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Nissan’s new Leaf to get top honours at CES 2018

The newly launched Nissan Leaf has already caused a stir in the tech industry. It has taken top honours at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) annual ‘CES Unveiled’ ceremony, presented by the Consumer Technology Association. The show is regarded by many as being one of the top tech events in the world.

Before a crowd of tech industry experts, the Leaf bagged its first major international award since its launch. But Nissan is adamant that far more accolades will be coming its way once the car is truly been appreciated by consumers and techies around the world.

Nissan’s investment in innovative tech has certainly paid off here, because the CES awards recognized a number of them. The Japanese automaker;s ProPILOT system and e-Pedal tech were awarded the CES Best of Innovation award winner for Vehicle Intelligence and Self-Driving Technology and CES honoree for Tech for a Better World titles respectively.

Prior to the actual CES show, the Consumer Technology Association announces the Best of Innovation award winners to get more people enthusiastic about the actual event. Next year’s show will take place in sunny Las Vegas sometime in January. Held there annually, the 2018 show will have a Nissan Leaf on display for spectators to ogle.

https://youtu.be/VxhoYtiGzjI

“It is a great honour to have this early and important recognition for the new Nissan LEAF,” said Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s executive vice president for global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and the battery business, and chairman of the management committee for the Japan/A&O region.

The new Nissan Leaf is the successor to the car that has spearheaded Nissan’s charge into the developing EV market. It builds upon the success of its predecessor by adding better battery range, sleeker looks and more innovative tech that offer better everyday convenience.

Kode 0 is a 1970s inspired Aventador

Remember the Kode 57 that we covered in September? Well, Ken Okuyama and his team are at it again but this time, they have taken a crack at revamping a current gen Lambo. The Japanese designer’s previous creation, the Kode 57 was rebodied Enzo with special tweaks and features.

This new one, known as Kode 0, has been tastefully reworked to resemble supercars from the 1970s. Okuyama took a standard Lamborghini Aventador and reworked the skin to form a wedge-shaped design unlike any other. Though the support structure was maintained for safety purposes, most of the outer body is unique to the Kode 0.

Okuyama’s team used both wet and dry carbon-fibre to create this masterpiece. The owner who commissioned this build, specifically wanted it to have a chrome exterior. But the end result, which probbaly took serious convincing, is better suited for a vehicle of its class.

Under the hood is the same V12 that comes with the standard car, but the suspension and brakes are unique to the Kode 0. The same is true for the rest of the design elements, including the interior.

The Kode 0 has been introduced with the blessing of Lamborghini. Okuyama personally sought the approval of the Italian automaker before the ‘OK’ was given for the project. That said, somone of Okuyama’s caliber, who served as design chief of Pininfarina and lays claim to the Enzo and Quattroporte’s design work, is incapable of mucking up such a project.

Check out the video and let us know what you think of the car and whether it deserves to be given the same respect as an Aventador. Also, take a look at Jay Leno’s Garage Youtube channel for more videos such as the one featured here.

Laguna Seca turns 60 this year!

Laguna Seca, the world renowned racing circuit, turns 60 this year. The legendary track known especially for its ‘corkscrew chicane’ that consists of a hard left and right turn coupled with a 5.5 story drop in elevation. It has played host to some of Motorsport’s most competitive races that include Can Am, Trans Am, Indy Car, and 500cc Motorcycle Grands Prixs.

“We are incredibly pleased to celebrate the 60th birthday of a track that grabs your heart,” said Gill Campbell, general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “Great names like Hill, Moss, Andretti, Brabham, Rossi, McLaren, Shelby, Donohue, and so many more are what makes this one of the world’s racing gems.”

“We honor all of the past and present leaders, staff, volunteers, racers, and fans who have made this place what it is and continue pushing it forward for future generations to enjoy,” he later added.

Since its opening in 1957, Laguna Seca has undergone many changes and developments to improve driving conditions. But its inception, came to be out of necessity rather than vanity purposes. Prior to its introduction, road races were held at Pebble Beach but due to certain tragic events, organizers sought a safer course.

A handful of businessmen came together to form SCRAMP or Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula. It and the the Monterey Chamber of Commerce negotiated a five year deal and paid $3,000 to the US Army for use of the land. A fundraising campaign was started to fund the build from which, $125,000 was finally collected.

In a mere 60 days, the track was completed, and in time to host the first race in November where 100 entries were received and 35,000 spectators arrived. Today the Mazda owned circuit is a well known race track that is steeped in history. It’s 11 turns, 3.6km circuit is a favourite among many racing drivers and Motorsport fans all over the world.

That said, Laguna Seca doesn’t just serve one purpose. It’s recreation area is considered a prime location for year-round camping sessions and hosts other lifestyle and community events such as Sea Otter Classic, a leg of the upcoming 2018 Amgen Tour of California, Turkey Trot, concerts, and monthly Twilight Cycling rides.

A birthday celebration was held in the Hospitality Pavilion on Wednesday, November 8 to commemorate the occasion. This is part of a year-long celebration that also includes a programme called Racing Through the Decades feature display. Here, some of the more memorable cars will be arranged for an exhibit.

VW Golf R gets special performance pack

Volkswagen has announced a new Performance Pack upgrade for the Golf R that will boost handling, especially at the limits. This pack has only been made available for cars equipped with the DSG gearbox. It consists of a new brake system, rear spoiler, de-restricted top speed and 19-inch ‘Spielberg’ alloy wheels.

Known as the R-Performance brake system, the entire setup is 2kg lighter than the standard one. VW says that it offers superior performance too, thanks to ‘built pin discs’ that should offer better driver feedback.

These built pin discs have an aluminium brake pot with a cast steel friction ring that’s joined to the brake pot via cast pins. Compared to other configurations, this one expands radially when under stress, which boosts durability and should prove useful when the car is driven on track.

Volkswagen has restricted the Golf R’s top speed to 249km/h but with this package installed, it up’s the figure to 267km/h for the hatchback and 270km/h for the Estate version. The former also gets a special rear spoiler that will help produce 20kg of extra downforce.

In addition to this performance pack, VW is also offering a bespoke Akrapovič exhaust package for the hatchback version of the Golf R. The entire system, which is 7kg lighter than standard, is made from low density and high strength titanium. It’s tailpipes are circular instead of oval and features valve control technology, which allows for more pleasing exhaust notes.

VW has tuned the system to work in-sync with the car’s Driving Mode Selection options, that include Eco, Normal, Sport and Race. This should allow for a less audible tone from the throaty exhaust pipes when cruising through town, but emanate a more aggressive one when more sportier driving modes are selected.

https://youtu.be/1VeF8FknXus

Unlike the Performance package, VW says the exhaust system can be fitted to both manual and DSG transmission versions of the Golf R. This should be pleasing news to those wanting to take their cars to the next level without voiding the factory warranty.

New Beetle could be an EV and look similar to original

There might be some good news for classic Beetle fans in the near future. Volkswagen’s Chairman Herbert Diess, admitted to Autocar UK in an interview that “The next decision on electric cars will be what kind of emotional concepts we need”.

He was referring to the idea of using VW’s modular platform called MEB (Modular Electric Baukasten) to underpin future models like the Microbus and Beetle. The former, which was previewed as the ID Buzz Concept, will be put into production by 2022.

The Microbus is a modern interpretation of the original VW Bus and by using the MEB platform, they could place the electric motors at the rear, mimicking the original’s engine and transmission layout. The same could be done for the Beetle if the company does decide to introduce a retro-modern one.

Utilizing this EV platform, the modern Beetle could sport similar traits and drivetrain layout that isn’t dissimilar to what the original car used. That said, Diess was quick to quash the idea that any solid plans have already been made about the future of the new Beetle.

What he did admit however, is that the new Beetle, if given the green light for production, will probably be an electric vehicle and will utilize the MEB platform. Evidently, the MEB can be used used to underpin a variety of different vehicles of various sizes and dimensions.

Though it will be sometime before we hear more about this, its comforting to know that the classic Beetle might get a reboot in the not so distant future. Despite several attempts in the past to recreate its success, VW has fallen short of enthusiasts’ expectations. Instead of starting from scratch, Volkswagen opted to use the Golf platform to underpin the Beetle.

Though ‘The Beetle’ and ‘New Beetle’ resembled the original somewhat, their engines were front-mounted and were also front-wheel-drive. But with MEB, the electric motors could be rear-mounted and as such, allow for design and cosmetic features that retain the essence of the original car.

Source:Autocar UK

Alfa Romeo honored by Irish Car of the Year Awards

Leave it to the Italians to make amazing cars, and they will outdo themselves every time. Such is the case with Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, which has been recognized at the prestigious 41st annual Irish Car of the Year Awards 2018. It managed to edge out other entries in what was regarded as ‘stiff competition’ from established brands.

The standard Guila took home the award in the ‘Medium Car’ category while its more powerful sibling, the Quadrifoglio emerged victorious in the ‘Performance Car’ category. Alfa Romeo says these recognitions are a testament to its heritage and the ability of its team to continue to produce some of the best driver’s cars on sale today.

Alfa Romeo has always been known to produce some of the nicest looking cars in the world, but in terms of driving enjoyment, it’s either been ‘hit or miss’ in most cases. But when it came to the Giulia, the Italian marque managed to summon the best engineers and designers under the Fiat Chrysler Autombiles (FCA) umbrella to create an absolute masterpiece.

It’s innovative powertrains, good weight distribution, cutting edge tech and best weight-to-power ratio in its class, have made many in the automotive industry stop and take notice. This year’s Irish Car Awards jury panel consisted of 30 members of the Irish media’s most influential online, broadcast and print journalists.

Speaking of the achievement, Paul Hunt, Managing Director FCA Ireland, said, “The Irish Car of the Year jury have recognised the passion and dedication that has been gone into making the Giulia and has made it into a car that can be chosen with both the head and the heart.”

The standard Giulia is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine while the more powerful Quadrifoglio comes with the 2.9-litre V6 powerplant. At the moment, Alfa Romeo doesn’t have a local distributor here in Malaysia to support the brand, but we hope that changes sometime in the near future.

General Motors helps reunite two soldiers after fateful day

As a touching gesture and to support its partnership with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, General Motors reunited two U.S. Army soldiers after a gap of 5 years. The duo are Staff Sgt. Eric Myers and Medic Steven Rooker, who crossed paths under unfortunate circumstances.

In 2012, Myers was serving his third deployment in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division when he stepped on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). As a result of this, Myers suffered serious injuries and lost both legs above the knee.

Rooker, who was close by at the time, sprung into action to stabilize Myers until he could be airlifted our for more advanced medical treatment. Since that day, the two haven’t met but GM decided to reunite them as part of its efforts to support the foundation’s Building for America’s Bravest (BFAB) programme.

As a proud primary sponsor of such a programme, GMC has pledged more than $2 million (RM8.4 million) in 2017 toward building smart homes for catastrophically injured service members. The automaker is also heavily involved in this area to raise awareness for injured veterans.

Since the partnership was forged between GM and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, General Motors has provided more than $4 million (RM16.8 million) and contributed to building 66 smart homes. The target is to build 200 smart homes nationwide and raise an additional $1 million (RM4.2 million) through the end of 2017 to build more homes for deserving service members.

Dodge Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport signals end of an era

Dodge has announced a special edition variant of its ever popular Ram 1500 pick-truck as a send off for the 2017 model year vehicle. Called the 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport, the Blue body-coloured vehicle features a black-decaled performance hood, body-colored grille with black billet inserts and black R-A-M letter badges, as well as other upgrades.

Apart from this, the vehicle also receives a body colored front fascia, rear bumper, side mirrors and door handles. The 4×2 model rolls on 22-inch aluminum wheels while the 4×4 one, gets slightly smaller polished 20-inch ones.

On the inside, this particular Ram gets blue colour-matched highlight stitching on the instrument panel, heated steering wheel and door trim. There’s also Blue Sport accents spread throughout including the Ram head logos that are on the headrests. Blue anodized surfaces make up the instrument panel bezels, center console trim and door spears.

“The custom look and high-impact colors have been well received in the marketplace and this new Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will surely stand out on dealers’ lots and in customers’ driveways,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands.

“Enthusiasts demand that their trucks get noticed and our Ram 1500 Sport lineup delivers a durable, powerful alternative with great visual appeal,” he added.

According to the automaker, there will only be 2,000 examples of the Hydo Blue Ram will ever be produced for the US market, which should make it a rare offering. That said, the Hydro Blue pearl paint job is available as an option for customers who purchase a Ram 1500 Sport crew cab with short-bed body styles and the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8.

The Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will go on sale this month and should be of interest to those looking for a pick-up truck with far more street credibility.

The American to be axed from The Grand Tour

According to a recent post on twitter, The Grand Tour’s Season 2 will proceed without the presence of The American. Representing Amazon’s version of The Stig, The American character was played by Mike Skinner, a former NASCAR Driver.

Skinner admitted on Twitter that the second season will go on without him, stating that ‘his character wasn’t developed as he was told’. Unlike the universal likability of the Stig, Amazon’s character received a lukewarm welcome.

FYI I won't be joining the guys on @thegrandtour 2nd season – I wish them all the luck. My character wasn't developed as I was told.

— Mike Skinner (@MSTheGunslinger) November 7, 2017

The Stig was known for his cool and calm demeanor, which were virtues that The American lacked completely. His repulsive nature and complete lack of etiquette became a bit tiresome after the first few episodes. And despite his impressive car control skills around the test track, it wasn’t enough to win over the show’s audience.

and I agree with many of you that it sucked – if you're gonna wear Evil Knievel's firesuit, you need to be Evil Flipping Knievel! Peace out

— Mike Skinner (@MSTheGunslinger) November 7, 2017

Now that this news is official, one can’t help but wonder who will take over from The American as The Grand Tour’s tame racing driver. The Stig is considered part of the BBC and as such, Clarkson, Hammond and May aren’t legally allowed to have a similar figure in their current show.

There’s a possibility that the hot lap segment might be scuttled entirely mirroring the decision to put to pasture the travelling studio tent. Whatever the case maybe, we hope that Season 2 brings us the same thrills and spills we have come to expect from the Amazon exclusive show.

Volvo XC60 earns top marks in crash tests

Thatcham Research is an independent advocate of automotive safety & repair as well as an adviser to motorists, insurers and vehicle manufacturers in aiding the reduction in accident frequency, severity and costs. This world leader in crash safety and research, has awarded the Volvo XC60 with top marks for vehicle safety.

In fact, the Swede scored 95% in the Safety Assist category, which is about 40% higher than the average for cars that were tested this year. Contributing to this stellar score was its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system that scored maximum points when tested at highway speeds and was successful at avoiding all collisions.

“The new Volvo XC60 has “aced” the exacting test protocols,” said Matthew Avery director of research at Thatcham Research. “It’s exceedingly rare for a vehicle to score so favourably across the board. The adult occupant protection result for the Volvo XC60 is one of the best on record.”

“But it’s in active safety that Volvo is really maintaining its lead. The XC60’s standard-fit safety technologies are excellent – or rather those that we were able to test, as its Turn Across Path and Run off Road systems are not yet a feature of the Euro NCAP programme,” he added.

Other SUVs that were tested during the same period included the Citroën C3 Aircross, Opel / Vauxhhall Crossland X, VW T-Roc, Skoda Karoq and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. All of them performed relatively well by achieving the Euro NCAP 5-star rating respectively.

Besides crash and track research, Thatcham Research also conducts tests and accredits crash repair parts, vehicle repair technicians, as well as others services. The acquired data is then used to benefit the collision repair industry for insurers, motor manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.