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Ford Performance honours achievements in endurance racing with special Ford GT editions (w/VIDEO)

America has many races of its own and understandably, the American carmakers have focussed more on their domestic events. In as far as the legendary events in Europe are concerned, American cars have not featured strongly though many have been entered.

However, where the classic Le Mans endurance race is concerned, Ford has participated in the past and also present and the Ford GT is America’s only Le Mans-winning car. That was back in 1966 and Ford won another three years in a row.

Ford Performance recalls this achievement in endurance racing with two new enhancements today for the 2021 Ford GT. One is the first ever Heritage Edition inspired by the original model’s first endurance win at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental race, plus an all-new Studio Collection package offers even more exclusivity and design enhancements.

“For this Heritage Edition, the Ford Performance team went deeper into the Ford GT’s race history and crafted a limited-edition model that stylistically honours the 55th anniversary of the Daytona 24 Hour endurance race that would eventually lead to our successes at Le Mans,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “Plus, for customers who want to highlight the carbonfibre body and functional cooling ducts that help deliver Le Mans-winning performance, the Ford GT Studio Collection offers another new way GT fans can personalize their supercars.”

The Daytona-inspired Heritage Edition
The latest Heritage Edition to join the Ford GT supercar family is a tribute to the winner of the 1966 Daytona 24-Hour Continental, where Ford achieved its first 24-hour endurance win, which is captured in the 2019 film ‘Ford v Ferrari’ – or ‘Le Mans ’66’, as it is known in Europe.

Inspired by the bold white, black and red exterior of the 1966 GT40 MK II racing car, the Heritage Edition features Frozen White exterior paint with exposed carbonfibre bonnet adding stark contrast. Asymmetrical Race Red accents on the front fascia and roof edge, driver’s side door and underneath the rear wing add distinct visuals, while exposed carbonfibre shapes the signature 98 roundel graphics and highlight the lightweight body.

Unique Ford graphics on the lower rear-quarter panels plus one-piece Heritage Gold 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels paired with red lacquered Brembo monoblock brake calipers complete this new exterior livery.

Inside, the lightweight driver-centric interior features unique appointments including black Alcantara suede wrapping the instrument panel, headliner and steering wheel rim, while anodized red paddle shifters and red Alcantara suede performance seats add dramatic contrast to the interior.

For customers wanting an even bolder look, an optional Heritage Upgrade Package includes 20-inch exposed carbonfibre wheels with a unique gloss red-painted inner accent barrel, while monoblock brake calipers are lacquered in black and detailed with Brembo lettering in red. Inside, ghosted 98 roundels provide a subtle contrast on both driver and passenger carbonfibre door panels of this this package.

Ford GT Studio Collection
Ford Performance has also created an exclusive series for the supercar line-up known as the Ford GT Studio Collection. This all-new graphics package with customizable colours highlights key styling elements, including the functional cooling ducts that helps the 2021 Ford GT deliver all 660 horsepower during the most strenuous, high-temperature sessions at the track.

The body and graphics can be customized with seven standard colours or further personalized with an extended palette offering endless colour combinations for even greater exclusivity. Only 40 cars are slated to receive the Studio Collection package across the 2021 and 2022 model years.

Ford originally planned to make just 500 units over two years from 2016. But demand was so great (some 6,500 people wanted to buy one when it was announced) that another two years of production were added, raising total output to 1,000 units. Then in 2018, the company again extended the production period that was to have ended in 2020 to 2022, and added another 350 units.

So for now, production is to end in 2022 with a total of 1,350 units delivered. But with a new President, Jim Farley, coming on board and one who is a car guy – and even goes racing himself – things may change. We might even see more sports-focussed models in coming years…

Visit Sime Darby Auto ConneXion to know more about Ford models available in Malaysia, including the Mustang which comes with full aftersales support.

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is back!

F1 (Round 6): Results And Highlights Of 2020 Spanish Grand Prix

♦ With temperatures already at 30 degrees C. when the race started, managing the tyres was a major part of the race strategy for the Mercedes-AMG drivers. It was evident from the beginning laps as they moderated lap times.

♦ Unlike his advantageous situation at Silverstone in the previous round, Max Verstappen found his tyres (especially the rear ones) to be less than satisfactory at Catalunya.

♦ After 22 laps, the drivers were struggling with the tyres and heading for the pits to get fresh sets. 3 of them held out till over 30 laps.

*Empty stands, as it has been in the other five rounds this year.*

♦ At the halfway mark, while Hamilton kept a 5.5-second gap from Verstappen, the action was closer in the midfield between drivers like Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc and Land Norris.

♦ The engine of Leclerc’s Ferrari cut suddenly on lap 40, causing a spin and stall. He managed to get it restarted and limped to the pits, his race over.

♦ It may have been blistering hot but as 20 laps remained, the possibility of rain grew stronger. That was something unexpected since it had not rained at a Spanish GP in 21 years.

♦ With 13 laps left to go, the Ferrari team decided – and Vettel agreed – that he would not change tyres and aim to finish on the very old set he had. But he found it hard to hold off other cars and slipped from fifth to seventh.

♦ With 4 laps remaining, Hamilton had a comfortable 17-second gap from Verstappen, who had to watch out for Valtteri Bottas making a bid to end with a Mercedes-AMG 1-2.

♦ With one lap remaining, Bottas changed his tyres with the aim of going for the fastest lap and managed to pick up an extra point.

New Bentley Bentayga Speed takes its place as flagship of the SUV range

Bentley’s first SUV, the Bentayga, arrived in the market in late 2015 and since then, it has become the brand bestselling model. Now the range gets an additional variant in the form of the new Bentayga Speed which takes its place as the flagship. It combines the W12 powertrain and many of the models’ luxurious features as standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.

Building on a long tradition of Speed models that began with the Continental GT in 2007, the new Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proved by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.

The new Bentayga Speed builds on the completely refreshed design of the latest version of the SUV, adopting the same Bentley design DNA now prevalent across the entire model range. Introducing the very latest onboard technology and an even more cosseting cabin, the new model is significantly revised both inside and out.

“The new Bentayga has already raised the benchmark for luxury SUVs, against which all others are measured. Ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga Hybrid in the coming months, it’s important that we still recognise the customer desire for absolute performance. The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world but, more than that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga – the best of both worlds, the pinnacle,” declared Bentley’s Chairman & CEO, Adrian Hallmark.

Performance and agility
The Bentayga Speed elevates already high performance levels, exploiting the 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 ps/900 Nm. The maximum speed is raised to 306 km/h, while the 0 – 100 km/h sprint can be completed in a claimed 3.9 seconds.

Efficiency is also an important aspect of such a powerful engine, which takes the skilled engine builders approximately 10% of the total hours required for the manufacture of the Bentayga Speed. To achieve effective cylinder deactivation with the complex layout of the W12, the engine control unit deactivates one complete bank of 6 cylinders as required.

Switching between A and B Bank using information from the inlet and exhaust sensors, minimises cylinder and catalytic convertor cool down and avoids spikes in exhaust emissions. This not only benefits carbon dioxide emissions but realises significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions.

In 5th to 8th gears, when the driver releases the throttle (at motorway cruising speed, for example) the car will open the torque converter, dropping the engine to idle and simply allowing the car to roll or ‘sail’. When the throttle is re-applied, or the car starts going downhill and detects an increase in speed, the transmission is re-engaged.

To use this power appropriately, the Bentayga Speed is equipped with four on-road Drive Dynamics modes: Comfort at one extreme; Sport at the other and with Bentley mode – the balanced recommendation of Bentley’s chassis team in Crewe – along with a Custom mode for customers who opt to create their own driving set-up.

Uniquely for the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride.

Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver superior cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive to drive.

The Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight savings of more than 20 kgs over iron brakes.

Purposeful looks
To match the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured sideskirts, unique front and rear bumpers together with dark-tint radiator and bumpers grilles, and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the performance credentials.

A unique 22-inch wheel design is available in two finishes (painted and dark tint) and Speed signature badging to add to the sporting design cues. At the rear, the exhaust finishers are now the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain.

17 standard paint colours are supplemented by a further 47 hues in the Extended and Mulliner ranges, with an additional 24 duo-tone options. That’s 88 options but if a customer cannot find exactly what he or she wants, the paintwork colour can be matched to any sample provided. The range is complemented by a palette of 15 hide colours, 6 colour splits and 8 veneers and 2 technical finishes.

Balance of luxury and performance inside
Inside, the Bentayga Speed introduces a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance. The unique Speed colour split is achieved through the use of dark colours enhanced by primary hide accents running throughout the seats and interior trim. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console.

‘Speed’ seat embroidery on the backrest of all of the seats is included as standard and, as a no-cost option, customers can choose to replace the ‘Speed’ embroidery with that of the Bentley logo. A new contrast stitching design through the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification (included as standard) is unique to the Speed, with each of the stitch lines running through the quilting being split.

Sector-leading infotainment
Setting new standards in the sector for customer technology interfaces, the Bentayga flagship introduces a new, cutting-edge infotainment system. A bigger and brighter, high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen, with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating and much improved touch functionality, now spans the entire width of the centre fascia.

The advanced navigation system features free-text, context-specific search entry, including an address or point of interest. Navigation is improved with a 3-dimensional building display, satellite maps, content in the driver’s next generation Head-Up Display and several other useful features. The Head-Up Display can now project traffic information, street names and distance to destination too.

The fully digital driver’s information panel is similar to the one found in the Continental GT and new Flying Spur. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real-time lighting effects with elegant animations. The high-resolution screen can be viewed in either Classic (traditional two-dial design of speedometer and tachometer) or Expanded format that has the right dial replaced with an area for maps and media information.

How Bentley ensures the highest quality for its cars

Human Horizons HiPhi X being readied for launch at Beijing Auto Show next month

It’s been a year since Human Horizons, a company based in China, unveiled its HiPhi concept electric vehicle (EV). When it made its global debut, the EV was described as a ‘premium supercar-inspired electric SUV’; this year, it has become an ‘Evolvable Super SUV’, said to be representative of a new generation of intelligent EVs.

Like many EVs, the HiPhi X has a sharp profile to slip through the air. Because it uses entirely new architecture, its design is not constrained by ‘legacy structures’ of earlier EVs. Measuring 5.2 metres long, its lightweight hybrid aluminium construction will complement the concept of sustainability with the adoption of vegan leather and the use of recyclable materials.

AI developed with Microsoft
With a virtually clean start, the designers have been able to incorporate many features which draw heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for functioning and occupant comfort. The advanced, highly-personalized onboard AI assistant, known as HiPhiGo, has been developed in collaboration with Microsoft. HiPhiGo is highly sensory, with an array of intelligent functions, including a level of reasoning and continuous learning whilst interacting with its occupants, the surrounding environment and a multitude of vehicle parameters.

This new breed of self-learning smart vehicle has a ‘neural network’ consisting of 6 “super brain” domain controllers, connected by 1G Ethernet, which provides a higher transmission rate than traditional CAN networks. HiPhiGo is able to analyse massive amounts of information and make decisions utilizing cloud computing with a powerful data analysis engine, which results in a truly intelligent and smart vehicle.

Level 3 autonomous capability
As would be expected, the HiPhi X – which can seat 6 persons – will be able to operate autonomously. Initially, Level 3 autonomous driving will be available. Level 3 autonomous capability is the start of truly autonomous motoring where the driver can set the destination and leave the driving to the computer. However, use of the autonomous feature will only be possible on dedicated highways or lanes. The driver will also have to become ‘involved’ occasionally in complex traffic situations.

4-wheel steering will make parking easy.

In time, the HiPhi X or future models should be able to progress to the more advanced Level 5 which will allow for fully autonomous motoring where the car’s computer’s handles everything, including negotiating jams and parking by itself. That will not only depend on advancements in vehicle technology but also the public infrastructure.

RWD or AWD
For emission-free propulsion, the HiPhi X will have rear and all-wheel drive options and use 268-hp Bosch electric motors. Acceleration time is claimed to be under 4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

Customers will be able to choose lithium-ion battery packs according to their anticipated needs. Those who do not foresee travelling out of the city could use a smaller battery pack and for those who expect to do regular long-distance travel, the 96 kWh battery pack could be specified which gives a claimed range of 610 kms.

The project is now its final phase of development with a launch planned at the Beijing Auto Show on September 26 and first deliveries to customers starting in 2021. The cars will be built in Jiangsu province to the north of Shanghai at a factory owned by a Dongfeng joint-venture with Kia.

F1 (Round 6): Preview & Starting Grid for 2020 Spanish Grand Prix

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

The compressed revised schedule of 2020 Formula 1 World Championship continues this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit is a familiar one to the F1 teams as it is where they go for pre-season testing. Located in the Barcelona area, the circuit has been in operation since 1991.

The 4.655-km circuit has 16 turns and though many drivers have driven around it a lot, it is still challenging with its broad mix of corner types. There are swift changes in direction and a long start-finish straight that tests both the car’s strength and weaknesses. Each year, teams search for the best set-up to enable their drivers to extract the maximum from the machines.

To get that right set-up can be elusive; there are strong winds blowing at the circuit and they change not just in direction but also speed. So aerodynamics are very important although they are important everywhere else too.

Hotter than usual
For this weekend, there is concern about high temperatures. This has not been a major issue in the past as the Spanish Grand Prix usually runs in May when it is still cool. However, it is now mid-August and the engineers are preparing the cars to cope with temperatures of around 30 degrees C.

Pirelli is bringing its most durable compounds to cope with the heat and high loads of fast corners such as Turn 3. The C1 is nominated as the hard tyre with C2 and C3 and medium and soft tyres, respectively.

The hot conditions can be a problem for the Mercedes-AMG cars, as evident at Silverstone last weekend. It’s possible that similarly high temperatures could give Red Bull Racing a chance to claim a second victory of the season after Max Verstappen’s success.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to Spain when it’s been this hot. The weather is beautiful, but it’s tricky for the car and very tough on the tyres as well. We didn’t see any blistering, the tyres felt OK and the long runs didn’t look too bad, but we also didn’t see any blistering last Friday, so we’ll have to remain careful,” said Lewis Hamilton, who will start from pole position at tomorrow’s race.

The Ferrari drivers also find conditions challenging but have been doing well in practices. “I am confident we can extract the maximum out of the car in quali and if I manage to get the balance where I want it to be, we can have a pretty good result. With regards to the heat, out on track is not that hard because at least there’s some air, but when you are in the garage… it’s like being in a sauna!” said Charles Leclerc.

Max Verstappen is now second
After winning last weekend, Verstappen is now second in the Driver’s Championship, 30 points behind leader Hamilton. Valtteri Bottas is, however, not far behind with a gap of just 4 points.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team has a good lead with 180 points after 5 rounds, 67 points ahead of Red Bull Racing and 125 points ahead of Ferrari. The Italian team has had the most wins here, having won 12 times, of which 5 were won by Michael Schumacher who has also won the event the most times.

BMW Malaysia introduces X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition, priced from RM886,551

Although the SUV trend accelerated during the 1990s, BMW didn’t immediately come out with a model as it wanted to make sure that such a vehicle would still have not just BMW DNA but more importantly, the driving dynamics that the brand had been noted for.

Only when its engineers were able to do that did the carmaker introduce a model for the SUV segment but called it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This was the X5 which made its global debut in 1999 and began a new line of models with the all-wheel drive known as xDrive.

The driving dynamics of the X model, with advanced drivetrain and chassis technologies, make them completely credible as BMW models, And over the years, as with all its other models, BMW has developed its SAVs to deliver higher and higher performance. In recent years, they have also gained advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features.

Two of its latest high-performance SAVs are now available, having made their appearance at the Secret Garage @ M Town last night. They are the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition, priced at RM886,551 and RM904,276, respectively.

2020 BMW X4M Competition — *2020 BMW X4 M Competition*

2020 BMW X3M Competition — *2020 BMW X3 M Competition*

Style and speed
The new X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition possess the characteristic M design elements in the familiar form of X models. The front end has a distinctive apron with a large, hexagonal air intake to provide optimal ventilation for the front brakes under high thermal loads.

Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant, along with full-LED taillights provide the driver with powerful and widespread illumination while also making the vehicles visible to other road-users from a distance.

At each corner are 21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels. On the roof, the X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in high-gloss black and an M-specific roof spoiler, while the sleeker X4 M Competition has a black spoiler.

510 bhp/600 Nm from 3 litres
Powering the two M models is a 510 bhp/600 Nm M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine with a displacement of 3 litres. It can take the SAVs to 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a speed-limited maximum of 250 km/h.

Both models use the same M-engineered 8-speed Steptronic transmission with 3 Drivelogic modes – Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus. There’s also an Active M Differential while the M Sport exhaust system – recognisable by its four black chrome tailpipes – adds a distinctive sound at going full throttle.

The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system allows for conventional variable power distribution, or a Sport mode can be selected to have even more pronounced and dynamic rear-wheel bias.

The chassis has been upgraded with a high proportion of M-specific components for sportier driving characteristics, improving not just performance but handling and lateral dynamics as well. Some areas of upgrading include the strut brace, adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers. M Compound Brakes (made of composite materials to reduce weight) give even more powerful deceleration.

Spacious but still M sporty
Like the sedan models, BMW SAVs also have interiors that are sports-oriented, more so with the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition. The spacious cabins have an iconic M interior ambience that starts with entry sills bearing the M designation. Comfortable front seats with active seat ventilation and lumbar support are standard and there is a M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button.

These are complemented by the redesigned M gear selector lever and the 3-level controls for the engine, damper and steering responses. Further M-specific highlights are ‘Carbon Fibre’ interior trim finishers, decorative seams in BMW M colours, M seatbelts, M pedals, along with a M-specific instrument cluster, and knee pads. The sculptured M Sport seats, with illuminated M badges below the semi-integrated head restraints, comes with premium Leather Merino upholstery.

As SAVs, the luggage capacity is a strong point and for the X3 M Competition, the volume can be expanded from 550 litres to 1,600 litres. The X4 M Competition offers no less than 525 litres but if the rear seats are not occupied and the backrests folded down, the volume can be increased to 1,430 litres.

Rear passengers in the X3 M Competition can have more comfort with adjustable backrests and also be less exposed to sunshine (or have more privacy) with roller sunblinds on the rear side windows, both exclusive features.

Advanced assistance and safety systems
Advanced assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features make driving safer and more enjoyable. There’s a Head-Up Display with M-specific display variants, along with the Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Plus featuring Surround View and Remote 3D Service.

The advanced infotainment system fitted as standard has a 10.25-inch display that can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and the BMW Gesture Control. ConnectedDrive Services provide Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

The Harman Kardon surround-sound 9-channel system has 600W of amplifier power which delivers superior sound reproduction through 16 speakers. A charging pad is also present for wireless charging of compatible smartphones.

Book online with RM5,000
The X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are available all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from this weekend. Customers can also book new models on at the BMW Shop Online (www.shop.bmw.com.my/) with a deposit of RM5,000. Those who use this booking channel could win a new BMW i8 Coupe.

As with other new BMWs, there is a 5-year warranty (no limit on mileage) and a programme of free scheduled service. BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline are also provided while all owners enjoy the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card. BMW Service Online makes it easy to contact the dealership to book service appointments or make queries.

New BMW M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe launched

100% financing packages to buy new Toyota or Lexus models

It’s a good time to buying a new car in Malaysia this year as sales tax is being exempted. The exemption is being given as part of a huge initiative to help many sectors recover after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who are considering Toyota or Lexus models, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is collaborating offering attractive financing packages of up to 100% financing for all Malaysian citizens aged between 18 to 65 years old.

*Toyota Rush – one of the models that can be purchased with the finance packages.*

Two financing options, no downpayment
The packages, offered in collaboration with Bank Rakyat, follow Islamic financing principles and consist of two types of financing options. They are An-Naqlu 1, which offers 90% financing follows the Shariah concept of Al Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai’ (AITAB) and An-Naqlu 2, which offers 100% financing follows the Shariah concept of Tawarruq. Customer can repay over a period of between 4 to 9 years under these schemes.

Customers aged between 18 to 60 years old do not have to make any downpayment (subject to terms and conditions) under AN NAQLU 2. There is also a special Graduate Scheme available with zero down payment to graduates aged 20 – 30 years old with a diploma and have been currently employed for at least 3 months. For those with less than 3 months of employment, a guarantor is required.

2020 Lexus UX — *The smallest Lexus model available in Malaysia is the UX,*

“We are always working with our business partners to provide affordable ownership solutions to our customers. Bank Rakyat offers this special scheme to help different customer groups to own brand-new Toyota and Lexus vehicle,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

For senior citizens
There is another financing scheme under AN NAQLU 1 (AITAB) exclusively for senior citizens. They should be below 65 years old at the end of the financing period and will need to transfer their pension to a Bank Rakyat savings account.

‘BR Malaysia 2.0’ has a special promotional rate for these financing schemes and is valid until September 30, 2020.

For more information, customers can visit any authorised Toyota or Lexus dealer or any Bank Rakyat Auto Financing Centre or branches. To locate an authorised Toyota showroom, visit the Toyota Malaysia website at www.toyota.com.my ; for authorised Lexus showrooms, visit www.lexus.com.my.

Lower maintenance costs with Toyota Service Savers packages

New BMW M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe launched

BMW Malaysia tonight introduced the M8 Coupe (F92) and M8 Gran Coupe (F93) as the newest high-powered members of its portfolio. Priced RM1,452,960.88 and RM1,455,145.25, respectively, the new BMW models are with a choice of seven colours: Alpine White, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey and Barcelona Blue. The interiors come with Merino Leather, in either Black or Silverstone.

Optionally, BMW Individual is available for owners to personalise their cars. For those who cannot wait, one unit of the M8 Coupe in BMW Individual Frozen Bluestone exterior is available for purchase immediately (at an additional RM30,000).

Both new models are available at authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from today. If you are convinced one of these cars is for you, go straight to the BMW Online Shop at www.shop bmw.com.my where you can place your booking for RM5,000.And who knows, you might also get to win a new BMW i8 Coupe.

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM16,578 and RM16,598, respectively (terms and conditions applicable).

New frontal design language
The two models present the newly introduced 8-Series design language with muscular sculpted surfaces and distinctive characteristics at the front. These include the new M-specific front apron, along with the BMW kidney grille featuring M-specific decorative mesh, double slats and M8 designation.

The slender BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant are positioned slightly higher than the kidney grille, widening towards the road to emphasise the low-slung stance and low centre of gravity.

Both exterior mirrors have the characteristic M twin-stalk design and in typical fashion of BMW coupes, there are frameless side windows with BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line. Flared aluminium wings with M gills and M8 designation emphasise track width and wheel size.

Towards the rear, both models sport the M rear spoiler, as well as M-specific M8 rear diffuser and M-specific exhaust system with twin tailpipes and chrome trims.

Other highlights of the two-door M8 Coupe and four-door M8 Gran Coupe include the soft-close function for doors and carbon roof made of self-coloured carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) that saves weight and lowers the centre of gravity. 20-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 810 M Bicolour with mixed tyres are fitted.

Most powerful BMW M engine
Both cars have the same powerplant under the long bonnet: the completely redesigned high-revving S63 V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. This 4.4-litre unit is the most powerful BMW M engine ever built for a production model, generating up to 600 bhp/750 Nm. That gives a 0 to 100 km/h capability claimed to be 3.3 seconds and a top speed beyond 250 km/h but not attainable since the maximum speed is electronically limited.

The engine’s characteristics can be personalised in one of three modes – the default EFFICIENT setting, SPORT or SPORT PLUS. Depending on the mode selected, the system will change the response to accelerator pedal pressure as well as the sound characteristics of the flap-controlled exhaust system. A Sound Control button next to the gear selector lever is available for drivers wanting to adjust the sound from the M exhaust system according to their personal preferences.

Power flows through a new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, operated sequentially via an M8-specific gear selector in S mode, or manually via paddles on the steering wheel.

Driving dynamics are enhanced with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system that has rear-wheel bias. For skilled and experienced drivers, the fully variable torque split can be adapted to personal preferences. The 4WD default setting can be switched to 4WD Sport and, with the DSC switched off, a rear-wheel-drive-only 2WD mode can be used on the track.

The models are also fitted with the M-specific integrated brake system. This innovative technology combines brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions in one compact module. The required brake pressure is established by an electric actuator, optimising braking dynamics and pedal feel as well as the precision and speed of DSC stability control interventions.

Sporty cockpit
As would be expected, the cockpit of both models has a sporty, low seating position with controls grouped into clusters according to their function. The M Sport seats, with illuminated M logo, come with many electric adjustment options including a Memory function.

The rear seats – upholstered in Merino leather as standard – are moulded to provide maximum lateral support which will be appreciated during ‘dynamic’ driving. With the rear backrests folded, the coupe has 420 litres of cargo space in the boot while the Gran Coupe has another 20 litres more.

For infotainment, there’s the BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on the BMW Operating System 7.0. This package consists of an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a high-resolution 10.25-inch Control Display and a full-colour Head-Up Display with additional M-specific displays.

Both models can be operated via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s latest voice control system, direct menu control buttons, the intuitive iDrive Touch Controller with its rotary/push button, the touchscreen Control Display or the Gesture Control system.

The new M Mode selector on the centre console can be used to control the driver assistance systems as well as the content of the instrument cluster displays and the Head-Up Display. M Mode can be used to activate the ROAD and SPORT settings and in addition to the M Mode selector, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enables drivers to use their normal, natural voice and speech pattern to interact with the vehicle.

BMW ConnectedDrive provides Connected Package Professional such as Remote Services, Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Apple CarPlay and Concierge Service. Other highlights include the Digital Key to unlock, start and lock the car using a compatible Samsung smartphone (available as part of the Comfort Access).

Limited-Time, Special Programmes
From August 15 to September 30, 2020, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models. The Limited-Time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the M2 Competition, M4 Coupe, M5 Sedan, M850i xDrive Coupe an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000, respectively.

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

Six pairs of original Jaguar E-Types to be restored to celebrate 60th anniversary in 2021

March 2021 will be the 60^th anniversary of the iconic British sportscar – the Jaguar E-Type. To mark the occasion, Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-types. The E-Type 60 Edition, as each car will be known, will be restored 3.8 E-Types with commemorative detailing and exclusive paint colours.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-types of all: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

Debut in Geneva
An Opalescent Gunmetal Grey 3.8-litre Fixed-Head Coupe registered ‘9600 HP’ was one of the first two E-types unveiled to specially-invited guests. Driven ‘flat out’ to Switzerland from Coventry the night before the launch, public relations manager Bob Berry arrived with minutes to spare for demonstration drives.

With an outstanding reaction to the E-Type resulting in overwhelming demand for drives with Berry, legendary Jaguar Test and Development Engineer Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and drive a British Racing Green 3.8-litre roadster registered ‘77 RW’ from Coventry to Geneva. He took did the drive across Europe through the night.

Both cars were also loaned to the media for their road tests, which confirmed the car’s performance, including its 241 km/h top speed. One of the contributors to the high performance was its jet aircraft-inspired lines on a bodywork refined in a wind tunnel.

Built by Jaguar Classic
Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility in England, the largest such facility in the world. There will be an existing 1960s 3.8-litre E-type fully-restored to exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.

Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one Flat Out Grey ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster, with unique paint formulations exclusively reserved for these cars. There will be a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details created in conjunction with Jaguar Design Director Julian Thomson.

A car that made an impact
Synonymous with the revolutionary zeitgeist of the Swinging Sixties, E-Types were owned by celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland. And, thanks to the beauty of its sculptural forms, its functionality and its impact on design, an E-Type became only the third car to join The Museum of Modern Art’s design collection in 1996.

“The Jaguar E-Type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961. It’s testament to the E-Type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.

“The E-Type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-Type admirers, honouring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team that created it – many of whom have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come,” he added.

1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe reborn

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