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New Rally1 category with hybrid technology for World Rally Championship in 2022

With the auto industry accelerating towards electrification of its products, the FIA – the world motorsport governing body – is also making changes in regulations and introducing new categories that reflect the industry change. Of course, electrification is not new to motorsport and in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, hybrid-type powertrains have been in used for many years.

Now the FIA is starting electrification in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with hybrid power to be introduced in the top tier. Three automotive firms – Hyundai, Toyota and M-Sport Ford – have agreed to a set of principles in the form of a ‘new deal’ that formalizes the close collaboration between all WRC stakeholders – manufacturers, the WRC Promoter and FIA – started in 2019, when the introduction of hybrid technology in 2022 was announced.

In this joint initiative, the FIA and WRC Teams are committing equally to the development of the hybrid technology that will be incorporated in the new-generation cars. In addition, the FIA introduces an innovative partnership model based on a 3-year cycle, unlike the current annual commitment, which will offer better stability and planning opportunities as well as a new marketable asset for all parties.

Shared contribution for technology development
The 3-year agreement includes a shared contribution to the development costs of the technology for this new era, which will have a strong focus on safety, cost management and sustainability. Through this model, the participation in the FIA World Rally Championship will shift in 2022 to a numerus clausus (closed number) system of 4 slots, with each of the three current manufacturers and the FIA owning one slot.

The FIA and the manufacturers have made a significant investment in this program which will see the development of a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Rally1 category that will replace the World Rally Car category continues to gather momentum ahead of its planned 2022 roll-out, with the commitment from the series’ current manufacturers coming as a new milestone following the approval of the technical regulations by the World Motor Sport Council.

While securing the commitment of the three current manufacturers until 2024, the FIA reaffirms its determination to developing new stability and cost-effective solutions at difficult times commercially. The Rally1 category will also showcase major safety breakthroughs with a new safety cage design, developed in collaboration with the manufacturers following an exhaustive analysis and crash test program.

*M-Sport Ford, Hyundai and Toyota have given their commitment to support the new Rally1 category with hybrid technology.*

Making sport more sustainable
“The FIA World Rally Championship is on the brink of reaching an important milestone with the new-generation cars, Rally1, coming in 2022. A switch to plug-in Hybrid power reflects the latest trends in the automotive industry, at the same time making the sport more sustainable. This was made possible owing to the joint efforts of the Manufacturers and the FIA,” said Jean Todt, President of the FIA.

“The fact that all three of the brands currently involved in the WRC committed for a further 3 years proves that world rallying is heading in the right direction. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement. And this comes together with the transition to sustainable energy, which is one of the main objectives of the FIA and its Purpose Driven movement,” he added.

Together with technical partner Compact Dynamics, these are some of the key project milestones:
• Design and prototype manufacture of the hybrid units
• Bench testing of the prototype units is in progress
• Initial units supplied to teams for integration into their safety cell designs
• Analysis of assimilation of turbocharged petrol engine with hybrid units along with dyno testing
• Selected private testing of Rally1 development cars

*Formula 1 cars have had hybrid power units for some time now, along with WEC cars.*

On course for 2022 implementation
“The Rally1 hybrid project is a major landmark in the development of rallying and underlines the FIA’s commitment to sustainability and advanced technology,” said Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director. “Of course, any new product that is being developed encounters challenges. During the current test phase, there is strong collaboration between the FIA, the manufacturers and our technical partners. We are working as one to complete tasks that are synonymous with a development cycle of this nature.”

“At present, we are operating an accelerated process due to delivery delays brought about by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic but with eight months remaining to the start of the 2022 season, we are on course,” he added.

Run-flat tyres – an example of technology transfer from motorsports

Run-flat tyres, though seemingly a recent development, have been around since the 1930s although they were not as commercialized like today. From the 1980s onwards, most of the major manufacturers developed tyres that could continue to be used even when the air pressure was lost due to a puncture. This capability was initially required for military vehicles as well as vehicles carrying important people that might be attacked.

Eventually, run-flat tyres entered the market and appealed to carmakers because they not only provided extra safety and convenience but also gave the possibility of leaving out the spare tyre and saving some weight. Of course, due to the technology they have, they are more expensive than normal tyres but are an acceptable extra cost for premium luxury models.

Keeping rallycars running
At Pirelli, development of run-flat tyres began in the 1990s, mainly to provide tyres for rally drivers to continue even with a puncture, rather than being stranded by the side of the road. New technology was tried and tested in rallies by teams associated with the tiremaker. These had a reinforced structure that mad the tyres stronger and able to still run for several minutes after air was lost. In competition, those few minutes made a big difference.

As another example of technology from competition being transferred to road-going cars, Pirelli was able to use the same technology from its first run-flat tyres to offer motorists in 2001. However, as comfort was not a priority when the tyres were used on rallycars, the early run-flat tyres were hard and ride comfort was not so good initially.

*Providing tyres that could keep rallycars running even with punctures helped Pirelli to develop run-flat technology.*

Improvement in comfort for road use
Nevertheless, Pirelli carried out R&D into new materials and processes to improve comfort and also other aspects such as grip and handling. Thanks to new technology in the tyre’s structure as well as advances in the materials used, the way that the tyres absorb bumps in the road has been refined over time, to the point that they can now offer the same levels of comfort as standard tyres. To use run-flat tyres, engineers have to tune the suspension of the cars accordingly.

The key advantage of having a run-flat tyre is that the driver does not have to stop and change to the spare tyre when a puncture occurs. It is possible to continue for some distance, at least to a tyre shop where the puncture can be fixed or the tyre replaced. However, there are speed limitations (around 80 km/h) and the tyre is intended for emergency use and not long-term use.

Pirelli’s Self Supporting system (blue areas) is incorporated in the sidewalls for specific reinforcement which allows a deflated tyre to support lateral and transverse loads of the vehicle even in the absence of air pressure.

Original fitment by many carmakers
Over the last 20 years, Pirelli’s engineers have developed more than 1,000 different types of tyre featuring run-flat technology of different sizes and seasonal applications. To date, the company has supplied more than 70 million run-flat tyres, mostly as original fitment on models by BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Audi and others.

Good for EVs
Run-flat tyres are also of interest to manufacturers of electric vehicles, which still need tyres to run on. Being able to leave out the spare tyre or even not have to carry a repair kit can mean less weight on board and that can help in adding to the cruising range. Additionally, the space that is usually allocated for a spare tyre can be utilized for the battery pack.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA — *Run-flat tyres are also good for electrically-powered cars which need to be as light as possible, so not having the weight of a spare wheel helps.*

Run-Flat technology will therefore also play an important role in electric vehicles as well as autonomous vehicles, the latter by helping the vehicle remain under control even in an emergency situation.

Some of the Pirelli run-flat tyres include Pirelli Elect and PNCS noise-cancelling technology. The former is dedicated to electric vehicles and is focussed on low rolling resistance, reduced tyre noise, immediate grip, and a structure that can support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle. PNCS is focussed on reducing perceived tyre noise inside the cabin, thanks to the use of special sound-deadening material on the inside of the tyre.

So long as motor vehicles run on wheels, tyres will be needed and run-flat technology will remain an important element. Pirelli continues to improve its run-flat tyre range as new technologies become available and affordable, with a view of future requirements by the industry and motorists.

Porsche takes personalisation services to a new level

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

Henry Ford created a revolution when in introduced mass production, using high volume to bring the cost of making cars down significantly – and making them affordable for the masses. The more cars he could build and sell, the cheaper they became and the world was motorised.

But mass production also meant that thousands and thousands of cars of the same model looked the same and at one point, Ford even made customers accept his Model T ‘in any colour as long as it was black’. Colour did provide a little bit of differentiation but generally, mass-produced vehicles were all the same although as time went on, ‘variants’ were produced.

‘Personalising’ a mass-produced car is possible today to a limited degree as many manufacturers offer optional accessories. Perodua, for example, has its GearUp range which customers can choose from to add some items which other owners may not. Sometimes the manufacturers or their distributors will prepare limited editions with exclusive accessories, eg Isuzu Malaysia with its D-MAX ‘Stealth’ edition.

As you move higher up, the level of personalization changes and it’s no longer just accessories which are available to every customer. With brands that offer very expensive cars, personalization is something which is sophisticated and elaborate, with divisions set up to meeting personal customer wishes.

For Porsche, personalization has been offered to customers since the 1970s and in recent times, the sportscar manufacturer has set up business divisions such as Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Tequipment and Porsche Classic for the purpose. The company now plans to respond to the wishes and needs of its customers to an even greater extent with a new and significantly extended range of products and services.

Rising demand for personalisation
This includes various options for individualization of Porsche sportscars, turning them into unique one-offs. The personalization options for individual components are extended directly in the Car Configurator, supplementing its offering for new, used and classic vehicles with a ‘Performance Parts’ range. According to Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, 25% all 911 models delivered worldwide have undergone extensive vehicle enhancement.

As part of its Co-Creation strategy, the company is also offering a new interpretation of the legendary Sonderwunsch (special request) program of the late 1970s. This will make it possible to design individualized one-off cars in future – co-created by the customer and realized professionally by Porsche.

The range of individualization options for new vehicles currently extends from personal customer consulting during the configuration process through to realization of limited small series. Through Tequipment, Porsche can offer numerous accessory products and retrofit options and even for classic models, spare parts supply and factory restorations are available.

“It is our goal to provide customers around the globe with even more accurately tailored and demand-based products within the context of classic, existing and new cars, and to also offer a comprehensive range of individualization options,” said Alexander Fabig, Vice-President Individualization and Classic. “With the new offerings we are responding to the great global demand for our products. Starting with new possibilities for individualization and personalization of individual components, through the additional range of Performance Parts, up to realisation of uniquely individualized sports cars, we have the right option for every customer.”

More personal than ever
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is expanding the range of products (currently more than 700) that can be individualized and personalized. Examples include various exterior wrap options, prints on the floor mats, illuminated door entry guards and logo projectors in the vehicle doors. In addition, customers can choose to become designers themselves in the ordering process, with advice and guidance from specialists at Porsche.

Using a digital application in the Porsche Car Configurator, it is possible to specify own designs for various items. For example, a customer can have their own signature embossed on elements in the vehicle interior. This could be on the cover of the centre console or the seats, while personalized wraps and decals can be placed on selected exterior areas and even individual paint finishes applied on the wheels.

New components for GT models/classic cars
Porsche will offer a large number of new components for new vehicles as well as used and classic cars under the name ‘Performance Parts’. The Porsche Tequipment range for new and used vehicles is aimed at drivers who are motorsport enthusiasts and amateur race drivers. Porsche Classic will offer new developments with a historical reference, components for performance enhancement and also lifestyle products for both young and older classic cars. These will increase the performance of the classic vehicles or improve their everyday usability.

With two show cars based on two first-generation Cayenne models, the Classic division is also providing a preview of possible additional individualization offerings with an outdoor and off-road focus.

One-off models
As part of its Co-Creation strategy, Porsche will make it possible to design individualised one-off cars in future. While this doesn’t mean totally unique designs, it does allow individual customer colour and material wishes to be conveyed directly in production and subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer.

Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is also aimed at implementation of individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off is a systematic technical new development. Depending on the age of the vehicle in question, either the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or the specialists at Porsche Classic take care of implementation.

Porsche distributors worldwide can provide more information on the personalization services available. In Malaysia, this would be Sime Darby Auto Performance.

A matching watch for owners of the McLaren Speedtail hyper GT

McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille, the Swiss watchmaking brand, have had a partnership since 2017 and to mark the beginning of the fifth year of that relationship, they have revealed their latest and most ambitious collaboration to date – the RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail.

As the name suggests, this watch is associated with the futuristic looking Speedtail model – the fastest, most advanced and most exotic road car McLaren has yet produced. Only 106 cars will be produced, and mirroring this, only 106 RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail watches are planned.

Based on the form of a teardrop, the most aerodynamically efficient shape found in nature, the 3-seat Speedtail is the ideal form for a streamlined hypercar. With its 1,070-bhp hybrid powertrain, the Speedtail can cover 112 metres per second when travelling at its top speed of 403 km/h, making it the fastest McLaren road car to date.

2,800 hours over 18 months to create
The aerodynamic efficiency of the hypercar provided the starting point for the design of the RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail. It took Richard Mille’s casing department an unprecedented 2,800 hours over 18 months to perfect the lines.

“When it came to the RM 40-01, we had considerable input in sharing the highlights of the car and the philosophy behind it. With the Speedtail, we set out to produce a car that had an artistic quality to it. That has certainly come through in the watch, which beautifully mirrors the many various details of the Speedtail in its finish, materials and its uncompromising design,” said Rob Melville, McLaren Automotive’s Design Director.

“There are many similarities between the way that Richard Mille and McLaren approach common design and engineering challenges, such as saving weight, reducing vibrational impact and minimizing resistance,“ he added.

Like the Speedtail on which its based, the watch’s lines mimic the form of a water droplet while bezel indentations evoke the bonnet openings, and pushers that recall the air outlets behind the front wheels.

Extreme attention to detail
“The watch has one of the highest levels of finishing ever executed at Richard Mille. There has also been a lot of development with our anglers and polishers. The attention to detail is extreme, with mirror polished, plain and satinised effects in different areas and the combined use of titanium and Carbon TPT. The case itself is made from 69 individual parts,” explained Technical Director Julien Boillat.

Due to the unprecedented complexity of the design, 5 prototypes were created before the optimum shape was achieved. The challenge lay in the fact that the case is significantly wider at 12 o’clock than at 6 o’clock, with a further taper between the titanium bezel and case back, which are separated by a caseband made from Carbon TPT and unequal length titanium pillars.

Unique strap design
To protect the RM 40-01’s state-of-the-art movement, Richard Mille developed a unique upper crystal featuring a ‘triple contour’ to account for the decreasing taper and thickness of the bezel. It alone took 18 months to perfect. The strap is also a unique design, being asymmetrical and with the rubber version using Vulculor technology from Biwi SA. This has a special process that enables coloured rubber to be over-moulded – so allowing the iconic McLaren orange accent coloured stripe seen at 6 o’clock on the movement to extend to the wrist.

Despite the extraordinary anatomy of the case, a horological ‘engine’ was created that seamlessly occupies all the available space and introduces a level of mechanical sophistication that makes the RM 40-01 Automatic Tourbillon an appropriately extraordinary companion to the Speedtail. Grade 5 titanium has been used for key components such as the bridges, the bridge screws, the baseplate and the rotor core. The CRMT4 movement that drives the RM 40-01 introduces the mechanism’s first power reserve display as well as the oversize date and function selector complications, all of which are firsts at Richard Mille for an in-house tourbillon.

In the pursuit of perfection, three power reserve systems were developed before the definitive version was arrived at which is integrated into the watch. The entirely new movement architecture demanded a remarkable 8,600 hours of development, much of which went into finalising the extreme level of detail.

An often-forgotten detail, the finishing is applied not only to visible parts but also to parts that are hidden, such as the lower component surfaces. Some wheels are machined with the famous iconic McLaren logo that adorns the bonnet of the Speedtail, while the domed parts usher in new surface profiles that were required to translate the car’s curves.

Design elements from hypercar
The platinum and red gold winding rotor is inspired by the Speedtail’s bonnet and the barrel-setting by its roof line. The gentle, downward curve that the mechanism follows from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock recalls the brushed metal divider between the car’s cockpit and its bodywork. An orange line running from the lower part of the movement and on to the strap mimics the vertical stoplight mounted in the Speedtail’s rear screen.

The price of the latest watch has not been announced but the McLaren watch range has prices which start from around US$100,000 (about RM412,000) and the most expensive model is believed to cost around US$2.81 million (around RM11.6 million). Of course, that sort of price won’t bother someone who has a Speedtail which has a price starting from US$2.46 million (about RM10.2 million).

Social distance — **And wear a facemask too!**

Mitsubishi Motors to revive Ralliart

Mitsubishi fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as news of the return of the Ralliart performance brand of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be making a return. This is based on a single slide shown with the presentation of the FY2020 Financial Results that MMC made public. No details are shown at all other than one image of a Triton kicking up dust and the other showing the Ralliart logo and wording which says ‘Ralliart Parts’.

So we don’t know what exactly MMC has in mind with this revival and how Ralliart will be used. Other carmakers have invested more in performance sub-brands in recent times – eg Toyota with GR, Hyundai with Hyundai N and of course, Mercedes with Mercedes-AMG and BMW with BMW M. These brands have been used for high-performance products with the division upgrading performance of some models as well as providing accessories.

MMC may well be thinking of the same thing, especially since Ralliart is still a strong brand and although its activities were scaled down considerably 11 years ago, there were some licensees outside Japan that continued to sell Ralliart items.

*Andrew Cowan, the rally driver who started the company that developed Mitsubishi rallycars from the 1980s before it was acquired by MMC in 2002.*

The story of Ralliart did not actually start in MMC but in Europe. In the 1970s, Andrew Cowan, who drove Mitsubishi cars in many rallies (as well as cars of other brands) worked closely with the factory. The close relationship and his successes saw the establishment of the predecessor of the Ralliart organization in 1983. It was then known as Andrew Cowan Motor Sports (ACMS) and it provided services for MMC’s motorsports activities, especially in the World Rally Championship as well as the Dakar Rally.

Cowan (who passed away in 2019) also drove although as time went on, he spent more time managing the organization and providing his experience in vehicle preparation. It’s not clear when the Ralliart name started to appear although it was on Mitsubishi vehicles that participated in the early years of the Paris-Dakar Rally.

During the era of the Group B super rallycars, ACMS was responsible for developing a prototype Starion with 4-wheel drive (it entered a round of the Rally of Malaysia) and later on, operating under the name of ‘Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe’, it was responsible for the World Rally Championship (WRC) cars of drivers like Tommi Makinen.

By the 1990s, the Ralliart name was strongly associated with Mitsubishi Motors and appeared on rallycars in international events. MMC made the decision in 2002 to acquire ACMS and make it a subsidiary of the company to be directly involved in motorsports and related businesses.

Unfortunately, MMC went through difficult times in later years and had to reorganize itself, which led to the Ralliart division having to cease its operations. Though it did not promote the brand anymore, the Ralliart name continued to be seen as it had always been associated with a performance image.

*Ralliart items have always been popular with motorsports fans. Pictured is the Ralliart merchandise area at the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia booth in the 2006 KL International Motorshow.*

*Although MMC ceased having its Ralliart division 11 years ago, the name has continued to be used by Mitsubishi distributors even as recently as 2019 when the new Triton was launched in Malaysia.*

The revival of Ralliart may provide MMC with an opportunity to retain a sporty side although it has plans to get more seriously into electrification. It could provide expertise for performance variants (although the Mitsubishi range is rather thin now), even with electric vehicles. In fact, the company entered specialized electric vehicles in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and was placed among the top finishers in class.

*Will the Triton get Ralliart treatment when the business starts up again?*

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and services in Malaysia, and the locations of authorised dealerships.

Genesis reveals G70 Shooting Brake for European market

Genesis, like Lexus and Infiniti, was created as a sub-brand for Toyota and Nissan to more effectively enter the premium luxury segments. The parent brands, while having gained strong reputations for reliability, durability and quality over many decades, were not necessarily acceptable in the upper strata of the market. By creating new brands with no historic ‘baggage’ and even an ‘unknown’ origin, they stood a better chance of being more accepted.

Hyundai Motor used the same playbook with the Genesis brand, which had originally been used for its flagship models. It became a standalone brand in 2015, from which a more sophisticated design and product philosophy was developed so it could compete in the segment beyond what Hyundai’s models reached.

2021 Genesis GV70 Shooting Brake — *The Shooting Brake shares architecture and design language with the G70 Sedan (below) but its roof extends further back over the cargo area.*

Primarily for Europe
The Genesis line-up currently consists of 3 model lines, some with variants. For the G70 line, the brand will soon add a Shooting Brake which has been revealed recently. The primary market for this new variant is Europe, which will see the Genesis brand for the first time in July this year.

The G70 Shooting Brake is based on the G70 sedan revealed last year, adding enhanced practicality with its stationwagon form. The ‘Shooting Brake’ name refers to a bodystyle firmly rooted in European automotive history and favoured by customers in the premium luxury sector.

Though it looks long in the pictures as a result of its profile, the G70 Shooting Brake is actually the same size as the G70. It measures 4685 mm long, 1850 mm wide and 1400 mm tall, with a 2835 mm wheelbase. The dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV but the design offers a similar level of storage versatility.

Similar design language with sedan
Viewed directly from the front, the Shooting Brake would not be easily differentiated from theG70 Sedan as it has similar design language, including the signature Crest Grille. However, with a longer look, it will be seen that the grille is set lower than the Quad Lamps, which spread outward to evoke a sprinter’s pre-race posture and give the model an athletic image.

The athletic look is also communicated in the side view. This is achieved by the combination of the single-piece glass hatch extending to the rear. Basically, it is a variation of the sedan with the roof extended further back over the cargo area. The luggage space is maximised by moving the tailgate hinges forward.

Technical details are not revealed at this time although they can be expected to be similar to the sedan. A close look at the official pictures shows that the car has a 2-litre engine and AWD. The sedan is available with 3.3-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines and a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, as well as rear-wheel drive.

Electric G80 for Europe in 2022
The G70 Shooting Brake will be part of the full line-up for the European market, and sales will start in Germany, followed by the UK and Switzerland. Besides the G80 and G70 Sedans and their SUV variants, Genesis also plans to offer electrically-powered models in 2022.

*Genesis will introduce the brand in Europe this year starting with the G80 and in 2022, it will also start selling the electric version of the same model (below).*

XPANDER MPV keeps Mitsubishi Motors among top 3 in non-national segment

While official industry sales data for April 2021 has not been released by the Malaysia Automotive Association, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) believes that its strong sales performance during the month would put it among the top 3 positions in the non-national brand rankings for the fourth consecutive month.

The brand’s sales have been on an upward trajectory since the year began and April saw a historical high with 1,872 vehicles sold. The major contributor was the XPANDER MPV which accounted for 52% of the total sales volume. Since being launched in the Malaysian market, MMM has collected more than 10,000 bookings for the model which is assembled in Pekan, Pahang.

Increased XPANDER production
“We are very pleased that the Mitsubishi XPANDER sales remain healthy and its demand is ahead of the number of units supplied. Despite the challenges we are facing with the recently announced Movement Control Order (MCO) or even with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) prior to MCO, we are continuing our best efforts to meet with the strong demand for the XPANDER by increasing our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

Triton maintains strong position
The Triton pick-up truck is the other strong seller in the range locally, maintaining a market share close to 20%. The company delivered 680 units in April. including 142 units of the new Triton Athlete.

The Triton Athlete was launched in early April as the flagship of the pick-up range, taking over from the Adventure X variant. It is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine which produces 181 ps/430 Nm. Priced from RM141,500 (without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia), it comes with a factory warranty of 5 years, or maximum of 200,000 kms after registration.

“Although there was a decline in many economic sectors and the environmental sentiments starts to take a toll on people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are relieved to see our sales remain optimistic and constantly moving towards a positive direction. We are aware that a large number of our customers aim to purchase their cars before the SST exemption expires by end of June. Despite the challenges of supply constraints, Mitsubishi Motors is working our best to meet the expectation of our customers on the delivery preference,” Mr. Shinnishi added.

Besides the XPANDER and Triton, MMM also sells the Outlander SUV which is also assembled locally at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur. It is available in two variants with a choice of 2-litre of 2.5-litre engines.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Xpander and other Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia.

Fuel Price Updates For May 13 – May 19, 2021

Electrified BMW models will still have sounds that give an ’emotional aural experience’ (w/VIDEO)

One of the pleasures for car-lovers is the sound of the engine and the sound of the exhaust, music to their ears, so to speak. While a loud exhaust sound may be disturbing to some, car enthusiasts equate it with performance, the louder the better. In fact, engine sound was considered important enough that, as cars got quieter, some carmakers developed ‘noise generators’ to boost the sound level for the driver’s pleasure.

With the age of electric cars starting, it is apparent that this pleasurable ‘music’ will vanish and in place of throaty growls are the hum and whizzing of electric motors. In fact, electric cars are so quiet that manufacturers have to put devices to generate warning sounds for pedestrians.

‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ has been a promise of every BMW, especially the BMW M models, and this includes the engine and exhaust sounds. Even with electrification and silent powertrains, BMW promises that the pleasurable aural experience will still be present.

The aural experience

Companies like BMW have long sold their products with the promise of driving pleasure, which includes the aural experience. So electrification of its cars can affect that selling point even if driving dynamics can still be maintained.

So the German carmaker is taking a new approach to this matter and aims to provide an ‘emotionally rich aural experience’ to BMW drivers with BMW IconicSounds Electric. This is a sound portfolio created for BMW models that are electrified – both full electric as well as plug-in hybrids (PHEVS). To oversee the development, they have even created a position of Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group, which is currently held by Renzo Vitale.

*Hans Zimmer (right) in his studio talking to Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group.*

Hans Zimmer creates the sounds

Vitale is collaborating with composer and curator Hans Zimmer (whose award-winning works include The Lion King, Gladiator, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception and Blade Runner 2049), to produce a distinctive driving sound specially for electric BMW M cars.

“Every BMW has its own character, which is reflected in the sound it makes,” said Zimmer. “So for the electrically driven BMW M models, we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.”

The work is a continuation of Zimmer’s association with BMW. Earlier, he was involved in the development of an inspiring ready-to-drive sound for electrically-powered BMWs which instils a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the START/STOP button is pressed. The latest chapter in this collaboration covers drive sounds for the iX and i4, including a differentiated sound for the M-specification version of the i4.

While the hush of electric driving enhances comfort, the driving experience loses a degree of emotionality. This is where BMW IconicSounds Electric steps in to give the experience of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ with all the senses. In the future, electric driving pleasure will be enhanced by acoustic feedback to every movement of the accelerator. Like the on-board driving modes selectable at the touch of a button, the driving sound also takes its cues from the driving situation and the driver’s personal preferences.

Different sound ‘modes’

In the basic setting, BMW IconicSounds Electric employs a strikingly transparent timbre with spherical components to convey the basic character of an electrically powered BMW model. An immersive and pleasant atmosphere is created initially in the i4 in COMFORT mode but when the accelerator pedal is pushed down hard, the direct relationship between how the car is being driven and the sounds it makes changes: the sound experience deepens as load and speed increase.

In SPORT mode, in particular, the car’s aural spectrum is more dominant and powerful, the sound providing a constant ‘commentary’ on the driving situation. Drive system processes are registered within milliseconds and acceleration, load changes or recuperation given a suitable acoustic accompaniment.

Only when the vehicle is travelling in ECO PRO mode is the acoustic feedback reduced to nothing. Here, the silence of the drive system underscores the driver’s decision to adopt an ultra-efficient driving style.

Electrically-powered BMWs may not have the original sounds of a powerful combustion MPower engine but the electronic sounds created and synchronised with the car’s movements and performance should help to still provide the ‘music’ to enthusiasts’ ears.

In the version developed specifically for electrified BMW M models, the drive sound is charged with extra energy. Overall, the drive system note displays a less harmonious but engagingly rousing and technical sonic profile. Acceleration sparks a rich intensification of the soundtrack’s development, authentically reflecting the car’s performance character.

“When you press the pedal of an M car, you suddenly get goosebumps all over your body,” said Vitale. “We translated this feeling into a drive sound that expresses a fusion of superior power and flowing energy.”

The new IconicSounds Electric drive sounds are expected to feature in the i4 and iX over the course of 2022. In cars with earlier build dates, the new sounds can be imported retrospectively via Remote Software Upgrade, should the customer wish. The new spectrum includes one ready-to-drive sound and one stop sound, plus a driving sound which will be made available in the relevant version for models.

Concept EQT introduces the new Mercedes-Benz T-Class which will include an electric variant

The Mercedes-Benz EQ brand continues to grow each year with the addition of new all-electric models every year. In time, besides the sedans and SUVs we have already seen, there will be other model types just like the range for models with combustion engines. Next to come will be a small van and its appearance is shown in the Concept EQT.

New T-Class
This is a near-production concept vehicle that will be the first premium vehicle in the small van segment which Mercedes-Benz has designated the new T-Class as its representative. Besides the electric variant, there will also be other variants with combustion powertrains. While this new class has nothing to do with the old ‘T’ models that were stationwagons, it does offer storage versatility.

“We are expanding our portfolio in the small van segment with the forthcoming T-Class. It will appeal to families and all those private customers, whatever their age, who enjoy leisure activities and need a lot of space and maximum variability without forgoing comfort and style. The T-Class provides them with an attractive introduction into the world of Mercedes-Benz. And as the Concept EQT shows, we are consistently implementing our claim to leadership in electromobility and will also be offering a fully electric model in this segment in the future,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

EQ design DNA
The Concept EQT will be immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-EQ family with the characteristic black panel front and LED front headlights that flows seamlessly from the bonnet and gleams with a star pattern. The different-sized stars with a 3D effect are featured throughout the vehicle exterior.

Explaining the design, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group, said the Concept EQT is a new, holistic van with the Design DNA of ‘Sensual Purity’. “Sensuous shapes, elegant trims and sustainable materials show that this van clearly belongs to our Mercedes-EQ family,” he said.

The interior space, which can accommodate 7 persons, is characterised by an elegant contrast of black and white. The seats are upholstered in white nappa leather and the plaited leather applications on the seat centre panel comprise recycled leather.

The instrument panel in a sensual design is also particularly eye-catching. The upper section is shaped like a wing profile with the appearance of a seashore pebble and fuses dynamically with the instrument cluster. Round air vents in high-gloss black, galvanised trim elements and the multifunction steering wheel with Touch Control buttons underline the high quality, modern appearance.

Intuitive, self-teaching MBUX
Like every new Mercedes-Benz model, the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is present. The system can be conveniently operated using the free-standing central display with touch function, the touch control buttons on the steering wheel and the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. It has the ability to ‘learn’, thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX will be able to anticipate what the driver would like to do next with the help of predictive functions. For instance, if someone regularly calls a certain person on Fridays on the way home, the system will suggest their telephone number on the display on this day of the week.

In the high-resolution infotainment system media display, the EQ tile in the main menu serves as a central point of access to the specific displays and settings. These include the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. The media display can also be used to operate the navigation as well as the driving modes. On the move, it will display charging stations, the electric range and optimized route planning taking into account the charge level, weather or the traffic situation.

Maximum variability and functionality
The Concept EQT, which has an overall length of 4945 mm (22 mm longer than an E-Class sedan), has sliding doors on both sides. The openings have been made as wide as possible so that both full-sized individual seats in the third row can be reached without difficulty. If more space is required, the third-row seats can be folded or removed completely, leaving sufficient space for a pram, a transport box for dogs and other leisure equipment.

The vehicle’s elegant bottle design which tapers from the front to the rear makes the vehicle appear longer. The steeply sloping rear with a comfortable, vertical tailgate and window provides for a particularly spacious load compartment. A panoramic roof with a starscape lasered into it floods the interior with light.

An interesting feature in the concept vehicle is an electric longboard integrated into the load compartment. It is stored in a double-floor compartment beneath a plexiglass lid fitted in an aluminium frame and flush with the load compartment floor. The electric longboard is also made of aluminium and features a star pattern, giving it a particularly stylish look.

The new T-Class will be launched in 2022 and join the commercially-positioned Citan which will celebrate its premiere this year including a fully electric variant. The fully electric version for private customers will follow later.

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