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MINI Vision Urbanaut concept

Tomorrow’s MINI will continue to have its practical minimal footprint but offer yet more interior space and versatility. To preview some of the ideas that MINI designers are exploring, the brand used the BMW Group’s #NEXTGen event to present the MINI Vision Urbanaut concept.

The purist mono-volume design of the Vision Urbanaut gives new meaning to the ‘Creative Use of Space’ approach. In signature MINI fashion, the wheels are positioned at the outer corners of the body, with short overhangs rounding off a compact and agile appearance.

In fact, the wheels are used as visual highlights of the concept car. Finished in the colour Ocean Wave, a turquoise blue which sparks associations with the beach and the sound of the sea, the abstract Union Jack profile of the wheels reminds one of the British heritage. Their shape recalls skateboards, further highlighting the car’s nimbleness and non-conformist MINI twist.

Evolution of MINI design elements
The front end represents a clear evolution of two time-honoured MINI design icons – the headlights and radiator grille. Positioned under a milled aluminium structure with slotted openings, the headlights are only visible when switched on. Thanks to their multicolour dynamic matrix design they can display different multi-coloured graphics, which creates a new form of communication between the car and the outside world.

The enclosed grille itself is octagonal in shape, representing an evolution of the traditional hexagonal form. Since the Vision Urbanaut does not have a combustion engine requiring cooling air, the grille assumes a new function as an ‘intelligence panel’ for automated driving.

As with the headlights, multicolour dynamic matrix rear lights behind milled aluminium covers. The distinctive, convex surfaces also pay homage to previous MINIs and the classic Mini. One small detail – the contour of the rear windows – references the form of the front grille and underscores the car’s stylistic consistency.

The windows show a pattern in body colour, fading in a gradient from bottom to top. This creates a harmonious transition from the vehicle body to the windows and roof. The pattern also provides a certain amount of privacy without having to darken the windows; the interior remains bright.

Designed from inside out
As an innovative space concept, the Vision Urbanaut was designed from the inside out. The designers created the spacious interior experience before developing the exterior, using floor plans, pieces of furniture plus wooden scale models to provide an indication of size. Over the course of the project, augmented reality was employed to create a digital model, which was then systematically optimised.

Unusually tall for a MINI, but only 4.46 metres in length, the Vision Urbanaut provides an interior space that can be used in many different ways and offers a whole new ease of movement inside the car.

The interior thus provides the ideal environment in which to go on a journey but is also the aim of the journey. Having arrived at the chosen destination, it can transform into a living room in just a few simple steps. Occupants enter the innovative cabin through a large sliding door in the side of the car. The cutting-edge slide and swivel mechanism is the ideal design for urban driving conditions where space is at a premium. There are no other doors on the driver’s side or front passenger side.

Extremely variable layout
An extremely variable 4-seat layout provides the basis for the bright interior. The two front seats are designed to rotate, while the backrests for the generously sized seat surface in the rear can be folded manually (left rear seat) and turned around (right rear seat).

When the car is stationary, the dashboard lowers and the driver’s area becomes a comfortable seating corner – the ‘daybed’. Added to which, the windscreen can be opened upwards when stationary to create a kind of ‘Street Balcony’.

The darker environs of the cabin’s rear section provide a quieter space – the Cosy Corner. This area invites passengers to enjoy some time to themselves. With the door open, it is even possible to sit on the floor. A small integrated table is the car’s centre point, a place where passengers can interact.

The MINI Token is the centrepiece of the Vision Urbanaut’s experience worlds. It is roughly the same size as a worry stone and activates the three preconfigured MINI moments – Chill, Wanderlust and Vibe – when placed in purpose-designed slots in the table.

MINI Moments
“MINI sees its future self primarily as an enabler of and companion for unforgettable times – what we might call ‘MINI moments’. The MINI Vision Urbanaut uses three curated MINI moments – ‘Chill’, ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘Vibe’ – to present a wide range of possible usage scenarios,” said Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

“The Chill moment, for example, invites you to catch a breath and pause in the here and now. The car becomes a kind of retreat, a haven where you can relax – or work with full concentration – during a journey. Wanderlust is the only MINI moment where the MINI Vision Urbanaut is being driven or driving with automated driving functions. The Vibe moment puts time with other people at centre stage – in every way,” he explained.

The exterior and interior change to reflect the MINI moment at hand. Even the wheels, transparent and illuminated from the inside, change their appearance according to the selected MINI moment.

All-electric powertrain, of course
Nothing is mentioned of the powertrain but, as would be expected, it is a pure electric drive which would use the BMW Group’s advanced technologies in electrified powertrains. Given more mention is the Vision Urbanaut’s responsible use of resources. As well as maximum space within a small footprint and the all-electric drive system, the Vision Urbanaut is committed to a responsible approach to materials. This is achieved not only by reducing the number of components in the exterior and interior design, but also by enabling dual functions such as the dashboard/daybed.

In addition to the use of recyclates, this also means ensuring that the design is free of chrome and leather while using recycled materials. The dominant material in the interior is knitted textile, and the use of cork on the steering wheel and sections of the floor adds a special touch thanks to its natural feel, and ensures an authentically pleasant interior climate.

MINI ideas that were just for laughs on each year’s first day of April

Hyundai Motor Group and NVIDIA develop advanced connected car platform for all models

Hyundai Motor Group and NVIDIA have developed the NVIDIA DRIVE ‘connected car’ platform which will be incorporated across all new models from the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands from 2022 onwards.

The technical cooperation with NVIDIA, a well known name in the computer industry, will enable Hyundai Motor Group to develop high-performance ‘connected car’ computing systems for its next-generation models.

In-vehicle infotainment systems
From entry-level to premium vehicles, all future models will have in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems powered by NVIDIA DRIVE as standard. This includes a hardware and software stack, enabling the Korean carmaker’s IVI systems to combine audio, video, navigation, connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI)-based ‘connected car’ services.

Using the high-performance, energy-efficient NVIDIA DRIVE platform for its future models will allow the three brands to offer customers continuously enhanced in-vehicle AI user experiences. This will see a feature-rich, software-defined AI user experience that is perpetually updateable – and without the owner having to go to a service centre too.

Already in Genesis models
Hyundai Motor Group has been working with NVIDIA for the past 5 years. In fact, the NVIDIA DRIVE platform already underpins the advanced IVI systems found in the Genesis GV80 and G80.

“At Hyundai Motor Group, we are committed to delivering greater value, safety, functionality and enjoyment over the lifetime of the car,” said Paul Choo, Senior Vice-President of Electronics Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group. “The NVIDIA DRIVE platform is proven – it is scalable, energy-efficient and has the performance to support our next generation of software-defined vehicles.”

The companies have also been collaborating on an advanced digital cockpit, due to be launched in late 2021. The relationship will go further with the development of foundations for IVI systems that can support a wide range of future apps and features for all models.

“NVIDIA brought consumer electronic functionality and a graphics-rich user interface to infotainment systems more than a decade ago,” said Ali Kani, Vice-President of Autonomous Vehicles at NVIDIA. “Now, we are once again transforming these systems through the power of AI, helping Hyundai Motor Group increase safety and value, along with enhancing customer satisfaction, throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.”

Creation of new ccOS
The partnership with NVIDIA will enable Hyundai Motor Group to roll out its new ‘connected car operating system’ (ccOS) in future models. Developed in-house by Hyundai Motor Group, the new ccOS will bring together the large amount of data generated by the vehicle and its network of sensors, as well as external connected car data centres, enhancing motoring experiences.

The ccOS will use NVIDIA’s software frameworks to implement core IT competencies. It will provide ‘high-performance computing’, using NVIDIA GPUs to process large amounts of data inside and outside the vehicles and optimize system performance to support advanced IT technologies, such as deep learning.

‘Seamless computing’ will also be possible, providing uninterrupted service regardless of the vehicle’s online or offline state. The vehicle connects with the surrounding infrastructure and smart devices to bring the user experience from external devices into the vehicle environment.

Furthermore, recent breakthroughs in AI and accelerated computing have opened the door for next-generation vehicles to benefit from new functionality, capabilities and enhanced safety features that can be added after the car is purchased. With a centralized, software-defined computer architecture, future vehicles can be updated throughout their lives to feature the latest in advanced digital cockpit technology, as well as other features.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

Pre-owned vehicles Certified by Bentley now available from Bentley Kuala Lumpur

Besides offering brand new Bentley cars, Bentley Kuala Lumpur – the British brand’s official retail partner in Malaysia – now also offers pre-owned units. These are cars which are ‘Certified by Bentley’, a global programme which is said to set the benchmark for exclusive pre-owned vehicles.

50% of Bentleys registered are pre-owned
An estimated 85% of all Bentleys ever sold still on the road and in Malaysia alone, pre-owned Bentleys are said to make up about half of the total number of vehicles of the brand registered locally each year. This being the case, it has made sense for Bentley to also become involved in pre-owned units, besides its attention to aftersales services for existing owners.

“We believe the introduction of Certified by Bentley in Malaysia is an opportunity for us to extend the Bentley ownership experience to a wider number of potential customers,” said Jerry Lee, MD of Wearnes Quest, which operates Bentley Kuala Lumpur.

The Certified by Bentley programme has rigorous requirements to ensure that each vehicle is prepared to an impeccable standard. This includes a detailed inspection in accordance with Bentley standards by factory-trained technicians.

Certificate of Authenticity and warranty
A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each vehicle so the new owner will have full details of its history, particularly with regards to maintenance. The comprehensive 12-month warranty, covering mechanical, electrical and consequential failure, can be further extended for peace of mind.

Similar quality assurance and ownership experience
“A vehicle Certified by Bentley provides the same assurance in quality and ownership experience that a new car customer would have. When a customer selects a Certified by Bentley car, they are making an investment in a brand that has always crafted extraordinary vehicles,” said Mark Keeping, Head of Pre-Owned at Bentley Motors.

Additionally, the owner gains access to the benefits that Bentley owners typically enjoy such as invitations to exclusive events around the world and a Bentley Factory Tour, along with a subscription to the Bentley Magazine.

Only electric power for Bentley vehicles by the end of this decade

The 2021 German Car of the Year is a… Japanese car

The first widely recognised Car of the Year event (and perhaps the first one in the world too) was the European Car of the Year which began in 1964. Journalists from a number of countries in Europe collaborated to pick a model from each year’s new offerings as the Car of the Year (COTY), and the event continues to this day.

Since then, there have been numerous COTY events all over the world, some by publications and websites and some by motoring media groups. And there is even a ‘World Car of the Year’ award now although some models may be specific to certain regions.

For the country COTY, it was usually the case that a model from a brand of that country would be the winner. But in recent times, this has been changing: the Volkswagen Golf, for example, was the first foreign model to win the ‘Japan Car of the Year’ title while in Korea, a Toyota Camry was its COTY one year.

First time for a non-German model
Now in Germany, a non-German model has been voted ‘German Car of the Year’ 2021. It’s the Honda e, the Japanese company’s first battery electric vehicle for Europe. This is a first and certainly an impressive achievement considering that the German auto industry produces many well engineered products. The Honda e also won in the ‘New Energy’ category.

The German Car of the Year awards are decided by a jury of leading German car journalists. The panel tests and reviews the latest cars, ranking them according to their usability, driving characteristics, market relevance and level of innovation. The winners of 5 categories – Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy and Performance – are then assessed again to decide an overall winner.

“For Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded ‘German Car of the Year’ is a great honour, and one we are incredibly proud to receive,” said Katsuhisa Okuda, COO & President of Honda Motor Europe. “The Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award.”

The electrically-powered Honda was launched earlier this year and is represents Honda’s commitment to electrify 100% of its mainstream models for Europe by 2022. The German COTY award is just one of many accolades it has received in 2020. These include the top honour in the Red Dot Design Awards; Autocar UK’s ‘Britain’s Best Car’ Awards 2020 in the ‘Best Car Tech’ category; and ‘City/Small Car of the Year’ in the News International Motor Awards 2020.

222-km range, 30 minutes recharging
The Honda e has a powertrain producing up 100 kW (equal to 136 ps) or 113 kW (154 ps) with 315 Nm of torque. With a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged to 80% in 30 minutes, it has a claimed range of up to 222 kms, depending on driving conditions.

There are two variants of the model which is currently only sold in Europe and Japan. Prices in the UK range from £27,160 to £29,660 (about RM147,370 – RM161,000). The prices include a UK government Plug-in Car Grant discount amounting to £3,000 (RM16,300) for the model.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about Honda’s electrified models available in Malaysia.

Honda e starts Honda’s electrification strategy in Europe

The World’s First Globally-Connected Hypercar

For most people who can afford Pininfarina’s Battista pure-electric hypercar, communications on the move will be with the best available devices. If they are in the remotest areas on the planet, they would have satphones which make use of satellite networks encircling the earth.

However, when driving, they may find that access to online services are inconsistent or unreliable when crossing different countries. Understanding this, Automobili Pininfarina and Deutsche Telekom have come up with a way for Battista owners to easily access online services in more than 50 countries worldwide – a first in the world of hypercars.

Optimised connectivity worldwide
Every Battista will come with an embedded SIM card and roaming technology for optimised connectivity worldwide. Using these components, Deutsche Telekom’s roaming partner network and roaming traffic steering logic enables the vehicle to search for the strongest network, so owners don’t find themselves in communication blackspots even as they cross international borders.

This superior connectivity also means greater convenience for owners to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, the latest thing in the industry. By sending software updates online, the vehicle’s systems or devices will always be up-to-date and perform at their best.

The system is able to remotely update 26 individual electronic control modules in the Battista across functions covering the pure-electric powertrain, advanced safety and driving dynamics systems, vehicle control, infotainment as well as digital services.

Future-proofing the hypercar
These software updates can be delivered via wifi when parked within range in the garage, or using the embedded SIM on the road. In this way, the Battista is future-proof and owners will continue to benefit from the latest software advances as the years pass.

“All of these elements of connectivity contribute to our seamless ‘Life on Board’ Concept. Everything from the driver-orientated user-experience to the convenience features such as the global roaming and OTA updates have been developed and engineered to bring heightened convenience to our luxury hyper GT,” said Paolo Dellacha, Chief Product and Engineering Officer of Automobile Pininfarina which is owned by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Digital concierge
The ‘digital concierge’ experience includes Smart Diagnostics technology, which monitors the car’s system to spot potential issues before they arise to ensure the pinnacle of electrified performance and safety at all time. If the system detects an issue that cannot be dealt with remotely by a software update, Automobili Pininfarina will dispatch one of its team of engineers to resolve the issue – wherever the car is parked in the world.

A specially developed smartphone app keeps owners connected to their Battista at all times, enabling customers to remotely lock and unlock the car, view telemetry, check the state of charge and monitor the location of Battista. On the move, drivers can seamlessly link their smartphone which will mirror key apps and functions within the vehicle for enhanced music streaming and real-time navigation capabilities.

This wider connected and digital ecosystem is enhanced by the Battista’s advanced infotainment system. The two logically-arranged and intuitive touchscreens and an additional slim display located in the centre, deliver all the key telemetry, dynamic functions and information as well as featuring selected media and navigation elements and controls. All have been designed and positioned in a way to ensure minimum driver distraction while providing all the required information while on the move.

The Battista will be the most powerful car ever designed and built in Italy, with the claim that it will deliver a level of performance that is unachievable today in any road-legal sportscar using internal combustion engine technology. With 1,900 bhp/2,300 Nm, it will be faster than a current Formula 1 race car in its 0 -100 km/h sub-2 second sprint and, with a 120 kWh battery pack, travel over 500 kms. 150 hypercars will be built, each said to cost no less than US$2.5 million (almost RM10.3 million).

Battista Anniversario – the world’s first luxury pure-electric hyper GT

Enhanced Toyota Vios due soon, bookings accepted from today

UMW Toyota Motor will soon have an improved version of its bestselling model, the Vios, in Toyota showrooms nationwide. The prices are estimated to range from RM75,701 to RM89.232 for three variants available. Bookings at showrooms as well as online are accepted from today, with deliveries almost certain to be before the year ends.

Bolder looks
The new Vios gains a bolder look with a restyled front bumper and new grille design with an Aero kit attachment below the bumper. The grille is flanked by new triple bezel fully LED Headlights with built-in Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that provide a visual ‘signature’ from afar.

Drivers can enjoy extra peace of mind when returning home as the headlights now come with a follow-me-home function. This keeps the lights on for a while after the engine is switched off and the doors are locked, providing illumination to the front door or along a path.

The optional aerokit available for the Vios comes with a newly designed front bumper element, besides the side skirts and spoilers on the bootlid and under the rear bumper.

Two new colours – Orange Metallic and Platinum White Pearl – join the existing range available which consists of Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic and Silver Metallic.

“The enhanced Vios has an even more dynamic presence with a front silhouette that is consistent with models such as the Corolla, Camry and the recently-enhanced Yaris. Yet, despite this strong family resemblance, the Vios projects its own unique personality that has made it popular with a diverse demographic of buyers,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Safety enhanced
Long regarded as being very good value for money, the Vios also has high standards when it comes to safety. It is the first in its segment with a maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating and will now come with two elements of the integrated Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system – Pre-collision system (PCS) and lane departure alert (LDA).

PCS, activated from 15 km/h, will warn the driver of a possible collision and if no action is taken, automatically brake the car. This can avoid an accident or if it cannot be avoided, the early braking will reduce the speed so as to lower the severity of the damage.

LDA will help if the driver is drowsy as it detects the car’s deviation from the lane. Operational from 50 km/h, the system alerts the driver through Multi Information Display by blinking indicator lamp and also a buzzer sound.

Other existing safety features and systems include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control (TRC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and up to 7 SRS airbags (the only car in its segment with this number).

Front and rear Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) are also available to record the situation in front and behind the car while it is on the move. The DVRs have g-sensors which can detect a severe impact and when this occurs, the file containing the recording will be ‘locked’ so it cannot be accidentally deleted.

To help with parking, there is now a 3D 360-degree panoramic view monitor with specific views of each side of the car as well as a simulated overhead view that is useful for positioning in a bay. Front and rear sensors also help to monitor the nearby areas and warn the driver of obstructions.

A new safety feature is the Emergency Stoplight Signal system which can lower the risk of a rear-end collision. The system will immediately activate the hazard warning lights if sudden and hard braking is detected, indicating emergency braking. Drivers behind will thus be alerted more quickly so they will take braking action.

Rear seatbelt usage has been compulsory for a while now and to ensure that everyone follows the law, there is a reminder which the driver will get so he or she can ask the rear passengers to put on their seatbelts. Additionally, an ISOFIX point is provided in the rear seat for a compatible childseat which is now required by law for small children.

Visual enhancements inside
Inside, the new Vios has the same layout but the dashboard has received visual enhancements. New features include Optitron meters and a Multi Information Display panel. The infotainment system, with a 7-inch display panel, has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for easy connectivity with compatible smartphones.

As before the Vios comes with a 1.5-litre VVT-i engine and CVT powertrain that has proven efficiency and reliability. Three Drive Modes allow the driver to prioritise performance or economy, or just let the computerise ‘co-driver’ decide according to conditions. For the Vios 1.5G, there are also paddle shifters to make manual selection more convenient.

To locate a showroom or for more information, visit www.toyota.com.my.

Two more financing schemes available for new Toyota purchases

BMW Premium Selection goes digital

For those who are shopping for used cars, there are lots of places to go to. Additionally, there are also websites which have advertisements for used vehicles. However, when buying a second-hand product, there is always the question of the condition of the vehicle which is not fully known. Most used car dealers will take in vehicles, clean them up a bit and perhaps fix minor issues and then offer them for sale. Some may offer a ‘limited warranty’ with a verbal agreement that you can bring back the vehicle if problems develop.

Many vehicle distributors and authorised dealer chains also have their own used car business and where these companies are concerned, greater attention is given to ensuring their offerings are in the best condition possible and almost as good as new. They will carry out a thorough inspection and change parts that are deemed too worn out (especially those relating to safety). And as everything is professionally done, they are willing to certify their pre-owned vehicles too, as well as providing a warranty in some cases.

Dedicated BMW/MINI website for pre-owned vehicles
BMW Group Malaysia’s Premium Selection, its pre-owned vehicle business, has introduced what is described as an industry-first initiative – a wide range of vehicles from the BMW and MINI brands will be presented on a dedicated microsite. These vehicles are offered by various authorised BMW and MINI dealerships around the country. and have
gone through a 360° vehicle check, with any necessary repairs done with Original BMW Parts.

At the time of writing, there are over 300 units available for ‘viewing’ from the comfort of home or office via the digital platform, another approach by the BMW Group in digitalising its touchpoints around the world. There is also a facility for trading in vehicles to get those from the Premium Selection, with competitive trade-in values offered.

Premium Ownership Experience as well
There are attractive, limited time and digital platform-only exclusive offers available. Those who purchase vehicles via the microsite are also entitled to enjoy BMW Group Malaysia’s Premium Ownership Experience which includes:
♦ A Minimum of 12 months BMW Premium Selection Warranty (terms and conditions apply);
♦ 360-Degree Technical and Optical Checks of the vehicle;
♦ Availability of Approved Vehicle and Service History;
♦ Exclusive Financing Offers from BMW Financial Services Malaysia; and
♦ BMW Roadside Assistance

Click here to visit the BMW Premium Selection website today.

BMW and MINI owners can now enjoy Door-to-Door Service

F1 (Round 14): Provisional Results For 2020 Turkish Grand Prix

♦ As in the days before, during practices and qualifying, rain came down and the newly resurfaced track was like ice. Even though all cars were on full wet tyres, there were still accidents on the way to the starting grid, and pit crews rushed to fix the damage as fast as they could.

♦ When the lights went green, wheels spun as expected and then, with the different levels of grip for each car, some were able to move forward while some were still or crawled – and that’s when a few collisions occurred. Daniel Ricciardo got bumped slightly by Lewis Hamilton who seemed to have a good start and as a result, the Aussie’s car bumped Esteban Ocon’s into a spin which took in Valtteri Bottas.

*The 2020 Formula 1 World Champion – Lewis Hamilton – passes his team members after taking the chequered flag in Istanbul.*

♦ So it was a somewhat chaotic start but Lance Stroll got a good run from pole position and Hamilton moved from sixth to third for a while, although Sebastian Vettel did better with a jump from 12th to 3rd within 5 laps. However, he didn’t manage to stay that high as an aggressive Max Verstappen slipped past with Alexander Albon.

♦ Albon pushed hard enough that he suddenly popped into the lead, surprising everyone and back home, his Thai fans must have been cheering as it was the first time – even for a short while – that a Thai driver was in the lead of a F1 race.

♦ Chasing Albon and looking for a way past Perez, Verstappen lost it and spun a few times along the straight. He was lucky not to go into the barriers but dropped to 6th and had to head into the pits to change the flat-spotted tyres.

♦ Bottas was way back and trying hard to get to at least 6th place so he could still have a chance at the title. Hamilton was pushing as hard as his tyres allowed him and trying to maintain the fastest lap for that one extra point because every point counted in this unpredictable and slippery race.

♦ By the halfway mark in the race, the two BWT racing Point cars were leading, with Stroll 4 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez. The closest contender was Albon while Vettel was some 5 seconds behind the Thai driver. Track conditions were still slippery to hold back tyre changes from the intermediates being used.

♦ DRS, which was not enabled earlier, was allowed from lap 30, so things were expected to get interesting as Istanbul Park has good overtaking points.

♦ During the race, it was learnt that Verstappen was under investigation for a potential pitlane infringement (crossing the white line) but the Stewards decided to do so after the race ended.

♦ On lap 37, as Stroll entered the pits for new tyres, Hamilton shot past Perez and snatched the lead. With conditions getting less wet, Hamilton was gaining advantage and could well pull away to keep the leading position over the next 2o laps. Bottas was not having a good day, with a few spins losing him places.

♦ Perhaps too eager to fight back to the front, Stroll rejoined the race and found the new tyres not working well for him, allowing Vettel and Leclerc to get past him. His team mate, Perez, was running second but 11 seconds behind Hamilton.

♦ Despite the slick conditions, only two drivers had damaged their cars enough to have to retire – Antonio Giovinazzi and Nicholas Latifi.

♦ With 10 laps remaining, Hamilton was 20 seconds in the lead and still pulling away. A win in Istanbul would bring his fourth consecutive world championship title to make a total of 7 in all.

♦ Even with 5 laps remaining, there was still uncertainty for Hamilton’s team. His tyres were already 48 laps old and rain looked like it was returning. He had a gap of 25 seconds to slip into the pits and get back out again without losing the lead.

♦ On the 56th lap – with two remaining – Hamilton was told to come in for a precautionary tyre change – and he ignored it, much to the surprise of his team which was waiting! He shot past the pit lane entrance – and took no chances to cross the finish line in one piece. A bit hard for Toto Wolff to bring up the matter of disobeying orders when Hamilton has confirmed his 2020 crown.

Honda to offer Level 3 autonomy by March next year

With type approval given by the Japanese authorities, Honda Motor will now proceed to commercialise its automated driving system with Level 3 autonomy classification that was established by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and adopted by the auto industry as well as government agencies.

Level 3 autonomy means that the on-board system monitors the driving environment surrounding the vehicle and can take over driving operations under certain conditions. When any of operable driving environment conditions become unsatisfactory, the system will issue a warning, and the driver must take over the driving immediately.

Cruise control, for example, is a Level 1 autonomy capability as it will only maintain a set cruising speed and the driver must brake to avoid a collision. However, adaptive cruise control is Level 2 autonomy as the system will monitor the road ahead and adjust the speed to maintain a safe gap. The speed will automatically be reduced from the set speed, and resumed when the road ahead is clear.

An increasing number of vehicles have Level 2 autonomy which encompasses advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which will provide corrective action, eg staying in the lane correctly. Honda SENSING, which has Level 2 capability, is available in most Honda models in Malaysia today.

*Honda SENSING, already available in many models, provides driver-assistance features which are under the Level 2 autonomy.*

More intelligence with Level 3
With Level 3, the computer could also make a decision to overtake if it is safe to do so. This means that the vehicle can travel along a highway and pass other vehicles, a major advancement over adaptive cruise control alone. However, the driver must remain alert and should there be a hazardous situation like another vehicle suddenly changing lanes, then human intervention will be required.

In order for Honda to obtain the approval, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) partially amended a section of the country’s Road Vehicle Act. By this amendment, equipment for Level 3 automated driving was added to the list of motor vehicle equipment, subject to the safety standards defined in the Ministry of Transport Ordinance. Vehicles with Level 3 autonomy will be required to have a sticker on their exterior indicating that they are automated vehicles.

*Vehicles with Level 3 autonomous capability must have a sticker (shown on the right) on their bodywork to indicate that they are automated as well.*

Honda will offer its Level 3 automated driving system in a version of the Legend model. The system, to be known as ‘Traffic Jam Pilot’, will be available before the end of March 2021. The equipment is required to have cyber security measures to prevent security threats such as unauthorized access. It must also have a device that records data to confirm operating conditions of the automated driving equipment for a 6-month period (or 2,500 times).

Likely to be only for Japan first
It is likely that Honda will offer the Traffic Jam Pilot only in Japan for some time. This is normal practice by the manufacturers with certain new technologies. By keeping it within the domestic market, it will be easier for engineers to investigate any issues that occur so that counter-measures or improvements can be made quickly. Once Honda is satisfied that the system is sufficiently reliable in daily real-world use, then it will start to offer it elsewhere.

But just as in Japan, other countries will also have to amend their regulations to permit such systems to be used in vehicles on public roads. Furthermore, conditions on the roads such as lane markings and signage will have to be of a certain standard to enable the systems to operate properly. This will become an increasingly important matter as greater levels of autonomy are introduced in vehicles.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

All-new Honda City RS to have Honda Sensing driver-assistance system

F1 (Round 14): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Turkish Grand Prix

Race starts at 1:10 pm in Istanbul | 6:10 pm in Malaysia

This weekend sees a Formula 1 race taking place in Turkey, the first time since 2011 when the last Turkish F1 Grand Prix was held there. The 14^th round of the 2020 championship is being run at the Intercity Istanbul Park or Istanbul Racing Circuit (or initially, Istanbul Otodrom) in the country’s capital city. The track was opened in 2005 and was another project of Hermann Tilke, who has designed many of the modern F1 circuits around the world.

Financial issues are said to have been the reason for the Istanbul circuit being left out of the championship calendar after 2011. Its inclusion this year may have been because it was willing to host a round in the revised calendar that was impacted by the pandemic. Having a circuit that was already properly designed and approved for F1 racing, and presumably maintained in a good condition, would have made it an easy choice for the organisers.

One of the most challenging circuits
Istanbul Park has often been labelled as one of the most challenging modern circuits in F1. Of the 14 turns, Turn 8 is ‘legendary’ – a fast, high-g 640-metre left-hander with multiple apexes. Though today’s racing cars are better designed to handle the turn compared to 9 years ago, the speed (around 270 km/h) and duration in the turn will still place a lot of loads on the tyres.

“Due to the increased downforce levels, the iconic Turn 8 will be less of a focus than before. It was pretty much flat-out in the 2011 cars, but it will become even less of a challenge in these 2020 machines. So, teams don’t need to compromise the setup so much for it,” said Mercedes-AMG’s Toto Wolff.

*What the racing cars looked like in 2011 (above and below).*

Besides Turn 8, there are also other challenges around the 5.338-km long circuit that the drivers will do 58 laps on. It will be tough and technically demanding, with the long back straight that allow DRS to enable overtaking heading into Turn 12. The end of the lap consists of a combination of three low-speed corners where braking stability on entry and traction on exit are important.

Wet conditions make things tricky
Given the wet conditions experienced lately, things are therefore going to be tricky. And what is worse is that drivers have reported the resurfaced circuit has created conditions like an ice-rink – rain will just make it much tougher. If it does rain during the race, expect dramatic moments.

Limited value in historical data
“Unlike some of the other unfamiliar races on the 2020 F1 schedule, we do actually have some historical data for the Turkish Grand Prix. However, because the cars have changed so much and the track has recently been resurfaced, the historic data is only useful as a reference,” added Wolff.

A number of the drivers on the starting grid this weekend have raced at Istanbul Park before. Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel have been winners but the one who won the most times was Felipe Massa in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and Jenson Button also won the race in 2009.

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