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F1 (Round 7): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Belgium Grand Prix

Race starts at 3:10 pm in Belgium/9:10 pm in Malaysia

After one weekend break, the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship begins its second three-in-a-row rounds with Round 7 at the historical Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgium Grand Prix. The event is the 65^th F1 World Championship round hosted by Belgium and is one of the original races from the 1950s season. However, the F1 races were not always held at Spa-Francorchamps and on 11 occasions, they were held at two other circuits.

The 7-km track with 19 turns is therefore familiar to the drivers and teams, with its outstanding features and characteristics leading to some interesting set-up decisions. The two long full-throttle sections of the first and third sectors require low drag – but the longer intricate middle sector, where much of the lap time is made or lost, makes for a complicated choice of downforce levels. If too high, the car cannot attack or defend on the long straights; too low and too much time is lost in the middle of the lap. Each team will therefore have different strategies and it is always interesting see which one proves suitable.

Spa-Francorchamps is F1’s longest track with a lap distance of 7.004 kilometres. This tops the second circuit on the list, Baku (6.003 kms), by just over one kilometre. Because of its long lap distance, the Belgium GP has the lowest number of race laps in F1 with only 44 – making for a race distance of 308.05 kms. Also at this track, the drivers experience up to 5.2g (at Turn 10), which is the highest lateral g-force of the season.

Longest lap, few gear changes
Interestingly, despite having the longest lap in F1, the drivers only change gear 38 times for each circulation of Spa, one of the lowest figures in F1. This is particularly low when compared to the busy laps of Monaco where drivers will change gears around 50 times per lap – and that street track is less than half the length of Spa.

The main reason for the relatively low number of gear changes per lap is that a large portion of the lap at Spa is covered in top gear. Additionally, most of the corners that require gear changes come in groups – for example, Turn 5 to Turn 7. Over the length of the entire 7.004 kilometres of lap distance, there are only 6 sets of gear changes required.

Prompted by a 2019 race in which no driver used the C1 tyre and seven of the ten points-scoring cars ran a one-stop strategy, Pirelli has brought a compound one notch down for this weekend’s racing, with the C2, C3 and C4 available to the teams.

Fresh engines installed
Another potential factor at this race is the use of fresh engines. The announcement of an extended calendar earlier this week takes the projected number of races up to 17 (originally 22) which is above the threshold that allowed competitors to use a third ICE, TC or MGU-H. Spa has traditionally been a race where teams install a new power unit anyway, and so this weekend may see a slight shift in running, especially in the ultra-tight midfield.

The championship positions
Lewis Hamilton continues to enjoy a commanding lead at the top of the Driver’ Championship table with 132 points. Behind him is Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who has 95 points after having taken 5 5 consecutive podium finishes. He is ahead of Valtteri Bottas who started the season well but now finds himself slipping and has so far collected only 89 points.

Once again, Mercedes-AMG is in a strong leading position in the Constructors’ Championship with 221 points. That’s 86 points ahead of Red Bull Racing. The teams to watch are Racing Point, McLaren and Ferrari: Racing Point has 63 points, just one point ahead of McLaren and two ahead of Ferrari.

Past winners
Michael Schumacher has had the most number of wins at the Belgium GP -2 with Benetton and 4 with Ferrari. The Ferrari team has had the most victories, 18 in all, which is 4 ahead of McLaren.

Money-saving offer for Ford owners from Sime Darby Auto ConneXion

In 2020, virtually everyone has experienced some effects of their personal financial situation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has done its best to help in various ways and companies, though also impacted by a business slowdown, has also tried doing its part.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is helping Ford owners with money-saving initiatives and has announced its ‘Service Reward’ promotion which is on for 2 days. On September 1 and 2, 2020, 1,000 Service Reward vouchers will be on sale and these vouchers get up to 30% discount on after-warranty service costs.

SDAC Ford in Kota Kinabalu Sabah — *Authorised Ford sales and service centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah*

Valid for 18 months
Each Service Reward voucher costs just RM5 and is valid at all authorised Ford service centres for 18 months from the date of purchase. The Service Reward voucher can be purchased at any Ford Authorised Service Centres, while stocks last.

“We are always looking for ways to support our customers and reward them for their loyalty. In these uncertain times, as people resume their day-to-day activities, we hope these savings will help lighten their load while keeping them safe on the roads,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Savings when servicing
With the purchase of the ‘Service Reward’ voucher, customers can save 10% on engine oil on their first vehicle service, 20% on their second vehicle service and 30% on their third vehicle service.

During all 3 service intervals, customers will also get a 10% discount on the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, battery and wiper blades as well as a 10% discount on labour. Only OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are used quality and reliability are assured.

As an extra benefit for safe motoring and peace of mind, SDAC will also provide owners with the Service Reward voucher a free 27-point vehicle inspection. This inspection will be conducted by Ford-certified technicians who will check to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition.

Book a service online
Ford owners can book a vehicle service appointment online by visiting www.sdacford.com.my and clicking the ‘Book a Service’ tab in the Owner section. They can specify the state they are located in and select their preferred service centre. Upon submission with their contact details and vehicle registration number, a confirmation email of the appointment will be sent.

In addition, the real-time e-Service Appointment booking is currently available at 7 Ford Authorised Service Centres in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The locations are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau. Owners can schedule a service appointment up to 1 month in advance. To make a real-time e-Service Appointment booking, visit www.sdacford.com.my/book-a-service-form.

In addition to booking a service appointment online, owners can also schedule their service appointments by calling an authorised Ford Service Centre directly.

For more information on the 2-day ‘Service Reward’ promotion or Ford services from SDAC, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Ford owners can now do real-time service booking with Sime Darby Auto ConneXion

Bentley offers customisation services for Continental GT model collection

The Bentley Continental range was born in 2003 and with each new generation, the boundaries of technology and power continue to extend. The third generation, unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow, is currently one of the brand’s most popular models globally. It is this generation, with its sporty design and sleek silhouette that is the basis of a miniature collection created by the company.

The collection of Continental GT model cars put a piece of Bentley history in the home or office, and would certainly be a perfect accompaniment to an owner’s full-size Continental GT, if he or she already owns one. The collection is available in a variety of scales – 1:8, 1:43 and 1:64 – and meticulous attention to detail and thousands of hours of work go into crafting the exquisite models.

The 1:8 scale model, priced in the UK at £6,995 (RM38,700), is offered as a bespoke product, allowing customers to commission their own unique replica car in the same way a customer would personalise their Bentley. The intricately detailed scale model is made up of over 1,000 individual pieces, assembled by hand and takes over around 300 hours in total to build.

The bespoke options cover a variety of aspects available to customise including paint, mock veneers and seat details. Every detail selected is executed and installed to the same superlative quality that is guaranteed with each full-size Bentley.

Measuring 78 cm in length and 40 cm in width, the exacting details of a full-size car are mimicked in miniature throughout the carefully-crafted replica cabin. The tiny steering wheel features impeccably-copied cross-stitching, the iconic seat quilting and fluting is mirrored on the small yet detailed scale. The model car even mimics the lustrous wood veneers and plush carpets that characterise the original. All colours and finishes are precision-matched to Bentley’s authentic paints, leathers, woods and other materials.

The full list of options includes exterior paint colour, wheels and alloys, lower grille, brake calipers, number plate, left or right driver position, interior colour split, main hide colour, secondary hide colour, seat quilting, seat fluting, veneers, and carpets. The option for the iconic Blackline Specification is also available.

To ensure complete accuracy, each 1:8 model ordered is developed under the close supervision of the Bentley Design Studio from the moment of order to final delivery. The model is crafted in resin and placed on a varnished plinth. It is the largest of the Continental GT collection of miniature models.

For those who do not choose the 1:8 scale model, the 1:43 and smaller 1:64 die-cast models are also of high quality commensurate with the brand image. In the UK, they are priced at £85 and £12 (RM470 and RM66), respectively. Orders can be placed from Bentley Retailers or via shop.BentleyMotors.com.

The fastest Lamborghini is now available as a LEGO Technic model (w/VIDEO)

Fuel Price Updates For August 29 To September 4, 2020

Team Fordzilla reveals ultimate virtual racing car (w/VIDEO)

Ford and its Team Fordzilla esports team have unveiled a world-first at this year’s gamescom event which is described as ‘the ultimate virtual racing car’. Designed with collaboration between Ford designers and the gaming community, the car was developed under the codename ‘Project P1’.

It was then created with fan votes on Twitter at different design stages. Gamers decided on elements including seating position, cockpit style and drivetrain before Ford designers worked up their interpretations of the brief.

Two designs were put forward for the final poll, with the car by Ford exterior designer Arturo Arino emerging victorious, gaining 83.8% of the votes. Close to 225,000 fans let their preferences be known throughout the polling process.

Inspired by the Ford GT
With inspiration from the Ford GT, Arino’s design employs unique touches like morphing technology on the body to offer the stability of a longtail racer on the high-speed straights of Le Mans, or a shorter body for tighter circuits like Monaco. For fans wondering when they may get to drive the vehicle in-game, Ford hinted that it is in advanced discussions with a major games developer to introduce it into a popular racing game in 2021.

“Project P1 took me to the beginning of it all. The reason why I became a car designer in the first place was to design something never seen before and something that pushes the boundaries. This vehicle will be visually stunning, and while it will push the gamer to the limits of focus and reflexes, it will also be hugely rewarding to drive,” explained Arino.

Ford also announced that it will build a scale model of the Team Fordzilla P1 concept before the end of the year, something it has already started to create at its design studios in Cologne, Germany. This is part of its continuing theme of exploring the parallels between the real-world and the virtual one, with learnings from design in the digital world being applied to concepts for reality.

Fordzilla Cup
The final of the inaugural Fordzilla Cup will take place at gamescom this year. Qualifiers and heats have been taking place all week and will culminate with the first-ever champion crowned this weekend. The winner will get a professional contract with Team Fordzilla and have the chance to compete on some of the largest stages in gaming.

The launch of www.teamfordzilla.com during gamescom will provide a permanent home for Ford’s official eSports team. Fans will be able to follow live feeds of races, download vehicle graphics for use in-game and keep up-to-date with the latest news.

Team Fordzilla
Team Fordzilla is Ford’s first ever esports team, inaugurated in 2019 with individual teams in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, consisting of hand-picked racers. Each team competes in national competitions with dedicated team captains, with the best drivers representing Team Fordzilla at a European level. Currently, over 40 drivers race under the Team Fordzilla banner.

“We showed again at gamescom this year that we’re serious about gaming, but what was really great is the continuing support we’re receiving from that gaming community. This really pushes us to keep innovating with projects like the Team Fordzilla P1 concept,” said Emmanuel Lubrani, Senior Manager Communications for Team Fordzilla at Ford Europe.

Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about Ford models you can buy and drive.

Ford forming racing teams in Europe to compete in esports competition [w/VIDEO]

Birthplace of the Mercedes-Benz SL – the racetrack

‘300 SL’ was the designation of the competition car from Mercedes-Benz with which the brand returned to international motorsports in 1952 for the first time after the Second World War. Although this car was not sold to the public, it did light the fuse for the development of the later SL-Class.

The development of the 300 SL began in 1950, when Mercedes-Benz began to think about a return to racing. The attempt to reactivate the 1939 W 154 Grand Prix racing car, however, met with failure in Argentina in 1951. So the engineers pressed forward the development of the new racing car, some of the components of which came from the 300 model.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL — *The 1952 300 SL with the current generation of the SL Roadster which was launched in 2012. Production has ceased and there will be about a year’s gap before the new generation appears in showrooms*

SL means ‘Super Light’
In June 1951, the Board decided to resume participation in racing events from 1952 and gave approval for the construction of the 300 SL, the two letters meaning ‘Super-Light’. Its M 194 engine was derived from the 300 type unit, the M 186, with an overhead camshaft, large inlet valves, combustion chamber in engine block and pistons, a displacement of 3 litres and an output of 115 bhp. For racing, the engineers increased the engine’s output to around 170 bhp.

The sports engine differed from the one installed in the saloon and coupe not only in its output, but also in its installation position, slanted 50 degrees to the left, and in having a dry-sump lubrication system, which due to the omission of the oil sump, enabled a lower installation height.

Weight savings were hardly possible with the engine and the transmission of the W 194 that was in the process of being created. And this was also true of the heavy steel axles which had also been taken from the 300 model. That left only the frame and the exterior skin for any possible weight-savings.

Early use of the spaceframe
Another possibility for enhancing competitiveness was to create a body as aerodynamic as possible. This led to a previous idea of a lightweight tubular frame and the designers then carried the concept forward to its logical conclusion – a lightweight, extremely torsionally-rigid frame. This consisted of very thin tubes joined together to form triangles, whose tubular elements were only subjected to tensional and compressive forces.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car, W 194 series — *The racing prototype 300 SLR (W 196 S, 1955, extreme left) together with (from right) 300 SL (W 194, 1952), racing prototype 300 SL for the 1953 racing season, and 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ (W 198, 1954).*

The entire frame weighed just 50 kgs and became the backbone of the W 194, as well as the basis for the production version of the 300 SL (W 198 I) and for the successful 1954/55 racing and motorsports car.

No effort was spared with the aluminium body. Thanks to the canted position of the engine and the aerodynamic profile, the car was very low, free of trim right down to the underbody, with an elegant low bonnet line, intuitively round-shaped, with recessed headlamps and its wheels entirely covered by the bodywork.

The classic Mercedes-Benz radiator shape was replaced by a flat racing car front end analogous to that of pre-war cars. The Mercedes star dominated the radiator grille prominently. The coupe greenhouse was made as narrow as possible, with a strongly raked windscreen, curving towards the A-pillars. The large rear window flowed over into the aerodynamic rear end.

The result was a relatively small frontal area: 1.8 square metres. A drag coefficient was measured on a 1:5 scale model and found to generate a Cd value of 0.25. That was even without taking into account the realistic airflow through the engine compartment.

Origin of the ‘gullwing’ term
In order to lend a spaceframe the desired high rigidity, it has to be as wide as possible in the passenger cell sector. This requirement led to the spectacular and later so famous gullwing doors. In the first cars, the door opening began at the waistline. The doors, deeply cutting into the roof, opened upwards, creating an image reminiscent of outspread wings. This is how the term ‘gullwing’ originated (created by the North Americans).

In order to facilitate access over the high side sill, the bodywork designers had even originally intended to have an access step in the lower part of the vehicle body flank; however, this feature was never realised. Although the FIA regulations of the time did not specify the type and direction of opening doors, the stewards were still somewhat disagreeable when the car was presented to them for scrutineering before the Mille Miglia in May 1952. To avoid any future protests, after the race in Italy, the doors were extended down into the car’s sides, thereby assuming their final shape.

The interior was fully padded and lined, radiating a level of comfort unusual for racing cars. Speedometer and tachometer were accommodated under a common hood, and below that were the gauges for water temperature, fuel pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure. Even a stopwatch was installed. The bucket-type seats with high side sections were covered with tartan-style woollen fabric; the four-spoke steering wheel was removable to facilitate climbing in.

Ten W 194 cars were built for the 1952 season. After the Le Mans race, it was planned to enter the SL in a sportscar race on the Nurburgring. To shed as much weight from the competing cars, the engineers cut the roofs off three coupes. A fourth car had been set up as a roadster right from the start. To permit easy access, the section of the door extending into the side of the car was retained, and a small windscreen was mounted to deflect air and flying insects. This resulted in a weight advantage of 100 kgs over the coupe.

Multiple racing victories
The year 1952 was an extremely successful one for Mercedes-Benz racing cars with victories in various races in Europe. The last big adventure of the season was participation in the third Carrera Panamericana Mexico, a 3,100-km race through Mexico. Mercedes-Benz entered two coupes and two roadsters, all powered by engines with 180 bhp. At the end of the 5 days and 8 long stages, the team collected a legendary double victory for Mercedes-Benz.

The next generation of the SL Roadster is going back to its roots, which lay in motorsport back in 1952. Mercedes-AMG, which has been developing the new model, is now conducting a scheduled phase of wide-ranging driving tests at the Group’s own test course as well as on public roads. It is expected to be launched during the second half of next year.

Mercedes-Benz Museum offers a new perspective with indoor drone tour (w/VIDEO)

Hyundai Kona to be launched in Malaysia in next quarter of this year

UPDATE (30/8/20): The price has been announced as starting from RM115,000.

With Malaysia being a righthand drive (RHD) market and this market segment having lower volumes than lefthand drive (LHD) markets globally, manufacturers tend to be reluctant to provide their full model range as the cost of developing and making RHD models may not be justified. This is the frustration that some companies, including Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM), have faced over the years, more so in recent times.

You can book now
Nevertheless, HSDM will be getting the new Hyundai Kona, a compact SUV that has been making waves in other markets, with over 600,000 units sold worldwide since being launched in 2017. It will be available by the next quarter of this year and those who want to be early owners can place bookings at authorized Hyundai dealerships around the country.

*A Kona was among the Hyundai displays at the last KL International Motor Show.*

The Kona will be imported from Korea as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model from Korea so it will incur higher duties and it will also be given a sales tax exemption of 5% until the end of 2020. ~~Pricing is not revealed other than that it will be ‘RM11X, XXX’ (on the website) but~~ the booking fee is RM288 and you get an invitation to the launch event if you book early.

The Kona rides on an all-new platform and it is also HSDM’s first B-segment SUV. It incorporates the Korean carmaker’s new design language with an expressive and powerful front dominated by the cascading grille, a signature feature. Its ‘urban smart armour’ exterior styling feature a voluminous, aggressive body complemented by a low and wide stance which will look appropriate in urban as well as adventure-oriented environments.

1.6 or 2.0, or both?
The powertrain for the Malaysian model is not revealed yet although the 1-litre T-GDI engine is unlikely as companies (other than Perodua) face a challenge selling 1-litre cars to Malaysians. While there is a 2-litre unit, HSDM might not choose this as it will bump up the price so our best guess would be the 1.6-litre engine which is already used in other Hyundai models sold locally. However, the company is known to have different engines for different variants and might also do so for the Kona.

The Kona is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive but to keep the price attractive, HSDM is likely to opt for the FWD variant.

HSDM has, however, given an indication of the equipment list which looks pretty good. LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights will be standard and there will be a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. A wireless charging pad will be provided for compatible mobilephones and Hyundai’s Smart Sense driver assistance system will be complemented by a Head-up Display (using a lower-cost active pop-up display screen).

“We are excited about the launch of the Kona as it’s an entirely new product for us in this segment and we are reassured of a good response for the Kona. The Compact SUV is in great demand not only in Malaysia but globally as well,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM. “The SUV and Compact SUV market is growing exponentially so we see a great market potential for all our SUVs, which include the 7-seater Santa Fe, and 5-seater Tucson as well as this upcoming new model – Kona which is targeted at the younger generation.”

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Lister Stealth to be the fastest, most powerful British SUV (w/VIDEO)

Lister Motor Company, Britain’s oldest racing car company, has taken the wraps off what will be the country’s fastest and most powerful SUV. To be called the Lister Stealth, it is based on the Jaguar F-PACE SVR and has received upgrades the boost engine output and overall performance significantly.

As with all Lister models, exclusivity is guaranteed. Just 100 units will be available, each priced from £109,950 (about RM603,000), about 47% more than the F-PACE SVR in the UK showrooms.

A company with lineage spanning nearly 7 decades, Lister is well known for such products. It has earlier developed the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR-based LFT-666 coupe and LFT-C convertible. Now, it is using the same expertise to develop the Stealth to claim the title of Britain’s fastest SUV.

Upgraded V8 engine
To achieve that required a thorough upgrade of the 5-litre supercharged V8 engine that comes in the production F-PACE SVR. The company’s team of highly experienced engineers set to work on the engine and cooling system to push its power level to 666 bhp/720 Nm – a 22% increase over the standard Jaguar.

The process began with a custom-built intercooler and high-performance air filtration system for optimising combustion temperatures and airflow into the unit. Upgraded dual supercharger pulleys have the cumulative effect of forcing more air into the combustion chamber for exceptional levels of performance for this vehicle segment.

Like in the LFT-666 and LFT-C, Lister’s Engineering Team applied the brand’s proprietary Lister Engine Management System to the Stealth, modifying the programme mapping throughout the process to exploit the Stealth’s full capabilities.

The 5-seater Stealth will accelerate with the same urgency as a modern supercar and keep on going to its top speed claimed to be about 315 km/h. On the way there from standstill, it is said to pass 96 km/h within 3.6 seconds. These numbers would make it not only the fastest accelerating SUV Britain has ever produced but also the most powerful to date.

The Stealth adds proof to its claim of being Britain’s fastest SUV after recently beating rival super SUVs – the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX and Bentley Bentayga – in a drag race at the renowned testing ground, VMAX200.

Handmade bodywork enhancements
The Lister Stealth showcases its intent with a number of handmade bodywork enhancements that not only exude visual appeal but also contribute to the car’s aerodynamic performance and engine cooling.

The redesigned carbonfibre front bumper features two large air intakes to aid airflow into the engine, while the front splitter increases aerodynamic efficiency at speed while adding to the Stealth’s dynamic handling. Uprated brakes, front and rear, ensure the Stealth stops as well as it accelerates.

A large carbonfibre rear diffuser sits in the middle of an exclusively sculpted rear bumper, creating additional downforce in tandem with the front splitter. Lister has also fitted a custom-designed, stainless-steel exhaust system (complete with carbonfibre tips) delivering gains in overall power output – while generating an unmistakable and thunderous soundtrack.

Completing the distinctive exterior look are matching side skirts and wider wheel arches to give a purposeful stance. This is all complemented by bespoke, Lister-designed 23-inch Vossen forged wheels – the only element of the Stealth not made in the UK.

Extensive personalisation offered
Alongside performance, luxury is one of the hallmarks of every Lister model. The Stealth features the highest-grade Bridge of Weir Nappa leather interior that is tailored to every customer’s specification. Up to 36 individual colour choices are available with a further 90 different stitching options covering all aspects of the cabin from the seatbelts, sport seats, dashboard, steering wheel and roof lining. With this level of customisation available, each Lister will boast its own unique identity that’s truly personal to each owner.

“The launch of the Stealth continues our track record of creating bespoke, beautiful cars that major on performance, luxury and most of all owner and driver enjoyment, with a price point that significantly undercuts the competitors in this marketplace,” said Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of The Lister Motor Company.

Lister LFT-C – for those who want an even more powerful Jaguar F-TYPE R

All-electric MINI makes its debut in Malaysia, priced from RM218,380

As far back as 2010, MINI was already at quite an advanced stage in electric vehicle technology. It was able to build a fleet of demonstrator units – known as the MINI E – that were essentially modified Cooper models and part of BMW’s Project i. Trials were conducted in many countries, including China, and the cars were also loaned for official use during the 2012 Olympics in London.

In time for 61st birthday
However, while the EV technology developed was used extensively by BMW, MINI did not produce an all-electric model, and offered a plug-in hybrid instead. Last year, the company confirmed that it would finally make a production MINI with all all-electric powertrain and it made its appearance today in Malaysia on the 61^st birthday of the little car.

Known as the MINI Electric and priced from RM218,380.78 (excluding insurance), this new model offers Malaysians another alternative if they are looking for an all-electric model. With charging stations steadily increasing around the country, the discouraging factor of how to get a battery pack recharged when not at home is diminishing.

When recharging at a DC charging station, the MINI Electric requires approximately 36 minutes to go from zero to 80% charge. The MINI Wallbox Plus offers an 80% charge in 2.5 hours, similar to recharging at a public charging station. At home, charging to 80% can be done in 12 hours using the household electricity supply.

184 hp/270 Nm powertrain
Under the bonnet is the latest version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group – a front-axle electric engine capable of 135kw (184 hp) with peak torque of 270 Nm. The motor is powered by energy from a battery pack with a net capacity of 28.9 kWh. Consuming 16.8 – 14.8 kWh per 100km of travel, the claimed range is given as between 234 kms and 270 kms, with a maximum speed of 150 km/h possible.

The 12 packs of lithium-ion cells are arranged in a T-shape in the floor area between the front seats and below the rear seats. One advantage of this arrangement is that the battery pack does not eat into boot space – which remains at 211 litres, expanding to 731 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Another advantage is the lower level of the battery packs brings down the car’s centre of gravity by 30 mm.

Identical in size to the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Electric can readily be identified with its different appearance, especially the youthful Energetic Yellow theme (a grey theme is also available). It has an exclusive bumper and the grille design closes off the front end since a radiator is actually unnecessary.

With the Lights package, the 3-door hatchback is equipped with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring the iconic Union Jack design. Along the sides, the features include adapted spats geometry, the E-Badge on the side scuttle, as well as aero-optimised mirror caps in either Black or Energetic Yellow.

Exterior colour choices are White Silver with Energetic Yellow pairing, British Racing Green, and Chili Red.

Maintaining the go-kart character
Part of the characteristic driving experience in the MINI Electric is the single-pedal drive that also contributes to brake energy recovery. The electric motor functions as a generator during coasting mode, transforming kinetic energy into electric power – which then feeds back into the high-voltage battery pack.

There are four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green and the new Green+ mode which increases the electric range by limiting selected comfort functions. There is also an actuator-contiguous wheel slip limiter function which significantly improves traction by providing faster control. The function also reduces power understeering that usually occurs with front-wheel drive vehicles.

The rear axle is configured to the front axle, which features electric-specific steering knuckles. This enables an electric-specific suspension setting in combination with the body-mounted wheelhouse liners.

Exclusive interior
The interior design language has been themed appropriately for an electric car. Features include the Electric Cockpit Fascia, Start/Stop button in Yellow, velour floor mats, an electronic selector lever as well as the brake energy recuperation toggle. A Head Up Display allows the driver to keep his or her attention focussed on the road ahead at all times.

All the comforts of a typical MINI are provided with the Leather Cross Punch seats finished in Carbon Black and 12-colour Illuminated ambient lighting. The multifunction sport leather-wrapped steering wheel and raised centre console with integrated electric parking brake are also fitted as standard.

Route guidance is presented via an 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System. This is integrated with the full MINI Connected suite which includes Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple Carplay. For entertainment, there is a 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System and a wireless charging pad is available for those with compatible mobilephones.

For the very first time in a MINI vehicle, a Digital Instrument Cluster is installed. This can present the driver with a greater variety of information, especially regarding the operation of the electric powertrain.

First MINI with Driving Assistant
The MINI Electric is also the first MINI model in Malaysia to be equipped with the Driving Assistant system. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit information, as well as the digital high-beam assistant which automatically activates at speeds of 50 km/h and higher, or when there is insufficient exterior lighting.

The Driving Assistant system is also equipped with the person warning with light city braking function and the approach control warning with light city braking function.

Book online for RM1,000
The MINI Electric is available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide from today and if you make up your mind to get one after reaching home, you don’t have to go back to the showroom again. You can book via the MINI Online Shop with a fee of RM1,000. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers financing packages from RM2,421 a month (terms and conditions apply).

BMW Group Malaysia extends BMW and MINI PHEV battery pack warranties

4 more rounds added to F1 calendar, making it a total of 17 for 2020

The 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic just as the opening round was to take place in Australia in March, will end the season with a toral of 17 races. Following the announcements regarding the initial thirteen races of the revised 2020 calendar, 4 additional races have been confirmed which will take place in the months of November and December.

While it was already expected that Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will host the last rounds (the former running two races), a newcomer is Turkey which will have the Formula 1 DHL Turkish Grand Prix 2020. The race will be held at the Istanbul Park Circuit which was opened in 2005 when the first Turkish F1 GP was held. The venue was included on the F1 calendar up to 2011 and then left out over the past 8 years.

*The Intercity Istanbul Park Circuit last had a F1 race in 2011.*

Familiar circuit to top drivers
The circuit, also designed by Hermann Tilke, the F1 track specialist, has a length of 5.34 kms and 14 turns. Past races have been run for 58 laps with the lap record still held by of 1:24.770 still held by Juan Pablo Montoya when he was driving a McLaren in 2005. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel would be familiar with the circuit as they have raced and won there before.

“We can confirm that a number of races in the revised 2020 season will be open to a limited number of fans, including hospitality, and we are working with each promoter to finalise the details. While we want to see as many fans as possible return as soon as it is safe to do so, our priority remains the safety of the Formula 1 community and the communities we visit, and we review fan access on this basis,” said Chase Carey, Chairman & CEO of the Formula 1 organisation.

Strict SOPs still applied
This means that the races will continue to be held without spectators and with a minimum number of participants allowed into the circuit. So far, the strict measures taken have ensured that there are no COVID-19 infections spreading and when the health authorities are more comfortable with the situation, perhaps there will be an opportunity for spectators in the stands.

“Sadly, we will not be racing in China this season and want to thank our partner Juss Sports for their support and engagement in recent months and hugely look forward to returning to Shanghai next year,” Carey said.

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