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Maserati starts electrification journey with new Ghibli Hybrid

Although Maserati, being at the upper end of the market, has a niche for itself where the character of its cars (and also a SUV) have long been appreciated, it cannot ignore the fact that the automotive world is electrifying. As with SUVs, virtually every brand has or is developing electrically-powered or hybrid models that are the future and Maserati too has an electrification plan for its products.

With the new Ghibli Hybrid, the Italian brand with the Trident as its emblem begins its journey of electrification. It represents one of the most ambitious projects for Maserati, another step forward in its new era following the announcement of the new engine for the MC20 super sportscar.

The choice of the Ghibli to receive a hybrid powertrain is no coincidence. This model, with over 100,000 units produced since its launch in 2013, is said to perfectly embody the manufacturer’s DNA.

Just as BMW, Porsche and Volvo could not release a SUV into the market until it had the brand DNA, it is the same for Maserati which has faced the challenge of entering the world of electrification without altering the brand’s core philosophy and values.

The result? The best possible hybrid sedan the engineers can develop – with the character of a Maserati and that includes the unmistakeable sound (thanks to special resonators). The arrival of the new Ghibli Hybrid thus expands the Maserati range with future-oriented technology.

Hybrid-exclusive styling
The Ghibli Hybrid is immediately recognisable with different styling for the hybrid that features a different grille, with bars redesigned to represent a tuning fork (a musical device that emits a sound of extreme purity). At the rear of the car, the lighting units have their unique style, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and Alfieri concept car.

On the exterior, the blue colour characterises the three iconic side air ducts, the brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar. The same colour is used as the theme inside, in particular on the embroidered seams of the seats.

2020 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid — *One of the two variants comes with natural silk upholstery by Ermenegildo Zegna*

Mild Hybrid solution
Maserati has chosen a hybrid solution focused primarily on improving performance, while also reducing fuel consumption and cutting exhaust emissions. The hybrid technology exploits kinetic energy the car accumulates when in motion, recovering it and transforming it into electricity during deceleration and braking, and storing it in a battery pack at the rear.

The powertrain is the outcome of in-depth engineering development work by the Maserati Innovation Lab. It combines an internal combustion 2-litre petrol engine (4 cylinders with a turbocharger) with a 48-volt alternator and an additional electric supercharger (e-Booster).

This solution, claimed to be unique in its segment, is the first in a new generation of Maserati powertrains which balance performance, efficiency and driving pleasure. Incidentally, the Ghibli Hybrid weighs about 80 kgs less than the diesel variant.

Maximum power output is 330 ps, with peak torque of 450 Nm delivered from just 1500 rpm. That enables the Ghibli Hybrid to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 255 km/h.

Maserati Connect debuts
Besides electrification, the Ghibli Hybrid also marks the debut of the new Maserati Connect program. This enables a constant connection with the car; the information exchange continues when on the move, to improve the services offered to the driver. As well as the capability of updating the software on board, the system also performs checks on the car and monitors the Safety and Security services in emergencies.

What comes next?
The first cars should leave the factory in late September 2020, with Asian markets likely to see them during the first quarter of next year. Prices will only be announced at a later date, but it is known that there will be at least two variants.

The new Ghibli Hybrid represents the first step in a plan that will lead to the electrification of all new Maserati models. The brand’s first all-electric models will be the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, scheduled for launch in 2021.

Maserati allows the world to look inside its top secret Innovation Lab

Easy decision-making with new Shell Helix engine oils

Shell’s Helix range of engine oils have been in the market since the 1980s and over the years, the formulation has constantly been improved as engine technology advanced and driving conditions changed. For motorists, the ability to protect and lubricate well has long been proven and Helix is a trusted product.

Now Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has introduced two new Helix engine oils that focus more on the benefits to users and less on technical specifications, making it easier to choose the right engine oil based on one’s driving style and needs. Compatible with all 0W, 5W or 10W specification oils, both lubricants are suitable for most types of vehicles on Malaysian roads today.

Engine oils are traditionally `low involvement’ products. While Malaysians are known for their love for cars, the majority are put off by technical terms and tend to leave their vehicles’ maintenance, especially the critical oil change process, to their workshops or service centres.

“With the new Shell Helix Power and Shell Helix Protect, we aim to return the important engine oil decision-making to the car owners. As the products’ names suggest, one gives you more power and the other gives you more protection. Simply choose one that suits your driving style or needs,” said Nyon Kam Yew, Shell Lubricants General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore.

With PurePlus Technology, an ultra-pure base oil made from natural gas, the new Helix Power and Helix Protect are specially designed to cater to two main driving environments – highways and rugged terrain – where there is a demand more power and acceleration; and stop-start traffic in cities that put engines under tremendous stress, thereby needing more protection.

Driving conditions — *The new Shell Helix oils can provide better protection in congested city conditions or performance even in off-road conditions.*

Priced at RM280 for a 4-litre pack, Helix Power has special performance-focused additives help to maximise engine power and enable faster acceleration as well as smoother drives. The engine protection-focused additives in Helix Protect help cleanse engine components for longer engine life in cars that operate under stressful stop-start driving conditions in urban centres. The recommended retail price is RM240 for a 4-litre pack.

As low viscosity fully synthetic engine oils, both lubricants can flow faster to coat and protect key moving engine components during start-up. This can contribute to less wear from cold starts, better fuel economy, lower carbon emissions and lower maintenance costs from longer oil drain intervals.

“The new Shell Helix Power and Shell Helix Protect are smarter and more sustainable choices that reflect Shell’s commitment to provide more and cleaner energy solutions in a responsible way,” Mr. Nyon added.

In conjunction with the launch of these new products, Shell Malaysia will give every customer a free replica Scuderia Ferrari racing car with the purchase of a 4-litre pack of Helix Power or Helix Protect from any participating workshop. The offer is on while stocks last.

Official Shell Helix products suited for the Malaysian market conditions have the ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ labels. The front label can be peeled back to reveal a unique QR code for quick product authentication while the label at the back features information in English and Bahasa Malaysia. The QR code also enables easy registration for the Shell Advantage Rewards (SHARE) programme that rewards customers with goodies that include a sign-up bonus, Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW) and free Shell Helix products (terms and conditions apply).

Rewards for those who make cashless payments at Shell stations

12,732 Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia being recalled for transmission issue

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced a voluntary recall for models produced between 2011 and 2015 to rectify the hydraulic pressure accumulator within the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) caused by a production deviation.

In individual cases, it has been found that the hydraulic pressure accumulator starts to run at an excessive pressure and this can cause a leak, leading to possible pressure loss. This can interrupt power transmission between the engine and gearbox.

A total of 12,732 Volkswagen vehicles have been identified as being affected by this recall. The affected models are the Beetle, Cross Touran, Golf (Mk 6 and Mk 7), Jetta, Passat (B7), Passat CC, Polo (6R) and Scirocco. This exercise does not affect Volkswagen models produced from 2016 and newer.

Volkswagen recall — *Some of the models sold between 2011 and 2015 in Malaysia which are being recalled.*

The nationwide campaign will be executed in phases in order to manage the number of cases, and notification to identified owners will be conducted by mail with immediate effect. In the event that you own one of the Volkswagen models mentioned but do not receive any communication from VPCM, it could be that they do not have your contact details because you are not the original owner and their database has not been updated with details of the current owner. Nevertheless, your vehicle will still be accepted under the recall exercise.

Owners can also visit the Volkswagen website to check if their vehicle is affected or call Volkswagen customer care at 1800-18-8947 for further information.

*Owners can use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) usually located on the dashboard as shown to check whether their vehicle is affected.*

They may then contact any authorised Volkswagen service centre to book an appointment and have their vehicle inspected and parts replaced, if need be. VPCM has taken the necessary steps with its dealer partners to ensure parts availability and that the exercise is conducted smoothly and efficiently. All labour and replacement parts for this service will be at no cost to owners.

Additionally, owners will receive a free Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) membership card as a token of appreciation from Volkswagen. An integral part of Volkswagen Cares, VCP is an exclusive program for owners with vehicles that are 5 years old and older. Member privileges include three 20% service discounts vouchers, 2 years of complimentary Roadside Assistance, and 24-hour on-site battery support (terms and conditions apply).

“As a responsible car manufacturer, customer confidence and peace of mind is of utmost importance to us, and we hope that our owners understand that this campaign is necessary to ensure their continued confidence in the performance of their vehicles,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

He expressed his regret for the inconvenience caused to the owners and added that while the affected vehicles have been identified, it is possible that not all the vehicles will require parts replacement. “This is a significant exercise for us, and we would like to ensure that all these vehicles are inspected. This campaign is part of our Volkswagen Cares initiative, and we are committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction,” he explained.

Free 5-Star Service Check for Volkswagens

A new way to find out more about ‘The Boss’ with BMW Malaysia’s AR Experience

If you are interested in the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport – also referred to as ‘The Boss’ – you can now find out more about it with a web-based AR (Augmented Reality) experience. Available from today, this is a first for the BMW portfolio in Malaysia.

With digitalisation being at the strategic core of the BMW Group and now in the new normal, the company is now innovating to provide better experiences for customers. The AR experience by BMW Malaysia allows users to see, hear, and experience ‘The Boss’ in its full glory. As it is web-based, there is no need for a specific mobile application. Customers only need to visit a dedicated link that is accessible on any smartphone or tablet device with Android 9 or iOS 8 operating systems to start the AR experience. It is not accessible with desktop PC applications.

Visit app.bmw.com.my/AR/X5 to access the AR Experience

The AR experience presents a virtually realistic 3D model of the plug-in hybrid SUV. Users can tap on any place in any location seen via their display. They can also pinch to resize or zoom in to get a closer look, and slide in any direction for a comprehensive 360° view.

Tapping on hotspots of the vehicle allow users to learn more about the various features. Additionally, they can also swipe to see how the vehicle looks in the different exterior colours available such as Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Artic Grey.

For more information on the X5 xDrive45e M Sport or other BMW models available in Malaysia, visit www.bmw.com.my or join the conversation via #JoyElectrified.

The Boss has arrived in Malaysia

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

♦ 25 minutes before the race was to start, Max Verstappen slid into a barrier at the tricky Turn 12! The RB16’s nose cone and front wing were damaged and he rushed back to the pits for repairs, which were completed in time for the race start.

♦ As the track seemed to be drying out after earlier rain, the two Haas cars rushed to their pits as the race started to switch to medium tyres. It was the right move as they would move up to fourth and fifth places by the seventh lap.

♦ On lap 4, Verstappen (who had started from seventh on the grid) took the lead from Lewis Hamilton who had come into the pits to switch to slicks. But it was only a 1-lap lead as he too had to pit to get off the intermediate tyres and Hamilton slotted back to the front.

♦ Bad luck for Williams’ Nicholas Latifi who spun in the first turn and then had a puncture a few laps later, forcing him to limp back to the pits. And after replacing the tyre, his release from the pits was considered unsafe by the Stewards and he got a 5-second penalty.

♦ If it wasn’t already bad enough that Kimi Raikkonen qualified in last position on the starting grid, he would be slapped with a 7-second penalty for his car being out of position on the grid.

♦ Pierre Gasly got a new Honda unit for his car but wasn’t penalised as he is still within his limit for the season. However, by lap 16, he had to pull out of the race as the engine started smoking. During practice, he had reported a burning smell which was why the engine was replaced.

♦ Charles Leclerc was the last to get off the soft tyres he had started with when it seemed like the rain expected by lap 23 might not arrive. He went on hard tyres which he hoped would take his Ferrari to the end.

♦ Sebastian Vettel, wanting to move ahead as much as possible, pitted on lap 30 to change to hard tyres. It was a risky move with most forecasters saying rain was due within the next few laps.

F1 tyres — *Tyre changes were required a few times during the race as the weather alternated between dry and possible rain and then no rain.*

♦ The first drops of rain came down at the halfway point of the race (35 laps). By then, Hamilton was comfortably ahead with a 20-second lead. Behind him was Verstappen and then Valtteri Bottas 5 seconds away.

♦ 20 laps before the end, Bottas came in for a change to hard tyres to give him more speed in the duel with Verstappen.

♦ 5 laps from the end, the Mercedes-AMG team debated whether to switch Hamilton’s tyres to hard but the driver wanted softs. His choice was followed and when he rejoined the race, he had 3 laps to go for a fastest lap as he headed to the finish line. He did that and was in line to collect the extra virtual point.

♦ Today’s win puts Hamilton equal with Michael Schumacher of having the most wins at a race. It is eighth win in Hungary, and the third year in a row.

*Sebastian Vettel finished 6th to collect 8 points for Ferrari but Leclerc managed only 11th. Not exactly a great race for the team again.*

Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing — *Despite crashing even before the raced started, Max Verstappen finished the race in second place, 8 seconds behind Hamilton.*

Pierre Gasly had engine problems all week and, during the race, had to retire when smoke started to come out of the engine.

Nicholas Latifi Williams — *A bad day for Nicholas Latifi with two spins and a 5-second penalty as well. When the race ended, he was 5 laps behind Hamilton.*

Limited edition Jaguar F-PACE with 2-litre 300-ps engine goes on sale in Malaysia

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has introduced the latest limited edition F-PACE, Jaguar’s best-selling performance SUV, with the 2.0-litre, turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine.

Only 20 units in three variants have been imported, with prices ranging from RM436,420.82 to RM485,433.81 (for private-use registration in Peninsular Malaysia; excluding road tax and insurance).

Lightweight Aluminium Architecture
Like the Lightweight Aluminium Architecture Jaguar developed for its models, the Ingenium 4-cylinder engine has all-aluminium construction to keep weight low. With a twin scroll turbocharger, maximum output is 300 ps at 5500 rpm with 400 Nm of torque available between 1500 and 4500 rpm.

The F-PACE, which has all-wheel drive, has a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 233 km/h (with 22-inch wheels fitted).

The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission has a pendulum damper in the torque converter that absorbs low frequency vibrations. This enables the engine to run more smoothly at lower speeds.

Advanced chassis technologies
The chassis also has advanced Jaguar proprietary technologies such as Configurable and Adaptive Dynamics. The Configurable Dynamics, standard on the R-Sport variant, allows drivers to choose Normal or Sports settings for the throttle response, gearbox and steering.

Adaptive Dynamics (only available in the top variants) modifies the damper response to match the different conditions and driving style. It analyses acceleration, cornering, throttle and brake pedal activity to optimise the suspension settings for the best vehicle dynamics and comfort.

The three variants offered are the F-PACE Prestige (entry level), R-Sport (Mid-Spec) and R-Sport (Hi-Spec) with 6 colour options. All vehicles distributed by JLRM are compatible with the Malaysian climate, environment and fuel quality as well as meet the Malaysian emission standard. They come with a ‘Jaguar Care’ programme which includes a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free scheduled service and 3 years of roadside assistance.

Click here for other news and articles about Jaguar.

F1 (Round 3): Preview and Starting Grid of the 2020 Formula 1 Aramco Hungarian Grand Prix

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

After two weekends at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, the F1 teams travelled 420 kms to the next venue on the calendar, Hungaroring in Hungary. The 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix (which has the official event title of 2020 Formula 1 Aramco Magyar Nagydij) is the third round of the championship.

The authorities are very strict on the conditions of allowing the race to be run. These include staying within the circuit or at their respective hotels and not socialising; breaking the rules can result in a fine of 15,000 euros (about RM73,000) and/or jail time. Both Ferrari drivers were reported to have broken the rules and the team boss has warned them that they cannot be irresponsible and jeopardise the team.

A regular venue
The circuit is a familiar one to the drivers, having been used over the past 34 years. As such, they will be prepared for the hot and dusty environment, more so with the pandemic-related lockdowns further keeping the circuit unused. The air and track temperatures experienced at the Hungarian Grand Prix are typically some of the highest of the season, with an average air temperature of 30°C and average track temperature of 49°C.

The current Hungaroring circuit uses the third layout since 1986 and has 14 turns. Running around a valley, it is twisty and bumpy, giving a ‘street circuit’ feel like that of Monaco. Rain can add to the challenges and it has during practice sessions this week. With the revised 2020 schedule and the circuit’s relentless run of corners, the Hungaroring looks set to be the highest downforce track on the calendar.

Constant cornering
Because of the track’s high-downforce nature, its maximum speed – 318 km/h – is one of the lowest in F1. The cars only spend around 10 seconds going in a straight line during a 4.4-km lap, with the remaining 65 seconds or so spent cornering. As such, the Hungaroring is known for its constant cornering.

Despite the Hungaroring having one of the shortest start/finish straights, the track has the fifth-longest run to Turn 1 from pole position – due to the grid being positioned very close to the exit of the final corner.

The circuit is one of the toughest for brake cooling, in part due to the lack of straights, often made worse by cars being stuck in traffic. Just 65% of the lap distance at the Hungaroring is taken at full throttle, one of the lowest figures in F1.

The average lateral g-force experienced during the course of the lap is one of the highest in F1, due to the grip levels from the new tarmac, long corners, lack of straights and high downforce levels. Drivers report that the kerbs are some of the most severe in F1 for the cars. The spacing, height and speed at which drivers go over kerbs are all important factors. While the kerbs in Hungary are harsh, they are generally taken at slower speeds than in Red Bull Ring.

The track features many long corners, some of which are 180 degrees or more, which impacts the suspension set-up. The majority of corners in Hungary are taken in ‘steady state’, which is where the length of the corner allows the car to settle and stay in a rolled condition for a long period of time. A ‘transient state’ means the opposite and is seen in corners requiring quick changes of direction. For this weekend’s race, ‘steady state’ is more important and the suspension can be tuned to be better suited to this.

A place in F1 history
The 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix was the first race in F1 history to be won by a hybrid car. Back then, using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) was optional and the opening races were won by cars with conventional engines. However, Mercedes-AMG had developed a hybrid system run by McLaren-Mercedes in 2009. So, when Lewis Hamilton won the event that year, it was the first ever victory for a hybrid Formula 1 car.

Hamilton has won the Hungarian Grand Prix 7 times, making it his joint-most successful track – shared with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. Commenting on his experience this weekend during practices, Hamilton said: “This is such a great track to drive in the dry, but it’s very tricky in the wet and it felt quite low grip out there. It’s not such a power-dependent circuit. I’m hoping for a tighter pack, it’d be great to see the Renaults doing well, the McLarens are doing a fantastic job, as are the Racing Points, it’s really exciting to see. We also expect Red Bull to be strong, so I anticipate a tough battle with them.”

The championship so far
Valtteri Bottas is in top spot after two rounds with 43 points, 6 points ahead of Hamilton. Lando Norris is in third with 26 points while Charles Leclerc, in spite of the fiasco last Sunday, is in fourth with the 18 points collected for his win in the first round.

As for the Constructors Championship, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has already built up a 41-point lead ahead of McLaren. BWT Racing Point F1 Team is in fourth and will be closely watched as it tries to pass Red Bull Racing which is 5 points ahead.

New Nissan brand logo for a new era

Logos or emblems are important and established companies pay particular attention to them because they identify the brand. Some logos may be used for decades but eventually evolve as times change – as what has occurred with the Nissan logo. It is a reimagination of the iconic Nissan brand logo for a new chapter, serving as a digital and physical trademark for a new generation of Nissan models.

Company founder Yoshisuke Aikawa followed the motto ‘Shisei tenjitsu o tsuranuku’ (If you have a strong belief, it penetrates even the sun) with Nissan’s logo. While keeping this essence alive, Nissan’s new logo reflects the significant changes in society over the last two decades.

The new logo points to the future and at the same time looks proudly at its rich heritage, at the tradition shaped by innovations, at milestones and successes back. The company name remains in the centre of the logo and thus underlines the recognition value.

Nissan’s 20-year old logo (left) will now be replaced by a new one (right).

The design process
The development of the new logo began in mid-2017 when Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Senior Vice-President of Global Design, began to study potential changes to Nissan’s logo and brand identity. He set up a design team led by Tsutomu Matsuo, Deputy General Manager of Nissan’s advanced design department, to study everything from a subtle evolution to a complete reinvention. Albaisa offered the keywords ‘thin, light and flexible’, and set Matsuo and his team on their journey.

“Inspiration was drawn from breakthroughs in science, technology and connectivity… how these have brought fundamental changes to our customers,” said Albaisa. “As you can imagine, visions of digitalization started swirling in our heads.”

Over the next two years, the team sketched and plotted several versions, always keeping Aikawa’s directive words in mind: “be passionate, be an innovator, be a challenger.”

The team needed to consider several variables, including an early decision for the logo to be illuminated on upcoming all-electric models. This presented technical challenges, such as gauging the thickness and contour of the logo’s outline to ensure a crisp impression when lit and, of course, compliance with government regulations for illuminated elements on cars. The logo also needed to make a strong impression when not illuminated, such as when it appeared digitally or on paper.

The result after countless sketches and several mock-ups was a logo with a two-dimensional character. It looks more designed than crafted and is therefore flexible enough for different areas of application. The Nissan designers first started three-dimensionally with the illuminated brand emblem before the 2D model was finalized.

Reflecting Nissan’s change
With the redesign, the edgy, industrial look was transformed into a finer, more familiar and digitally friendly model. This change also underlines the Nissan development from a traditional automobile manufacturer to a mobility service provider.

“The new Nissan logo communicates our guiding message, carried over from past iterations: If you have a strong, determined belief, it can even penetrate the sun,” said Matsuo. “At Nissan, this strong belief in the power of achievement has never wavered and can be seen in our pioneering efforts in electrification, driver assistance and digital connectivity. Our logo has to convey all of this in just a glance, to show our commitment to our customers, employees and society.”

Start of a new era
The new logo is introduced this month, both in digital and physical forms. All of Nissan’s electric vehicles will feature an exclusive illuminated logo lit by 20 LEDs (corresponding to the number of years between logo redesigns), a prominent visual reminder that Nissan is driving towards an electrified future. The first model with the new emblem is the all-electric Ariya crossover SUV unveiled recently.

2021 Nissan Ariya — *New all-electric Ariya crossover SUV*

This will be followed by the new logo being incorporated widely, from stationery letterheads and dealership signs to social media and digital advertising. Different versions allow flexibility for different communication needs.

In certain digital and video applications, the logo even becomes ‘alive’, ‘pushing’ itself against various backgrounds and pulsating. The logo thus reflects today’s constantly changing environment and the flexibility required to be exciting, relevant and fascinating stay.

At Nissan dealerships, the new logo will first appear on displays and screens. The conversion of the outdoor signs and the showrooms to the new visual identity of the brand will start in November 2020. The new Nissan logo will be visible on the outside on a simplified slim tablet above the entrance. The characteristic dark gray paint can only be found on the main facade and visible side facades and the signpost is no longer required.

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

Volkswagen and Audi modify their logos to create social distancing awareness

The Rolls-Royce of cabin air filtration systems

Anything that Rolls-Royce makes has to be the best possible, in keeping with the brand promise. To most of the world, that obsession often centres around its cars, but it equally applies to many other things like lifestyle accessories and even model cars. It even has a Clean Room at its manufacturing facility with the extremely high standards comparable to microchip manufacturing plants and in pharmaceutical and medical equipment production facilities.

Unprecedented levels of purity
Now, Rolls-Royce engineers have also come out with a cabin filtration technology that is said to live up to the brand image of superlative quality. Aiming to elevate the already high quality of air in their cars to unprecedented levels of purity, they have utilised the latest sensor and filtration technology. The micro environment is said to be the cleanest in any car today , further complementing the sense of oasis created by the design and material substance of its interior environments.

The importance of protecting the occupants in a Rolls-Royce from harmful carbon and pollen particles, as well as viruses and bacterial contaminants, is not something that has come to attention as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2015, all Rolls-Royce cars have been using state-of-the-art air filtration equipment for the cleanest possible environment.

For the new Ghost, which debuts in the fourth quarter of 2020, the new technology incorporates a full suite of hardware and software improvements, collectively known as the Micro Environment Purification System.

Super-fine Nanofleece mesh filter
Highly sensitive Impurity Detection Sensors have been introduced to detect ambient air quality, automatically switching fresh air intakes to Recirculation Mode if unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants are present. This channels all cabin air through a Nanofleece filter which is made of fibre that is a super-fine mesh with gaps of 150 nanometres.

To put this in perspective, a typical human red blood cell is 6,000 to 8,000 nanometres across. This means nearly all ultra-fine particles, viruses and bacteria in the cabin environment can be removed and in less than 2 minutes to provide pure, clean air.

Following the initial implementation of this technology, it will be possible in future for the occupants to remotely pre-condition the micro environment within their Rolls-Royce via an app in preparation for their arrival.