the police station nearest to them to register. But, at this time, this is just registration for permission to travel. A final decision will only be made on or after May 1, after a review by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.
To date, over 830 roadblocks have been set up by the police and armed forces in towns and cities around the country to enforce the MCO conditions. While most people are aware that they cannot do ‘social motoring’, there are still some who deliberately break the law and when caught, they will have to pay a fine of RM1,000 and might also spend time in jail.
MCO has helped
The latest numbers show that there are positive results from having the MCO although it has caused a lot of stress for many people. As of April 21, 5,482 Covid-19 cases have been reported but 3,349 (61%) have recovered while there have been 92 deaths (1.68%) related to the virus.
There are also more Green Zones (areas without any active Covid-19 cases), with the number at 64. Red zones (41 cases or more) number 14, with the highest number in the Lembah Pantai district in Kuala Lumpur (347 cases).
UPDATE: The first round will be on April 24/25 (Friday/Saturday)
Since 2018, UMW Toyota Motor has been extending its involvement in eSports as a complementary activity to its Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and Vios One-Make Race events. In fact, it was the first Malaysian car company to be associated with eSports when it sponsored the Toyota Velocity Esports Championship which saw over 400 participants. The second season of the championship last September saw 650 participants.
Now with the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting much of the Malaysian population to their homes, the company has come up with something that will excite racing simulator gamers and those who are the ‘best of the best’ can even win cash prizes.
RM7,500 total prize money
UMWT has announced an online challenge the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia Online Challenge which starts off this tomorrow (Friday, April 24, 2020). This is a virtual time-attack challenge which will have 5 rounds between April 24 and May 22, 2020.
The 5 fastest racers in each round will win prizes ranging from RM500 to RM100, with the total prize money for the entire tournament amounting to RM7,500.
Click here to go to the registration/information page for the TGR Malaysia Online Challenge
Entry is free by registering online and open to any Malaysian resident 6 years old or older. Those who want to participate must have a PlayStation4 console (and the relevant accessories, of course) and a copy of ‘Gran Turismo Sport’. They must have, either unlocked or purchased, the GR Supra RZ ’19, Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Lexus Au TOM’S RCF, Toyota GT86 Group B Rally or Supra Racing Concept which are the cars required.
Players are only allowed to join each Round once to set their best time. The time they set will determine their position and when they enter the next round, there will be a ‘Time Handicap’ imposed on all Top 5 Winners of each round to make it more interesting and challenging throughout the Online Challenge. The Time Handicap will range from 2.5 seconds to 0.5 second.
UPDATE: First round changed to April 24/25
Bespoke automotive manufacturer R-Reforged, based in Switzerland, has announced plans to produce its Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS in-house at its new facility in England. 38 Aston-Martin-licenced units and handbuilt as the 38 Coupe and Speedster TWINS that celebrate the centenary of the Zagato Atelier (1919-2019) and 60-year long partnership between the Milanese ‘Signature’ and British sportscar manufacturer.
19 pairs to be produced
Offered solely in pairs to just 19 customers (with the majority already sold), the sculpted Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged were created by Zagato and R-Reforged to combine the best of two automotive worlds: a sporting Speedster in its purest form and a timeless Coupe.
Each features iconic Zagato design cues synonymous with the carrozzeria, notably the ‘double bubble’ roof on the Coupe and, exclusively, the 100th anniversary gold Z badging.
Now derived from the later V12 Vantage, the 19 Coupes and 19 Speedsters feature a reworked version of its 5.9-litre 48 valve, naturally aspirated engine to produce 600 bhp (85 bhp more than the original).
Carbonfibre body with bespoke features
Clothed in an all-carbonfibre body, both incorporate an active aero and deployable rear wing to improve stability at high speeds whilst maintaining the clean surfaces and pure lines of the Zagato design. Combined with a number of other design tweaks such as new, centre locking 19-inch bespoke alloy wheels designed by APP Tech, the overall effect is muscular, purposeful yet graceful and unmistakably Aston Martin.
Owners can specify every element of their cars to the designers, before being invited to witness the team of skilled craftspeople at R-Reforged’s newly-created facility start making their cars. They will see first-hand a blend of traditional and contemporary processes, ranging from Bridge of Weir leather trimming to the latest in additive manufacturing. Options include an ‘infinity’ colour palette with the opportunity to match the interior and exterior to any colour sample provided by the client.
“The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged are undoubtedly a highlight of our centenary celebrations,” said Andrea Zagato. “A beautiful, bespoke and intrinsic part of our history and creative association with Aston Martin. To own these collectible cars will be a very personal and emotional experience.”
The cars will be unveiled in mid-2020 with production set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Aston Martin V12 Speedster – inspired by the F/A-18 jet fighter
#STAYHOME – this applies to BMW works drivers as well. Instead of competing in the various race series in the real world, they are currently spending their time at home. But they are by no means sat idle and relaxing; even during this unusual period, the drivers have a full schedule. This ranges from fitness training and sim racing, through time with the family, to pursuing old and new hobbies.
Keeping fit
The works drivers are using the time to keep fit so that they are as well prepared as possible for the first races, whenever that will happen. Two-time DTM champion Marco Wittmann, for example, regularly invites his fans to take part in his training sessions at home via his social media channels.
“At the moment, I really am doing a huge amount of exercise – be it endurance training, strength, coordination, or mental training,” he revealed. For Lucas Auer, new to the BMW DTM squad, sport is his main focus as it is for almost everyone. “I do two sessions a day. It keeps you fit and you feel good. I have a treadmill, an ergometer and an arm crank for my endurance training here at home. I am doing all my specific neck, core and other exercises that I need to stay fit.”
The drivers are being supported with their training at home by Formula Medicine and are being given specially devised training plans. For example, BMW Motorsport Junior Dan Harper, who is currently at home with his family in Northern Ireland. He trains four to five times a week using a training plan that he received from Formula Medicine.
Bruno Spengler, who is contesting with BMW Team RLL in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, is even using his training at home for competitions. He cycles at home and can do it with friends using Swift. “We compete against each other in races online. These online races are really difficult, but are so much fun,” he said, adding that there is also the strength training which he does in the small gym at home.
BMW DTM driver Sheldon van der Linde also set up his own training equipment at home in South Africa. “I’m fitter now than I ever have been and feel even better prepared for the season than I have in previous years. The break has meant that I have used my time to work consistently on my fitness and to focus on it,” said van der Linde.
Preparing for real-life, virtually
There is one discipline that is taking up a lot of time for almost all the works drivers: sim racing “It is currently experiencing an incredible boom in the present situation,” observed Martin Tomczyk, a BMW works driver in GT racing. “Almost every works driver has a simulator at home these days, and anyone who hasn’t got one yet will probably be buying one in the next few weeks.”
The simulations are of a very high standard now, and the race series that are organised by the various promoters are incredibly popular. “Everything is so realistic these days that you really feel the motivation as a racing driver and are ecstatic when you get a win. Set-up work, discipline, concentration and teamwork are factors here as well,” said Tomczyk.
Sim racing not only keeps the drivers in ‘race mode’; it also keeps them in contact with the fans. “Despite the break, we can still put on a show that the fans can follow live. It’s really great, there are different livestreams during the races and everyone really enjoys it. I also think it’s great that BMW is getting so involved in sim racing,” said Spengler.
A positive aspect of the current situation for many BMW works drivers is that they are now able to spend a lot of time with their families, and they are doing so across the whole world. GT driver Augusto Farfus (BRA), for example, is with his wife and children in Brazil. “It’s great that I am with my family. This hasn’t been the case for the past 20 years of my life. Unfortunately, it’s because of something that is by no means pleasant, but at least I get to spend a lot more time close to my parents and my family than usual,” he said.
Old and new hobbies
Aside from fitness training, sim racing, family life and home schooling, the BMW drivers are also using the current break to do everyday things. “For example, gardening, or sweeping the driveway – all the things that you usually squeeze into your schedule when you’re at home,” explained Wittmann.
Glock has discovered a new hobby – one which many around the world would also have found. He is getting into cooking and doing an online cookery class. “I’ve been meaning to do it for a while. Now I’ve finally got around to it,” said Glock. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a big challenge and uncharted territory for me, but it’s working out quite well!”
De Phillippi has branched out in a totally different direction. While he is waiting to get back to the IMSA series and the Nordschleife, he is dabbling in stock exchanges and financial markets. “I’ve developed a great interest in it during this period. I’ve read a lot about shares, bonds and ETFs to learn how they work together so it’s kind of a new hobby for me. You have to read a lot, and there are a lot of complicated aspects, but I’m really interested in anything to do with numbers.”
BMW Drivers Will Be Racing At Super Sim Saturday With Races All Around The Virtual Globe
Following the activation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia on March 18 2020, all businesses except those related to essential services were required to stop operations. Service centres were among the businesses that had to remain closed, although emergency assistance services were permitted.
After the extension of the MCO until April 28 2020, MITI has given permission for car companies to resume aftersales services at selected outlets, with certain conditions to be followed. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has received approval from MITI to re-open selected authorised Toyota service centres which will operate for emergency and urgent service requirements only, at minimum capacity.
Toyota owners are advised that the services are by appointment only. Customers should first contact the nearest service centre to their home to check if the outlet is in operation and then plan a suitable appointment time/date.
Click here for the list of authorised Toyota service centres to contact regarding operating status
Every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of customers when they visit the service centres who will continue to practice social distancing and remain at least 1 metre or more apart to avoid possible transmission of the virus.
With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, the company announced earlier that there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.
The company will continue to provide all customers with assistance for any emergencies or enquiries during the MCO period through its existing helplines. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO:
“As we always place customer care as a top priority, all Toyota vehicles sent to our service centres will receive a thorough inspection to ensure they are in good running order. However, we also urge customers to adhere to the regulations of the Movement Control Order and help to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Increase in traffic to be expected as more sectors are permitted to resume operations
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