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Mazda’s Kodo Design is 10 years old and continues to evolve

Mazda’s design philosophy – Kodo: Soul of Motion – is 10 years old, having been introduced at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2010 with the Shinari concept car. It was a preview of how forthcoming Mazda models would look and represented a bold new direction for design at Mazda.

The word ‘Kodo’ literally translates as ‘heartbeat’, but with the added meaning of filling something with life; of giving it a soul. This idea is central to the way Mazda has always thought about design. “In Japan, we feel that craftsmen inject life into what they make. We believe that a form sincerely and painstakingly made by human hands gets a soul,” explained Ikuo Maeda, Head of Mazda Design. Therefore, ‘Soul of Motion’ takes on a double meaning, expressing both the essence of motion and the ‘soul’ imbued in the car by Mazda’s master craftsmen.

*The Minagi concept which became the first CX-5 (below).*

The Shinari 4-door sports coupe concept was followed in 2011 with another example of Kodo Design, the Minagi compact crossover SUV concept which later evolved into the highly successful CX-5.

Inspired by the beauty and power of nature allied with the emotion of motion, the first Kodo designs were strongly inspired by the image of a cheetah about to pounce. Mazda designers closely observed how these powerful mammals used their entire body as a spring to convert pent-up energy into highly controlled motion.

Takeri and Hazumi concepts
After the Shinari and Minagi concepts came the Takeri and Hazumi concepts which carried the same expression of motion that focused on the strength, beauty and tension found in the instantaneous movement seen in animals.

The Takeri offered a new level of strength and allure to the future of Mazda’s sedan styling, while the Hazumi (meaning ‘to bound’ or ‘spring up’ in Japanese) used Kodo Design to characterize the personality of a small but vigorous animal bursting with energy for Mazda’s next generation B-segment car.

Minimalist approach
A turning point for Kodo Design was reached with the RX-Vision and Vision Coupe which evoked a powerful and emotional design with as few elements as possible. Introduced at the 2015 and 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, respectively, both concepts anticipated the new elegance and yet more pronounced minimalist aesthetic of an updated interpretation of Kodo Design. Dynamic and emotional forms are achieved by shaving off any unnecessary elements to bring out the very essence of beauty and motion.

From Kai to Mazda3
From this point onwards, Mazda designers sought to create beauty and a unique elegance through taking visual components away, not adding more. Launched in 2019, the latest generation Mazda3 was inspired by the Kai Concept and was the first vehicle to showcase the evolution in Kodo Design. It presented a more mature rendition targeting greater styling prestige through the elegance and rigor of a minimalist, less-is-more aesthetic inspired by the purest traditions of Japanese art and the beauty of space between objects.

With the latest Kodo Design, which is in the current Mazda3, every element serves a purpose; nothing is superfluous or purely ornamental. Three concepts were instrumental in this design progression: Yohaku or ma, the beauty of empty space; sori, or curves with poise and balance; and utsuroi, the play of light and shadow.

For example, by eliminating character lines, an empty space is created on the vehicle’s smooth side panels and functions as a blank, endlessly changing canvas for the play of light and shadow – a special skill of Mazda designers. As the car moves through space, the change of light and shade creates a dynamic and fluid aspect with the ‘Soul of Motion’ played out on the side of the car.

It took hundreds of hours of painstaking clay sculpting and painting work to develop the Mazda3’s design that creates subtle undulations of light and shadows gliding over the car’s smooth body. It is fundamental to the uniquely Japanese elegance of Mazda’s next-generation design vision.

Change and Release for CX-30
The CX-30 was developed to follow this design concept with exterior styling that has suppleness and the flowing elegance of a coupe combined with the toughness of an SUV. The vitality of Kodo Design is retained, with a new ‘Charge and Release’ design expression inspired by the brushwork used in Japanese calligraphy.

In particular, Sori is clearly embodied in the arc of the shoulder running from the front wing to the rear wheel, giving a sense of speed and vitality. Utsuroi may be seen in the body surfaces beneath the shoulder line, which reflect the surroundings in a distinctive ‘S’ shape that changes as the car moves.

Award winner
Since its inception 10 years ago, Mazda’s Kodo Design philosophy has been praised and recognized by many awards. Both the RX-Vision and the Vision Coupe have been named the ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ and the revamped Mazda MX-5 won the ‘World Car Design Award’ in 2015.

*Ikuo Maeda, Head of Mazda Design, is the ‘father of Kodo Design’. His father was the man who designed the original RX-7.*

More recently, the Mazda CX-30 and the new MX-30 have won a Red Dot Award 2020 in the Product Design category, while the Mazda3 was named ‘World Car Design of the Year’ in the 2020 World Car Awards. Ikuo Maeda himself has also been recognized with the Design Hero accolade earlier this year by Britain’s Autocar magazine.

The simplistic elegance and emotional appeal of Kodo Design will remain essential ingredients of the brand’s identity. After 10 years of sustained success, Kodo Design continues to push the limits of car design and define the future of Mazda. When asked if Kodo Design will be replaced by another design philosophy, Maeda told this writer: “As far as I am concerned, Kodo Design will be forever!”.

Visit www.mazda.com.my to know more about the wide range of Mazda models in Malaysia

Very affordable McLaren Senna GTR to be available in January

The McLaren Senna GTR may be out of reach of most people but thanks to LEGO Technic, another segment of the public can still build one of their own. Though the CKD kit comes in 830 pieces, they won’t need to invest in a factory or manufacturing licence either.

The supercar icon will soon be available and is the first McLaren model to be recreated in LEGO Technic form. It provides the ultimate thrill for sportscar lovers and motorsport fans alike looking for their next building challenge.

A different building experience
“Recreating a car that is so extreme to the core as the McLaren Senna GTR with LEGO Technic gave us an incredibly interesting challenge. This track car is not like any road car I’ve worked on before. It’s got some unique details, like its silhouettes and the awesome rear spoiler, which differentiates the building experience from others,” said Uwe Wabra, Senior Designer at LEGO Technic.

“Just like the incredible engineers at McLaren do when designing their supercars, we really pushed things to the max so the resulting model perfectly honours the art form that is the McLaren Senna GTR,” he added.

Attention-getter for any desk
Suitable for anyone above the age of 10, the scaled-down replica of the Senna GTR is packed with authentic features and design details that make it equally impressive. From the V8 engine with moving pistons, beautiful aerodynamic curves, opening dihedral doors and a one-of-a-kind blue livery, the 32-cm long model will be an attention-getter on any desk it is placed or in a cupboard.

“The team responsible for the design of the McLaren Senna GTR worked incredibly closely with their design counterparts at the LEGO Group to capture the extreme looks, excitement and essence of such an incredible supercar for LEGO Technic builders,” said Robert Melville, Design Director at McLaren Automotive.

*The LEGO model (above) and the full-sized Senna GTR (below).*

More than 75 units, less than US$1.65 million
Unfortunately, the Senna GTR by LEGO Technic will not be on sale in time for Christmas as it will be launched globally only from January 1, 2021. It can be obtained from LEGO.com for £44.99 (about RM245), excluding shipment costs and local taxes. McLaren will be building only 75 units of the Senna GTR but LEGO Technic will produce considerably more…

*A full-size 1:1 scale LEGO McLaren Senna was created for the Microsoft Xbox E3 event in America in July 2019. It required close to half a million bricks to create and took months to build.*

The LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR is the latest model to be released as part of the long-standing partnership that started in 2015. LEGO builders of all ages have so far been able to create such iconic supercars as the McLaren P1, the 720S in 2017 and the McLaren Senna in 2019.

McLaren celebrates 1995 victory at Le Mans with 5 exclusive Senna F1 GTRs – News and reviews on Malaysian cars, motorcycles and automotive lifestyle (piston.my)

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (Z223)

Back in 2002, Daimler-Benz revived a 93-year old brand name it had acquired in 1960 (but didn’t use it then) with the aim of offering something beyond the upper reaches of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship level. It wanted to create an ultra-luxury model that could be compared to Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the British brands owned by the BMW Group and Volkswagen Group, respectively.

Perhaps it was unfortunate timing and the world did not need another brand like that, or it was just the approach which was taken that saw the Maybach – as a standalone brand – not gaining a big clientele. It expected to sell 2,000 cars a year but by the time the brand ceased operations in 2012, only about 3,000 had been sold over a 10-year span.

In 2015, the Maybach brand was brought back again but this time, it was to be part of the S-Class range, an additional variant right at the very top. That made more sense to customers and perhaps even provided a safe haven for the model to grow from.

It fared better in this approach and over the past 5 years, around 60,000 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class have been delivered worldwide. Last year alone, around 12,000 units were sold, with China, Russia, South Korea, the USA and Germany being the main markets.

The Maybach differs from the S-Class in being more exclusive and much more luxurious, as was the tradition of the original Maybach. Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille. This is highly recognisable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips.

The rear doors are wider than those of the brother models, and the C-pillars feature a fixed quarterlight. On request, electrically operated comfort rear doors can be installed. The exclusive appearance can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with a dividing line which is applied by hand, a process that takes up to one week.

Shared with latest S-Class
The interior shares the completely new interior design of the latest S-Class. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. Up to 5 display screens are available, with a 12.8-inch OLED central display as a high-tech control centre. A 12.3-inch 3D driver display with three-dimensional representation of other road-users and pronounced depth and shade effects can also be provided.

Active ambience lighting – an animated LED light band with intelligent comfort and safety functions – produces a rose gold white and amethyst glow. The ‘Welcome Rear’ entry display welcomes passengers with a special light show and new adaptive rear lighting follows the wishes of the occupants in terms of brightness, and size and position of the light spot.

Although advanced technologies are key features, there is plenty of classic luxury too. Traditionalists will appreciate the large areas of trim on the front seats, and high‑quality wood surrounds encasing the rear of the front seat backrests.

MBUX with more personalisation
The distinctive look of the driver display underlines the special status of the Mercedes‑Maybach. And there is, of course, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) – the advanced and intelligent infotainment system. The second generation MBUX can network with a wide range of vehicle systems and sensor data. The possibilities for personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more extensive and MBUX Interior Assist can also be installed in the rear.

MBUX Interior Assist recognises numerous occupant intentions. It recognises eye-direction, hand gestures and the body language of the occupants, so as to assist with automatic vehicle functions as the situation requires. It is also able to recognise movements and gestures by the rear occupants with the help of 3D laser cameras in the ceiling.

For example, the belt extender for the outer rear seats automatically offers up the seatbelt when MBUX Interior Assist recognises the occupant’s intention to reach for the belt by hand movements. The exit warning function has also been extended and is able to register that a rear passenger intends to leave the vehicle.

Electrified powertrains
The engines of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are electrified and have an integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). This provides a boost of up to 15 kW, facilitates efficient ‘gliding’ when driving at constant speed, makes the start/stop experience even more comfortable, and makes the drive system more efficient overall.

All-wheel drive is standard with the 9G-TRONIC transmission improved and adapted for the ISG. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. An electric refrigerant compressor is used which means that even when the engine is not running (start/stop and gliding phases), the cabin air can still be cooled. This will also help to keep the champagne or other drinks chilled in the refrigerated compartment.

Supreme comfort
It goes without saying that a car of this class will require the best ride comfort, and this is provided by the AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping. Optional rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability in urban areas, reducing the turning circle by up to 2 metres.

The optional, fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on a 48V basis uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead and smoothens out undulations. It also gives additional protection in the event of a lateral collision, as it raises the vehicle level. It can reduce the loads acting on the occupants because it directs the impact forces towards particularly resistant structures in the lower area of the vehicle.

Ride comfort also means quietness and the big sedan is said to have very good low NVH (noise, vibrations, harshness). The extended measures mainly benefit the rear section with additional absorbent foam installed in the rear wheel arches, and thicker laminated class in the fixed quarterlights of the C-pillars.

Active road noise compensation is used for the first time. The system reduces unwanted low-frequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. Noise-optimised tyres with foam absorbers can also be installed.

Especially in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, particular attention has always been paid to safety in the rear section. During severe frontal collisions, the rear airbag can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seatbelt-wearing occupants on the outer rear seats.

In day-to-day driving, new and extended assistance systems are provided to relieve driver stress. This enables the driver to stay alert for longer and reach the destination more safely and comfortably. When danger threatens, the assistance systems can respond according to the situation and reduce the severity of possible collisions, or even avoid them.

With the DRIVE PILOT, conditionally automated driving becomes available from Mercedes-Benz. From the second half of 2021, on suitable motorway sections and where traffic density is high, the DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 60 km/h.

Sales of the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will commence in the some markets next month and then in Germany and other markets from early 2021. Customers in North America and China will get their cars during the second quarter of 2021.

Mercedes-Maybach chooses China to launch its first SUV – the GLS 600 4MATIC

Fuel Price Updates For November 21 – November 27, 2020

High demand for new Mitsubishi XPANDER exceeds supply from plant

Customers for the new Mitsubishi XPANDER are now receiving their vehicles around the country as deliveries are underway. The first units began rolling out from the assembly facility at HICOM Automotive Manufacturers Sdn Bhd in Pekan, Pahang at the end of October. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) plans to assemble around 6,000 units for sale annually, and every unit to be assembled till the end of the year already has a customer waiting.

Demand exceeds supply
“Due to the overwhelming response, the total amount of bookings which MMM received has exceeded the total production capacity until December 2020. Customers who book the new XPANDER moving forward will receive the 2021 model year vehicles, which will be subjected to sales tax,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

The XPANDER is priced from RM91,359 (without insurance) during November and December, after which the price will increase to RM94,800 with the inclusion of 10% sales tax when the exemption ends.

Only one variant is currently available, powered by an all-aluminium 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine with an output of 105 ps/141 Nm. Power delivery to the front wheels is through a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The 3-row cabin has an overall length of 4475 mm and an overall height of 1730 mm, made possible by the 2775 mm wheelbase. MMM says that the XPANDER is the only model in its class with fold-flat second and third rows seats providing full luggage space and a car-like cargo area.

“Mitsubishi Motors is very excited to deliver the Malaysian-made new XPANDER to some early bird customers. The XPANDER has already attracted a strong following here and wherever it is sold in ASEAN. With its combination of style, practicality and competitive pricing, we believe the XPANDER will play an increasingly important role in growing our sales,” Mr. Shinnishi said.

New colour for Triton
Meanwhile, those who are considering the Triton pick-up truck have a new exterior colour choice for the Adventure-X version – Sun flare Orange Pearl. The new colour joins Jet Black Mica and White Diamond in the available colour range.

*New colour for flagship version of Triton.*

The Triton Adventure-X is the flagship of the Triton range imported from Thailand. Prices for the Triton start from RM79,890 and go up to RM137,900 (excluding insurance).

Viewing and test-drives of the XPANDER and Triton are available at authorised dealerships nationwide. Their locations can be found at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

Click here for other news and articles about Mitsubishi Motors.

Great start for new Honda City with 9,000 orders received

In just a month after being officially launched, some 9,000 bookings have been received for the all-new 5^th generation Honda City. To date, over 2,400 cars have been delivered nationwide from Honda’s assembly plant in Melaka.

Clearly, the new model has many appealing attributes that have drawn this impressive number of orders, although it could also be that there are many people who want to enjoy the sales tax exemption before it ends on December 31, 2020.

Sales tax-free pricing
The three variants already in showrooms (the City RS e:HEV will be available at the beginning of 2021) are currently priced (without insurance) as follows: City 1.5S: RM74,191.27 | City 1.5E: RM81,664.82 | City 1.5V: RM86,561.45.

After December 31, when the 10% sales tax is included again, the prices will be: City 1.5S: RM76,800 | City 1.5E: RM84,800 | City 1.5V: RM89,800.

Most popular colour choice
According to Honda Malaysia, the City 1.5V is the most popular variant, accounting for 54% of total bookings received. Of the 5 exterior colour choices offered, Platinum White Pearl appears to be the favourite, with 28% of customers wanting it for their new car.

Not surprisingly, the majority of orders (44%) are in the company’s Central region, with the Northern and Southern regions accounting for 22% and 19%, respectively.

“The 5^th Generation All-New City is very well received in the market and the bookings increased by an additional 80% within a month of its official launch. This outstanding Honda model continues to capture the hearts of Malaysians be it working adults, young executives or young families,” said Toichi Ishiyama, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO.

“Many customers also took the opportunity to purchase their new car during the sales tax exemption period. The attractive pricing of the All-New City in addition to the advanced features are plus points which resulted in the encouraging bookings received,” he added.

Related: The Game-Changer Strikes Again with the 5th Generation Honda City

5-year unlimited mileage warranty
The City comes with a 5-year warranty and no mileage limit. Owners will also be entitled to free labour service for 5 times during the first 100,000 kms or 5 years after registration.

To view or test-drive the new City, visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide. Information on Honda models and the locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers

Toyo Tires Proxes CR1 launched in Malaysia, 36 sizes for passenger cars and SUVS

Toyo Tyre Malaysia has added a new tyre to its Proxes range with the launch of the Toyo Proxes CR1 tyre in Malaysia tonight via an online event. The new tyre is for passenger cars and SUVs, especially those between the A-segments to D-segments.

36 sizes are available for the Malaysian market, ranging from 14-inch to 18-inch diameters (9 sizes for the Proxes CR1 SUV tyres from 17-inch to 19-inch diameters). The recommended retail prices for the passenger car version range from RM160 to RM440, while the SUV version ranges from RM380 to RM580, depending on the tyre size.

Main features
The Proxes CR1 tyres have four strong points – Quietness, Safety, High Grade and Comfort. The secret of the Proxes CR1 achieving these attributes is the use of Toyo Tires’ proprietary T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology.

To run quietly, noise reducing materials have been incorporated in the tyre. The silent wall and out-in different pitch arrangement collaborate to disperse pitch noise, and a noise protection sheet is inserted within the construction of the tyre to reduce casing noise.

The Proxes CR1 offers superior performance in both wet and dry road conditions. Its highly developed water drainage system is made of wide circumferential grooves that quickly expel water from under the tyre.

As important as wet road grip is dry road grip, which is probably the condition for more of the driving time. The triple taper and rib design improves the performance by securing rib rigidity and suppresses circumferential fluctuation resulting in less uneven wear. In addition, the multi-wave sipes help in the prevention of irregular wear by ensuring block stiffness and a joint-less cap ply improves high speed performance.

The high grade of the tyre is saod tp be in its overall performance. Toyo Tires claims the Proxes CR1 produces 11% less road noise and has 2% reduction in aquaplaning on wet roads compared to its predecessor, the Nano Energy 3. It also has lower rolling resistance for better fuel consumption.

Tengku Djan’s comments
“Overall, the low rolling resistance and low noise levels of the Proxes CR1 are the aspect that really shine,” said Tengku Djan Ley, Malaysia’s professional drift driver, who has tested the new tyres on his Mercedes-Benz C230. “I must say the rolling comfort with these tyres is exceptional.”

“If you are using it for daily driving, the Proxes CR1 is 100% comfortable,” he added. “It’s actually the perfect tyre for street use.”

He praised the tyre’s grip at high speeds and was impressed with the braking in both wet and dry conditions. “What I found is that there is good support in the sidewalls, with good resistance to stress during hard cornering. Under pressure, this tyre performs extremely well,” he noted. “This tyre is up there with the best where safety is concerned.”

In conjunction with the launch of the Proxes CR1, customers who purchase a set of four Proxes CR1 tyres will receive a free limited edition Proxes CR1 umbrella (while stocks last).

Toyota Eco Youth program is now 20 years old

UMW Toyota Motor’s Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program has now been on for two decades, during which time the importance of preserving the environment has been nurtured among Malaysian youth. It has also empowered the youth with Toyota’s own problem-solving skills and knowledge.

For the 20th edition of TEY, the Ministry of Education once again joins forces with UMW Toyota Motor to run state and national level competitions. It is the leading program cultivating environment consciousness and innovation amongst the youth of the nation, with Leaderonomics Community as the working partner for this year’s initiative.

Over the course of the last 20 years, TEY has introduced various themes with one common goal: molding an environmental conscious society of the future. A total of 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers have successfully benefited from the program and invigorated environmental initiatives in their school compound or district.

Additionally, the program gives them a platform to lobby their ideas with stakeholders that involves local authorities, community and even media.

Reimagining Mobility
The theme for the 20th edition is ‘Reimagining Mobility’, which depicts the creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions for the nation. The spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas are the foundation to this year’s theme.

“Toyota Eco Youth has been leading the way in Malaysia for 20 years and this year promises even more innovation and advancement under the theme of ‘Reimagining Mobility’,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. “The young people of this country are the seeds of its future and TEY aids in growing their creativity and bring their innovations to fruition. We see this program as a tool to assemble the brightest minds of our nation to propagate a greener future for all of us”.

3-year program, instead of one year
The program is open to secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old and there is unlimited school participation. However, unlike previous years which have been completed within a year, the concept for this year’s TEY program is will run for 3 years.

The 2020 edition of TEY will also see the class of 2020/2021 having the privilege to return as facilitators for the following year’s batch. The digitalization angle of TEY is taken up a notch by setting up a TEY Apprentice online club.

The top 16 teams for Year 2020/2021 TEY members will be equipped and trained with project management skills that incorporate Toyota’s Problem Solving Methodology. With the knowledge harnessed, the top 16 TEY competitors will build a prototype solution based on their local community. This dual-pronged approach that has been curated for TEY ensures that they are both theoretically and practically comprehensive.

Students can register now via www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth, or with their respective schools. The format of this program will be fully online which includes the interactive e-learning lessons and workshops. The final judging phase enables students to showcase their progress through social media and livestream channels.

RM64,000 prize pool
This year’s prizes are also doubled to further reward ingenuity amongst the youth and winning teams will stand a chance to win cash prizes from a RM64,000 prize pool.

“The pandemic has not deterred us from our steadfast commitment to empower the youth of our nation through the Toyota Eco Youth program. With every problem comes an opportunity and this pandemic has enabled us to circumnavigate these obstacles to digitalize the program mechanics to be online,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “This move is in line with our progressive approach that enables TEY to continuously develop the youth despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Since its inception, UMW Toyota Motor has invested more than RM7 million on the program. It hopes that students benefiting from this program can become ambassadors in the future to advocate environmental sustainability and overcome mobility limitations.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota and UMW Toyota Motor.

Road-legal Lamborghini Huracan STO draws on motorsport heritage

The Huracan Super Trofeo EVO that is run in Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s one-make race series is now replicated as a road-homologated super sportscar in the new Huracan STO. Priced from 249,412 euros (about RM1.21 million), first deliveries will start in early 2021.

“The Huracan STO is the purest incarnation of Lamborghini Squadra Corse heritage, directly transferring technologies from the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and drawing on the Huracan GT3 EVO’s unique accomplishment of winning three consecutive times in the Daytona 24 hours,” said Automobili Lamborghini’s new Chairman & CEO, Stefano Domenicali.

“The Huracan STO delivers all the excitement of a beautifully balanced, lightweight and aerodynamically superior super sportscar, mirroring the driving feeling and exhilaration of Super Trofeo, and perfectly set up for the world’s most demanding tracks but created for the road. The extensive technical solutions and intelligence gained from both our Super Trofeo and GT3 programs has been refined and embodied in the Huracán STO, allowing the pilot to experience the emotions of a racing driver, daily, in a road-legal Lamborghini super sportscar able to take lap records,” added Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer.

Aerodynamic superiority
The Huracan STO has an entirely new exterior design, revising the familiar Lamborghini profile to optimize airflow. Inspired by the racing cars, the Huracan STO reflects the technology transfer in every aesthetic detail.

Every aspect of the design draws on the aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight technologies demanded in motorsports. While the Centro Stile department focussed on aesthetic excellence, Lamborghini’s R&D and Squadra Corse departments optimized the car to ensure the best driving performance.

The bonnet, fenders and the front bumper are a single unit referred to as the ‘cofango’ (a combination of the Italian words for bonnet and gender – cofano and parafango). Inspired by the Miura and more recent Sesto Elemento, it is not only lightweight but also a time-saving access feature in motorsports.

New air ducts on the front bonnet increase airflow through the central radiator to improve engine cooling as well as helping generate downforce. The cofango also incorporates a new front splitter, directing airflow to the newly designed underbody of the car and to the rear diffuser.

The cofango is shaped to push the airflow on top of the front fenders, which incorporate louvres to maximize airflow exiting from the wheelhouse, reducing pressure inside and increasing the front downforce. The side profile of the cofango directs airflow around the front wheels, reducing drag.

NACA air intake
A new rear fender derived from the Super Trofeo EVO achieves both reduction of the front area of the car and consequently the drag, while increasing rear downforce and the car’s overall aerodynamic efficiency. A NACA air intake integrated into the STO’s rear fender serves as an engine air intake, with the shortened duct allowing a 30% decrease in static pressure losses.

The revised rear cover design features an integrated air scoop to improve air-cooling at the rear compartment. Dedicated air deflectors, integrated in the rear bonnet’s frame, manage the significant incoming airflow from the snorkel according to the temperature regulation needs of the engine and exhaust outlet.

An integrated ‘shark fin’ on the rear panel improves the dynamic abilities of the STO, particularly when cornering. In such conditions, the incoming airflow has a yaw angle, and the different pressure levels generated by the two sides of the fin create a positive effect on yaw stability. The fin also helps straighten airflow onto the wing, increasing wing efficiency during cornering.

Adjustable rear wing
A manual, easily adjusted aero set-up of the new rear wing optimizes aerodynamic balance and drag resistance according to track characteristics. A single slotted wing with double airfoil allows the front part of the airfoil to rotate into three positions to enhance rear downforce. The aero balance of the car can be varied by 13% to adapting to different driving styles and conditions.

The new front brake cooling ducts are dedicated to cooling the discs and calipers of the new CCM-R brakes, working in conjunction with the cofango air-louvres that extract hot air from the front wheelhouses. Additional air intakes including on the underbody, and optimized nolders, are located at the rear.

All the efforts have given the Huracan STO the highest level of downforce in its class. Overall airflow efficiency is improved by 37% and a significant downforce increase of 53% is reached over the Huracan Performante.

Lightweight approach
The Huracan STO uses carbonfibre in more than 75% of its exterior panels, benefiting from complex structures produced as a single component for increased integrity while also reducing weight via less fixing points.

The lightweight technologies include a carbonfibre ‘sandwich’ technique utilized in the aerospace industry. Thanks to this technology, 25% less carbonfibre material is used while maintaining the same structural rigidity. With a dry weight of 1,339 kgs, the Huracan STO’s weight is reduced by 43 kgs compared to the already lightweight Huracan Performante.

Contributing to the weight reductions are a windscreen 20% lighter than the Huracan Performante, and magnesium rims. The rims are fitted with bespoke Bridgestone Potenza tyres, available in two versions: one road-focused, the other more track-oriented.

Squadra Corse at its heart
The V10 naturally aspirated engine of the Huracán EVO and Super Trofeo produces 640 bhp/565 Nm. It has been calibrated for a very sporty and responsive racing feel, with a direct pedal-to-throttle feeling and improved engine sound sharpness at high revs. The gearchange speed has been further increased to provide a highly responsive and rapid gearshift.

With an increased wheel track, stiffer suspension bushing, specific anti-roll bars and Lamborghini’s MagneRide 2.0, rear-wheel steering, and a more direct and fixed steering ratio, this car has been designed for a race environment.

With a weight to power ratio of 2.09 kgs/bhp, claimed acceleration from 0 – 100km/h is 3 seconds with braking from 100 km/h – 0 in 30 metres. On a road where speed limits are non-existent, the driver will be able to take it up as high as 310 km/h, it is claimed.

Interior designed for purpose
The interior of the Huracan STO reflects the lightweight persona of the exterior, as evident in the extensive use of carbonfibre features throughout the cockpit, including the sport seats. Even the carpets are removed and replaced by floor mats in carbonfibre, and the fully carbonfibre lightweight door panels use the door latch as an opener.

New Human-Machine Interface (HMI) graphics feature on the touchscreen where the driver can easily manage the car’s functions. A fully connected telemetry system allows drivers on racetracks to monitor and record their performance and to analyze the data via the Lamborghini UNICA app.

As with every Lamborghini, customers can fully personalize both the exterior and interior via the Ad Personam personalization program. Virtually limitless paint and trim combinations as well as race-style vinyls allow for personalized livery. An example as shown in the pictures of the launch car has Blu Laufey and Arancio California which emphasises the Huracan STO’s young and sporty racing spirit.

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First details and pictures of the new Subaru BRZ

Subaru’s all-new BRZ sportscar has been uncovered today at the Thermal Club Raceway in California and it comes with more power and better handling while retaining the original fundamentals of low weight, ultra-low centre of gravity, with precise steering and sharp handling.

Boxer engine gets more power, more torque
Running counter to the current trend of power over precision, the new BRZ maintains its simple concept with everyday comfort and practicality. It continues with a Boxer engine of 2.4 litres displacement, now producing 228 bhp, which is positioned lower than before, with a claim of the centre of gravity being on par with exotic hypercars. The naturally aspirated Boxer engine redlines at 7,000 RPM and has a 15% increase in torque.

Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available, with six ratios. The automatic transmission comes with a new Sport mode designed for more aggressive driving. It allows for more rapid downshifts with automatic throttle blipping and utilizes yaw sensors to hold the transmission in a lower gear during hard cornering to maximize performance.

Evolutionary, modernized design
The evolutionary styling is focused and functional aerodynamic details. The tidy coupe design is around 30 mm longer and about 12 mm lower than its predecessor. This gives a low and wide frontal area set off by large functional air intakes.

The grille is set low and capped by proud fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points. A narrowed greenhouse accentuates the bold fender flares and the roofline features a subtle ‘double bubble’ appearance, a nod to vintage racing cars.

The aggressive design flows into bold front fenders with a large side vent. The functional side vent reduces drag by ducting air from under the bonnet and fenders. The released air is directed to a side sill spoiler that creates downforce at speed. A small fin at the back of the rear wheelarch also assists in airflow adding stability at speed.

At the rear, the large rear fenders and wider track flow into dual exhausts for a low and wide stance. This visual heft is lightened by a narrower greenhouse and rear hatch which flow into a dramatic upturned ducktail spoiler.

Utilizing aluminium for the roof, front fenders and bonnet, the new BRZ has an estimated curb weight of 1,280 kgs (the lightest version).

Driver-focussed interior
The new interior has every detail focused on the driver. A new customizable 7-inch digital dashboard is the focal point with the tachometer front and centre featuring an integrated digital speedometer readout. To the left of the tachometer is a programmable meter that can change to show amps, water temperature or a g-meter. When the BRZ is placed in track mode, the tachometer automatically shifts to a linear graph with a colour display that allows for a quick read.

The overall cabin design is contemporary and modular with improved driver amenities. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen takes precedence in the centre stack and features the latest multimedia systems, including standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is also available, of course.

In keeping with its sportscar dynamics, the BRZ has a seating position that is low but features excellent sight lines. This is helped by the thin sections of the roof pillars which are made of high strength steel that ensures strength.

The 2+2 seating and folding rear seats within allow for the cargo area to be extended to take a mountain bike, golf clubs, or even four racing tyres and tools for track days.

Subaru Global Platform
The chassis takes full advantage of the ultra-low centre of gravity and high-strength body structure and near perfect weight distribution. The front suspension uses struts and coil springs to keep weight low. Using design elements from the Subaru Global Platform, the chassis has gained rigidity through a reinforced chassis mounting system, sub-frame architecture and other connection points.

Front lateral bending rigidity has been increased by 60% to improve turn-in and response. The front suspension features custom-designed MacPherson-type struts to optimize the low bonnet line while retaining a long stroke for ideal handling and ride quality. The double wishbone rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption to enhance tyre grip over varied surfaces.

For track driving, the Vehicle Stability Control traction and stability system offers the driver 5 different settings. The system has been redesigned to allow more input from the driver before it activates the traction system. For those who want full control, the system can be turned completely off.

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