What happens in the future is never certain and today, more than ever, many people face great uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, a cautious approach is being taken and financial commitments must be carefully considered. This is particular so where car-buying is concerned as buying a car means a long-term commitment because of the hire-purchase loan. If things don’t go well, you can’t just stop paying the instalments, let alone return the car.
RM799 per month for 6 months
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) understands this and has come up with an offer which is only a year long – with no obligations after that. Available for the Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription – a one-year plan that is priced at RM1,299 per month – the promotion offers customers a reduced rate of RM799 per month for the first 6 months. Subsequently, from month seven to 12, the monthly rate of 1,299 will resume.
Monthly rates are inclusive of roadtax, insurance, regular servicing and an annual mileage cap of 20,000 kms, with an option to upgrade. A booking fee of RM200 applies when customers book via Renault Store on Shopee, which will be deducted from the first subscription month payment.
For more savings, TCEC is offering a 50% discount on the booking fee for 20 units of Captur available through the Shopee Malaysia ‘Shocking Sale’. This event will take place between 4 pm and 8 pm on September 9, 2020. Those who miss the online event can still secure a unit via the Renault E-Store.
Pre-owned units
It should be noted that the vehicles offered are not brand new units. They are pre-owned units already registered earlier (not more than 2 years old). They are thoroughly inspected and meet Renault’s quality and safety standards.
Customers can decide to buy, subscribe to a Renault Subscription Fixed or Switch Plan, or simply end with the Pre-Owned Captur offer after one year when the subscription term is over.
Monthly rates are inclusive of regular servicing, roadtax and insurance.
“We understand that many Malaysians have some reservations about buying or even trying out a Continental car. This latest promotion aims to help lower the barrier to entry, with no obligations and, at the same time, customers can have a real-life test-drive of the Captur for a whole year,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO of TC Euro Cars.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) will soon launch an all-new model – the Mitsubishi XPANDER. To have competitive pricing, carmakers must assemble their products locally to get incentives that can lower their cost and enable them to have lower retail prices.
MMM is therefore assembling the 7-seater crossover model in Malaysia, its third model to be assembled locally after the ASX and Outlander (the Triton pick-up truck is still imported from Thailand in CBU form). However, unlike the Outlander and ASX, the XPANDER will not be assembled at the Tan Chong plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
(Indonesian version shown)
New production facility in Pahang
Instead, it will be assembled in Pekan, Pahang, where Mitsubishi Motors’ partner in MMM, DRB-HICOM, has a manufacturing complex also used by Volkswagen, Isuzu and Mercedes-Benz. According to MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi, the new production facility for the XPANDER incorporates Japanese automotive technology.
The plant has an all-new body welding workshop including new welding equipment. Its paintshop utilises advanced painting technology including a 360-degree ED-coating and a robotic spray system. This will provide high quality finishes and extend corrosion resistance. The XPANDER, which will have a 1.5-litre MIVEC engine, will also go through an all-new tester line to check all safety functions including Active Stability Control (ASC) system.
“The XPANDER is localized to meet the demands of Malaysian customers. It will be priced competitively to cater for families and adventure-seekers who are looking for a more comfortable and practical 7-seater to make their journeys a more pleasant one. Malaysians can expect to place their bookings soon,” Mr. Shinnishi said.
Locally-assembled version of the XPANDER.
As a prelude to the launch, there’s a teaser display of the XPANDER at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur from today until September 13. Those interested to know more and want to receive updates on the new model’s launch can register their interest at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
Motorists travelling to the North-South Expressway from the Kajang, Bangi and Serdang areas will have to use an alternate route if they regularly use the Kajang Toll Plaza Access Road heading to Kuala Lumpur. This connection will be temporarily closed to all vehicles from Wednesday September 9 to Friday October 9 2020 between 10 pm and 5 am nightly.
Motorists travelling from Kajang to Kuala Lumpur are advised to utilize an alternative route by entering the SILK and Besraya Highways. They can utilize SILK and Besraya Highways to enter the PLUS highway via the UPM Toll Plaza during the period.
Although production of the Rapide ceased two years ago, the model continues in the Aston Martin range as the Rapide AMR. First revealed in 2018 as a concept, the production version was displayed at last year’s Geneva Auto Show where the company announced that it will make 210 cars.
Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has brought in two of those units, priced from RM1.1 million, excluding duties and taxes. These are the last two units still available in Southeast Asia.
Link to racing team
AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing, the official motorsport operation for the British brand. ‘AMR’ is used for special editions, drawing a direct engineering and aesthetic link between the company’s successful racing team and its roadgoing cars.
At the heart of the Rapide AMR is a naturally aspirated drivetrain that draws much of its technology and character from the potent Vantage GT12. Larger inlet manifolds with tuned length dual inlet runners enhance the airflow into the 6-litre V12 engine.
Combined with new engine and gearbox calibration, increases in output take maximum power to 603 ps and 630 Nm. Claimed acceleration is 4.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a maximum speed as high as 330 km/h.
Standard carbon ceramic brakes
As standard, the Rapide AMR comes fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Measuring 400 mm at the front with 6-piston calipers and 360 mm at the rear with 4-piston calipers, this is the first time that a Rapide has been fitted with such strong stopping power.
The carbon ceramic discs are also part of AMR’s ethos to use lightweight components whilst reducing unsprung mass they have a noticeably beneficial effect on the driving experience. Much of this development work has been completed at the newly opened AMR Performance Centre at the Nurburgring.
Alongside the new tyres, brakes and aerodynamics, the Rapide’s suspension has also received considerable attention. The new Rapide AMR rides 10 mm lower than a Rapide S and although the three stage adaptive dampers remain, they have been thoroughly reengineered to create a car that is more focused, agile and dynamic.
The 4-seat Rapide AMR is available in Standard and Signature schemes. Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has one of each scheme. The car with the Signature scheme is finished in Stirling Green paint with Lime accents and a Lime stripe for the definitive AMR look. The Standard scheme is Onyx Black, with adding AMR Lime accents to the splitter, sills and rear diffuser.
More information is available at www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com and to get a quotation, you can write to astonmartinkl.enquiries@wearnes.com.
The team at GTO Engineering has created what they believe to be the ultimate interpretation of a legendary Sixties Ferrari. Named the 250 SWB Revival, it is based on the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione, one of the most successful Ferrari race cars of the period.
Enhanced, improved or rebuilt
GTO Engineering has revived the legend with its modern experience and given it ultimate road and track customisation opportunities. From the chassis to the cockpit, every element of the 250 SWB Revival has been strictly enhanced, improved or rebuilt at the company’s facility in the UK.
Pricing starts at around £850,000 (about RM4.65 million) and each 250 SWB Revival takes between 12 – 18 months to complete, depending on specification.
Drawing on extensive knowledge, know-how, historical technical drawings, industry insight and with 200 years’ combined experience working on the Italian sportscars, , the GTO Engineering team has developed the 250 SWB Revival as a more usable, customisable and bespoke variant of the highly collectable original Competition car.
‘The greatest GT car in the world’
Driven in period by the likes of Sir Stirling Moss who hailed it as ‘the greatest GT car in the world’ as it took wins at Le Mans (1960 class win), Tourist Trophy (1960) and Spa GP (1960), it’s today regarded one of the most notable, collectable and appreciating cars of its type. Thus it is rarely seen on the road and only occasionally at historic race meetings.
“The 1960 Competition car is the one to have – not only is it the shorter chassis, improving drivability and handling, but it has disc brakes (the 250 SWB was the first to have them on a Ferrari GT car), and an aluminium body rather than steel,” said GTO Engineering Managing Director Mark Lyon.
“But it has one major drawback,” he revealed. “Because it was made in so few numbers, it’s not really a car you can take to the shops or drive on the lock-stops without fearing damaging the body or destroying originality. The 250 SWB Revival is a ‘best of’, based on original drawings and knowledge, with an added usability, driveability and the option to make it as road or race-focused as you’d like.”
Based on 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione
Utilising original drawings, measurements and knowledge, the GTO Engineering 250 SWB Revival uses a hand-built tubular frame underneath a hand-beaten aluminium body. It’s based on the shorter format of the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione specifications, which is about 20 cm shorter than the 250 GT.
Built in house, each Columbo V12 engine in the car takes over 300-man hours to produce. The GTO Engineering team can build to 3.0-litre, 3.5-litre and 4.0-litre specification and can offer bespoke displacements according to customer requirements. Each engine is paired with triple carburettors.
The 4-speed or optional 5-speed gearbox was also created with their own internal design package. Designed to be a precise gearchange that works in traffic and at high-speed, for enhanced usability.
Incorporating the disc brake design from period, of which the 250 SWB was the first Ferrari GT car to include disc brakes, there are traditional disc brakes, with optional lighter and more heat-efficient aluminium brake calipers.
Road-legal or for racing
Customers can choose to have a road-legal car or in a racing specification. If the latter, then the car will have a full roll-cage, with the option of a competition-inspired gearbox as well as bug screens. Bug screens were used heavily in period at endurance races and rallies to stop bugs smearing on the windscreen and decreasing visibility.
Isuzu Malaysia’s latest ELF light-duty truck range has been enhanced with safety upgrades as well as additional warranty benefits for operators. The enhancements are available in 18 variants of the ELF, which range from 4-wheeler to 6-wheeler versions. With the newly enhanced trucks, truck operators will have safer, more productive and sustainable business.
In the area of safety, there is the new Isuzu Safety Plus platform which consists primarily of four main safety features – ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-slip Regulator (ASR) and Supplemental Restraint System Airbag.
ABS, EBD and ASR are active safety systems which will be valuable in helping drivers avoid accidents, especially in slippery conditions. EBD automatically distributes brake force distribution according to the load on board, road condition and speed. With optimised brake force distribution, the driver will be able to have better control of the vehicle.
The ASR function, which can be deactivated when not needed, can prevent the wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, improving grip. This is helpful during cornering especially and can contribute to increasing the lifespan of the tyres.
Besides the airbag, the seatbelt system in the Elf also has extra functions to maximise the restraint of the driver. A Pre-Tensioner retracts the seatbelt instantly, removing the slack so the driver’s body is firmly secured on the seat. Secondly, a Load-Limiter releases the webbing force gradually so as to not exert too much pressure on the driver’s chest, thus minimizing injury to the body during a frontal collision.
“The enhanced ELF range with Isuzu Safety Plus truly represents a thorough evolution to delivering more superior levels of safety and performance that many truck operators seek in order for them to effectively navigate their business in today’s market environment,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.
This enhanced ELF range incorporates Isuzu’s S.E.E Technology which signifies the three core aspects of Safety, Economy and Environment. “With Isuzu’s S.E.E Technology at its core, the enhanced ELF range with Isuzu Safety Plus corresponds to today’s truck operators’ need for efficiency, safety, cost savings and lower carbon footprint – everything delivered in a dynamic, versatile and reliable light-duty vehicle,” explained Mr. Nakamura.
In support of the government’s promotion of cleaner fuel to increase Malaysia’s energy security, improve air quality and the environment, Isuzu has ensured that its truck engines are readily compatible with B20 biodiesel.
Customers who purchase the enhanced ELF range with Isuzu Safety Plus will enjoy extended warranty coverage of 5 years or a maximum of 200,000 kms. This extensive warranty coverage is said to be one of the best in the market, assuring customers of long-term support with peace of mind and lower costs.
The ELF, assembled at Isuzu Malaysia’s plant in Pahang, has been the top-selling light-duty truck for the past 10 years in Malaysia. “The introduction of this new range is expected to perpetuate its market-leading position. At Isuzu, we believe we have raised the bar once again and we are confident that this enhanced range is poised to propel us to achieving another notable milestone as the most preferred and most sellable light-duty truck in Malaysia this year and beyond,” Mr. Nakamura said.
♦ Lewis Hamilton, who set the fastest lap ever in F1 history yesterday, got off to a great start and pull ahead. But the same could not be said of team mate Valtteri Bottas who kept slipping back due to some damage sustained at the start when there was a collision with Lando Norris.
♦ Kevin Magnussen was an early casualty; on the first lap, his Hass racing car having sustained damage to the front wing and had to come into the pits to change the parts. But his race would come to an end on lap 19 when he had to pull over.
♦ Another dark day for Ferrari as Sebastian Vettel’s car continued straight at the first chicane with smoke billowing from the rear brakes that must have failed. He had done just 6 laps and though he could return to the pits, his race was over.
♦ Alexander Albon received a 5-second time penalty for an incident with Romain Grosjean. The penalty would be carried out when he came into the pits.
♦ By the 17th lap, Bottas was down to sixth place, 20 seconds behind Hamilton and watching Max Verstappen in his mirrors.
♦ Magnussen’s car stopping on the track on lap 19 brought the Safety Car out, and Hamilton and Antonio Giovinazzi were the first driver to rush into their pits to get new tyres. However, thw two drivers could have entered the pit lane too early, when it was still closed, and the Stewards deliberated on the matter. Observers noted that the lights indicated the pit lane was closed at that time.
It certainly was a dark, dark day for Ferrari at its home track when Vettel was first to retire and then Leclerc crashed halfway through the race.
♦ As the Safety Car pulled off on the 24th lap and the race resumed, Charles Leclerc was in an advantageous position and the Ferrari driver shot past two Alfa Romeos to fourth place – and then lost control on the Parabolica and crashed! Ferrari’s day got even darker – and on home territory too.
♦ Leclerc’s crash damaged barriers extensively and the red flags came out, bring the racing to a stop for repairs to be carried out. 26 laps of the total of 53 had been completed as all the cars came to a stop in the pit lane.
♦ While waiting for the race to resume, Hamilton and Giovinazzi were informed that they had 10-second stop and go penalties. They would have to come in and wait 10 seconds after completing one lap when the race started again. For Hamilton, that put him 23 seconds behind everyone else and virtually last in the pack.
♦ Max Verstappen’s race ended on lap 31 after he pulled into the pits and the engineers found a problem with his Power Unit.
♦ Hamilton was working very hard and with 5 laps remaining, he was up to 10th from 16th and still putting in very quick times – 3 seconds quicker than other cars on some laps. Bottas meanwhile was in 5th, a second behind Norris.
♦ Pierre Gasly held on to the very end, crossing the finish line less than a second ahead of Carlos Sainz. For the Italians fans, the win by Scuderia AlphaTauri would have made up for the great disappointment of both Ferraris dropping out.
Lewis Hamilton had a good lead for 26 laps and then got a 10-second penalty for entering the pit lane before it was opened.
With Hamilton having a 10-second penalty, Lance Stroll found himself momentarily to be in the lead with 26 laps remaining – but lost it to the Alfa Romeos behind him almost immediately when the race restarted.
Along with the 3008 update, Peugeot has also revealed an updated 5008 which also shares the new ‘design codes’ of the brand. Like the 3008, it too is still in its second generation, having been added to the range in 2009. The current second generation has been around since 2017 and was reclassified as a SUV where before it was a MPV.
New styling elements can be seen in the grille which is now frameless, spread sideways with fins under the headlamps providing the visual connection. The Lion has moved into the grille, sized prominently, while the leading edge of the bonnet had the model identifier ‘5008’, as does the entire Peugeot range moving forward. The headlamps of all versions now use LED technology, with hook-shaped DRLs.
Shiny black side scoops and a painted treadplate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level. For the GT/GT Pack, there is a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of the GT versions. The GT/GT Pack versions also have Full LED headlamps for extra distinction as well as better illumination. With the extended light signature and the bend lighting function, visibility at night is said to be improved at speeds of up to 90 km/h.
At the rear too, there are new, upgraded headlamps with Full LED technology (including the reversing lights). Drivers behind will immediately recognise the model, if not the brand, by the ‘3D claws’ light signature, while the driver’s intentions to turn are conveyed by sequential indicators. The lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass, extending the black boot lid on each side of the vehicle, which helps to visually widen the rear of the car.
Depending on the market, the 5008 will have a new ‘Black Pack’ option which has darker design elements. These include satin black roof bars, black rubber wipers and blackened wheels.
Although Peugeot doesn’t mention it, there seem to be tiny differences in overall length and width, with the new version being 29 mm shorter and 11 mm narrower. However, this could be due to differences in body trim and the all-important wheelbase remains the same at 2,840 mm.
A new i-Cockpit
The i-Cockpit is one of the strong selling points of Peugeot models and the designers have improved upon it. The 12.3-inch digital headset, fully customisable and configurable, has a digital panel with ‘Normally Black’ technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.
The central touchscreen is now 10 inches in viewing size, with a high definition display. Seven elegant piano keys, operating as toggle switches, are lined up across the centre of the dashboard. They provide quick and direct operation to main functions – radio, air-conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and hazard warning lights.
Raising perceived level of quality
Together with the revision of the i-Cockpit®, the interior has been given new trims. These are intended to raise the perceived level of quality with the provision of Red Nappa leather upholstery, Mistral Black PET/Alcantara lining and Mistral Nappa Leather upholstery with Tramontane stitching. Customers can also opt for new exclusive décor such as Dark Lime Wood and window winders with chrome inserts as well as a frameless rearview mirror.
As with other SUVs, the 5008 has a variable cabin layout with individual seats in the second and third rows being foldable. It also possible to tip the front passenger seat forward to maximise available length which can be up to 3.2 metres. With the third row in use, the boot volume is 780 litres and can be expanded to 1,940 litres.
Enhanced technologies
Besides refreshing the looks, Peugeot has also updated and enhanced the technologies, some of which have been introduced during the 4 years this generation has been on sale. Driving aids are the big thing nowadays and for the 5008, there’s Night Vision to detect pedestrians/animals ahead at night or in reduced visibility. The system’s range guarantees detection up to 200 – 250 metres, beyond the range of the high beam. An infrared view will also appear on the instrument panel.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Lane Position Assist make driving more relaxed and safer, while automatic emergency braking is active from 5 km/h to 140 km/h. In some countries, it will also be possible to recognise traffic signs and the driver will be alerted accordingly.
Smartphone functionality can be transferred to the dashboard with MirrorScreen compatibility that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection protocols. Additionally, besides USB sockets, there is also a pad for wireless recharging of compatible smartphones.
Engine choices
The range of engines for the 5008 are similar to those available with the 3008. There are Puretech petrol engines with displacement of 1.2-litres (3 cylinders) and 1.6 litres (4 cylinders) with BlueHDi diesel engines having 1.5 litre and 2.0-litre displacements.
Renault’s official team in Formula 1 – currently known as the Renault DP World F1 Team – will have a new name in 2021: the Alpine F1 Team. The new name is taken from one of the brands in the Renault group which has a history going back to 1955.
The Alpine brand will be designated to the chassis and pay tribute to the expertise that gave birth to the A110 which went on sale in 2017. Alpine’s involvement in F1 will be a key step to accelerate the development and influence of the brand. The team’s engine will continue to benefit from the Group’s expertise in hybrid powertrains and its E-Tech name will be retained.
The brand’s team is currently known as the Renault DP World F1 Team. DP World is a logistics company which is a leading sponsor of the team.
The new name has been announced after Renault joined other F1 teams in signing the new Concorde agreements that cap budgets and will see the implementation of new technical regulations from 2022.
Alpine is currently active in the World Endurance Championship.The new F1 team will have Fernando Alonso and is expected to have colours reminiscent of the blue and yellow on the R.S.25 F1 cars.
“This change comes at a key moment in the trajectory of the team and the sport. Alpine brings a new meaning, new values and colours to the paddock with the spirit of competition from other worlds and French creative agility. These will be assets in the preparation of 2022 deadlines,” said Renault’s Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“The new regulatory and financial framework will establish the conditions for a fairer motorsport in its redistribution of revenues; simpler and progressive in its governance. The implementation of the ‘budget cap’ will put an end to the expense race and will allow the signatory teams to be measured for their sporting value. Alpine has its place in Formula 1 and can challenge for victory,” he added.
A110 is currently the only model produced by Alpine.
Sportscar specialist
65 years old this year, Alpine was an independent carmaker in France, specialising in sportscar and also a regular participant in motorsports. Its independence ended when it was acquired by Renault in 1973, a move necessitated by difficulties faced during the first energy crisis period.
Although the rescue by Renault enabled it to continue producing cars, Renault management took the decision to stop using the brand name in 1995. There were hints that the name would be revived in 2007 but the financial crisis of that period forced Renault to postpone the plan. It was only 5 years later that the revival of Alpine was finally underway and it would become a sportscar brand within the Group.
Race starts at 3:10 pm in Italy/9:10 pm in Malaysia
The compressed schedule means that just a week has been separating many of the first seven rounds of the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship. Last week, the drivers raced at Spa in Belgium and after that, the teams travelled 800 kms southeast to Monza in Italy for this weekend’s 2020 Italian Grand Prix. The eighth round is at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a 98-year old circuit that has hosted F1 rounds 70 times.
Monza – nicknamed ‘The Temple of Speed’ – is all about pace, and some of the highest speeds of each season are reached as the cars race along the long straights and high speeds are possible at many of the 11 corners. The maximum speed cars will reach at Monza is around 336 km/h, the third highest in F1 – behind Paul Ricard (340 km/h) and Mexico City (350 km/h).
Just over 77% of the lap time and 84% of the lap distance are taken at full throttle. Because a large chunk of driving at Monza is spent in eighth gear, very few gear changes take place over the course of the lap compared to other tracks. Despite the focus on outright speed, cornering velocities are also important to getting good lap times. Traction out of the three chicanes is also vital.
Low downforce often features as a talking point every year at Monza and set-ups aim at getting it as low as possible to minimize drag on the straights. For this reason, good mechanical grip is very important.
For this round, Pirelli has brought to Monza a selection from the middle of its range of tyres. The C2 compound will feature as the white-banded hard tyres, while the C3 will be the mediums and C4 will be the red-banded soft tyres.
The championship positions
Having won 5 out of the 7 races run so far, Lewis Hamilton has a strong lead which is 47 points ahead of the closest rival, Max Verstappen. Valtteri Bottas is just 3 points behind Verstappen so expect him to be pushing hard to get past the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver. Sixth place in Belgium has moved Alexander Albon to fourth place, ahead of Charles Leclerc who was the winner of last year’s Italian GP.
Among the Constructors, Mercedes-AMG continues to extend its lead with each round. Its two drivers have already contributed a total of 264 points, comfortably ahead of Reb Bull racing which has 158 points. After that, there’s close contention between the next two constructors – McLaren and BWT Racing Point – with a separation of just 2 points.
On the historical side, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have won the most times at Monza, each having 5 wins to his name. Schumacher’s victories were all with Ferrari which is also the team with the most number of victories (19), followed by McLaren and Mercedes.
Since 1996, Mercedes-AMG has supplied the Official F1 Safety Car as well as other cars for official use at each round.
Departure of the Williams family
The Italian Grand Prix will be a sad one for the Williams team and its fans. Having been sold to Dorilton Capital, a private investment firm in the USA, the Williams family will cease to be involved in the team that was established by Sir Frank Williams in 1977. The team has been managed by Williams’ daughter, Claire, since 2013.
The Williams team has had an impressive history with 7 Drivers’ titles and 9 Constructors’ championships. It’s the end of an era for the family-owned team and the decision to sell it off has been a difficult one, but necessary to ensure its survival. Under new ownership, it is expected that the team will have a secure long-term future in the sport.
