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All-new Hyundai Sonata and Kona launched in Malaysia

Being a righthand drive market has sometimes been a challenge for distributors as their principal may choose to focus on the lefthand drive market which offers a bigger volume globally. The additional cost of engineering a righthand drive variant may not be justified by the potential volumes so some models may not be available.

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has had that sort of problem on and off over the years, leading to some periods when there were no really new products to display in the showrooms. With the global products, of course, righthand drive models are a must and the time has come for not one but two new models to be launched in Malaysia.

The first is the Sonata which was the first Hyundai model to be sold in Malaysia way back in the early 1990s. Every generation since then has been sold and it has even been assembled locally and the eighth generation has its official launch today.

The second model is the Kona. This is Hyundai’s representative in the compact SUV segment and is a younger product which was born in 2017. It’s been doing pretty well and riding the wave of popularity for small SUVs these days.

NEW HYUNDAI SONATA
The eighth generation of the executive sedan has undergone a transformation in appearance, taking on a sleeker form that could be mistaken for a 4-door coupe. Inspired by the dramatic Le Fil Rouge concept shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the new Sonata gains a sportier image than its predecessor.

The new design features the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille that spans from the front of the new Sonata, finishing at the innermost points of new combination headlamps coupled with a distinctive and innovative new lighting architecture.

Also a first for a Hyundai vehicle, the Hidden Lighting Lamps are a design innovation that incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology, forming the Sonata’s light architecture. The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be chrome when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on. It’s a design feature that you will see in other coming models as well.

The Sonata sits on a platform with a new Smartstream G2.5 powertrain. The 2.5-litre engine produces 180 ps/232 Nm which is transferred to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire linkage.

The platform is a totally new one and the Sonata is the first model to utilize it. The engineers have significant flexibility for vehicle development across multiple segments with this platform which is made with hot-stamping and super-high-tensile steel. It has also been strengthened and with the aid of computer-aided engineering, dissipation of impact forces is carefully planned to minimize the effects on the occupants.

Inside the new Sonata
Spanning the full width of the cabin, the slim dashboard features a wide 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. This is customizable to suit different driving modes and preferences. At the centre of the dashboard, a large, 8-inch HD screen enables occupants to interact easily with the audio-video and navigation functions. This screen can also accommodate a split-screen function that allows audio and navigation to be displayed simultaneously.

The instrument panel is in the shape of spread wings, inspired by a stealth aircraft. This shape presents a levitating effect, and this philosophy carries into the long armrests. The designers compressed the height of the dashboard and air vents as much as possible to create a ‘lightweight ambience’.

HSDM has been well known for packing a lot of features into its models, making them good value for money. With the new Sonata, there are segment-first features too, and one of them is the video-based blind spot monitor that is displayed on the instrument panel. With most other companies, blind spot monitors usually just provide an alert to the driver who must look at the door mirrors. The Sonata’s system gives a live feed so the driver does not have to turn the head at all.

The top version also includes a Head-Up Display (HUD) ahead of the driver. This is a low-cost HUD which provides useful information when driving and it is right in the forward view of vision so the driver can keep eyes on the road ahead.

Other features in the comfort and convenience areas include a sunroof, electric parking brake, smart trunk, wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a high-quality infotainment system.

The new Sonata is available in only one variant, priced from RM206,888, but the first 50 buyers can get it a special introductory price from RM189,888 (Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance). There are 6 exterior colour choices with three interior colour themes.

NEW HYUNDAI KONA
Those who like the well known coffee from the Hawaiian Islands will be happy to know there is now a SUV from Hyundai named after it. The compact model is a new line and is the first B-segment SUV sold by HSDM.

It’s a stylish design with an athletic image that incorporates Hyundai’s new ‘face’. This is the Cascading Grille with a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by flared, wing-like fenders that house composite headlamps with high-efficiency LEDs.

To appeal to younger buyers, the colour choices are more extroverted – Chalk White, Lake Silver, Phantom Black, Pulse Red and Ceramic Blue. The 1.6 Turbo variant gets a black roof, providing high contrast between the body, roof and wheels for a more distinctive appearance.

The Kona rides on an all-new platform developed for compact SUVs. On this platform is a lightweight unibody structure, 52% of which is Advanced High Strength Steel. Proprietary hot-stamping methods produce lightweight, ultra-strong structural elements to maximize the cabin’s central safety cell.

The platform also features an innovative multi-load path structure, effectively dispersing impact energy across multiple structures to protect passengers in the event of an accident. As such, injuries can be minimised, along with the cushioning effects of airbags.

HSDM offers the Kona with a choice of two powertrains – a 2.0-litre Nu MPI engine and a Gamma 1.6-litre 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine. While the bigger engine generates 149 ps/180 Nm, the smaller one with turbocharging can produce up to 177 ps, with a maximum of 265 Nm of torque starting from 1500 rpm and available till 4500 rpm. The engine is coupled to a 7-speed EcoShift dual- clutch transmission (DCT).

Inside the Kona
Although the exterior appearance is that of a compact vehicle, the interior has been packaged intelligently to maximise space for passenger comfort. Stylistically, there is a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel.

As with the exterior colour choices, the interior has also been given a youthful touch with contrasting coloured seatbelts and interior trims. Grey-coloured interior trim and black seatbelts are matched with the Lake Silver, Phantom Black, Blue Lagoon and Ceramic Blue exteriors; Red seatbelts and Red interior trims are paired with the Phantom Black and Pulse Red exteriors; and Lime seatbelts and Lime interior trims are paired with Chalk White.

The functional dashboard houses an advanced infotainment which displays information on a floating 7-inch touchscreen. Connectivity is possible with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so apps on smartphones can be mirrored on the dashboard. Incidentally, for those with compatible smartphones, there is also a wireless charging pad provided.

The more expensive variant has a Head-Up Display (HUD) system as well, projecting information onto the transparent panel ahead of the steering wheel. The 8-inch projected-image is visible in all lighting conditions and provides driving as well as safety information. When not in use, the HUD panel retracts into the dashboard.

While there are two engine choices, there are three variants as the 2-litre engine is available with either Standard or Active specs priced from RM123,888 and RM138,888, respectively. The Kona the 1.6 Turbo is priced from RM151,888.

Like the new Sonata, HSDM is offering the Kona at a special introductory price for a limited time. The 2.0 variant will be priced at RM130,888 for the Kona Active and the Kona 1.6 Turbo will be RM143,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, excluding insurance).

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.

Kia developing more advanced vehicles for military use

Transport for armed forces are required to be very tough and reliable, given the sort of conditions they are going to be used in. As such, they would usually have proven and mature engineering and technology, not necessarily the latest or most advanced. However, automobile technology is changing significantly with the move towards electric vehicles, autonomous driving and alternative fuels. Therefore, even development of military vehicles will have to move in this direction.

Business with the military is often confidential for security reasons but Kia Motors has provided some insights into the future vehicles it is developing for the Korean military. A mid-sized standard vehicle development project will see the replacement of 2.5-ton and 5-ton military standard vehicles currently in operation, and the development of new 5-ton bulletproof vehicles.

Joint investment project with miltary
The project is a joint investment by the Korean military and Kia Motors. Prototypes are expected to be running before the end of this year and undergo rigorous evaluations in 2021. The company’s goal is to begin supplying the new vehicles for military deployment from 2024

The standard vehicles will be equipped with a range of the commercial technologies, including high-torque 7-litre diesel engines and automatic transmission systems, ABS and Anti-Spin Regulator. Other features will include Rear Parking Assist, Around View Monitor and satellite navigation.

Modular approach
Kia is using a modular approach to developing new vehicles on the platform so as to be able to develop variants in future. These would be vehicles equipped with a range of weapons systems, and those designed with more specialized specifications and technologies.

The company has developed a conceptual brief for its new military all-terrain vehicles (ATV). These will not only be deployed for military purposes but will also be used in various fields, such as industrial and leisure sectors, drawing on bare chassis from the robust Kia Mohave SUV. The company will also apply technology and know-how from military vehicle development to improve the durability of its road-going SUVs.

Autonomous vehicles
The advanced R&D covers autonomous driving technology for military vehicles which could assist with delivering supplies. Additionally, Kia is exploring the potential for hydrogen fuel cell technology across diverse military applications, including fuel cell vehicles and emergency power generators. Fuel cell technology is considered suitable for future military vehicles as it can supply large amounts of electricity in combat environments.

To-date, Kia has supplied 9 model types and 100 derivatives, and produced a total of 140,000 military vehicles. It created Korea’s first multipurpose tactical vehicle and established a full line-up production system for military vehicles ranging from small to large segments.

At the start of 2020, Kia announced its ‘Plan S’ mid to long-term strategy, encompassing a range of diversified business activities which include the development of Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs). Kia’s plans for PBV development are based on small-volume production of specialist, similar to the way in which military vehicles are developed.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

Get Ready to be Excited by the New Honda City RS e:HEV

The Malaysian market is greatly appreciated by Honda Motor as this is one of the global markets where the brand enjoys a strong position. It has achieved this success for many years now because it understands that Malaysians like new and advanced technologies and features in their cars. This has led to Malaysia being the first market to launch a new product or technology outside Japan.

With the latest 5^th generation Honda City RS e:HEV, Honda again gives Malaysian such an honour. This is the first time in the Asia & Oceania region that Honda is introducing its e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with an advanced 2-motor hybrid system using an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).

Another first for Malaysia
This follows other firsts by Honda Malaysia over the past 8 years. It was the first company to assemble hybrid cars locally (and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and USA) and the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive) with the Jazz Hybrid and previous City Hybrid as well as the HR-V Hybrid.

Malaysia gets the honour of being first because this is where Honda sells the most hybrid models in its Asia & Oceania region. Over the past 5 years, 40% of its hybrid models sold in the region have been in Malaysia. So, as part of its plan to increase e:TECHNOLOGY, it is introducing the new City with i-MMD.

Hybrid technology advanced
Hybrid technology uses both an internal combustion engine, with a 1.5-litre displacement in the new City, and an electric motor. An Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) seamlessly manages power flows in three modes: EV Drive which is purely electric; Hybrid Drive which combines use of both engine and motor; and Engine Drive which draws power only from the engine.

The choice of modes depends on driving conditions as well as the available energy in the lithium-ion battery pack which is also continuously recharged while driving. EV Drive is usually used when starting off and cruising steadily, while Hybrid Drive optimizes running efficiency. Engine Drive will activate at higher speeds, during which time the battery pack will also be recharged.

An electric motor can generate maximum torque the moment the car starts moving off, and this means the driver has up to 253 Nm of torque available right away. This great amount of torque – highest in its class and even more than cars with bigger engines – is generated up to 3,000 rpm so acceleration remains strong. Overtaking can be done quickly and safely and with a system power output of 108 ps, the City can reach its top speed of 173 km/h very quickly.

For added efficiency, the i-MMD uses an Electric CVT to transmit power to the front wheels. The optimum ratio is computer-selected but the driver can manage deceleration more effectively with a Deceleration Selector Pedal, reducing the need to use the brakes.

Exclusive styling for the RS
Naturally, with such advanced technology, Honda Malaysia also wants the City RS to stand out more distinctly. This is achieved by giving exclusive styling features to the variant. The grille has a high-gloss Piano Black finish with the RS badge clearly identifying the variant. The slim LED headlights have an eye-catching design and incorporate LED Day Running Lights (DRLs) that give a specific lighting signature. The headlamps can be set to come on automatically whenever lighting conditions are dim, an added convenience.

At the rear, the LED combination lamps also create a distinct lighting signature that immediately identifies this as a special City variant. The wraparound design enables illumination to be spread over a wider range for driving safety.

Emphasizing the sportiness of the City RS is a slim Piano Black spoiler on the edge of the bootlid. Apart from the looks, this helps to manage airflow as it departs from the car body, reducing turbulence that causes drag.

As to be expected, the City RS gets its own exclusive lightweight alloy rims with a multi-spoke design. 16 inches in diameter and with a dual-tone finish, they are fitted with 185/55 tyres that have been chosen by Honda engineers for this car.

Premium look and feel within
The cabin, more spacious with the increased size of the new generation, has become more refined, with increased sophistication and a premium feel on every surface. Switchgear is placed within easy reach with the aim of allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road ahead. For example, the controls for adjusting the automatic air-conditioning system are rotary knobs which are easy to operate even without looking, while the Electric Parking Brake is easily operated with just a press or pull of a finger.

The icons on the full colour 8-inch display are also large, making selection easy. The infotainment system, which includes an 8-speaker surround-sound audio system, easily connects with compatible smartphones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows favourite apps to be mirrored on the screen, from which they can be managed. With Waze or Google Maps accessible from the dashboard, driving will become easier as traffic conditions are visible and warnings can be heard too.

A 7-inch TFT screen is used for the instrument panel, giving sharp and clear displays in all lighting conditions. A tripcomputer provides driving information with a real-time fuel consumption bar to help the driver achieve economical motoring. The left dial shows power generation and also the chare level of the battery pack.

The premium image is enhanced by the upholstery for the seats – Ultrasuede, a synthetic ultra-microfibre fabric with a soft, elegant texture and feel. Red stitching and sports pedals with polished metal finish add a sporty touch.

For convenience, there’s keyless entry with pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine. The driver can also start the engine from outside the car using the key fob. This allows running of the air-conditioning system so that the cabin can be cooled down before entry – certainly a welcome feature in our climate!

Honda SENSING comes to the City
It’s not just powertrain technology that is advanced in the new City RS. The new model now has Honda SENSING assistance technologies to help the driver. There are seven systems, all of which use a wide-view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. Images captured in real-time are analysed by the on-board computer to determine hazardous situations and conditions that have a risk of an accident.

When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on, the car will travel at a set cruising speed, However, when another vehicle is detected ahead, the speed will be adjusted so that a safe gap is maintained. If there is no longer a vehicle ahead, the set speed will be resumed automatically.

When ACC is not used, Honda SENSING will still monitor the road ahead and if there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, the driver will be alerted. Should no action be taken (like braking or slowing down), the system will take over and activate the brakes to reduce speed and stop the car. This will help in avoiding a collision in case the driver has lost concentration, and it can also help reduce damage and repair cost as the early deceleration will reduce the impact speed.

As the car is moving, Honda SENSING monitors the lines on the road and notes the position of the car within the lane. Should the driver become drowsy and not maintain full steering control, the car may start to move out of its lane. When this happens, the system will vibrate the steering wheel to alert the driver. In some cases, the system will also gently apply corrective force to steer the car back to the centre of the lane.

There is also the possibility of the car being driven too close to the edge of the road. Honda SENSING is also programmed to detect this and besides alerting the driver, will use steering control and even the brakes to correct the car’s movement.

Auto High Beam is another system in Honda SENSING which gives the driver maximum illumination of the road ahead when possible. Whenever there is no oncoming vehicle, the headlights will switch to the brighter and longer-range high beam, automatically dipping to low beam if a vehicle is detected. This will avoid blinding and irritating the other driver, contributing to safety.

While Honda SENSING is a new feature, exclusive to the City RS, other safety systems such as Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD and Hill-Start Assist are also present. Additionally, besides dual front SRS airbags, the City RS also has side and window curtain airbags for added protection during side collisions. There is also an Auto Brake Hold feature to make driving in a traffic jam less stressful.

Honda LaneWatch
For the first time, the City gets Honda LaneWatch, an innovative camera-based system which provides the driver with a real-time view of the blind spot along the left side of the car. The advantage of this system is that the driver does not need to turn the head so much to see the traffic situation (unlike having to turn a lot to see the door mirror). The LaneWatch display automatically comes on whenever the signal indicator is activated.

While LaneWatch provides a view of the left side, a Multi Angle Rear View Camera covers the back of the car. This helps the driver position the car properly in a parking bay by showing three different views – wide, normal and high-angle. Each view can be chosen at the touch of a button, appearing clearly on the display even at night when lighting conditions are low.

With so many safety systems to help the driver, plus the G-FORCE CONTROL (G-CON) body structure, it is not surprising that the City can score maximum points from ASEAN NCAP. The G-CON structure dissipates the energy of a collision before it can reach the occupants and cause serious injuries.

Joy of Buying and Owning
Honda Malaysia often talks about giving customers the Joy of Buying with its products, and complementing this would be the Joy of Owning. This comes in many ways that will give peace of mind to the owner. Reliability and durability are a given with any Honda, along with high quality of assembly. The warranty will be for a full 5 years as there is no limit on mileage, and a further 3 years for the hybrid battery pack.

The all-new Honda City RS e:HEV will be available in January 2021 but authorized Honda dealerships nationwide will be happy to accept a booking now. To locate a showroom nearest to you, visit www.honda.com.my or by calling 1-800-88-2020.

All-new Isuzu mu-X SUV

Although it’s been 5½ years that the Isuzu mu-X has been in Malaysia, the model has been around in other markets for 7 years. It’s long by today’s SUVs standards which are more allied with passenger car cycle times but not that long when considered in the context of pick-ups, which have generation cycles of up to 10 years.

The reason for the long cycle time for a full model change for the mu-X is because it has been linked to the D-MAX. The pick-up model had its full model change only a year ago, and Isuzu engineers were probably tied up on the program that they could only work on the new mu-X after completing the D-MAX.

*Current mu-X which was introduced in Malaysia in 2015*

The mu-X has been manufactured in Thailand where Isuzu has its production hub and will go on sale in that market from next month, followed by exports to other countries.

*Isuzu’s factory in Thailand is the production hub for the D-MAX and mu-X.*

SUV Variant of D-MAX
As a variant of the D-MAX, the mu-X shares the same type of body-on-frame construction. While many of today’s SUVs have gone to a monocoque structure (like a passenger car’s), the body-on-frame construction is still preferred by those who will use it for more serious off-road activities. The construction method, which was used for most SUVs before, is more robust and durable, qualities which Isuzu vehicles are well known for.

While the construction tends to be heavy, the engineers have made efforts to keep the weight down. This has been achieved by installing a plastic tailgate (which can be powered), extensive use of high-tensile steel plates and a streamlined assembly structure.

By increasing the dynamic rigidity of the cab-mount fixing portions on the chassis frame, noise levels are reduced. Additionally, foamed material is installed inside the pillars in order to reduce entry of noise and to lower vibrations felt in the cabin.

Benefits from D-MAX advances
The new SUV benefits from the advances that were developed for the latest D-MAX. For example, the front suspension engineered in the D-MAX development provides better driving stability and riding comfort.

The level of roll rigidity has also significantly improved in the 5-link rear suspensions. This is due to the elevated roll centre achieved by relocating the lateral link. The stabilizer performance has also been enhanced by widening its effective width.

3-litre turbodiesel
For now, the new mu-X has only one powerplant shown in its specifications – the 3-litre 4JJ3 turbodiesel with an output of 190 ps/450 Nm. It will have a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is likely that Isuzu will also offer the 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel which is available for the D-MAX.

Isuzu BluePower engine — *Isuzu Blue Power 1.9-litre engine already available in the latest D-MAX.*

Less conservative style
The exterior styling of the new mu-X is quite a change from its predecessor with a less conservative appearance. It comes with sharp-looking Bi-LED projector headlamps which flank the front grille that is detail-oriented with a formative design.

Being a variant of the D-MAX means that the cabin has also to be similar in some respects although the 4.85-metre long body can accommodate three rows of seats too. Fortunately, even pick-ups these days have a passenger car-like interior and for the new mu-X, there’s an upgrading of materials and overall quality. New features include an electric parking brake with better connectivity available.

Coming to Malaysia?
The mu-X, unlike the D-MAX which is assembled in Pahang, has been imported as a CBU model from Thailand. Its introduction in Malaysia was late but for the new model, perhaps the Malaysian version is already included in the export plan so we could see it by 2021. Recalling how the current model proved to be a good all-rounder, the new one should be even better as the new D-MAX is.

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine

Bugatti Bolide – a no-compromise hyper sportscar

For a manufacturer to make a production model, the design cannot be too complex so as to not be too expensive to manufacture, and safety and emission regulations also need to be met. Designing a car for track use offer more freedom technical though safety is still important and there are also competition regulations to conform to.

Concept cars are the best then as they can do not need to meet regulations and can be have advanced technology that is still not ready for commercialisation. Typically, they show the design direction of the brand, and perhaps some new ideas being explored.

This is the case with the Bugatti Bolide, which is being presented as the answer to the question ‘what if Bugatti built a radically light vehicle around its iconic 8.0-litre W16 engine?’. The Bolide concept is a track-oriented hyper sportscar derived from production model intended to be the most extreme, uncompromising, fastest and lightest Bugatti concept car in the company’s recent history.

A ‘what if’ experiment
“Bugatti stands for the continuous quest for technological innovations – in alignment with the company’s brand values of excellence, courage, dedication. And Bugatti never stands still. We are perpetually aiming for new and exciting goals, and the question that we always keep in mind is: what if?” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti.

“We asked ourselves how we could realise the mighty W16 engine as a technical symbol of the brand in its purest form – with solely four wheels, engine, gearbox, steering wheel and, as the only luxury, two seats. Important aspects of our considerations were fine-tuning our iconic powertrain without any limitations as regards the weight-to-power ratio. These considerations resulted in the Bugatti Bolide.”

Powertrain designed specifically for the racetrack
Explaining the concept further, Stefan Ellrott, member of the Board of Management of Bugatti and Head of Technical Development, said that the Bolide is the ultimate answer to the question of what if Bugatti built a track-focused hyper sportscar that met the FIA’s safety requirements.

“Designed around the W16 powertrain with the minimum body structure and unbelievable performance data. The result: the smallest possible shell for a breathtaking performance vehicle that allows the W16 to truly come into its own,” he explained. “All of Bugatti’s expertise has been condensed into the Bugatti Bolide. It is therefore an innovative information source for future technologies. The Bolide is thus more than just an intellectual exercise.”

In terms of technology and organisation, the Bolide is one of the most ambitious projects for its lead engineer, Frank Gotzke. After playing a crucial role in the development of the Veyron 16.4 and the Chiron, he was given the responsibility for the technical concept of the Bolide. In only 8 months, he created a completely new sportscar around the Bugatti W16 all-wheel drive powertrain, which was highly modified for the project.

The 8-litre 16-cylinder 1,850 ps engine was engineered specifically for use on the racetrack and has an optimised engine and gearbox, especially for higher engine speeds. Among other things, there are 4 specially developed turbochargers with optimised blades in order to build up more boost pressure and power at higher engine speeds. In order to achieve optimum lubrication even under extremely high centrifugal forces, the oil circuit, oil pressure, check valves, baffles, oil tanks, oil reservoirs, and pump design of the dry sump lubrication have been optimised. The weight of the drive system is also significantly reduced.

Instead of water-to-air intercooling, the Bolide has air-to-air intercooling with water pre-cooling for optimal performance on the racetrack. Two water coolers, which are arranged in front of the front axle, provide a more effective radiator system in terms of flow than is customary even in Formula 1. Three air-cooled oil coolers for engine, transmission, and differential with water pre-cooling reduce the temperature, while newly developed and hybrid carbon titanium turbofan radial compressors ventilate and cool the high-performance racing brake system.

In order to achieve a dry weight of 1,240 kgs for that impressive weight-to-power ratio of 0.67 kg per ps, every avenue was explored, both in terms of what is currently feasible and what will be possible in the future. These included expensive features like having all the screw and fastening elements of the made completely out of titanium. In addition, hollow, thin-walled functional components made of an aerospace titanium alloy are used in many places.

A worldwide innovation is the morphable outer skin of the intake scoop on the roof, which provides active airflow optimisation. If the car is driven at a slow speed, the surface of the scoop remains smooth. In contrast, a field of bubbles bulges out when driven at fast speeds. This reduces the aerodynamic drag of the scoop by 10% and ensures a 17% reduction in lift forces. In addition, the flow onto the rear wing is optimised. At 320 km/h, the downforce is at 1,800 kgs at the rear wing and 800 kgs at the front wing.

As in Formula 1, the Bolide uses lightweight brakes with ceramic discs and coatings. The front forged magnesium rims with central lock weigh 7.4 kgs, while the rear ones weigh 8.4 kgs.

Carbonfibre monocoque
The Bugatti team developed a light monocoque made of carbonfibre around the drive. The integral front end flanged to it is also made of high-strength carbonfibres, as are the fully aerodynamically effective underbody and the monocoque itself. The rear frame is designed as a welded steel assembly made of high-strength stainless steel usually found in aviation.

With an overall height of only 995 millimetres, the Bugatti Bolide is exactly the same height as the historic Bugatti Type 35, and about 300 millimetres flatter than the Chiron. Like in an LMP1 racing car, the occupants fold up the doors that are hinged at the front at an angle, sit on a sill that is only 70 mm wide and then position their feet in the interior.

Inspired by X-1 experimental jets
The stylistic challenge was to transform the unyielding demands of aerodynamics and lightweight construction into an aesthetic that reflects the unique Bugatti DNA, but at the same time illustrates the ambition of an impressive weight-to-power ratio. The overall appearance is dominated by air ducts that are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 racing cars than classic sportscars.

The appearance of the Bolide invokes the so-called ‘X-planes’ of aviation history that pushed the edge of the performance envelope. It is indirectly reminiscent of the Bell X-1 jet aircraft which was flown by Chuck Yeager, who was the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947. The Bolide does not get up to that speed, of course, but it is claimed to be able to go past 500 km/h.

“For the first time, we are showing what the W16 engine is really capable of. We have freed the vehicle of all baggage and have illustrated and combined the engine with the lightest possible chassis to create the ultimate Bugatti and to ensure the ultimate driving experience. With the Bolide, we are presenting our interpretation of a Bugatti track car of modern times to Bugatti enthusiasts all over the world and finally make their most fervent wishes come true,” said Winkelmann, adding that production plans are not decided yet.

A lap in the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport hyper sportscar (w/VIDEO)

Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 R – hypercar performance at supercar pricing

Donkervoort Automobielen, the 42-year old Dutch company that specialises in handbuilt sportscars, has developed the new D8 GTO-JD70 R as a track-only Donkervoort with ‘hypercar performance and technology for only supercar pricing’ of 198,000 euros (about RM966,000), ex-factory.

Least compromised Donkervoort
The new JD70 R takes the JD70 concept into areas of performance it can only reach on race circuits. Where the JD70 was launched this year to honour the 70th birthday of Donkervoort’s founder, Joop Donkervoort, the JD70 R has been developed to embarrass other sportscar and their owners and to make its own drivers feel like track superstars.

The 3.84-metre long car is presented as the fastest, most attacking, least compromised Donkervoort ever engineered, capable of smashing track records, winning races and doing it all on a fraction of the fuel, tyre and brake budgets of traditional sportscars.

Safety levels raised
“The changes we made were all considered during the JD70 development program,” Donkervoort MD, Denis Donkervoort, explained. “We made the JD70 R much faster on every racing circuit than the JD70, so naturally we also concentrated on crash safety as a priority. It has race ABS, a fire extinguisher, greater fire protection for the fuel tank, a standard 6-point harness and full race seats. For every jump in speed with the JD70 R, we added exponentially to its crash protection.”

The JD70 R has been designed, engineered and developed to be driven flat out for hours, then refueled and sent back out on the track for more. It has also been designed to give real-time data back to the garage, where Donkervoort’s support team can tune the car for each circuit and help the drivers reach their full potential.

Donkervoort engineers concentrated on the suspension, crash safety, braking and steering of the JD70 R, creating a car that ramps up the driver engagement as well as the lap speed.

So it is safer than its roadgoing sibling although faster, and it is also visually similar. It offers an unprecedented level of adjustability for its chassis and suspension.

There are major changes to the gearbox, the brakes, the steering, the safety package and the tyres to create a car 5 full seconds faster than the JD70 around the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit. It’s even claimed to be a full 3 seconds faster than the 1100 horsepower, 2000-Nm Koenigsegg Regera.

About Donkervoort
Donkervoort Automobielen BV started business in 1978 as an independent maker of handbuilt sportscars. In its earlier years, it used Ford engines for its cars but in the 1990s, the company switched to Audi which not only provided the necessary know-how for engine development but also supported many other aspects.

During the partnership with Audi, the company saw good sales results. This meant that higher production numbers became necessary to grow. In 2000, a decision was taken to build a brand new factory with a production capacity of around 100 Donkervoorts per year.

Over the years, Donkervoort has amassed a great deal of knowledge and experience in the development and processing of carbonfibre as an ultra-lightweight material for its own sportscars. It also has an After Sales & Service department which maintains close contact with customers to ensure that their cars stay in top condition.

Exclusive Rolls-Royce Wraith with an astronaut’s view

The limitations of the COVID-19 notwithstanding, work still goes on at Rolls-Royce building cars and at the Bespoke department, the specialists continue to create exclusive cars for customers. One such project for a customer in the Middle East is the ‘Wraith – Inspired By Earth’, commissioned through Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi.

The latest creation takes its design cues from the entire Solar System, and our own beautiful planet as seen from space. The exterior is finished in Royal Blue, representing the 75% of the Earth’s surface that is covered by water. There is also a hand-painted Emerald Green coachline incorporating the Sun and the eight planets of the Solar System – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

The most striking feature, however, is the bonnet artwork, which depicts a satellite’s view (or that of an astronaut on the International Space Station) of the Middle Eastern region. Centred on the United Arab Emirates, the panorama extends across the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, all meticulously air-brushed by hand – not just an artwork pasted on – in a process that took over 100 hours to complete.

By contrast, the interior aesthetic focuses on the Earth’s surface and the human and natural life that inhabits it. The seats are made from Moccasin leather to mimic the sands of the Emirates’ deserts; Navy and Cobalto Blue accents are suggestive of rivers and lakes and Emerald Green piping symbolises nature in all its forms. Arctic White ‘RR’ monograms and stitching hint at clouds and translucent running water.

The rear waterfall features a spectacular scene of atmospheric clouds rendered in minutely detailed embroidery using Photoflash technology. On the fascia, the Piano Milori veneer is embellished with a satellite image of the Middle East, so realistic that it appears to be a photograph but in fact is skilfully air-brushed.

The customer’s chosen theme is ideal for having the Bespoke Starlight Headliner overhead. Often showing constellations in the night sky, the headliner in this Wraith is embroidered to illustrate all the planets of Solar System, centred on the Sun.

Other Bespoke details include treadplates, a clock with metal radial background, and inlays showing the planets in silver, with planet Earth accentuated in gold.

“We’re used to clients bringing us grand visions for their Bespoke Commissions, but this provided a new perspective altogether. In our response to the brief, we’ve worked at both the ‘macro’ level, referencing the Sun and planets of the whole Solar System, and the much more personal ‘micro’ level, centring our view of the world on the place the customer calls home,” explained Michael Bryden, Lead Bespoke Designer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The Bespoke department is where customers’ most ambitious and personal visions are brought to reality by a collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople. Today, almost every car that leaves the Rolls-Royce factory has also been enhanced and personalised by the specialists Bespoke.

The Starlight Headliner – Bringing the starry sky inside a Rolls-Royce

First units of new Mitsubishi XPANDER roll out from plant in Pekan, Pahang

Those who have booked a Mitsubishi XPANDER can expect their new 7-seater crossover soon. The first units have been completed and will soon be leaving the plant at HICOM Automotive Manufacturers Sdn Bhd in Pekan, Pahang. Malaysia is the third country to locally-assemble the XPANDER, following Indonesia and Vietnam.

The plant location would be familiar to Mitsubishi Motors as the Pajero (and earlier models of Mitsubishi pick-ups and vans) used to be assembled there in the 1990s. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has its own dedicated area for assembling the XPANDER at a rate of 6,000 units annually.

MMM invested in setting up an all-new Body Shop, Painting Jigs and Tester Line at the plant. The Paint Shop is said to be one of the most advanced in ASEAN. Complete immersion and coverage with protective primer paint is achieved during the Electro-Deposition (ED) process with the 360-degree rotation of the vehicle in the tank. Conventional ED processes usually just dip the body at one orientation.

Robots are used for consistent application of multiple coats of paint to ensure a high quality finish. To ensure that the XPANDERs assembled in Malaysia meet the high standards set by Mitsubishi Motors, there are auditors from the Japanese manufacturer who constantly carry out checks.

“We ensure all our customers that each unit of the XPANDER undergoes extensive quality control tests before it is shipped out. Every inch is checked by human-eyes and cutting-edge technology,” said the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.

Mr. Shinnishi said that the XPANDER is being assembled locally to achieve a more competitive and attractive price, with better specifications providing customers more convenience and comfort. “The XPANDER is a significant model for MMM and we are confident that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians,” he added.

Since its launch in Indonesia, some 270,000 units of the XPANDER (including the XPANDER Cross variant) have been sold across ASEAN. It will be in showrooms next month and come with a 1.5-litre MIVEC engine. Pricing has not been revealed but is expected to be under RM100,000. Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to locate a showroom to view and test-drive the XPANDER and other Mitsubishi models.

Besides the XPANDER, MMM also assembles two SUV models in Malaysia – the Outlander and ASX – at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur. Its most popular model, the Triton, is imported from Thailand in CBU form.

More details of new Mitsubishi XPANDER revealed before launch next month

Hyundai Motor reveals its smallest ever EV

The early electric vehicles (EVs) were often small, partly because they had to be as light as possible to move on the limited electrical energy. Today, as battery and powertrain technology have advanced substantially, EVs are as big as sedans with petrol or diesel engines.

For small and young customers
Hyundai, it seems, is going back to the ‘roots’ of EVs with a mini EV that is its smallest yet. In this first glimpse of the vehicle, it is clear that it is very small. The one-of-a-kind EV features Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology and is something that Hyundai wants to use to offer a unique mobility experience to young (and small) customers.

Styling based on 45 EV Concept
The exterior style is based on the ‘45’ EV concept that Hyundai displayed in 2019 at the Frankfurt Motorshow. The designers have adapted the signature ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design of the ‘45’ along with its angular yet smooth profile to create this yet-to-be-named EV that sports a Performance Blue exterior finish with orange accents.

This ‘little engine that could’ has two DC motors that can propel it to a top speed of 7 km/h, so it is only for the bravest souls! To boost driver confidence behind the wheel, the designers took inspiration from motorsports by placing just one seat in the middle of the 1.38-metre long car.

In keeping with the 45’s design heritage theme, Hyundai has built this unique passenger vehicle out of a traditional eco material – wood. There’s no officially rated driving range yet but the driver’s laughter is believed to be able to fuel the vehicle to travel further based on its Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology.

It’s certainly an intriguing little vehicle that we look forward to learning more about in due course.

45 EV Concept defines Hyundai Motor’s Future through Heritage

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