Ott Tanak of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team dominated the Arctic Rally Finland, second round of the 2021 World Rally Championship (WRC). The Estonian was never seriously challenged during the 3-day rally over the weekend and finished with a lead of 17.5 seconds. Tanak was fastest in 5 of the 10 snow and ice speed tests in his Hyundai i20.
In second place was Finnish driver Kalle Rovanpera, 29, who has become the youngest ever driver to lead the WRC standings after finishing in a strong second place on home ground at Arctic Rally Finland over the weekend.
Driving a Toyota Yaris WRC, Rovanpera and his co-driver, Jonne Halttunen were among the pacesetters from the beginning of the rally. The rally was closely fought in the snow and ice and by the final day, they were second overall with just a gap of 1.8 seconds from the leader. Putting in maximum effort, Rovanpera extended the margin in the first of the two passes of the Aittajarvi stage.
In the repeat pass on the Power Stage, Rovanpera achieved the best time, securing second overall by 2.3 seconds – the best result of his FIA World Rally Championship career to date. With the Power Stage win, he also claimed the maximum of 5 bonus points on offer towards both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ standings, and now leads the championship for the first time in his career by 4 points over his nearest rival.
“It was quite a difficult weekend. I was pushing really hard and we couldn’t always be on the optimal pace, but we were fighting back all the time. In the Power Stage, I gave everything that I had and it was enough, so we got really good points from here. It’s going to be a new situation for me going to the next event, and we just have to keep up the pace and be consistent like we have been here,” said Rovanpera.
Behind Rovanpera, two more members of the Hyundai team – Thierry Neuville and Craig Breen – finished third and fourth, respectively. However, Elfyn Evans fifth position enabled the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team to continue to lead the Manufacturers’ championship with an 11-point advantage.
TGR WRC Challenge Program driver Takamoto Katsuta gained sixth place on the very last stage in his Yaris WRC, matching the career-best result he achieved on the opening round of the season in Monte Carlo.
Teemu Suninen and Gus Greensmith, in Fiestas of the M-Sport Ford World Really Team, were eighth and ninth, with WRC2 winner Esapekka Lappi completing the top 10 in a Skoda Fabia.
Finnish driver Hannu Mikkola, 1983 WRC champion and 3-time runner-up, passed away on Friday and tributes were made at the awards ceremony, with the Finnish Air Force sending an F-18 Hornet to do a fly past overhead.
Hannu Mikkola, one of the legendary rally drivers of the 1970s and 1980s, passed away last Friday. He drove for the Ford, Toyota and Audi works teams, bringing them many victories.
The next round of the WRC will be the Croatia Rally, an asphalt event, around the capital of Zagreb on April 22 – 25.
Just as Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) assesses the safety performance of new models sold in Europe, Green NCAP evaluates the environmental performance of new vehicles. Periodically, it compiles a list of models and recently release information on 25 new models. These include, for the first time, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The results of three models – the Kia Niro, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Prius – show that not all plug-in hybrids offer the same environmental benefits. The Hyundai NEXO – a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) – demonstrates the promise of this developing technology. The vehicles on the latest list include the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 and 19 combustion engine cars, of which two – the Skoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI and VW Golf 1.5 TSI – stand out from the rest.
Hyundai NEXO FCV
Nothing beats pure electric vehicles
When it comes to environmental cleanliness, pure electric vehicles outshine the competition – which shouldn’t really be surprising. With rising consumer interest, more and more traditional carmakers are getting serious about electric vehicles and have comprehensive electrification programs for the coming years.
Volkswagen’s first standalone electric car, the ID.3, reinforces this message, joining the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) previously tested by Green NCAP with a maximum 5-star rating. The NEXO, a hydrogen fuel-cell car, also achieved 5 stars, as it proved to be just as clean as a BEV and very nearly as energy efficient.
Layout of fuel-cell electric vehicle (2015 Toyota Mirai)
Huge potential in fuel cell technology but…
Using a fuel-cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, the NEXO emits only water at the tailpipe and can offer a driving range unmatched by any available pure electric vehicle at this time. Refilling of the hydrogen tank is also as quick and easy as a refuelling a car with petrol or diesel. The NEXO result clearly shows the huge potential of the technology, but fuel-cell cars can only grow in numbers when consumers see sufficient hydrogen fuelling stations around their country.
PHEV technology is currently much favoured by manufacturers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with new emissions legislation. Marketed as offering ‘the best of both worlds’ – battery-powered cleanliness when it is needed with the driving range of a combustion-engined car – Green NCAP’s tests revealed that, even when optimally charged, not all PHEVs are the same.
Toyota Prius PHEV
Toyota’s Prius impressed most with a 4-star rating that beats all but pure electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars. The Niro followed closely with 3½ stars, but the Outlander only achieved 2 stars, less than some of the latest Euro6-compliant petrol or diesel cars.
“People want independent, transparent information about the environmental impact of cars. These PHEV results show why that is so important. Consumers could be forgiven for thinking that, by buying a car labelled ‘PHEV’ and keeping it charged all the time, they will be doing their bit for the environment, but these results show that this is not necessarily the case,” said Euro NCAP Chairman, Niels Jacobsen.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
“The Outlander shows that a big, heavy vehicle with a limited driving range is unlikely to offer any benefit over a conventional car. On the other hand, Toyota, with its long experience of hybrid technology, has done a terrific job and the Prius, properly used, can offer clean, efficient transport. It depends on the implementation and hybridisation strategy but what is true of all PHEVs is that they need to be charged regularly and driven as much as possible on battery power if they are to fulfil their potential,” noted Jacobsen.
Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI
Some non-electrified cars still very clean
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid further underlines Toyota’s expertise in the field of electrification with a respectable 3½ star rating. But it is matched by two conventionally-engined cars – the diesel-powered Skoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI and the petrol-fuelled VW Golf 1.5 TSI. These are the best results achieved so far by non-electrified cars.
“Euro6 legislation has made a real difference. For the first time, we’re seeing cars perform in real- world driving the way they promise on the test bench and we should congratulate car manufacturers and emissions engineers for the huge strides they have made in the last few years,” Jacobsen observed.
For FCEVs to grow in numbers, consumers will have to see a sizable network of hydrogen refuelling stations n their country.
“The future looks like it belongs to electric cars of one sort or another but, for now, consumers face a bewildering choice. Green NCAP is here to help them make informed decisions so that we can all contribute now to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he said.
About Green NCAP
Green NCAP is an independent initiative which promotes the development of cars which are clean, energy efficient and not harmful to the environment. Emissions of several pollutant gases are regulated by legislation in the EU. All cars sold in Europe must pass type-approval tests to demonstrate that their emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, unburnt hydrocarbons and particulate matter do not exceed certain critical values. However, regulation offers no reward to manufacturers who go beyond the minimum standards of approval testing.
Green NCAP rewards manufacturers whose vehicles go beyond the minimum legislative requirements and offer excellent real-world performance. The organisation uses a broad range of tests to address the flaws in approval tests and, through consumer information, rewards those manufacturers whose vehicles go beyond the minimum requirements and offer excellent, robust, real-world performance. Regulatory testing is a good starting point, and Green NCAP’s tests are an addition and complementary to the legislative requirements.
Formula E’s new season – the seventh in the all-electric series – began on Friday with two night races at Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The new season sees updates to the regulations and three rookies – Jake Dennis (BMW i Andretti Motorsport), Nick Cassidy (Envision Virgin Racing) and Norman Nato (ROKiT Venturi Racing).
To support the teams during the global pandemic, Formula E and the FIA decided to extend the next homologation period, with manufacturers only able to alter powertrain components once over the next two seasons. Teams can either introduce a new car in Season 7, for a 2-year cycle, or continue to use existing technology before homologating a new car the year after for a single season.
Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler and Envision Virgin Racing, BMW i Andretti Motorsport, Jaguar Racing, Mahindra Racing, Mercedes-EQ, alongside customers ROKiT Venturi Racing, NIO 333 and TAG Heuer Porsche all opted for new machines for the season ahead. DRAGON/PENSKE AUTOSPORT, DS TECHEETAH and Nissan e.dams have chosen to delay their homologation and will be using their Season 6 package for at least the opening rounds.
Also new for this season, the tyre allocation will be reduced by 25% per single-race competition and by up to 50% at double-header events. Based on the Season 5 calendar and comparing to the previous allocation, this could potentially see a saving of 720 tyres with less emissions produced, which is a 29% reduction in the overall impact of the tyres.
Becoming only the second single-seater championship to gain FIA World Championship status is a true honour for the sport and carries enormous significance for the teams, manufacturers and drivers battling it out to be crowned the first official Formula E World Champions.
The Riyadh Street Circuit once again provided the spectacular backdrop to the opening events of the season as Formula E ran its first night races. The fast and flowing 2.49-km clockwise circuit flanks the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site and is largely the same as it was in the previous season. Track surface work has led to the reprofiling of some turns for slightly adapted racing lines that promote closer racing.
Sam Bird (Jaguar Racing) got the better of Robin Frijns (Envision Virgin Racing) – his former teammate – as the two engaged in a race-long back and forth under the floodlights. A red flag 5 minutes from the scheduled end of the race brought things to a premature end, confirming the Brit’s victory with Frijns following in second.
DS TECHEETAH’s Antonio Felix da Costa came home a net third after teammate Jean-Eric Vergne received a 24-second post-race penalty for failing to use his second ATTACK MODE activation, which saw the Frenchman demoted to 12th.
Frijns got away cleanly from pole to fend off Sette Camara into Turn 1, and Bird immediately challenged the DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT driver to make a tidy move stick for second up the inside of Turn 2. Antonio Felix da Costa banged wheels with Nico Mueller and Sebastien Buemi further back – passing the Nissan e.dams to take eighth spot with the Portuguese’ DS TECHEETAH teammate a little way clear in seventh and hounding Mueller.
Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.
On Lap 5, Vergne pounced on an error by Blomqvist to pinch sixth and the Brit falling to eighth at the hands of the reigning champion a lap later. Meanwhile, Buemi and Cassidy diced for ninth, with the Swiss coming off best with a regulation pass into Turn 18 to set about hunting Blomqvist up ahead.
The lead pair drew out two seconds on Sette Camara in third, with Turvey running a collected race in fourth with Mueller kept at arm’s length. Meanwhile, the two DS TECHEETAHs hunted in packs as the Frenchman jumped for ATTACK MODE – his teammate following.
Frijns was next to dive for his first mandatory ATTACK MODE activation and importantly, he was able to hold off Sette Camara to keep within touching distance of the now race leader Bird – the Jaguar driver still to use that initial 35kW boost, and take the pain of going off-line to cross the ATTACK MODE loop.
Over the half-way mark, and Vergne’s charge continued apace with another regulation pass for third, this time on Sette Camara, just as Jake Dennis (BMW i Andretti Motorsport) was crunched by Pascal Wehrlein’s Porsche, which threw a Full Course Yellow (FCY) – holding the cars as they stood at 50 km/h until the circuit was cleared.
Bird had found his way beyond Frijns for the race lead just prior to that FCY, with the latter heading for ATTACK MODE number two but once again, the Virgin racer was able to bite back – despite Frijns saying he was overconsuming energy over team radio.
Contact between Guenther and Evans ultimately caused the end of the race via a Red Flag leaving bird to head home Frijns, Vergne, Da Costa, Cassidy, Sette Camara, Mueller, Turvey, Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams), and Rene Rast (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) on track.
Penalties for Vergne and Rast followed the chequered flag, however, as neither used their second ATTACK MODE activation. All three had not expected the sudden end of the race. This demoted the pair to 12th and 17th, respectively and nudging those ahead of them come the end of the race up the order.
Bird has not had a win for a long time, his last being 11 races ago. The weekend’s victory draws him level with Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) in second on the all-time winners’ table with 10 victories.
There were the usual celebrations during the presentation of awards but on this occasion, it was frightening for all those present. Yemen’s rebel Houthis had launched flying devices said to carry bombs towards Riyadh and fortunately, the defence system intercepted and destroyed them in the night sky.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship heads to Rome on April 10 for Round 3.
With the Taycan – Porsche’s first production all-electric sportscar – successfully launched and progressively entering various markets, including Malaysia, the carmaker is now busy following up with final development work of the Taycan Cross Turismo. Prototypes have already covered more than 998,361 testing kilometres, a distance that equals almost 25 times around the planet (measured at the equator).
“When developing the Cross Turismo, we were of course able to build on our experience with the Taycan sports saloon. The biggest challenge was combining the requirements of sportiness with off-road capabilities,” explained Vice-President Model Line, Stefan Weckbach. “The Cross Turismo has to be capable of high performance on the racetrack and must also be able to handle mud and gravel.”
25 times around the planet
The latter conditions were simulated on the Endurance Testing Ground at the Development Centre in Germany. The conditions at this facility include a ‘Safari’ track that mimics terrain in Africa. Having completed a total of 998,361 testing kilometres, the Cross Turismo prototypes have circumnavigated the globe almost 25 times (measured at the equator).
The extensive Porsche testing programme has also taken place on racetracks such as the Nurburgring Nordschleife and the Grand Prix track in Hockenheim (both in Germany) as well as on testing grounds worldwide. The Cross Turismo has also been tested off the beaten track in the south of France and in the Pyrenees region.
‘Swiss army knife on wheels’
“The result is impressive. However, the Cross Turismo is not a hardcore off-road vehicle, but specialises in unpaved and dirt roads. It’s like a type of ‘Swiss army knife on up to 21-inch wheels’,” added Weckbach.
The new derivative, which features all the strengths of the Taycan sportscar, will have a chassis with all-wheel drive and height-adjustable air suspension. There is also significantly more headroom for the passengers in the rear and a large load capacity under the tailgate. The package and space conditions have been optimised down to the very last detail.
The mock-up – a faithful, physical representation of the interior – and the package function model alone took 650 design, electronic and coordination hours and 1,500 workshop hours to complete.
Same test programme as other sportscars
At Porsche, electric cars have to undergo the same rigorous testing programme as all its other sportscars with combustion engines. In addition to displaying superior performance, this always includes proving unrestricted everyday usability in all climatic conditions. Particularly demanding tasks such as charging the battery, or controlling the temperatures of the powertrain and interior under extreme temperatures, are additional aspects that are tested in the battery-powered electric models.
Other development goals typical for Porsche include racetrack performance, the ability to perform repeated acceleration runs at full throttle, and a range suitable for everyday use. Extensive testing is also carried out in the laboratory and on test rigs, and includes development and validation of the aerodynamic design. The Cross Turismo braved the storm in the wind tunnel for around 325 hours, part of the 1,500 hours spent there during its development process.
The new rear bicycle carrier designed by Porsche for this model also underwent its own rigorous testing programme with rough road tracks and driving dynamics tests. It sets new benchmarks when to comes to handling, ergonomics, driving safety and stability. Several e-bikes can be transported on its generously spaced wide rails.
The Taycan Cross Turismo combines Porsche E-Performance with enhanced suitability for everyday use. It will go on sale in Europe in mid-2021. To date, more than 20,000 Taycans have been delivered worldwide.
The Taycan was launched in Malaysia last September by Sime Darby Auto Performance.
To celebrate the launch of the 2021 Lexus IS, RTFKT – creators of virtual sneakers and collectibles – came out with a one-of-one shoe featuring design elements inspired by the IS 350 F Sport Dynamic Handling Package. From its athletic stance and slimmer headlights to its carbonfibre spoiler and bold colour schemes, the IS drove the team to design RTFKT’s first pair of footwear inspired by and partly constructed from vehicle materials.
“We wanted to make sure when the audience looks at the sneaker, they instantly know it is the IS,” said Chris Le, Creative Director and co-founder of RTFKT. “All the intricate design elements come together, and at a first glance it’s a neck-breaker,” added Steven Zaptio, CEO and co-founder of RTFKT.
Creating the exclusive sneaker
The RTFKT team first selected a base with a sole closely resembling a tyre for their custom silhouette. Features on the front are shaped like the vehicle’s signature spindle grille, with 3D printed material imitating the carbonfibre spoiler of the car. The sides of the sneaker showcase Black NuLuxe with light grey stitching from the seats, with a middle silver stripe inspired by the details of the headlights. The team added an F SPORT tag on the side and a Lexus badge covering the top Velcro strap. Lastly, they selected a vibrant blue hue for the sneaker that most closely resembles Grecian Water, a new colour for Lexus in 2021.
Videos document the process
RTFKT and entertainment media company Complex documented the sneaker creation process in a 3-part video series, ‘Rubber & Sole’, on Complex.com. In the first episode, the team is challenged to create a bespoke shoe inspired by the 2021 Lexus IS. Zaptio and Le take notes, from its newly designed spindle grill down to its NuLuxe interior, using the vehicle as their muse.
The second video shows the ideation of the sneaker, from sketching designs to prototyping and materials sourcing. The third and final episode showcases the final details of the sneaker and explains how it is derived from the IS.
This partnership is part of the ‘All In’ campaign for the new 2021 Lexus IS, where the automaker celebrates those who fully embrace their passions, while showcasing its own obsession: an unapologetically pure sport sedan.
“RTFKT put the same passion into developing this one-of-a-kind shoe that we did in developing the new 2021 Lexus IS,” said Vinay Shahani, Vice-President of Lexus marketing. “Steven and Chris delivered a head-turning sneaker that unmistakably mirrors the bold design and impressive performance of the IS.”
Founded by Zaptio and Le, RTFKT is a global collective of designers merging next-gen gaming and sneaker culture and works with more than 150 3D artists to create its designs. The studio focuses on one-of-a-kind creations, from colour-changing sneakers made from futuristic materials to digital-only virtual collectibles. Their special edition sneaker inspired by the 2021 Lexus IS sport sedan will not be available for sale anywhere in the world.
Visit www.lexus.com.my to know about the models available in Malaysia.
After almost a year’s absence, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) will start its fourth season at the Sepang International Circuit from on March 27. As in previous years, the highlight is the Vios Challenge and this new season will have 3 rounds for a total of 6 races.
Expanded racing activities
Additionally, GAZOO Racing Malaysia will also make its appearance in the national racing series with the introduction of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup with a total of 4 races over 2 rounds, and the GAZOO Racing Enduro Cup that will be run in conjunction with the annual Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K).
Rookie class and new celebrities
The Vios Challenge will have of 4 classes which include the inaugural running of the Rookie Class. This class will be made up of 6 new graduates of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program who are stepping up from karting and simulator to racing in a real saloon car for their very first time.
As before, there will also be the popular Promotional Class with local celebrities (three of whom are new faces); the Sporting Class for amateur drivers; and the Super Sporting Class for the veteran and professional drivers.
The three newcomers to the Vios Challenge Promotional Class – (from left) Talitha Tan, Zizan Razak and Ahirine Ahirudin.Just like professional racing drivers, those in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program have to undergo rigorous training to be fit and of course, learn driving skills in the Vios from experienced racing drivers.
“It’s exciting to be back racing but as much as we would like to immediately open our doors to race fans for them to be at the venues, the threat of the pandemic has created a new and perhaps even more promising way of reaching an even larger and wider audience. Millions of race fans in Malaysia and even outside the country can catch the action on and off the track during the race weekend via live streaming and in the comfort and safety of their homes,” said TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama, who is also UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman.
Live streaming worlwide
Mr. Takeyama was referring to the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that must be followed and, as with other permitted motorsports events, the TGR Festival must operate under a ‘sports bubble’ for everyone’s protection. This means that Round 1 of the Vios Challenge will be held as a closed-door event and the action will be live-streamed to racing fans throughout Malaysia – and even the world – over the event’s 2 days.
The cars in the Vios Challenge are identical in specifications and preparation, so it is very much driver skill that counts rather than engine power, and this makes for closer racing.
The live streaming will be meticulously-curated, giving viewers an uninterrupted ‘front row seat’ of the Vios Challenge. In fact, it will probably get them ‘closer’ to the action than if they were at the track. ”The challenge before us today is to bring the energy and atmosphere of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival online,” added Mr. Takeyama.
Bringing motorsports to the masses
“The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival has primarily been about bringing motorsports to the masses – this focus has not changed – and to a great extent, we have successfully accomplished this by bringing the races to so many different locations since 2017,” he said.
The live streaming will be broadcast on the UMW Toyota Motor website at toyota.com.my and also at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia Facebook page.
Starting off 2021 in high gear after a successful year before, BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled four new models in the BMW and MINI brands. The new models solidify its portfolio of offerings to Malaysian buyers while reaffirming the company’s investments in the local automotive landscape.
BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence
Assembled at the BMW facility in Kedah, the new X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence is the largest model in the BMW X range. Its imposing appearance and stature belies versatility and agility, complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technology.
The bold design of the X7 is fronted by the imposing kidney grille which gives exceptional road presence to the vehicle. This makes the slender BMW Laserlight headlights look even slimmer. The headlights can illuminate up to 600 metres ahead and are supplemented by LED foglights and high-beam assistant.
The X7 variants has large windows and a long, dynamically flowing roofline that hints at a spacious interior. Equally striking are the 21-inch light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour with run-flat tyres as standard. The variant also features a fully-electric tailgate in the rear with the Comfort Access feature.
Under the large bonnet panel is the familiar inline 6-cylinder petrol engine which has an output of340 bhp/450 Nm. This is enough to take the large SUV – sorry, BMW terms their SUVs as SAVs (Sport Activity Vehicles – from standing still to 100 km/h within a claimed 6.1 seconds. And with all the advanced engine technologies, the fuel consumption of the vehicle, which weighs around 2,300 kgs, can still be as good as 10.5 kms/litre.
6
Power is distributed to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW’s xDrive system. The sophisticated chassis design has a two-axle air suspension which, along with Dynamic Stability Control, enhances handling and stability on the road.
As with the imported variant, the locally assembled variant X7 comes with Executive Drive Pro that includes active roll stabilisation. Ride comfort is further enhanced by the intelligent Dynamic Damper Control system which processes data from the navigation system and front camera.
The interior features opulent ‘Crafted Clarity’ handmade diamond-cut trim element and a range of standard equipment including a sport leather steering wheel and electrically adjustable comfort seats with active seat ventilation in front. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 is interfaced with the fully digital, user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an equally large central touchscreen Control Display.
A Head-Up Display is also standard, projecting important running information on the windscreen. Together with the voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Gesture Control, the driver will not have to take the hands off the steering wheel so much, improving safety.
The X7 is offered with a choice of 5 exterior finishes and selected interior colour combinations. The price is not announced yet, but customers can register their interest at authorised dealerships or BMW Shop Online at shop.bmw.com.my/.
BMW 430i Coupe M Sport
The signature kidney grille of the BMW 4-Series Coupe has generated controversial debate. Its designers explain that it is a homage to historic icons in BMW’s history (such as the BMW 328), reinterpreting the iconic form and embodying it into a sporty, contemporary coupe form.
By virtue of its purist design language, the 430i Coupe M Sport utilises techniques in proportions and minimal number of lines to accentuate its athletic stature, combining it with the aerodynamics and sporting elegance. It has the longest coupe doors to be found on any BMW, creating an overall elongated and dynamic impression.
Compared to its predecessor, the dimensions are slightly larger with 130 mm more length, 27 mm more width and 6 mm added to the height, while the wheelbase has been extended by 41 mm.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 797 M Bicolour with mixed tyres and runflat tyres, and M Sport brakes with blue-painted brake calipers and ‘M’ designation. Under the rear end are exhaust tailpipes finished in high-gloss chrome.
All 430i Coupe M Sports sold in Malaysia come with a M Aerodynamics Package already installed at the factory. They are also fitted with BMW Laserlights with High-beam Assistant, LED foglights, and the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.
With 258 bhp/400 Nm on tap, the TwinTurbo 4-cylinder petrol engine will take the 430i past the 100 km/h mark in a claimed 5.8 seconds, after which continued acceleration will get it up to a terminal velocity of 250 km/h. The upgraded 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission is said to have improved efficiency which can return a fuel consumption figure of 15.2 kms/litre. But that would be if the driver is not enjoying the full performance of the car – which may be hard to resist!
For exploring the high limits of handling, there are advanced control systems such as ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation), which enables significantly faster and more sensitive wheel slip control. Further enhancing the sporty driving dynamics are the M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and Variable Sport Steering.
The cockpit is designed with the sporty driver in mind, as BMWs have always been. A high centre console separates the zones for the driver and front passenger. Seamless integration of the instrument cluster and Control Display forms a large workspace, displaying extensive information but in an easily accessible manner. Visually enhancing the interior ambience are the welcome light carpet and ambient light with 11 predefined lighting designs.
The rear seats provide passengers with a sporty seating experience of a coupe, while still providing ample headspace. A 40/20/40-split for the rear backrests allows the 440-litre luggage compartment to be varied in length to carry more or longer items.
The 430i Coupe M Sport has a choice of four exterior colours and the leather Vernasca upholstery with black decor stitching comes in Black, Tacora Red or Cognac. Authorised BMW dealers nationwide have the car on display, and you can also make a booking via BMW Shop Online for RM1,000.
New MINI Countryman variants
The original Mini cars were assembled in Malaysia from the 1960s until 1982. In 2018, locally assembled versions of the modern MINI began rolling off the line at the plant in Kedah and the range has continued to expand. To start off 2021 are the new Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SE Countryman.
The Countryman, measuring over 4 metres, is the biggest and the most versatile member of the MINI family. It offers significant optimisation in terms of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort, and includes a plug-in hybrid drive variant.
Both the new Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SE Countryman now feature the MINI ALL4 Exterior Optic. The differentiated front and rear bumpers with decorative elements and sump guard in aluminium matt provide a rugged look. They also come with auto LED headlights with cornering lights, bonnet stripes, roof rails and side sills.
The Union Jack Rear Light now represents an abstract interpretation of the Union Jack, with a more block-designed triangular surface, resulting in stronger lighting. A special detail is the dark tinted cover which lends a distinguishing mark to the lighting units.
Run-flat tyres are standard rubber for the Cooper S Countryman which is fitted with 19-inch MINI Turnstile Spoke. The Cooper SE Countryman also has similar tyres but have different 19-inch wheels.
Inside, both variants feature the MINI Yours Illuminated cockpit in Shaded Silver, combining the illuminated cockpit bezel in Shaded Silver with the Dark Silver door bezels and Hazy Grey. The interior ambience is enhanced with a Satellite Grey Headliner and Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black. The steering wheel is wrapped with MINI Yours Walknappa leather Steering and a signature Union Jack insignia is also featured at the bottom of the steering wheel.
For the first time, the Countryman has a 5-inch digital instrument cluster. But drivers can look down less at the instruments as there is a Head Up Display which shows them vital operating information on the windscreen ahead of them.
The updated 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation has a refined surface look, with the audio control panel and switchgear seamlessly integrated into the control unit. In-car entertainment comes from a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system.
A 2-litre TwinPower Turbo engine powers the Cooper S Countryman, its 192 bhp/280 Nm giving a 0 to 100 km/h capability claimed to be 7.5 seconds with a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission. As for the Cooper SE Countryman, a 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with an electric motor (pictured above) provide a combined output 224 bhp/385 Nm of torque. This hybrid powertrain can rocket the car to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds and on to a top speed said to be 194 km/h.
The Cooper SE Countryman, which comes with all-wheel drive, has the latest eDrive technology which includes a high-voltage lithium battery pack. Recharging the battery pack takes from 3.25 hours to 5 hours, depending on the type of power supply and outlet available. A fully charged battery pack can give a pure electric range of up to 48 kms.
Owners can access the eDrive Services on their MINI Connected App which provides information such as current battery status, electric range, charge timer, personal efficiency status data, the nearest charging station and pre-conditioning.
Authorised MINI dealerships nationwide now have the new Countryman variants which come with a choice of 6 colours including, for the first-time, Sage Green – a captivating hue inspired by nature. The MINI Online Shop at www.mini.my/minionlineshop has more information and also accepts bookings.
Peugeot, now part of the Stellantis Group, has made another update and chance to its logo and brand identity. This is the 11th time since the 1850s (although the original company was founded in 1810) and has been developed around the concept of ‘time’ and living in the moment.
The new Peugeot logo features an all-new take on the iconic Peugeot lion, with a roaring lion’s head inside a new Peugeot coat of arms. This coat of arms opens the way to a brand ecosystem that is not limited to its visual identity alone. It carries within it a deeper change. A shift in stance; a new state of mind; a new lifestyle. The recreated emblem acknowledges Peugeot’s evolution as a brand, with its innovative and successful model line-up.
Created by the Peugeot Design Lab and featuring a roaring lion’s head inside a coat of arms, the new design also uses visual language to reflect Peugeot’s electrification strategy which will offer pioneering new technologies. At the same time, the new logo embodies what Peugeot meant yesterday, what Peugeot means today, and what the brand will mean tomorrow.
Lasting and timeless
Designed to be lasting, the new logo also showcases Peugeot as a timeless brand, celebrating its history of over 200 years, while also looking to the future, towards new technologies and innovations provided by the new Stellantis partnership.
Significant changes in The Lion emblem over the years.
The new look will be accompanied by an international campaign and new-look website, as well as a new lifestyle collection of clothing and accessories later this year. It will be progressively used in vehicle models, starting with the all-new Peugeot 308 which will have its world premiere later this year.
New brand campaign
The new identity will be visible in every part of the organisation, from retailers and associated products to signage and communications, along with the carmaker’s first brand campaign in 10 years. The campaign, called ‘THE LIONS OF OUR TIME’, will feature both new and existing Peugeot customers. It aims to celebrate ‘Today’s Lions’ of all ages and cultures and highlight the value of quality time in our lives.
‘Today’s Lions’, of all ages, culture and backgrounds are no longer so much in search of power or money, but more in a quest for quality time. Through ‘THE LIONS OF OUR TIME’ campaign, Peugeot aims to empower the customers to own their most valuable asset: their time. The brand aims at turning time into quality time, an enriching experience.
The new lifestyle collection will be simple, attractive and with quality. This will feature everything from clothing and leather goods to electronic accessories and stationery. The new collection will echo Peugeot’s attention to detail and design when it launches later in the year.
Ferrari will join the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) class from 2023. This is a new class which has attracted the interest of manufacturers and it will be the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Companies that have announced vehicle development programmes include Porsche, Peugeot, Audi, and Toyota – all veterans of the WEC with championship victories at different periods in time.
Following a period of study and analysis, Ferrari confirmed its participation and has started a development programme for an all-new LMH car. It is known that there is already a design and simulations have been run in recent weeks.
The time-frame for building running prototypes has not been mentioned, nor the name of the car and the drivers who will make up the official crews.
While Ferraris are regularly seen racing at Le Mans, it has been almost 50 years since the factory’s last official participation in the premier class of the World Sports Car Championship. It has a respectable record in closed-wheel competition with 24 world titles (most recently in 2017) and 36 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“In over 70 years of racing, on tracks all over the world, we led our closed-wheel cars to victory by exploring cutting-edge technological solutions: innovations that arise from the track and make every road car produced in Maranello extraordinary. With the new Le Mans Hypercar programme, Ferrari once again asserts its sporting commitment and determination to be a protagonist in the major global motorsport events,” said Ferrari President, John Elkann.
Overview of the Le Mans Hypercar class
The LMH ruleset represents a major shift in philosophy compared with the LMP1 class it is replacing. It allows for a greater variety both in terms of technical approaches as well as the aesthetics of the cars, at the same time ensuring sporting equality and preventing cost escalation through the concept of ‘performance windows’.
Technical Regulations are focused on controlling performance outcome, instead of setting design or geometrical restrictions, allowing manufacturers to choose cost-effective solutions as significant expenditures will not bring performance gains.
The autonomy also allows them not only to replicate brand identity and genuine architecture, maintaining the spirit of the brand and remaining relevant to their road car philosophy, but also to express true potential in terms of creativity and innovation. Less rigid aerodynamic constraints established for the cars give them the option to incorporate styling elements to the design.
Similarly to the LMP1 class, both hybrid or non-hybrid power units with transmission to either rear or both axles are allowed.
As avoiding cost escalation is one of the key targets behind the LMH concept, several other cost-saving measures have been undertaken. With the 2021 season being the first one in the LMH homologation cycle, testing is supervised. The use of expensive materials and technology is greatly limited. The minimum weight for gearbox is set at 75 kgs, with the use of magnesium or aluminium casing and bellhousing mandatory.
The suspension is also simplified, with a double-wishbone design compulsory and aids such as active systems and mass dampers forbidden. There is also a single aero kit permitted, without the distinction for Le Mans and the other races.
In order to avoid development costs, the tyres are exclusively supplied by Michelin with different dimensions dedicated to rear and 4-wheel-drive cars. Furthermore, lower power output results in lower power unit development costs.
“Le Mans Hypercar should please both manufactures and fans, resulting in spectacular cars and high level of competition. We’ll see greater variety across the competitors while the more cost-effective regulatory approach is something much needed in the current economic climate,” said Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President.
