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Formula E resumes on August 5 with 6 rounds over 9 days!

As with Formula 1, Formula E – the all-electric single-seater championship – had its schedule suspended after the COVID-19 pandemic forced lockdowns in many countries. Five rounds were run since the sixth season started in November last year and the last race was held in Marrakesh at the end of February (below).

Now after a break of more than 5 months, Formula E will resume with the Berlin e-Prix – and it will be hectic. Over a period of 9 days, there will be six races at the circuit on the former Tempelhof airport site in the south of Berlin, Germany. The compressed schedule is partly because Formula E championships typically start in November.

Three track layouts for 6 races
As an additional challenge, there will be three different track layouts. The familiar circuit from recent years will only be used on August 8 and 9. For the opening rounds on August 5 and 6, this layout will be driven in the opposite direction and for the final races on August 12 and 13, the circuit will be completely redesigned. As usual in Formula E, the teams only received their data last week so that there won’t be a lot of time to intensively prepare for the track variations.

Formula E Berlin Tempelhof circuit — *The track will have a similar layout for the first four rounds but two will be in reverse. The final two rounds will have a different layout.*

The German authorities have permitted the races to be run with a strict hygiene concept which must be adhered to. The number of team members on-site will be significantly less and there can be no fans nor sponsors present. Press conferences will be held virtually, and the podium ceremony is to be reduced to a minimum. As usual, each race will last for 45 minutes plus one lap. All international channels, including the broadcast schedule, can be found online at www.fiaformulae.com. The races start at 7 pm Central European Summer Time which will be 1 am the next day in Malaysia.

Among the 12 teams is the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler which will be aiming to deliver strong results on home territory. A maximum of 180 points – including those for the fastest time in qualifying, pole position and the fastest race lap – can be scored by any of the 24 drivers.

Championship still open
With just 38 points separating the front runner from the tenth-placed driver, it is clear that the championship is still completely open. “I am pretty sure that in the end, the final championship positions will look completely different to what they do now,” predicts Team Principal Allan McNish. “This ‘6-pack’ in Berlin reminds me a little of a restart following a caution period in the last race of the season, with only a few more laps to go in the last race of the season.”

Lucas di Grassi is fired up for the restart of the season. “The break also had some positive aspects, because I had a lot of time with my son and my family. I also did a lot of sports, ate a healthy diet and spent many days with the data of the first rounds of the season. But at some point, you’ve had your fill of it and finally want to race again,” said the Brazilian driver. “We’re going to Berlin to claim the title – that’s clearly my goal.”

Formula E Audi Sport — *Lucas Di Grassi in the Audi e-tron FE06*

‘A totally different game’
Berlin has always been a good venue for the most successful Formula E driver with 31 podium (5 times in Berlin). “We’ve had many sweet moments in Berlin before and, of course, that gives you a positive feeling,” he said. “Even so, it’s a totally different game this time: new track layouts, no fans and guests, many races within a short space of time – the question of who will best cope with this will also be crucial.”

While di Grassi is traveling to Berlin with the experience of 63 races, the tally of his new teammate, Rene Rast, reflects just one. He drove in 2016 as a guest entrant for a different team and on a completely different track in downtown Berlin. Consequently, the past few weeks were extremely busy for the two-time DTM champion.

“I did everything I could – in addition to testing, I analyzed data for hours on end, watched videos and spent an enormous amount of time with the engineers,” said Rast. “It’s difficult to express expectations for my debut with Audi, but one thing is clear: I’d like to arrive in Berlin perfectly prepared and deliver a good result.”

Formula E 2020 — [All images and video courtesy of Formula E]

Besides Formula E, Rast is also racing in the DTM, where he is defending his title with Audi. This means that between August 1 and 23, the German will be competing in 12 races in two completely different cars – Formula E with the fully-electric Audi e-tron FE06 single-seater and in the DTM with the Audi RS 5 DTM touring car. “These are two totally different worlds with completely different challenges for any race driver. But the six Formula E races in such short succession are ideal for a fast learning curve …”

Mitsubishi XPANDER confirmed for introduction in Malaysia during 2020

The rumours are true: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will be launching the Mitsubishi XPANDER crossover this year. The 7-seater crossover originated in the Indonesian market where the production hub is located, and has been progressively introduced in various ASEAN countries.

The new XPANDER blends functionality with SUV-inspired styling. While Its rugged image appeals broadly, it also has the roominess, convenience, style and functionality which consumers of today want. These qualities are expanded to make it highly suitable for Malaysian lifestyles.

The XPANDER’s styling adopts the ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept which has been incorporated in every Mitsubishi model launched in recent years. The ‘Dynamic Shield’ not only gives a bold appearance but also expresses high performance and a sense of protection for the driver and passengers.

Its successful design concept has been validated by the various awards it has won. Some of the prominent awards are ‘2018 Car of the Year’ in Indonesia; ‘Philippines 2019 Automobile of the Year (Standard Category)’; and ‘Thailand Car of the Year 2019 and 2020’ as well as ‘The Best MPV under 1600 cc’ (also in Thailand).

“The XPANDER is not just an important model for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, but across the ASEAN region as well. As of June 2020, the model has reached cumulative sales of around 256,000 units. The success of the XPANDER in our neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam reflects how well-suited this car will be to meet the needs of Malaysian customers. MMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the introduction of this impressive 7-seater crossover in Malaysia later this year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

The question now is whether it will be assembled locally, as the Outlander and ASX models are, or will it be imported as a CBU model from Indonesia? Although the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement allows for duty-free importation, having a model assembled locally would enable the pricing to be more competitive.

2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER — *The launch date must be close as a unit was spotted being moved around recently.*

If you are keen to get one, visit an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer to let them know of your interest so you can be updated. Information will also be available at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds convenience to the ownership experience for Mitsubishi owners

Slavia open-top concept is seventh Skoda Students Car

Skoda, the Czech car company which is part of the Volkswagen Group, has been around since 1895 and over the many decades, it has ensured that the spark of creativity is maintained as different generations of employees come and go. One of the ways it has achieved this is through the Skoda Vocational School which was established in 1927 because of the need for qualified workers.

Each year for the past seven years, the students have been invited to come up with a concept car and for this year, the seventh Skoda Student Concept Car is one which links the past with the present. Designed by 31 students attending the vocational school, the open-top Slavia also concept pays homage to this year’s anniversary of the company by commemorating the name of the first bicycles produced by Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement after they founded the company in 1895.

The spider variant of the Scala production model combines the contemporary compact car’s bold and exciting lines with a common design standard from the earliest days of motoring, when most automobiles were open-top vehicles.

Skoda Scala — *The Scala, from which the Slavia concept has been adapted.*

*The students also took inspiration from the 1957 Skoda 1100 OHC, a sports prototype developed as an open-top two-seater racing car for endurance rallies.*

From the first draft to putting together this one-off car, the students completed every step themselves. Of course, there was also guidance and support from their instructors as well as experts from Skoda’s Design, Production and Technical Development departments.

“The Student Car is the Skoda Vocational school’s annual flagship project. For the seventh year running, our students are demonstrating the high standard of our in-house training by planning, designing and building an impressive one-off car. We enable them to design their dream car, working with professionals from our various departments. As a result, their training already familiarises them with processes that will become part of their working lives later on, when they graduate from our vocational school and embark on a career in our company,” explained Alois Kauer, who took over as Head of the Skoda Academy in February 2020.

Skoda Slavia — *The students designed the Slavia and then built it themselves as a project car.*

The 31 students involved in the seventh Skoda Student Car marks the first time the project participants have chosen the Scala as the basis for their personal idea of a dream car, turning the compact hatchback model into a particularly sporty spider. The Slavia, as in the production version of the Scala, has a similarly distinctive design, defined by precise lines and sculpted surfaces.

The matching dynamic performance of the topless car comes courtesy of the familiar 1.5 TSI petrol engine with an output of 150 ps, which goes to the front wheels through a 7-speed DCT. Other carry-overs from the production model include the front and rear axle, steering, the complete electronics including cabling as well as the assistance systems. The instrument panel, Virtual Cockpit and infotainment system are also retained in their original form.

Whether the Slavia will serve as the basis of a future production model remains to be seen. But it is well known that the work of the students has always impressed the designers at Skoda and who knows, perhaps they will draw inspiration from it.

Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India

Hyundai and Kia vehicles will have cleaner air in cabins in future (w/VIDEO)

COVID-19 has impacted the world in many ways, forcing us to change the way we go about doing things in our daily lives. At the same time, it has also directed carmakers towards addressing issues that were not a high priority before. Air quality is one of them and the Hyundai Motor Group has developed new technologies to improve the quality of air in vehicles and create a more pleasant indoor environment for customers.

The Korean group has unveiled three new air-conditioning technologies – After-Blow, Multi-Air Mode, and Fine Dust Indicator. The technologies will be introduced initially on certain models sold in Korea and then included in the export models of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands later on.

After-Blow Technology
Moisture that collect in the air-conditioning system’s evaporator enables mold to grow, especially if the weather is hot. The mold can give off an odour which is unpleasant to the occupants. To address this issue, After-Blow dries the condensate on the evaporator to suppresses mold growth.

Normally, after the engine is turned off, the condensate on the evaporator drains naturally for about 30 minutes (that’s the puddle of water you see under the car). The After-Blow system then activates for 10 minutes to dry the evaporator and any condensate leftover in the air passage. The air-conditioning system automatically allows influx of outside air during this time to prevent humidity from building up.

The technology uses an intelligent battery sensor to monitor the battery condition and stops functioning when the battery is low. This will avoid the battery going flat and causing inconvenience to the vehicle owner. It also de-activates when the air conditioning system is not in use for a certain period of time, or when the outside temperature is low.

Multi-Air Mode Technology
Multi-Air Mode uses multiple vents for air conditioning and heating to create a more pleasant indoor environment with a gentle wind. When this mode is activated, the air is dispersed to the newly added multi-air slots in the driver and passenger seats in addition to the normal air vents.

The overall wind volume remains the same, but the dispersion of wind reduces direct air contact and softens the air. This mode can be switched on and off based on the preference of the driver.

Fine Dust Indicator Technology
Dust is all around us in the air and with the Fine Dust Indicator, it is possible for the driver to get information on the dust levels inside the vehicle in real time. With the digitized information, the driver can better manage the air quality.

The indicator displays the concentration and pollution level of ultrafine particles (PM 2.5) inside the vehicle using integer numbers and colours for better visibility to the user. Blue is for 0 to 15 μg/m³, green for 16 to 35 μg/m³, orange for 36 to 75 μg/m³, and red for 76 μg/m³ or higher.

If the level of ultrafine particles exceeds 36 μg /m³ while the function is active, the air-cleaning mode will run to purify the air in the vehicle. The air-cleaning system automatically sets the air volume between 3 and 8 and switches to air-recirculation mode and activates the air conditioning system to reduce indoor humidity. If the air does not improve in air-cleaning mode, it can also serve as a reminder to the driver to replace air-conditioner filters or to clean contaminated seats and mats.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

2020 Formula 1 World Championship gets 3 more rounds

Another three races have been added to the revised calendar for the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, bringing the total number of confirmed rounds in the calendar to 13. The venues are still in Europe – Nurburgring in Germany, Algarve in Portugal and Imola in Italy and will take place between October 11 and November 1.

F1 returns to Portugal
While the Nurburgring circuit is a familiar venue, the round in Portugal will be the first time the country is hosting a F1 round since 1996. It will be at the 4.65-km long circuit in Portimao located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

A week following the event in Portugal, the next round will be at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. The 4.9-km track has a history going back to 1953 but is remembered for being the track where Ayrton Senna lost his life in 1994. In fact, Senna was not the only one to die at that event – the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix – as Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger sustained fatal skull damage after crashing into a wall at 310 km/h.

So far, three rounds have been run, two at the Red Bull Ring in Austria and one at the Hungaroring in Hungary. Two rounds will be run at Silverstone in the UK, the first scheduled for this weekend and a second round the week after.

Can 18 rounds before 2020 ends?
The Formula 1 organization has been hoping to run up to 18 rounds before the end of the year. With the two final ones to be held in the Middle East Gulf region in mid-December and 13 already confirmed, that leaves another three more slots over about 6 weeks.

Races in Asia
The Americas are out due to the severe pandemic conditions so the only other region is Asia. Vietnam, which was to have had its first-ever F1 event may be keen and able to host a round since it has had a ‘clean record’ where the pandemic is concerned.

Ferrari at Sepang — *Will we see a round of F1 at Sepang?*

There are also rumours that the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia may host a round but it would depend very much on the situation. Right now, there is concern about the trend in new COVID-19 cases so the government would be unwilling to make any commitments just yet. The Sepang International Circuit is F1-ready as it used to host a round each year between 1999 and 2017.

F1 (Round 3): Results and Highlights of the 2020 Formula 1 Aramco Hungarian Grand Prix

No sales tax exemption for pick-up trucks but you can still get savings on the Ford Ranger

When the government announced PENJANA (Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara), the RM35 billion short-term economic recovery plan, exemption of sales tax for new motor vehicles was among the incentives. However, to the disappointment of those who thought of buying a pick-up truck, the exemption did not cover such vehicles as they are classified as commercial vehicles. Perhaps because the government is giving other incentives to the commercial sector, they are making the exclusion.

Therefore, while passenger vehicles now have reduced prices with sales tax exempted (partial for imported CBU models) and the exemption will be maintained till the end of the year, pick-up truck prices have not changed.

However, if you buy a Ford Ranger, you can still save money at this time because Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is offering rebates for popular pick-up truck. The offer is for three variants of the WildTrak, with rebates of up to RM7,188.

Those who choose the WildTrak and Ranger XL will receive cash rebates of up to RM7,000, while those who pick the Ranger XLT Plus can enjoy savings of RM7,188 (while stocks last).

“The Ford Ranger line-up continues to appeal to a wide range of customers with its reputation as a capable and versatile pickup that is suited for any purpose, be it work, play or both. By offering these savings, we hope to lighten the financial load for customers who wish to be a proud owner of a tough and versatile Ford Ranger,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Three choices
The Ranger WildTrak is equipped with the proven 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 213 ps/500 Nm, enabling the Ranger to overcome challenging conditions while also being able to cruise effortlessly at high speeds.

With an extensive suite of smart technologies, many of which are first and only in-class, the WildTrak is safe and capable with a level of refinement that is above average for the typical pick-up truck.

The Ranger XLT Plus is powered by a 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine that produces 180 ps/420 Nm, plenty for hauling heavy cargo. It comes with convenience features such as keyless entry with pushstart ignition and the innovative Easy Lift Tailgate which takes away the heaviness of the tailgate.

Those who are looking for a reliable and tough workhorse will find the Ranger XL well suited to many tasks. It can haul up to 1,000 kgs and tow a load of up to 3,500 kgs. The Ranger XL is ‘Built Ford Tough’, which also applies to every Ranger model.

Test-drive from your doorstep
Find out what driving a Ranger is like at your convenience by requesting for a test drive vehicle at home or at the office (within 10 kms radius of an authorised Ford dealership). The request can be made either contacting the dealership directly, submitting an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website or by sending a message to the Ford Digital Salesperson on the WhatsApp sales line at 019 204 1200.

The ‘Digital Salesperson’ will also be able to address all customer queries relating to vehicle purchase including stock availability, loan financing options, roadtax and vehicle registration fees as well as insurance options.

Three more top awards for Ford Ranger in Europe

Crack the code and receive an exclusive reward from Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce recently unveiled Wraith Kryptos Collection, an exclusive collection of 50 cars which have cryptic codes around the bodywork. Owners of these cars are invited to crack the codes and submit their findings via Rolls-Royce’s highly exclusive members’ club, the Whispers Application.

Only two people know the answers which are locked in a safe in the CEO’s office – the person who created the codes and the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Rolls-Royce doesn’t set a time limit on the challenge nor says what it will reward the person or persons who submit the right answer.

Having learnt that the public is also intrigued by this challenge but not everyone can buy one of the cars, Rolls-Royce has created an interactive online game with a similar theme. The carmaker stresses that the game – known as ‘The Kryptos Enigma‘ – is inspired by, but not linked to the cryptic codes on the cars. So owners who participate should not think they can have an easier way to discover the hidden messages.

The game, which requires the use of a mobilephone or tablet, has four levels, each getting progressively harder. Participants start off guiding an orb through a maze by tilting their mobile device in the direction they wish to travel, in a time-pressured challenge. Next, a series of questions will reveal just how keen the cryptographer player really is.

Link to The Kryptos Enigma

The third level will test the observation skills of the participant – only the most cunning will succeed! The final phase consists is designed to boggle and bewilder. This level is the reserve of the most agile and determined minds alone.

The first ten individuals from anywhere in the world to complete the game will receive their very own personalised Rolls-Royce treadplate. Terms and conditions apply and these can be viewed at this link where the game also has its beginning with a QR code.

You have until to 12 noon British Summer Time on September 23rd, 2020 (7 pm Malaysian time) to submit your answers. Should you not succeed, we will disavow any knowledge of sending you on this mission. Good luck!

For Rolls-Royce, every product must be perfect – even scale models (w/VIDEO)

New BMW X1 sDrive 1.8i in showrooms this weekend, priced from RM208,368

Along with the new M135i xDrive, BMW Malaysia has also introduced the new X1 sDrive18i which, being assembled locally, now enjoys full exemption of sales tax until the end of 2020. This puts its pricetag at a very attractive RM208,368.48, excluding insurance premium.

The new variant joins the X1 sDrive20i M Sport introduced in January this year, extending the BMW second generation of the F48 SAV line-up. Colour choices are Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, and Mineral Grey, with interior upholstery in black Leather Dakota.

1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo unit
Under the bonnet is a BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine which produces up to 140 bhp with 220 Nm of torque. Power flows to the wheels through a 7-Speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch, giving the X1 the potential to reach 100 km/h from standing in a claimed 9.6 second and achieve a top speed of 201 km/h.

Having a small displacement helps in fuel efficiency for the engine which has won an International Engine of the Year award for 5 consecutive years since 2015. BMW claims it has a fuel consumption of 15.9 kms/litre which would give a range of around 800 kms on a full tank.

With the same basic styling as the X1 sDrive20i M Sport, the sDrive18i comes with LED headlights, front LED foglights, satin-finish aluminium roof rails and exterior trim, as well as 560 17-inch light alloy wheels in V-spoke style.

Most spacious interior in class
Claimed to have the most spacious interior in its class, the SAV’s boot capacity can be expanded from 505 litres to 1,550 litres. The automatic tailgate with Comfort Access makes opening and closing easier as no manual operation is needed. Great for the times when both hands are carrying grocery bags.

The cockpit features interior trim finishers in black high-gloss and highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome. For the driver, there’s a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and front occupants have the convenience of electrically-adjustable front seats. Two-zone automatic air conditioning keeps the entire cabin cool and comfortable while the grey headliner helps to give a brighter ambience.

The infotainment system is managed by BMW’s intuitive iDrive system. Its 8.8-inch Control Display can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and even voice control.

Driving assistance systems to enhance safety included the BMW Personal CoPilot, which includes the Lane Departure Warning. The system also has Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention and a High-beam Assistant. Speed limit information is displayed to keep the driver aware of how fast he or she is allowed to travel.

From RM,2,378 a month
Those who use the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia will be able to own the X1 sDrive18i with monthly instalments of RM2,378.00. This is based on estimates of an 80% loan with a 5-year repayment period (terms and conditions apply).

Each SAV comes with a 5-year warranty (no mileage limit), Free Scheduled Service, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.

MINI and BMW prices with Sales Tax exemption

Bugatti Baby II soon to be delivered to customers

At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, Bugatti announced a new ‘baby’ as its 110th birthday present to itself. It was the reimagining of the original Bugatti Baby, developed in partnership with The Little Car Company, for enthusiasts old and new.

A year later, the company has completed the design and testing phase, with production of 500 units commencing. When it was first announced, all 500 cars were booked within just 3 weeks but as some customers have had a change in circumstances due to recent global events, there are now a few units still available. Prices range from €30,000 to €43,500 (equivalent to RM150,000 – RM216,000).

Like the original but bigger
The original Bugatti Baby was born in 1926 when Ettore and his son Jean decided to build a scaled-down Type 35 for Ettore’s youngest son, Roland, on the occasion of his fourth birthday. They had intended the present as a one-off car but customers who saw it were so enthusiastic that the Baby went into production and was sold between 1927 and 1936.

Cherished by Bugatti enthusiasts worldwide, no collection is complete without a Baby. However, with only around 500 ever made, they have been the preserve of the lucky few.

Bugatti T 52 Baby and Bugatti 35 — The original Baby, referred to internally as T 52, was a scaled-down version of the Type 35 (above). It was meant to be a one-off for Bugatti’s son but customers liked it so much that Bugatti built another 500.

While the original Bugatti Baby was a 50% scale version of the car that brought Automobiles Ettore Bugatti to fame in the 1920s, the Bugatti Baby II (as it is referred to) offers more in terms of size and considerably more in terms of performance.

Eight-year olds would struggle to fit in the original half-scale Baby whereas, at 75% scale and designed for ages 14 and above, the Baby II has definitely become more of a young adult. Those who have had the opportunity to drive it describe it as ‘more of an unruly teenager than a Baby’.

“Ettore Bugatti himself was already interested in catering to the children of Bugatti enthusiasts and designed the Type 52 miniature car as a genuine Bugatti. That was a sensation at the time,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “We are continuing this tradition with the new edition of the Bugatti Baby II, and I am delighted that we have found The Little Car Company, a partner that shares the same values as us. With the Bugatti Baby II, we invite a young generation of enthusiasts to fall in love with the wonderful world of Bugatti.”

Iconic design, today’s technology
The Bugatti Baby II is available in three versions – a base model, the Vitesse and Pur Sang. The base model has a composite body and a 1.4-kWh battery pack. With the Vitesse, there’s a more powerful 2.8-kWh battery pack in the carbonfibre body. Its upgraded powertrain includes a Speed Key like its big brother, the Chiron.

The Pur Sang version is targeted at collectors. This offers the same powertrain as the Vitesse but with hand-formed aluminium bodywork. Using the same traditional coachbuilding techniques as the original Bugatti Type 35, each aluminium body takes more than 200 hours of skilled craftsmanship to create.

Variable speed limit and power
Still rear wheel drive like the original, all versions of the Baby II have a limited slip differential, high performance hydraulic brakes and selectable driving modes. The Base model can be limited to 20 km/h in Novice mode while Expert mode limits speed 45 km/h with a maximum of 4 kW of power.

The Vitesse and Pur Sang versions include the Novice and Expert driving modes but also offer extra performance from the upgraded powertrain, unlocked by the legendary Bugatti Speed Key. This allows for up to 10 kW (13.4 bhp) to be used. With a total weight of just 230 kgs, the Baby II will be spinning the Michelin tyres as it sprints from standstill to a 70 km/h top speed. Depending on the weight of the driver, 0 – 60 km/h could be done in just 6 seconds.

Although the Baby II would not be legal on public roads so its driver won’t be travelling to the grocery shop down the road, the base lithium-ion battery pack combined with regenerative braking can give up to 25 kms of range on a single charge, with the larger battery pack in the Vitesse & Pur Sang doubling that figure. That means longer driving sessions on the test course around the home.

Like the full-sized electric cars, there’s the same balance of performance or range. If the driver prefers to enjoy the full performance of the Baby II, then the range would of course be less. If recharging is too time-consuming, the battery pack can be easily taken out and replaced with one already charged and ready to do.

2020 Bugatti Baby II — *Andy Wallace, a British racing driver who is also Bugatti’s test driver, was involved in tuning the handling of the Baby II.*

Authentic handling too
When it comes to handling, the Baby II is completely true to its mythical predecessor, the Bugatti Type 35. Based on a digital 3D scan of an original Lyon GP car with identical geometry and suspension, the handling is as authentic as an enthusiast could hope for.

The only nod to modernity is the introduction of adjustable dampers, allowing tailoring of the handling in ways not possible in the Type 35’s heyday. Bugatti’s test driver, Andy Wallace, was also involved in the final development of the tuning and set-up of the Baby II.

Other features which will appeal to enthusiasts include faithful working replicas of the original Type 35’s instruments, with some adaption for modernity. The turned aluminium dashboard is as present and correct as it was on the original Type 35, and custom ‘EB’ switches operate the LED headlights.

The car can even be customised in multiple colours for both the exterior and interior, including the exact same solid shades available on the Chiron, and an online configurator is available.

Bugatti Divo hypercar reaches final phase of development

New BMW M135i xDrive (F40) in showrooms from July 28, priced from RM355,646

The BMW 1-Series has been around for some 16 years and has been the smallest model in the BMW range. It reached its third generation (F40) last year and will be available in Malaysia from next week (July 28). Only one variant is offered by BMW Malaysia and that is the new M135i xDrive which, with the exemption of sales tax, will be priced from RM355,646.25 (without insurance).

Greater presence on the road
Compared to the second generation, this new generation has greater presence with the design language providing a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW features. Its distinctive kidney grille is finished in Cerium Grey and an exclusive mesh design replaces the classical bars. The merging of the two sides of the grille has a more unified style that suits the enlarged size.

Adaptive LED headlights, now slanting in design, flank the grille while the front and side air inlets, exterior mirror caps and the 100-mm exhaust tailpipes are all finished in the same Cerium Grey. On each corner are newly designed 19-inch 8J light alloy wheels in V-spoke Style 557 M Bicolour, fitted with broad 235/35 tyres.

At the rear, three-dimensional two-part taillights with the classic BMW L-shape emphasise the vehicle’s width. Also standard is a BMW M rear spoiler to not only enhance the sporty image but also provide extra downforce.

Customers can order their M135i xDrive in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey or Melbourne Red. Interior choices are black Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with black perforations or Magma Red Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with grey highlight and black perforations.

With ‘M’ as part of its designation, it’s only to be expected that this new BMW model will get a powerplant worthy of ‘M’. And it does: the 2-litre M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine (B48) which puts out 306 bhp/450 Nm. With an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the M135i xDrive is claimed to take 4.8 seconds to get to 100 km/h from zero and top out at 250 km/h which is the set limit.

More capable xDrive system
The xDrive system has front-wheel drive architecture that also features technology transferred from BMW i. The ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel-slip limitation) – as seen in the all-electric BMW i3s – improves traction and enables noticeably more sensitive and faster intervention on the driven front axle. This is made possible by the slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit, which results in a shorter signal path with engine output imperceptibly reduced as soon as threat of wheel slip on the front wheels is detected.

The all-wheel drive system also has a newly developed Torsen LSD integrated into the transmission which optimises traction by distributing power to individual wheels. It functions as a front differential and channels power to the wheel with the most traction in fast corners. Additionally, the Torsen differential has a Launch Control mode that maxes torque to 450 Nm in the first two gears.

To allow the driver to make full use of all the power and take the M135i xDrive to its high limits safely, the car is fitted with M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes. The latter offers superior fade resistance and strong stopping power.

The driving pleasure is enhanced by aural pleasure with Active Sound Design that amplifies the actual sound from the engine. The sound is modulated into a sporty soundtrack without generating increased external noise (which should keep the neighbours happy at night).

Advanced connectivity and assistance systems
To complement the driving pleasure, more advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems are installed in the car. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional is managed by the BMW Operating System 7.0 with a customisable 10.25-inch Instrument Display and high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen Control Display. There’s also a BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software upgrade and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

To allow the driver to focus on driving, the BMW Personal CoPilot takes over some of the safety concerns with its Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision Warning with braking function.

The Parking Assistant is also available, along with the intuitive Active Park Distance Control. The Reversing Assistant recalls the last 50 metres covered and is able to manoeuvre back the same way by taking over control of the steering wheel while the driver just controls acceleration and braking.

Increased width for more comfort
While the wheelbase is shorter than before, the cabin has gained wider interior dimensions which improves comfort for not just the driver and front passenger but the rear passengers as well. And thanks to the space-saving rear-axle design, luggage capacity has increased by 20 litres to 380 litres.

The cockpit has ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim finishers and Leather Dakota upholstery. Electrically-adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory function, two-zone automatic air conditioning and the BMW Individual Headliner Anthracite are standard. Also included is a wireless charger along with a 16-speaker 464-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Buying the new M135i xDrive
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can help make you the owner of the M135i xDrive with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,058 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure, terms and conditions apply).

For a complete premium ownership experience, owners will receive a 5-year warranty with free scheduled service, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.

By the way, if you book the new car at BMW Shop Online (a deposit of just RM1,000 is required), you could also win a new BMW i8 Coupe.

Visit www.bmw.com.my for more information or to locate a nearby authorised BMW dealership.

BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage digitalise premium ownership experience

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