English Archives

Ford Mustang Mach 1 to return in early 2021

‘Mach 1’ – the speed of sound – would sound like a good name for any performance car, and Ford did just that for its high-performance variant of the Mustang when it was still in its first generation. The iconic fastback coupe debuted during the first golden era of musclecars, about 4 years after the Mustang was born.

The ’Mach 1’ badge was used only for the Sportsroof bodystyle, which was the name term Ford used for the fastback shape. Although having the same wheelbase as the other variants, the Mach 1 had extended front and rear overhangs and was longer than the other bodystyles.

“Mach 1 has always been that bridge between base Mustangs and the Shelby models,” said Ted Ryan, Heritage Brand Manager, Ford Archives. “From a style and handling perspective, the original Mach 1 managed to stand out as unique, even in the Mustang line-up – and as the name implies, it could really move.”

It was available during the first two generations of the Mustang line-up between 1968 and 1978 and then disappeared until the fourth generation offered a Mach 1 variant in 2003 and 2004.

Perfrmance-oriented limited edition
In early 2021, Ford will bring back the Mach 1 as an additional performance-oriented variant of the Mustang which is the world’s bestselling sportscar. It will have a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 and be track-ready. From the pictures of the prototype, it appears that the new Mach 1 won’t have its own bodystyle but Ford says it will be a limited edition.

“Mach 1 has a special place in Mustang history, and it’s time for this special edition to claim the top spot in our 5.0-litre V8 performance line-up and reward our most hardcore Mustang enthusiasts who demand that next level of power, precision and collectability,” said Dave Pericak, Director, Ford Icons. “Like the original, the all-new Mustang Mach 1 will be true to its heritage, delivering great looks and as the most track-capable 5.0-litre Mustang ever.”

Like the earlier Mach 1 generations, the new model is expected to deliver performance and improved dynamics. Those early cars had upgraded suspension and brakes and it is likely that the 2021 Mach 1 will also have upgrades like Brembo brakes to uphold its performance legacy.

The latest Mustang is available in Malaysia at Sime Darby Auto ConneXion. Visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information

Ford Mustang is bestselling sportscar in the world – for the fifth consecutive year

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

Coinciding with its re-opening in mid-May 2020, the Mercedes-Benz Museum created a video of the premises and displays using drones. The mini-drones, weighing less than 100 gms and carrying high-resolution 4K cameras with them hovered through small openings whilst filming – including through open doors and even into the interiors of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles!

Viewers can ‘fly’ through the open gullwing doors of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, for example, or follow the drone through the passenger compartment of the colourfully painted LO 1112 bus from Argentina. The change of camera perspectives is also impressive. From a bird’s-eye view, the flight takes you through every level of the museum: from the roof terrace you go into the building through every Legend and Collection room right up to ‘Fascination of Technology’ and finally back outside via the doors of the entrance.

Filming during museum closure
The Mercedes-Benz Museum team and filmmakers Daniel Wagner and Andre Jung from minidrone.studio did the filming during the time the museum was closed due to the coronavirus. Right from the start, it was clear that, in addition to the inside and outside shots, there should also be impressive flights directly through the vehicles themselves.

It was a bold idea to try given that the assets exhibited at the museum are worth millions. But, at the same time, it was an opportunity to present the museum from viewpoints that have never been seen before. The video is shown in the museum’s social media channels.

The green light for filming was given under the proviso that the vehicles would be protected from being damaged at all times. That’s why the filmmakers practised the particularly tricky shots intensively in advance with real obstacles and also made use of digital simulations.

The filming was done over 3 days and then slick editing was done to create the dynamic, exciting flight through the museum. The work involved in making this 4-minute video wasn’t quite as light and playful as the final result appears, say the filmmakers. Did they fly especially slowly in tight spots in order to be able to navigate precisely and then speed up the video in the edit? No, it was precisely the opposite: only a rapid flight ensured nice, flowing tracking shots. This required a lot of experience and practice.

In the finished video, the speed of the recording was in many places digitally slowed down somewhat in order to achieve an optimum speed for the viewer. For example, for the steep turn in the Legend 7 room with the racing and record vehicles of Mercedes-Benz.

Four types of drones
“In total, we used four different types of drone for filming,” said Wagner. “Such drones are not available to buy ready-made; we adapted them precisely to suit our needs, using various components.”

The light drones, around the size of the palm of one’s hand, were used in order to fly through even the smallest of openings. The outside shots were used with a heavier aerial vehicle that could withstand the wind. The latter can also be operated from a distance by a pilot, who steered the drone by remote control and used video eyewear for orientation.

FEATURE – When Mercedes-Benz also had a rotary-engined sportscar

Update on fuel prices – May 29 to June 5, 2020

Shell welcomes back customers to stations with rewards

Although there is still a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) active, Malaysians are able to return to their working places and also travel around freely (except to other states which is prohibited). As motoring routines return, more people will be visiting the petrol stations and to welcome customers back, Shell Malaysia is offering extra rewards through its latest campaign, #AkuRindu.

The campaign will take place at all Shell stations nationwide for 4 consecutive days – from Monday, June 1 to Thursday, June 4, 2020. During this campaign, there are 4 special offers at Shell retail stations nationwide. The extra rewards will help customers on their journey.

On the first day, customers will get 5X BonusLink Points when they swipe their BonusLink Card and purchase any Shell fuels. The second day will have 50% discount on any Shell Advance AX7 Motorcycle Oil, limited to the first 10 customers per Shell station.

On the third day and fourth days, customers can purchase either a Cornetto Ice Cream (Vanilla or Chocolate) or Goodday Milk (Full Cream or Chocolate, 250 ml) for only RM1.00 each at Shell Select stores nationwide, while stocks last. Additionally, customers will also enjoy a ‘Buy 1-Get One Free’ offer at all Deli2go outlets, for the Hexagon Doughnut Deli2Go pastry and the Sardine Puff Deli2Go pastry (while stocks last).

“COVID-19 has been a challenging time for everyone, impacting all aspects of our lives including our health, travel, lifestyles, and most importantly our livelihoods. Now as the nation inches closer towards recovery, we see signs of Malaysia coming back to its feet as people become acclimatised to the new normal. At Shell, we would like to say, ‘Welcome Back!’ to all Malaysians, and we are offering a few special rewards at all Shell Stations nationwide to thank customers for their support. We hope our #AkuRindu campaign helps customers recharge, renew, and reap extra value so they can go well on all their journeys, wherever they may go,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 in ‘Goldfinger’ reborn – complete with the gadgets!

Car chase scenes were in movies a long time before ‘Goldfinger’, the James Bond movie, appeared in 1964. But it was in this 007 movie, only the third of many to come, that the Aston Martin DB5 became famous, especially with its built-in gadgets like machine-guns behind the headlamps, tyre slashers, numberplate-changer and even an ejector seat, to name a few.

Dubbed ‘the most famous car in the world’ and renowned as being among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models, only 900 units of the DB5 were built by Aston Martin between 1963 and 1965.

Now, 55 years after the last new DB5 left the factory, the company is once again making the DB5 in a strictly limited number. Created in association with the producers of the James Bond films, EON Productions, they even have a broad suite of working gadgets seen on the car in the 1964 film.

The Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are history in the making, part of the Continuation car programme which began in 2017 with the DB4 GT Continuation. Each of the 25 cars takes around 4,500 hours to complete and while there is still the old-world craftsmanship, the highest possible quality is achieved by using modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.

All the new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen by millions around the world in 1964. They all come in one exterior colour – Silver Birch – just like the original.

The cutting-edge gadgets were developed in association with Chris Corbould, the special effects supervisor who has worked on more than a dozen Bond films. While there will not be an ejector seat, owners will get with their car the following:

Rear smoke screen delivery system
Rear simulated oil slick delivery system
Revolving number plates front and rear (triple plates)
Simulated twin front machine guns
Bullet resistant rear shield
Battering rams front and rear
Simulated tyre slasher
Removable passenger seat roof panel (optional equipment)
Simulated radar screen tracker map
Telephone in driver’s door
Gear knob actuator button
Armrest and centre console-mounted switchgear
Under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray
Remote control for gadget activation

007 Aston Martin DB5 — *Installing simulated machine-guns behind the lights (left) and the oil-sprayer at the rear (right) – all not working, of course.*

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels wrapped elegantly around an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet, there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine with a 6-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler. The output of 290 bhp goes through a 5-speed ZF manual transmission to the rear axle which also has a mechanical limited slip differential.

Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering – which has no power assistance – and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage, complete the dynamic package.

First deliveries of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation to customers will commence in the second half of 2020. Each car is priced from £2.75 million (about RM14.8 million).

James Bond’s 50th anniversary Aston Martin DBS Superleggera unveiled

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

Continuing with their partnership, Automobili Lamborghini and the LEGO Group have now come out with the LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37. In 1:8 scale, the powerful hybrid Sian FKP 37 comes in 3,696 pieces to be assembled into a car that is over 13 cm high, 260 cm long and 25 cm wide. The vivid lime-green colour and elegant golden rims of the LEGO Technic replica are available as colour and trim on the real Sian.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019, the Sian’s futuristic features are authentically recreated in the model, including a replica of the V12 engine. There’s also a moveable rear spoiler, front and rear suspension; and steering powered by a wheel complete with the Automobili Lamborghini badge.

The model also has scissor doors which open to reveal the intricately recreated cockpit. There’s even a fully-functioning 8-speed sequential gearbox controlled by a movable paddle gearshift. Owners can open the front bonnet of their LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian to find a Lamborghini overnight bag, together with a unique serial number that unlocks special content.

They can also scan a QR code in the building instructions to access an exclusive series of videocasts by Automobili Lamborghini and LEGO experts, exploring the inspiration behind the design of the original car and the LEGO Technic model. The LEGO Technic model comes in a unique box inspired by the iconic lines, signature headlight silhouette and eye-catching colour of the Sian.

“The LEGO brick is an icon in the same way as a Lamborghini super sportscar,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “They both embody the pursuit of design perfection through constant research and development, create different emotions with every interaction, and are valued by generations.”

“The LEGO bricks provide builders of all ages with endless possibilities for creation. This outstanding replica of the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 from the LEGO Group presents a brilliant new building experience for both super sportscar fans and LEGO enthusiasts and Lamborghini is privileged to share this opportunity with the LEGO Group,” he added.

Commenting on the visionary design, Niels. B. Christiansen, LEGO Group CEO, said: “This new model truly encapsulates the pursuit of excellence embedded in the DNA of both Automobili Lamborghini and the LEGO Group. Both the 1:8 model and the reveal itself are feats of engineering innovation, pulled off by incredibly talented teams from across our two businesses. The LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 is a true testament that with LEGO Technic, you can build anything your heart desires. I can’t wait to build this authentic replica of this futuristic super sportscar for real.”

LEGO stores and LEGO.COM will be offering the LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 from next month, with many retailers globally having them on shelves from August 2020.

Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar

Tan Chong assembly plant gets RM108 million bill for excise duties from Customs

According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia made yesterday, Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn Bhd (TCMA) has received a bill of demand from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RCMD) for RM180,105,596.86. The company announcement mentioned that the amount was related to excise duty for the period between November 2016 and October 2019.

The reason for this demand is not revealed and TCMA says it does not admit to any liability on the demands made by the RMCD. The company said it will seek advice on the matter.

Our friends at WapCar speculate that this could have something to do with the incentives provided under the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) program, which is one possibility. If it was non-compliance with the EEV requirements for getting incentives, that would have been quite straightforward and the incentives would not have been approved in the first place.

However, since the early days of the National Automotive Policy (NAP), officials have said that interested parties should meet for discussions with MITI so as to get ‘customised incentives’. The policy presents only a broad overview but the specifics are not stated. This has caused discomfort among some industry players who feel that the same requirements and incentives should be applied to all and not customised for some.

In Thailand, the EcoCar program had a condition that the carmaker must produce 100,000 vehicles annually by the 5^th to 8^th year of production of the model. One carmaker could not meet the target due to poor sales of its model and would have had to return the amount of tax exempted. It then re-negotiated with the government to undertake an alternative plan which was acceptable.

Ford’s smart technology can sanitize police vehicles within 15 minutes

In pre-pandemic times, policemen in vehicles transporting people to hospitals or police stations have had the risk of picking up diseases from their passengers. But that was a reasonable risk in their line of duty. Today though, the COVID-19 coronavirus is a threat so serious that personnel who have to interact with people known to be infected must wear personal protection equipment. However, policemen have no way of knowing if a person they arrest or help is infected and the best they can do to protect themselves is to wear a mask and gloves.

“Law enforcement officers are being dispatched as emergency responders in some cases where ambulances may not be available,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “During one trip, officers may be transporting a coronavirus patient to a hospital, while another trip may involve an occupant who may be asymptomatic (showing no signs of being infected).”

A Ford engineering team had already initiated a project in late March to look for ways to decontaminate vehicles and around that time, the New York City Police Department also alerted Ford to its need for a more efficient disinfecting process as the pandemic grew in intensity.

One approach they considered was using heat. Ongoing research suggests that the coronavirus cannot tolerate very high temperatures and can be deactivated. Ford worked with The Ohio State University to determine the temperature range and time needed.

Hotter than Death Valley
The solution: Bake the vehicle’s interior until viruses inside are inactivated. Using the Ford Police Interceptor Utility’s own hybrid powertrain and climate control systems, a software solution enables vehicles to elevate passenger compartment temperatures beyond 56 degrees C. (132.8 degrees F) – hotter than Death Valley on its hottest day – for 15 minutes, long enough to help disinfect vehicle touchpoints.

The software warms up the engine to an elevated level, and both heat and fan settings operate on high. The software automatically monitors interior temperatures until the entire passenger compartment hits the optimal level, then that extreme temperature is maintained for 15 minutes.

Operational trials with vehicles owned by some police departments indicated that the high temperature could reduce the viral concentration inside the vehicle by more than 99%. This heated process can be used by law enforcement regularly to help sanitize vehicles when officers are not inside.

Greater coverage
When used in conjunction with sanitization guidelines approved by US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, flooding the passenger compartment with elevated air temperature can help reach areas that may be missed by manual disinfecting procedures. Heat has the ability to seep into crevices and hard-to-reach areas, helping reduce the impact of human error in applying chemical disinfectants.

“Officers can now use this self-cleaning mode as an extra layer of protection inside the vehicle in areas where manual cleaning is prone to be overlooked,” said Tyler. “This virus is an invisible enemy and we are proud to provide a solution to help the law enforcement community fight it.”

There are multiple ways to monitor progress of the heating. Hazard lights and taillights will flash in a pre-set pattern to notify when the process has begun, then will change at the end to signal completion. The vehicle’s instrument cluster will also indicate progress. A cool-down process brings the temperature down from its highest points.

This example of Ford’s smart vehicle technology can be installed in Police Interceptor Utility vehicles that were supplied between 2012 and 2019. The police departments with their own service centres can install the software using their own diagnostic service tools or dealers can do the job.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid — *Ford Police Interceptor Utility has a hybrid powertrain*

“First responders are on the front lines protecting all of us. They are exposed to the virus and are in dire need of protective measures,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Chief Product Development and Purchasing Officer. “We looked at what’s in our arsenal and how we could step up to help. In this case, we’ve turned the vehicle’s powertrain and heat control systems into a virus neutralizer.”

To locate a dealership to test-drive or buy Ford vehicles in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

How motorists can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19

All-new Volkswagen Nivus to create new segment in Brazil

Brazil, though far from the major centres of the auto industry, is still an important location for some carmakers’ product development activities. The diversity of demographics, terrain and economy provides a rich environment to develop new models, especially for emerging markets.

Pandemic nothwithstanding, Volkswagen is planning the brand’s largest product campaign in South America this year. There will be at least 20 new product launches. One of them will be unveiled tomorrow and it is to be called the Nivus. It is expected to create a new segment in the Brazilian market where it will be sold initially.

Volkswagen Anchieta plant — The Anchieta plant in Brazil began operations in 1959 and was the first Volkswagen factory outsider Germany. Modernised over the years, it has produced a variety of models for the South American market and will be producing the new Nivus.

The vehicle is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and will be built at the Anchieta plant using cutting-edge production processes. The new vehicle will also be available in Argentina later this year. Other South American markets will follow in 2021.

With an innovative design that combines SUV elements and coupe lines, it will be amongst the largest models within the small vehicle segment with a luggage compartment capacity of 415 litres. As a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Nivus offers ample vehicle interior space with an elevated seating position.

In the longer term, the Nivus will also go beyond the South American continent and become an international model for the German carmaker. Using the MQB platform means that it will be readily adaptable for production in other markets as well.

Volkswagen MQB — Introduced about 8 years ago, the MQB platform which the Nivus will ride on was developed as a flexible platform. It can be used for a wide range of model types cars from superminis class to midsized SUVs.

VW Saveiro — *Historically, Volkswagen has developed some models specially for the Brazilian market, like the Saveiro.*

The company has invested some €1.8 billion (about RM8.6 billion) in Brazil up to 2020 and under an organizational realignment made 3 years ago, the region has been given significantly greater independence in product development. Consequently, local management now has much more extensive decision-making flexibility, along with greater entrepreneurial responsibility.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about products available in Malaysia and where to experience them.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller

Mitsubishi’s eK X and eK Wagon kei cars score highest ratings in JNCAP tests

Like other carmakers, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) aims to provide mobility with zero traffic accidents. In pursuit of this goal, it is fully committed to developing and implementing active and passive safety technologies and protection, even with its small kei-class cars.

Demonstrating its efforts in this aspect are the scores achieved by the eK X and eK Wagon in the latest assessments by the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP). Both models have been awarded the highest rating with the highest ‘ASV+++’ rating. ‘ASV’ refers to ‘Advanced Safety Vehicle’, as defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The top rating was in preventive safety performance and the maximum 5-star rating in collision safety performance.

Driver assistance tech
The eK X and eK Wagon come equipped with driver assistance technology which encompasses preventive safety measures to support the drivers in avoiding collisions, or mitigate the collision damage.

These include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) which alerts the driver with a warning buzzer and information screen display when the vehicle is about to stray from its lane, while Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) assists the driver in moving the vehicle back to its lane.

The Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication installed in both kei cars prevents sudden acceleration by unintentional operation of shift lever or pedal. A Multi Around Monitor gives the driver a good view of the surroundings when parking so that hazards or small children can be spotted.

In addition, the built-in Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) autonomous emergency braking system which detects pedestrians and vehicles ahead, and Automatic High Beam (AHB) which switches between high beam and low beam automatically contribute to safer motoring.

RISE bodywork
The eK X and eK Wagon, which are structurally similar, have high levels of collision safety performance built in, thanks to the company’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) bodywork. It combines collision energy absorbing front body design with a deformation-resistant passenger compartment, as well as 6 SRS airbags for frontal and side protection.

The kei cars are designed to further improve the pedestrian safety with an energy-absorbing in the bonnet to protect the head area of pedestrians. A structure inside the bumper is specially designed to reduce injuries to the legs of pedestrians in the event of a collision.

It may seem like the safety systems are nothing new but the important point is that they are now being offered in kei-class cars, which are the smallest and cheapest in the market. Historically, such cars were equipped in a basic manner but with consumers expecting better protection, manufacturers have to make them safer as well.

Car of the Year winners
Launched into the Japanese market in March last year, the eK X and eK Wagon were winners in the Car of the Year Japan 2019-2020 in Small Mobility category. Additionally, the models were also selected as the RJC Car of the Year 2020.

MI-TECH concept shows how future Mitsubishi SUVs could be like

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English

Ford Mustang Mach 1 to return in early 2021

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

Update on fuel prices – May 29 to June 5, 2020

Shell welcomes back customers to stations with rewards

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 in ‘Goldfinger’ reborn – complete with the gadgets!

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

Tan Chong assembly plant gets RM108 million bill for excise duties from Customs

Ford’s smart technology can sanitize police vehicles within 15 minutes

All-new Volkswagen Nivus to create new segment in Brazil

Mitsubishi’s eK X and eK Wagon kei cars score highest ratings in JNCAP tests

Ford Mustang Mach 1 to return in early 2021

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

Update on fuel prices – May 29 to June 5, 2020

Shell welcomes back customers to stations with rewards

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 in ‘Goldfinger’ reborn – complete with the gadgets!

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

Tan Chong assembly plant gets RM108 million bill for excise duties from Customs

Ford’s smart technology can sanitize police vehicles within 15 minutes

All-new Volkswagen Nivus to create new segment in Brazil

Mitsubishi’s eK X and eK Wagon kei cars score highest ratings in JNCAP tests

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