♦ The first two retirements of the race were Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz, Jr. who crashed within the first few turns, bringing the Safety Car out for the first 5 laps.
♦ Pirelli said that early appearance of the Safety Car would help reduce tyre wear at a crucial point in the race with the cars on full fuel. It would also be advantageous for the soft tyre runners.
♦ As the race resumed with the departure of the Safety Car, news came that Lewis Hamilton had been given two 5-second penalties. The offence: doing practice starts in the wrong place.
♦ At that early point in the race, there were at least 6 cars within 10 seconds of Hamilton, who was in the lead, so he had to work very hard to stretch the gap. He served his penalty on the 17th lapas tyres were changed, rejoining the race in 10th position.
♦ At the halfway mark of the 53-lap race, it was Valtteri Bottas in the lead with a 10-second gap from Max Verstappen. A frustrated Hamilton was about 5 places back and contemplating whether to push harder or just manage the tyres and pick up as many points as possible by the end of the race.
♦ Daniel Ricciardo was another driver who got a penalty – 5 seconds for ‘failing to follow the race director’s instructions’. Accepting the bad news, the Aussie driver told his team that he would ‘drive faster’.
♦ With 10 laps remaining, Hamilton was up to third, behind Verstappen and Bottas. But the gaps were fairly big and by race end, the Red Bull driver was about 14 seconds ahead.
The Ferraris that most people read about or see on the roads are the ones that the company makes in ‘large’ numbers. However, there are also many cars which are not publicised – and we’re not talking about the prototypes that are going to be future models. Ferrari, like other high-end niche carmakers, also offers extensive customisation services to its customers who want unique and exclusive models.
The Omologata (unusual name but actually means ‘homologation’ in Italian) is one such car and the project was commissioned by a customer in Europe. Representative of Ferrari’s line of unique one-off models, it took a little over 2 years to complete.
The initial presentation of sketches started with images that covered a variety of inspirations, from racing heritage to sci-fi and references to modern architecture. The idea from the onset was to create a futuristic design with distinctive elements reinterpreted in a fresh manner to provide potential for a timeless shape that is certain to leave a lasting impression.
812 Superfast
812 Superfast as the basis
To achieve this, the designers used the underlying package of the 812 Superfast, keeping only the windscreen and headlights as existing bodywork elements. The objective was to exploit the proportions of the mid-front layout to deliver a very sleek design defined by smooth volumes and undulating reflections. The trickiest aspect was striking the ideal balance between expressiveness and restraint, projecting street presence whilst maintaining a very pure formal language.
A tapering front volume defines the flattened oval grille, with the rounded section over the front wheelarches emphasized by a contrasting stripe wrapping across the bonnet. Rearwards of the door, the flank develops into a very potent rear muscle that neatly blends upwards into the three-quarter panel.
The entire volume is rendered deliberately imposing through the elimination of the rear quarter light, while three horizontal transversal cuts in the fastback volume visually lower the rear mass. The tail is surmounted by a prominent spoiler which adds not only downforce, but a more aggressive, sporty stance.
Making it road-legal
Meeting every safety requirement to ensure a Ferrari is road-legal is always a huge challenge for the design team, more so when starting from an existing platform. And ‘Omologata’ was indeed a keyword that resonated throughout the development of this, the 10th front-engined V12 one-off Ferrari has delivered since the 2009 P540 Superfast Aperta.
Beyond the clear instructions coming from the customer and down to every detail on the car, the designers effectively took into account countless variables to make this a very exclusive model through and through. The quest for the ultimate touch went as far as developing a new shade of red just for the livery, to match the fiery triple-layer Rosso Magma over a darkened carbonfibre finish.
Link to Ferrari’s racing heritage
Inside the car, numerous trim details suggest a strong link to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage. In fact, the Omologata can be seen as a clear descendent of Ferrari’s great GT tradition spanning 7 decades of history.
The electric blue seats, finished in a combination of leather and Jeans Aunde fabric with 4-point racing harnesses, stand out against a full black interior. In the absence of rear quarter lights and screen, the atmosphere in the cabin is purposeful, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Metal parts on the dashboard and steering wheel are finished with the crackled paint effect associated with the great GT racers of the 1950s and 1960s as well as with Ferrari’s engine cam covers. A hammered paint effect so often used in cars such as the 250 LM and 250 GTO can also be seen on details such as the inner door handles and on the Ferrari F1 bridge.
In the past, a concept model was mostly a work of fantasy intended to wow crowds at motorshows but which the company would not be able to make for showrooms. Perhaps the excitement of seeing something futuristic has worn off and these days, manufacturers often show concept models that are close to what they will launch in a year or in a few years.
Displaying a future production model as a ‘concept’ allows the designers to get last-minute feedback from the public on certain ideas they may want to use. They may learn that people don’t appreciate a certain styling element and omit or modify it before production starts.
Future 3-row SUV
Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, is displaying the QX60 Monograph this weekend at the Beijing Auto Show and it confirms that the concept model previews some of the proportions and design elements for the brand’s future three-row SUV.
“In crafting this concept, we wanted to change the tonality of the QX60 and transform the nameplate from a sculptural and architectural point of view. We raised the visual centre of gravity, giving it a strong, straight shoulderline that carries through to the bonnet, with a higher, more prominent grille, and longer-looking cabin to deliver a sense of muscularity and a commanding presence,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice-President, Global Design at Nissan Motor.
Japanese inspirations
“The QX60 Monograph embodies the Japanese concept of ‘Ma,’ a sense of minimalism where designers seek harmony, adding just the right number of elements with very specific meaning to create something special. This is evident on the body, where at a glance it is simple, but when you get closer, you see that there are elements that are playing against each other in a sense of harmony,” Albaisa explained.
Focused solely on the exterior, the designers imagined the QX60 Monograph as a sophisticated yet functional solution for a busy, modern family. The proportions include a wide stance, sleek greenhouse, horizontal shoulder line and muscular wheel arches. The combination of which creates a commanding posture and defined SUV persona.
Advanced lighting appearance
Intricate ‘Digital Piano Key’ lighting at the front and rear projects a futuristic appearance and showcases how Infiniti blends human artistry with the latest technology. The inner structure of the headlamp features a shape and pattern of lines inspired by an electrical heatsink device.
Bright white at the front, and ultra-red at the back, the QX60 Monograph’s lamps are accompanied by the glowing ‘infinite road’ brand emblem. Combined, the opening light sequence begins at the logo and fans out to the headlamps in a dynamic welcome for drivers.
Viewed from the side, the Monograph shows off its horizontal bonnet, muscular fenders and long wheelbase. Paired with the gentle rake of the A-pillar and tapered, teardrop-like glasshouse, the result is a long sweeping, sophisticated profile. The roof flows into a subtly integrated rear roof spoiler — also in gloss black — to further enhance the car’s aerodynamic appearance.
At the rear, the wide body and track, complementing the horizontal window line give the QX60 Monograph a sense of poise and stability. Embossed with the INFINITI name, the SUV features large alloy wheels that fill the pronounced fenders and reinforce the performance-inspired aesthetic.
The rear lamps are tinted and, when turned off, appear to wrap around the back of the vehicle and into the rear flanks in one continuous shape. Illuminated, the piano key lighting shines through to form a beautiful, futuristic light signature.
Platinum paint and black roof
“The platinum paint on the QX60 Monograph projects a sense of warmth. The highly reflective nature mimics the qualities of liquid metal, allowing the surface of the body to capture the shadows and lights of the environment in which it is displayed creating a sense of dynamism,” said Taisuke Nakamura, Senior Design Director, Infiniti Global Design.
A large panoramic roof features a ‘kimono fold’ pattern. This geometric feature, a series of intricate perpendicular lines, draws inspiration from the folds of a silk kimono and the structures of Japan’s modern architecture.
He explained that the black roof creates a strong contrast to the rich body colour for a dramatic visual statement. The pillars, roof, front, side and rear glass all seamlessly connect — giving a panoramic feel to the cabin and promoting a sense of openness. Slim-line roof rails provide a practical counterpoint to the QX60 Monograph’s sleek, sporty proportions.
“We commenced the design of the Monograph knowing this was an opportune time to start a discussion about where we are planning to take the QX60 in the future and more broadly, where we are heading as a brand with our design language,” said Albaisa, adding that the production version of the next generation QX60 can be expected in 2021.
Current QX60 has been around since 2012 (known as JX35 at the start) and was Infiniti’s first 3-row SUV.
Race starts at 2:10 pm in Russian/7:10 pm in Malaysia
Nine races in 11 weeks with three triple-headers – it’s been tough on the teams since the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship had its delayed start in July. Both the drivers and the people who support them are feeling the strain and saying so, and this sort of calendar will not be acceptable in 2021.
Anyway, after the initial 9 rounds in Austria, the UK, Spain, Belgium and Italy, the tenth round is much further east for the first season’s standalone event – the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom.
The 5.8-km circuit within a complex originally constructed for the 2014 Winter Olympics. In that year, the F1 Russian Grand Prix was held for the first time (although there had been Russian Grands Prix back in 1913 and 1914).
Street circuit character
Known as the Sochi Autodrom, it has the character of a street circuit. It is characterised by two long straights – the long, high-speed arc of Turn 3 and by a proliferation of 90-degree, medium-speed corners. The race distance of 309.745 kms is the longest of any race this season, the next longest being at Mugello (309.497 kms).
The engineers have data from 6 years of racing at the circuit, so they know that it is something of a ‘balancing act’. The long straights would suggest reducing downforce levels in pursuit of outright pace, that would compromise balance, grip and traction on exit in the slower speed corners.
Fuel consumption is said to be particularly high at the Sochi Autodrom because there are several long straights. The frequency of short, 90-degree corners means drivers apply full-throttle much earlier than at a track with many hairpins and chicanes. If it’s a clean and uninterrupted race, more fuel management is required through lift and coasting than at many other tracks, according to Toto Wolff, Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Racing Team.
Gentle on tyres
The smooth tarmac at the Sochi Autodrom is very gentle on the tyres, with some drivers in the past pitting on the first lap one and making it to the chequered flag on the same set. So we won’t be seeing the tyre issues that have added drama to earlier rounds.
As Sochi has low tyre degradation, Pirelli has opted for the softer end of its tyre range for this round. The Italian tyremaker brings its C3 compound as the white-banded hard compound, the C4 as the yellow medium and the C5 as the red-banded soft tyre. It is the first time this season that the combination has been offered and a step softer than at last year’s Russian Grand Prix.
Championship positions
A sixth win in 9 races for Lewis Hamilton last time out at Mugello puts the British driver in a commanding 55-point lead for the Drivers’ Championship. In second place is his team-mate Valtteri Bottas with 135 points, while third-ranked Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen still has 110 points after the last round.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is fourth with 65 points, two ahead of Red Bull Racing’s Alex Albon, who at the Tuscan Grand Prix became this season’s ninth podium finisher.
In the Constructors’ Championship battle, a third 1-2 finish of the season two weeks ago in Mugello saw the Mercedes-AMG Team pull even further away at the top of the standings. The defending champions now have 325 points, 152 more than closest rivals Red Bull Racing. Behind the top two, the contest is still tight, however: McLaren, with 106 points, is 14 points ahead of BWT Racing Point, while Renault is just 9 points further back.
If Hamilton wins again at Sochi, he will be equal with Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 F1 wins. Schumacher reached the total at his 246th race, while Hamilton is set to take part in his 260th F1 race tomorrow.
As the Russian Grand Prix is a relatively recent addition to the championship calendar, it’s not surprising that the Mercedes-AMG team has won at this circuit every year. Hamilton has been victorious on 4 occasions (2014, 2015, 2018 and last year), while Nico Rosberg won in 2016 and Valtteri Bottas in 2017. Should the team win again this year, it will establish a new record for most consecutive wins at the same Grand Prix.
For the first time, Porsche Asia Pacific and Porsche Cars Australia have teamed up with Forza Motorsport 7 to run a simulation racing tournament. Known as the Porsche Asia Pacific Forza Cup, it will see some of the best sim racers in the region compete on the Forza Motorsport 7 tracks of Bathurst, Nurburgring, Le Mans, Silverstone and Hockenheimring.
Qualifiers
The races will begin in a Porsche 918 Spyder which holds the distinction of being the first series production car to beat the lap record of 7 minutes at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 2013. The race will take place on the rollercoaster Bathurst track which offers an extraordinary mix of 23 fast and slow corners, and gradients of up to 16%.
Subsequent qualifying rounds, to be held in October, will use the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife, in the 911 GT3 RS, and then Le Mans with the 919 Hybrid. Finally, the top 16 players, limited to a maximum of three from one country, will compete to bring home the first Porsche Asia Pacific Forza Cup over two races in a Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
The Finals
The first of the final races will be at the Silverstone track after which the finalists will then go head to head for their second finals race at the Hockenheimring. All 16 finalists and the top 3 participants of the finals will win prizes from the Porsche Driver’s Selection and HUGO BOSS, the official sponsor of the Porsche Asia Pacific Forza Cup.
The titleholder will win an opportunity to race on a real track during a track experience at the Porsche Experience Centre in Hockenheimring, Germany, in 2021.
The tournament is currently open for registrations online from players from the Asia Pacific region. They must hold a Xbox game pass and have either access to a PC, Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X. Click here to sign up, or find out more about the race details and points scoring system.
Porsche in Esports
Porsche’s involvement in Esports or sim racing – also referred to as digital motorsports by the FIA – goes back some 3 years and has been growing in recent times, especially this year when real-world racing was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Racing games and Esports connect the real and virtual worlds and enable us to gain further access to the young target group. It means that they can develop a passion for Porsche even before buying their first sportscar”, said a senior executive of the company.
One of its major sim racing events – the Porsche Esports Supercup – was included in a gala event to honour the successes of the teams and driers in motorsport. Porsche was the first major carmaker to recognise the achievements of virtual racers at the same event as their real-world racing peers.
Most motorists will leave it to the authorised service centres maintain their vehicles to provide the right engine oil specified and approved by the manufacturer. Some of these engine oils have specific formulations with high quality components and additives that enable the engines to run at their best.
For those who are no longer bound by warranty conditions of the manufacturer which usually require them to use the engine oil supplied by the authorised service centre, Shell Malaysia offers a premium quality oil with proven performance – the new Shell Helix Professional range.
For demanding requirements
While the existing Shell Helix Ultra range caters to the wide and varied needs of the mainstream consumer market, Helix Professional is specially tailored to meet the demanding requirements and specifications of a select group of car engine manufacturers.
According to Shell Lubricants General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Nyon Kam Yew, the new Shell Helix Professional range enables the car manufacturers’ official service centres and specialist workshops to deliver more value via customised service packages to benefit their customers.
“This is yet another innovative solution from Shell, the top lubricant supplier in the world for the past 13 consecutive years and the largest provider of finished lubricants to automakers. With the new Shell Helix Professional range, these businesses can now incorporate a genuine, premium quality engine oil with proven performance from a trusted brand in special value service packages,” he said.
Two grades, fully synthetic
The Helix Professional range is available with two grades – Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W-40 and Helix HX7 Professional SN 5W-30. Developed for high performance petrol and diesel engines, the fully synthetic Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W-40 is formulated with Shell’s proprietary PurePlus Technology that uses a 99.5% pure base oil made from natural gas.
Both engine oils also have Shell’s Active Cleansing Technology to keep the engine close to factory-cleanliness. This technology provides resistance to physical and chemical degradation and prevents build-up of performance-robbing deposits. The wear and corrosion protection is also superior, even in extreme operating conditions.
Besides maintaining performance at high level, the engine oils provide enhanced fuel economy as well as superior sludge and wear protection to keep maintenance costs low.
Honda Malaysia continues with its run-up to the launch of the all-new Honda City with further information about its features. This time, the company has revealed that the 5th generation of the popular B-segment model will come with what is claims to be the most complete advanced safety features in the segment.
This will be with enhanced Honda SENSING – already available in the CR-V, Civic and Accord – which consists of seven active safety systems. Developed by Honda to meet the objective of ‘Safety for Everyone’ so that there will be a collision-free mobile society, Honda SENSING alerts and assists drivers during various driving situations.
Comprehensive suite of safety systems
The Honda SENSING suite is available in various compositions, depending on the model and market. For the Malaysian market, the new City RS i-MMD seems to get a very comprehensive suite which consists of the following:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High-Beam (AHB)
Many of the systems rely on a front wide-view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to scan the road ahead. The imagery captured is analysed by the on-board computer to identify lane markings and the presence of vehicles ahead.
Adaptive Cruise Control, for instance, will adjust the set cruising speed to ensure there is a safe gap with the vehicle ahead. So even if the cruising speed is set at 110 km/h but the vehicle in front is travelling at 100 km/h, the system will slow down the City. If the vehicle ahead moves aside, then the speed will return to the set speed.
“The All-New City RS i-MMD offers first in segment features such as Remote Engine Start, Honda LaneWatch and Electric Parking Brake. We are now raising the benchmark further to introduce a most complete Honda SENSING feature in its segment which was previously only available in the C, D and SUV segment. I believe the upcoming 5th Generation All-New City will excite Malaysians with its advanced safety technology and class-leading features,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
New technology at Melaka plant
Mr. Ishiyama said that several technology enhancements have been implemented at the Melaka assembly plant. These include new inner frame welding to enhance body rigidity and the use of new spray polyurethane foam to reduce body noise and vibration. He claimed that the assembly process is on par with the technology at Honda’s factories in Japan.
Honda Malaysia is also the first and only car manufacturer in the country to assemble an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) from individual lithium-ion battery components to form a complete power unit for use in hybrid models.
The new City is larger than its predecessor with increases of 111 mm in overall length and 54 mm in overall width, moving its body size closer to a C-segment sedan rather than the B-segment that it is in.
4 variants to choose from
Four variants will be offered for the new generation, led by the RS with an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain. This delivers maximum torque of 253 Nm, highest in its class and comparable to a D-segment engine. Customers can also choose to have a new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine if they prefer something more conventional.
The top RS version will come with a Remote Engine Start feature, the first in its segment to have such a convenience feature. The driver will be able to start the car’s engine from a distance and even activate the air-conditioning system. Passengers at the back will also have cool air brought to them with the additional vents.
Bookings for the All-New City were accepted from August 14, 2020 and those who have booked early receive a RM1,000 Service Voucher. “We organised a nationwide tour where people could view the All-New City RS i-MMD up close. We are delighted to receive high interest and positive feedback from the public and bookings have been very encouraging,” Mr. Ishiyama said, adding that the nationwide tour will be ongoing until the cars launch.
The latest BR-V and Civic can be ordered with the new Platinum White Pearl finish.
New colour for Civic and BR-V
Meanwhile, Honda Malaysia has also introduced the new colour option of Platinum White Pearl for the Civic and BR-V. This new finish replaces the White Orchid Pearl colour that has been available for some time.
Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes-AMG, BMW has BMW M and now Peugeot has also created its own high-performance division known as PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED. Coinciding with the launch of this new division, the carmaker is announcing its return to the World Endurance Championship in the Le Mans Hypercar category from 2022, although that has already been known earlier.
Roots in Peugeot Sport
PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED is probably an evolution of the Peugeot Sport division within the original Peugeot PSA Citroen group. It was established in 1981 as a motorsports division and gained fame when it developed and ran the Group B Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 in the 1984 World Rally Championship. Since then, Peugeot Sport has been involved in F1 and WEC as well.
The Group B 205 Turbo 16 was one of the legendary rallycars developed by Peugeot Sport in the 1980s.
Two new models
Now, as PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED, the division appears to also be given an additional role in developing high-performance versions of Peugeot models for a more business-orientated approach. The first of these is the latest 508 with AWD and plug-in hybrid electric technology to enter the new era in which the kilowatt is king.
The new 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED will be available in Fastback and Stationwagon bodystyles. The signature of this new family, with three Kryptonite claws, refers to the new identity for Peugeot Sport, to the light signatures of the production models, and draws inspiration from the brand’s heritage with rear lights inspired by the 504 Coupe.
The new 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED is the most powerful production car ever built by Peugeot for sale. The powertrain produces 360 bhp/520 Nm, thanks to the combination of internal combustion engine and two electrical motors (one at the front and the other at the rear). Claimed 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is 5.2 seconds, with a top speed beyond 250 km/h but electronically limited to that speed.
The driver can select from 5 driving modes to suit conditions and preference: 100% electric driving; Comfort; Hybrid; Sport and 4WD. Recharging can be done within 7 hours at home or within 2 hours using a dedicated 7 kW wallbox charging point.
Optimised for high performance
The engineers have made changes to the 508 to optimise the high-performance version for sportier dynamics. The adjustments to its chassis include a specially-tuned steering set-up. The front and rear tracks are wider and there’s variable 3-mode shock absorption. 380 mm diameter front brake discs and fixed 4-piston calipers are installed behind 20-inch alloy wheels running on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The driving position has also been lowered.
PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED has drawn on expertise gained during the development of the 3008 SUV HYBRID/HYBRID4 and 508 HYBRID, as well as experience from competing with hybrid powertrains.
Over the next few weeks, you may come across BMW vehicles with uniquely designed artwork on their exteriors moving around the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The ‘camouflage’ is artwork designed by local businesses, volunteer groups and NGOs Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Changgih Designs, INKAA, and Kanoe who have been driving dynamic initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia.
“COVID-19 challenges many of us to be out of our elements, but we at BMW also saw many individuals and businesses who have pivoted to thrive in such challenging times. We are inspired by them. Collaborating with emerging local businesses, we want to highlight their individual dynamic independent spirit, their sheer determination and resilience – all of which have allowed them to rise above the adversity and challenges ahead of us,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia.
Komuniti Tukang Jahit is a social enterprise that empowers the B40 women community consisting of single women, single mothers, the OKU group, and stay-at- home mothers. They provide certified upskill training and job opportunities for home-based tailors to earn a sustainable income through sewing orders.
Changgih Designs was founded by Joanna Moss and Bethany Dawson, two new, passionate mothers from Sabah who wanted to create crafts for their children. They were then inspired to help mothers from villages with vocational training and job opportunities. Today, the social enterprise blends the heritage of Borneo with contemporary fashion in a collection of hand-stitched handbags, wallets, scarves, accessories, masks, and wearable art made by artisans in villages across Sabah.
INKAA is a collaborative effort with grassroots organisations and artisans in Malaysia. They create beautiful products, while promoting more understanding and communication between individuals and the people they work with. It is a brand that honours artisans and preserves heritage. INKAA sources traditional batik textiles hand-made by three artisans in Terengganu, creating unique fabric designs where no two pieces are the same.
Kanoe is a homegrown brand that sets out to promote better living throughout their design and production process, ensuring that everyone involved from the beginning to the end of the process benefits from it. Kanoe’s garments are made from natural fibre and are designed in-house. The business also works with local businesses, artisans, and communities in need to promote handmade work, a healthy working environment, and fair wage.
Look out for the BMW vehicles with the unique designs around KL and stay tuned to BMW Malaysia’s Facebook or Instagram to win exclusively designed BMW merchandise.
