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Described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’, the limited-edition special series 812 Competizione takes the 812 Superfast to a higher level than ever before. Unveiled to the world from the recently-opened GT Sporting Activities Department located alongside the Fiorano track at the factory, the 812 Competizione was accompanied by the targa-top 812 Competizione A which is also produced in a limited series.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Re-engineered V12 engine
Both Competizione cars have similar 6.5-litre V12 engines which can produce up to 818 bhp at 9250 rpm, with 692 Nm generated at 7000 rpm. Though derived from the Superfast, several areas have been significantly re-engineered while optimising the fluid dynamics of the intake system and combustion,  and reducing internal friction.

Ferrari engineers revealed that there has been meticulous redesign of key engine components such as the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft and distribution. The titanium con-rods are 40% lighter than steel versions whilst delivering the same mechanical resistance; the piston pins, on the other hand, have been given a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) to reduce the coefficient of friction to the benefit of performance, fuel consumption and wear. These modifications are combined with a rebalanced crankshaft, which is also 3% lighter than the previous version.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione and Competizione A

The most significant improvements, however, are to the distribution and the cylinder heads, which have both been completely redesigned. The cams (which now also have the DLC coating) now action the valve stems via DLC-coated steel sliding finger followers, which are derived from Ferrari’s F1 experience and were developed specifically for this engine to provide a higher lift profile.

To maintain the traditional V12 engine sound, whilst simultaneously introducing a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to the exhaust system that ensures compliance with the very latest emissions regulations, the engineers added a new exhaust tailpipe. This unusual and innovative design solution reinstates the medium-high frequency sound muffled by the use of the GPF. Work was also carried out on the intake tract to which a second pair of resonators was added to enhance specific frequencies, creating the perfect melding of the sound from the exhaust and from the intake system.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione and Competizione A

Both the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A use a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with calibration of the control strategies reducing shift times by a further 5%. Although it retains the same gear ratios as the 812 Superfast, the shifts are even more sporty, thanks to the extra 500 rpm in maximum revs.

0 – 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds
Together with the significantly improved aerodynamics, the claimed top speed is over 340 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h said to be bridged within 2.85 seconds. Like on the 812 Superfast, the front diffuser is equipped with a passive mobile aero system which opens when running over 250 km/h, allowing the car to reach its maximum speed.

The rear screen, for the first time on a production model, is completely closed and allowed the engineers to explore some unprecedented aerodynamic solutions. It has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements which protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. From the LaFerrari onwards, vortex generators of this type have been used on production cars to maximise downforce generated by the flat underbody. However, this solution was applied to the rear screen on the 812 Competizione to distort the flow and thus redistribute the rear axle’s pressure field.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Ferrari 812 Superfast
Ferrari 812 Superfast

Focus on boosting overall performance levels
The guidelines in the development of the 812 Competizione’s performance strategy were to boost overall performance levels, improve driving pleasure in lateral dynamics and a specific focus on the handling characteristics of a special version. This called for the development and use of many innovative components and contents. Specifically, these include the first use of independent 4-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tyres.

The fact that the car is faster into corners demanded an improvement in braking power. Compared to the 812 Superfast, the brake cooling concept was completely redesigned around the new front Aero caliper which debuted on the SF90 Stradale and which has an air intake integrated into its casting.

Lightweight strategy
Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible, which resulted in 38 kgs being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. The areas primarily involved were the powertrain, running gear and bodyshell. Carbon-fibre was used extensively on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler and air intakes.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione A

Much attention was also given to the design of the cockpit with the extensive use of carbonfibre trim, lightweight technical fabrics and a reduction in soundproofing. There are also dedicated sporty, lightweight forged aluminium rims and titanium studs. All-carbonfibre rims are also being made available for the very first time on a Ferrari V12 and can offer a total weight reduction of 3.7 kgs.

In terms of its interior architecture, the 812 Competizione has remained faithful to the 812 Superfast, retaining the same general parameters and main dash and door panel interfaces. The door panel itself has been lightened overall both formally and in terms of actual weight to underscore the sportiness of the cockpit.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione and Competizione A

Occupant comfort in targa top version
Occupant comfort in the targa-top configuration is ensured by the introduction of a flap integrated into the windscreen header rail which deflects the energised, incident flow upwards so it won’t cause turbulence for the occupants. This extends the bubble that covers the entire length of the cockpit, thereby also avoiding excess pressure in the area behind the occupants’ heads.

The targa top is made from carbonfibre to create a sense of aesthetic continuity with the roll-bars. It is stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself. With the top stowed, the roll bars partly jut out above the rest of the bodywork but because they are carbonfibre, they become secondary visual elements and so do not compromise the broader, more squat stance buy instead amplify the visual lowering of the side view.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Pricing and production schedules have not been announced although it’s a sure bet that potential customers have already been informed and would have placed their orders. In fact, given their limited-edition status, these two cars are unlikely to be in showrooms except when an owner is kind enough to allow the dealer to display it for a while before it is taken away.

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

The EXTREME X series is the ‘Dakar Rally for electric vehicles’ but the small number of SUV EVs taking part are very special models, developed for the purpose of the unique competition. They are not what would be available from showrooms, just as F1 cars are not sold to the public.

Volkswagen, however, has shown that even production EVs can take the very rough conditions of off-road racing with a specially prepared Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV having completed the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) Mexican 1000 race recently.

Volkswagen ID.4 NORRA desert race 2021

Standard electric powertrain
The ID.4 was driven by professional racer and Volkswagen brand ambassador, Tanner Foust, and Rhys Millen Racing partially modified a rear-wheel-drive version of the E-SUV model. However, it used a standard powertrain with an 82-kWh battery pack. The radiator was raised several centimetres to improve approach angles and cooling capacity, and additional skid plates of thick steel were added to the undercarriage.

To cope with the demanding conditions and terrain, the suspension was also modified with more travel and ground clearance. Rally-style coil-over struts were fitted to all four wheels along with tubular lower control arms in the front and boxed lower rear links.

Volkswagen ID.4 NORRA desert race 2021

Inside the cabin was a roll cage for safety, racing seats and supplemental screens for key data like battery temperature, crucial information to know with the high desert temperatures and constant high speeds.

Biofuel-powered generator for recharging
The ID.4 was one of the 64 vehicles that finished the entirety of the NORRA 1000, out of 90 cars and trucks entered. Stages measured between 53 kms and up to 270 kms over the 1.600-km route. The ID.4 was able to recharge mostly using a portable biofuel-powered generator connected to a 50 kW flat charger. In a couple of instances where the ID.4 was scheduled to be transited to the next stage but the charger was not available, the team towed it behind a chase vehicle for a short distance, using the regenerative braking to add range.

Volkswagen ID.4 NORRA desert race 2021

Despite the brutal nature of the Baja wilderness, the only damage suffered by the e-SUV was some cosmetic injury to the rear bumper. All of the vehicle’s key power, battery and control systems performed as expected. The ID.4 was raced mostly in ‘B’ level battery regeneration mode with the standard traction control turned on.

“This was an exciting test of ID.4 technology because no other production-based EV had ever entered this event, let alone completed it,” said Scott Keogh, President & CEO of Volkswagen of America.

The ID.4 is the second model in Volkswagen’s all-electric ID range. First deliveries in Europe started at the end of 2020 and it is also being sold in North America and China. Last month, it was announced as the 2021 World Car of the Year.

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Romain Grojean’s escape from the burning wreck of his Haas F1 car at the Bahrain Grand Prix last November captured worldwide attention. It was amazing that he came out of the inferno, suffering only severe burns to his hands. The safety measures to protect drivers had worked even though the way the car broke up shocked everyone.

Despite his valiant efforts to recover, Romain was not allowed to drive in  the final two races of the season – a season that would be his last in F1, which he entered in 2009. During his career, the 35-year old drive had 179 starts and stood on the podium 10 times.

Romain Grosjean F1
He was inside and inferno when his car caught fire but miraculously, Romain escaped with only severe burns on his hands.

The F1 world shared his sadness at not having a chance to have a last drive that was not remembered as the one of the dramatic accident. But Toto Wolff, boss of the Mercedes-AMG team, made a commitment to Romain that his crash would not be the closing story of his time in F1. He offered the driver a chance to drive one last time – and it would be in Lewis Hamilton’s World-Championship-winning racing car.

Preparing for drive at Paul Ricard
Romain has already been to the Mercedes-AMG F1 team’s base in England to undergo a seat fit and has spent time in the simulator in preparation for a specially-organised drive at the Frenchman’s home track, the Paul Ricard Circuit, on June 29. He will also take part in a series of demo laps ahead of the French Grand Prix which will be on  June 27.

“I am so excited to jump back in an F1 car! It will be a special opportunity for me and to drive a World Championship-winning Mercedes will be a unique experience. I’m very grateful to Mercedes F1 and to Toto for the opportunity. The first I heard about the chance to drive a Mercedes was in my hospital bed in Bahrain when Toto was speaking to the media and made the invitation. Reading that news cheered me up a lot!” said Romain.

Romain Grosjean F1

F1 Tota Wolff and Romain Grosjean
Last December, Toto Wolff made a commitment to Romain to let him have a drive in a F1 car so that his memory of his last drive would be a good one, and not of the accident.

A commitment from Toto
Toto said that the idea first came when it looked like Romain would be ending his active career in Formula 1. “We didn’t want his accident to be his last moment in an F1 car, and we are very happy to support Romain with this special opportunity,” he said.

“I have known Romain since his days in Formula 3 when he won the Championship. He enjoyed a long and successful F1 career and we wanted to make sure that his final memories would be at the wheel of a championship-winning car,” Toto said. “Romain’s accident reminds us of the dangers these guys face each time they climb into the cockpit but it’s also a testament to the incredible steps this sport has taken to improve safety over the years. I know the F1 community will celebrate seeing Romain back on track.”

While he leaves F1, Romain is not stopping racing altogether. He will compete in the IndyCar series for Dale Coyne Racing with RWR.

Not content with just winning, Audi Sport customer racing has launched a small series of its race cars.

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Tactical green

This took place shortly after the company’s first two major victories with the Audi R8 LMS GT2 at Monza.

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Kyalami green

This six characterful colours transform the most powerful model of the R8 LMS into unique individual collectors items.

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Vegas yellow

The colours also have unique names: Kyalami Green, Misano Red, Nogaro Blue, Sebring Black, Tactical Green, Vegas Yellow.

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Misano red

These unique colours for the R8 LMS GT2 marks the first time in the 13 year history of Audi Sport customer racing where such a colour concept is made available to Audi customers.

These cars in such a unique colour are a one-off and guarantees pure individuality and will never be available again.

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Nogaro blue

The cars retain the ‘made-in-Hungary’ 640hp V10 that also powers the production R8 while the chassis is the same aluminium-CFRP composite that lays the foundation for the racing R8.

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Sebring black

The ready to race Audi R8 LMS GT2 is available at 349,000 Euros (plus VAT).

How do you judge a car in just three or four days?

There really isn’t much you can say about it other than the way it drives, how the interior feels, and the overall efficiency.

That is the issue with motoring journalism in Malaysia.

So the best way to properly understand a car is to look into a forum where other owners share their experience.

Or to drive a somewhat high mileage car that has been properly used and abused by other members of the Malaysian motoring fraternity.

Which is what I did when Volkswagen Malaysia handed me a car with a little over 10,000km on the odo.

There is no doubt that the Volkswagen Arteon is one the best looking car of its segment.

It created waves when it was first introduced to the world, and it still turns heads today.

At about RM220,000, it seems a better buy than the established competition; the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4.

It is a lot bigger than the competition and a lot more spacious.

And surprisingly offers more creature comforts, though it does not offer as much safety tech as the other Germans.

And that is what makes it fall short of being utterly perfect.

But then again, the Arteon also has held up surprisingly well after 10,000km in the hands of motoring journos.

Of course the cars are fully refurbished before being passed from one journo to another, but there are things that simply cannot be done so quickly.

Such as seat bolstering, faded plastics, buttons that become undone and surfaces that are easily scratched such as the door sills.

I found none of that in this Arteon.

What I did find though is that in the 5-6 days that I had the car, the entertainment system failed on me, once!

This was when I wanted to switch from the Apple CarPlay, to which I was connected to wirelessly, to a regular radio station.

I had Google Maps running (not a fan of Waze) and perhaps the onboard processor had too much.

The system then wouldn’t respond for a couple of minutes, and then it went blank for another couple of minutes.

Shortly after it restarted and was fine for the rest of my drive time.

Just tech being tech, I guess.

But other than that though, I have nothing but praises.

I loved the spaciousness of the Arteon.

For the first time ever, I did not need to move the front passenger seat forwards to accommodate my kid’s rear facing car seat.

The 563 litre booth accommodated everything you need to manage a child over a weekend, plus groceries, plus the wife’s bags, and then some.

Just for reference, the booth is slightly smaller than that of the Passat, but yet is bigger than the 4-Series and the Audi A5 Sportback.

The entertainment system, despite that one issue I experienced with it, was impressive with a 700W 12-speaker DynAudio sound system.

Metallica’s S&M album never sounded so good in a mid-segment passenger car.

The wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is truly god sent, and something Mercedes-Benz and BMW should take a card from.

However, I do feel the engine does not do justice to the car’s good looks.

The 2.0-litre engine produces just 187hp and 320Nm of torque.

But for those with a need for speed, there is the Arteon R that produce over 300hp.

But it has never been officially offered in Malaysia save for that one time Volkswagen showcased a demo car to gauge public interest.

That didn’t go too well since it would have costed over RM300,000.

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

But the one great thing that the standard Arteon does incredibly well is fuel efficiency.

I did about 550km during my drive and still had about a quarter tank left when it came time to return the car.

Volkswagen also claims that the Arteon needs just 6.3 litres of fuel to travel 100km on the combined cycle.

And this technically means that in an ideal scenario, the Arteon can travel 1000km with its 66-litre tank. This does depend on how heavy your right foot is though.

Despite its frugal nature, the Arteon also offers the usual array of Drive Modes that make the car sharper or comfortable, all at the touch of a button.

This either stiffens or softens the suspension, adjusts the steering wheel and the accelerator according to the selected drive mode as well.

This did lead to a more interesting drive in Sport mode as the car generally felt more eager.

Even after 10,000km of being driven by people determined to bring out the worst in the car, yours truly included, the Arteon has been steadfast.

The interior is always the first place that wear and tear sets in, and is not easy nor cheap to restore, and despite that the interior of this Arteon has held well.

The powertrain too has proven to the naysayers that Volkswagen has left its old engine and gearbox issues firmly in the past.

And for if you regularly maintain it with care, then there shouldn’t be any issues.

If you do buy brand new, the entire ownership experience is made better with a five-year warranty and a three-year free maintenance program.

Also, it is also worth noting that the new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is due to be launched in Malaysia real soon.

This means prices of the current Arteon will drop, making it an incredibly good buy in the used car market.

If you can look past the lack of power and appreciate the overall design and the efficiency of the car, then the Arteon would be well worth considering.

Especially when compared to the old guards from Germany.

The Volkswagen Arteon is priced at RM221,065.28 excluding insurance.

Doing shopping online was already gaining popularity among Malaysians before the COVID-19 pandemic started. It offered convenience and an easier way to check out more choices, plus having the goods delivered right to your doorstep.

When the pandemic started and physical contact was discouraged to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, online shopping was already established and with the push by banks to get people to use electronic transactions, e-commerce boomed.

Even car companies started to use online channels as one of their marketing tools, expanding from just having websites that provided information to actually selling as well. Of course, this may not fully replace the personal experience of visiting a showroom, touching the vehicles and sitting in them and, of course, going for a test-drive.

What the online selling approach can do is to start the buying process without the customer having to travel to a showroom and take the process some way along before any physical contact may be necessary. In fact, some companies even offer test-drives if required by sending over the vehicle to the home or office.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) is among the companies that sees online shopping as the way to offer its customers a convenient and secure new Nissan vehicle purchasing experience. They can now do so at the Nissan Flagship Store on the Lazada e-commerce platform.

“We are excited to expand our Nissan models on Lazada, making it readily available to everyone who prefers the convenience of shopping at their fingertips. In this challenging time of COVID-19 pandemic, digitalisation has been fast-tracked and we are confident that this move is another way for the brand to enhance its services and at the same time offer great deals when purchasing a new Nissan on a digital application,” said Christopher Tan, ETCM Sales & Marketing Director.

The full range of Nissan models distributed by ETCM in Malaysia can be found at the Nissan Flagship store, including the latest Navara pick-up truck. ETCM may from time to time have special promotions exclusively for those who book online, saving money or getting extras with their purchase.

In conjunction with the opening of the Nissan Flagship Store, the first 55 customers who book the new Almera 1.0L Turbo, Navara, X-Trail or Serena S-Hybrid will receive a free Nescafe Coffee Machine worth RM 598. The booking fee starts from as low as RM250.

Other promotions available include an Urban accessories package (worth up to RM5,500) with the Almera Turbo and Flexi Financing from RM540 monthly. There’s also a Special Civil Servants Promotion for the model (VL variant)  with a starting price from RM71,906.

The X-Trail comes with the IMPUL or Aero Edition accessories package worth up to RM5,600, while the Serena S-Hybrid comes with free maintenance service for the first 3 years of ownership, with parts and labour costs included.

Booking online is as easy as making other online purchases. You just select the model you want to purchase and add it to your cart (which would be a pretty big one!). You can choose a method of making payment for the booking fee and submit your details. A representative of ETCM will then contact you and provide assistance through the rest of the process.

Click here to visit the Nissan Flagship Store or you can also visit www.nissan.com.my for information on Nissan vehicles and services from ETCM in Malaysia.

StayAtHome

In conjunction with SpareXHub’s 3rd  anniversary, the company will hold a clearance sale with up to 80% off on genuine Ford and Hyundai motor vehicle spare parts. This is a one-time sale which will take place from 10 am on May 6 (Thursday) till 6 pm on May 9 (Sunday).

The location of the sale will be at Lot 24, Jalan Pemberita U1/49 which is in the Temasya Industrial Estate, Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor,

SpareXHub wants to give you a chance to be able to purchase original motor vehicle spare parts at very affordable prices with this special clearance sale. There are over 3,000 parts for various Hyundai models and some 7,000 parts for Ford models. The parts range from service items such as filters and sensors to body parts such as bumpers and windscreens.

SpareXHub brand experts will also be on hand to ensure that you purchase the right parts for your vehicle, and provide the necessary knowledge, information and guidance. You can also browse through the online catalogue at www.sparexhub.com to know what’s available.

SpareXHub has prepared a registration form for all customers to fill up so that their arrival is known and expected, and also to ensure that all COVID-19 regulations and procedures are strictly adhered to. Click on this link (https://forms.gle/zGJReYFB72CMUPvE7) and book your slots today.

Pay less for brand new genuine suspension parts from SpareXHub.

SpareXHub is a trusted e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts. With more than 100+ years of combined experience, the team can curate and pick the right spare parts for customers seamlessly. Using the B2B2C approach, SpareXHub is ready to cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and even individual vehicle owners.

There is no compromise on quality as all the parts are 100% genuine and original, ideal for those vehicles that have finished their warranty period.

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

After the first four months of 2021, Perodua’s total sales volume has passed the 78,000 mark, with April contributing 20,399 units to the number. A big contributor has been the Ativa SUV which accounted for over 22% of the figure (4,624 units). Since its launch in March this year, the carmaker has delivered almost 9,000 units of the Ativa, with around 290 new customers placing bookings daily. The strong demand has stretched the waiting period for customers which, as always, Perodua tries to shorten.

2 – 4 months waiting period
“The waiting period for the Ativa is currently between 2 and 4 months, depending on the desired colour and variant. We advise our valued customers to speak to our authorised sales advisors for accurate and up-to-date delivery times of the various variant-colour combinations of the Ativa,” advised Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“Perodua remains committed towards timely deliveries, aided by our economies of scale. We thank our valued customers very much for their patience. We are doing all we can to deliver as many cars as possible before the expected expiry of the government’s sales tax exemption at the end of June,” he said.

Semiconductor chip shortage
On a month-to-month comparison, sales dipped by 16.5% to 20,399 units from 24,431 units, mainly due to the semiconductor chip shortage, which is affecting multiple industries globally.

“The chip shortage is our top priority at present and we are deploying all our resources to deal with it, including working closely with the government and our business partners for viable solutions,” Dato’ Zainal said.  “Despite the global semiconductor chip shortage, Perodua managed to produce 20,278 vehicles in April 2021, pushing our year-to-date production to 80,661 units,”

In 2021, Perodua will purchase up to RM6.5 billion worth of parts from suppliers in Malaysia. These include transmissions made at a factory in Negeri Sembilan.

Perodua is maintaining its 2021 sales target at 240,000 units for now. The target represents a 9% increase from the 220,163 units sold last year. The increased volume will also see Perodua making a record purchase of RM6.5 billion worth of locally-sourced components this year. Production is also set to be increased to 272,000 units, 23% more than the output in 2020.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about the models available and where to view, test-drive or purchase them.

Those who grew up in the 1980s will fondly remember Tamiya, the name of the 75-year old Japanese company that made plastic scale models and became a big name in radio-controlled (R/C) cars after it launched its first R/C assembly kit of a Porsche 934. That first model and those which were to follow sparked the R/C revolution.

Over 5 decades, Tamiya has offered many R/C models such as the Hornet, Lunchbox, Sand Scorcher and Avante, with the Wild One being one of the most iconic. But while they provided many memories of exciting races, they were all ‘driven’ using a remote controller.

Now, The Little Car Company, based in the UK, is bringing back the Wild One and this is considerably larger than the 1/10th size of the original one sold by Tamiya. With a licence from the Japanese company, The Little Car Company will produce an 8/10 scale car that will be big enough for a person to sit in it.

The Little Car Company Tamiya Wild One MAX 2022

Not just for static show
And it won’t just be a showpiece as it will be able to move around with the same type of propulsion unit as the original – an electric motor. The Wild One MAX, as it will be known, will have rear-wheel drive and a spaceframe chassis with coil-over suspension for all four wheels. It gets the power to the ground through 15-inch off-road tyres on lightweight wheels. The brake system includes hydraulic Brembo disc brakes on each corner, backed up by regenerative braking to maximise range.

There are multiple driving modes which offer different top speeds, throttle mappings and power outputs according to driver skill level. So the younger ones can learn to drive safely and get increased power as they become proficient and more confident.

The Little Car Company Tamiya Wild One MAX 2022

The Little Car Company Tamiya Wild One MAX 2022
Like the original R/C car, the Wild One MAX can be assembled from parts supplied, with stickers too!

48 km/h top speed
The base Wild One Max can reach a top speed of 48 km/h with maximum power output of 4 kW (5.5 bhp). It has a single PowerPack onboard with a capacity of 2 kWh and a range of up to 40 kms, depending on terrain and driving style. For increased speed or range, modular PowerPacks can be added.

Upsized from the small scale model, the Wild One MAX will be about 3.5 metres long,1.8 metres wide and weigh around 250 kgs. Like the original, the car can be assembled from parts supplied although being considerably larger, it won’t be able to go into a glass case.

The driver will have an adjustable composite seat with a 3-point seatbelt, digital gauges and a racing steering wheel. The Little Car Company says that between 160 cm and 195 cm tall should be  comfortable enough.

1976 Tamiya Porsche 934 RC
The Porsche 934 model introduced by Tamiya in 1976 started the R/C revolution.

Taking things one step further, those who wish to roam on public roads can install Road Legal Packs. These packs add the components required to build the vehicle to be compliant with Quadricycle laws in Europe, or Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle legislation in the USA. The packs include items such as brake lights, turn signals, reflectors and rearview mirrors so the Wild One MAX can be fully road-legal.

Built to order
The Wild One MAX is expected to have a pricetag starting from £6,000 (about RM34,300) and is planned for global release in 2022. The company will be building the cars as orders are received and accompanied by a £100 deposit (refundable)

This is not The Little Car Company’s first small car as it has, in partnership with some prestigious carmakers, produced authentic ‘junior cars’. These include the Bugatti Baby II, a 75% scale tribute to the iconic Bugatti Type 35, and a follow up to the 1926 Bugatti Baby. The second model announced in 2020 was the Aston Martin DB5 Junior (pictured below), a 66% scale version of the car driven by Agent 007.

2020 Aston Martin DB5 Junior

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