Home - Piston.my

BMW 5 Series Touring Expands Variety with the First BMW i5 Touring

The new BMW 5 Series Touring has officially made its debut, with the first vehicles delivered to customers in Europe and Japan. This sixth generation of the 5 Series Touring introduces the all-electric BMW i5 Touring for the first time, alongside traditional internal combustion engine models, reflecting BMW’s ongoing commitment to electrification and innovation.

The all-electric BMW i5 Touring leads the lineup, featuring two models. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring boasts an impressive output of up to 601 horsepower, while the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring offers up to 340hp and a range of up to 560km as determined by the WLTP test cycle. These models mark a significant step in BMW’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle offerings.

For those who prefer diesel engines, the BMW 520d Touring and BMW 520d xDrive Touring are also available. These models are particularly popular in Europe and are equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, delivering a maximum output of 197hp. This technology enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, aligning with modern environmental standards.

Looking ahead to summer 2024, BMW plans to introduce plug-in hybrid versions of the new 5 Series Touring. The upcoming BMW 530e Touring and BMW 530e xDrive Touring will feature a powertrain that combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, collectively generating 299hp. These models will offer substantial electric-only ranges, with the 530e Touring capable of traveling 83 to 95km on electric power alone, and the 530e xDrive Touring achieving 82 to 89km. The BMW 530e xDrive Sedan will also join the lineup, offering similar performance and efficiency.

Additionally, the range of the new BMW 5 Series will expand to include a six-cylinder diesel engine by summer 2024. The BMW 540d xDrive Sedan and BMW 540d xDrive Touring will feature a straight six-cylinder diesel engine paired with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. This combination produces 303hp and 670Nm of torque, enabling both models to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds. The intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system ensures optimal traction and driving stability across various road conditions.

BMW’s electrification strategy is evident in the new 5 Series Touring, particularly with the introduction of the all-electric i5 Touring and the upcoming plug-in hybrid variants. These models are designed to deliver both performance and efficiency, offering substantial electric-only ranges and impressive system outputs. The integration of mild hybrid technology in the diesel variants and the sophisticated powertrain in the hybrid models underscore BMW’s commitment to cutting-edge automotive technology.

Practicality remains a key feature of the new 5 Series Touring, including the plug-in hybrid models. The innovative packaging of the high-voltage battery under the vehicle’s floor allows for a flat luggage compartment without compromising cargo space. The Touring model offers 570 litres of luggage capacity with all seats in use, which can be expanded to 1,700 litres when needed, ensuring versatility for various needs.

The launch of the new BMW 5 Series Touring, including the all-electric i5 Touring and upcoming plug-in hybrids, signifies a major advancement in BMW’s journey towards electrification and carbon neutrality. These models blend traditional BMW performance with modern, sustainable technologies, making the 5 Series a top choice in the premium upper mid-range segment. The combination of innovative powertrains, practical design, and BMW’s signature driving dynamics ensures that the new 5 Series Touring will appeal to a wide range of customers seeking performance, efficiency, and luxury.

Subaru, Toyota and Mazda Are Developing New Engines For Carbon-Neutral Fuel Compatibility

Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation are taking significant steps towards carbon neutrality by developing new engines tailored for electrification and compatibility with carbon-neutral (CN) fuels. This collaboration underscores their commitment to innovative solutions that optimise integration with electric drive units, motors, and batteries, while also focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of internal combustion engines (ICEs).

Key Initiatives and Goals

Development of Compact, Efficient Engines:

– Integration with Electric Drive Units: The new engines are designed to work seamlessly with electric motors and batteries, enhancing overall vehicle performance and efficiency.

– Smaller, More Compact Design: These engines will revolutionise vehicle packaging by being more compact, allowing for design improvements such as lower hoods and better aerodynamics. This contributes to enhanced fuel efficiency and compliance with stricter emissions regulations.

Decarbonisation Efforts:

– Carbon-Neutral Fuels: The engines will be compatible with a range of carbon-neutral fuels, including e-fuels (synthetic fuels), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. This shift away from fossil fuels aims to make ICEs more sustainable.

– Broadening Powertrain and Fuel Options: Under racing conditions, the companies are exploring various powertrain and fuel options to ensure robust and versatile engine performance that aligns with carbon neutrality goals.

Shared Vision and Collaboration

Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda are driven by a deep understanding of their customers’ diverse needs and lifestyles. This has led them to develop engines that not only embody their respective brands but also cater to unique customer preferences. Their joint efforts focus on:

– Acting with Passion and Purpose: The companies are united in their approach to tackling carbon emissions, focusing on carbon as the primary enemy rather than the engines themselves.

– Maintaining Supply Chains and Jobs: By advancing engine technology and expanding fuel options, they aim to sustain the supply chains and jobs that support the automotive industry.

Practical Implementation and Future Outlook

– Innovative Vehicle Design: The compact nature of the new engines allows for more flexible vehicle designs, enhancing both aesthetic and functional aspects of future vehicles.

– Compliance and Performance: Emphasis on meeting stringent emissions regulations while maintaining high efficiency and performance standards ensures that these engines will be both practical and eco-friendly.

Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda’s collaborative approach reflects their shared dedication to achieving carbon neutrality through multiple pathways. By working together with like-minded partners, they aim to create a sustainable future for Japan’s automotive industry, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. This initiative highlights their commitment to pioneering technologies that support a broader adoption of carbon-neutral solutions while preserving the essence and performance of traditional ICE vehicles.

The New Porsche 911: First Street-Legal 911 With a Super-Lightweight Performance Hybrid System

Porsche has ushered in a new era for the iconic 911 sports car with the introduction of the new 911 Carrera GTS, marking the debut of a street-legal 911 equipped with a super-lightweight performance hybrid system.

The 2025 Carrera GTS model combines the classic rear-mounted flat-six engine of the 911 with an electric motor and an electric turbocharger, resulting in an impressive output of 532hp and 608Nm of torque. Scheduled for release before the end of the year, this hybrid setup represents a significant upgrade from previous iterations.

Under the hood, the Carrera GTS features a new 3.6-litre flat-six engine, offering 478hp and 569Nm of torque—an increase of five hp compared to its predecessor. The hybrid system enables Porsche to replace the twin-turbo setup with a single electric turbocharger, equipped with a 14.7hp motor for rapid response and minimal turbo lag. Additionally, a 32.6hp traction motor and a small 1.9-kWh battery contribute to enhanced performance across the rev range while maintaining optimal air-fuel ratio.

Despite a weight increase of 46kg, attributed partly to added standard equipment such as rear-wheel steering, the Carrera GTS delivers remarkable acceleration, clocking a sub-3-second 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds—a first for a Carrera model. New active aerodynamic flaps at the front, along with styling tweaks to the fascias and updated wheel options, further enhance performance and aesthetics.

Meanwhile, the base Carrera model receives updates including turbos and intercoolers from previous GTS and Turbo models, resulting in a nine-hp increase in power.

Inside, the Carrera GTS boasts an all-new, all-digital gauge cluster, replacing the analog tachometer, while still prioritising essential driving information. For the first time, the 911 has a fully digital instrument cluster. The 12.6-inch curved display fits seamlessly into the new control and display concept and can be extensively customised. It offers up to seven views, including an exclusive Classic display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system is still operated via the high-resolution central display with a 10.9-inch screen.

Both the base Carrera and Carrera GTS models receive facelift updates for 2025, with pricing increases across the board. The base Carrera starts at $122,095 (RM573,571), while the Carrera GTS is priced at $166,895 (RM784,030), reflecting the enhanced performance and advanced technology offered by these revamped models.

The Next Chapter Of Electrified Mobility: Nissan E-Power

Nissan, renowned for its innovation in electric vehicles (EVs), is poised to advance electrified mobility with its pioneering e-POWER technology. Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, unveiled the exciting potential of e-POWER to visitors and car buyers at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

The e-POWER drive system represents a breakthrough unique to Nissan, utilising a petrol engine and a Lithium-ion battery to power an electric motor that exclusively propels the wheels. Functioning akin to an electric car, e-POWER delivers instantaneous torque and boasts lower tailpipe emissions and running costs compared to traditional combustion engines—all without requiring external charging. Additionally, e-POWER incorporates regenerative braking to help maintain battery levels.

Nissan e-POWER stands out as an innovative and award-winning electric-drive powertrain, integrating an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Notably, the wheels are solely propelled by the high-output motor, akin to an EV, offering immediate throttle response and impressive torque delivery. Recognised as the “Technology of the Year” by the Automotive Researchers & Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) in 2021, the e-POWER system underscores Nissan’s commitment to technological advancement.

(more…)

Peugeot Malaysia Delivers First Batch of The All-New 408 to First 10 Owners in Malaysia

Peugeot Malaysia recently celebrated a significant milestone by delivering the first batch of the all-new Peugeot 408 to 9 proud owners in Malaysia. The vehicle handover ceremony took place at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, where the delighted owners received their brand-new Peugeot 408, marking the culmination of their orders placed since mid-April.

The all-new Peugeot 408 has garnered widespread acclaim and sparked considerable interest, with over 300 bookings received and counting since the commencement of order-taking. Impressively, 60% of these bookings are for the GT variant, while 22% are for the Premium variant and 18% for the Allure variant. This overwhelming response underscores the car’s unique position in the market, defying traditional categorisation and meeting diverse preferences.

(more…)

Toyota Gazoo Racing Doubling Down on ICE Investment

Toyota’s motorsport and sports car division, Gazoo Racing, is doubling down on its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, reaffirming its commitment to maximising the potential of combustion engines. GR President Tomoya Takahashi emphasised the division’s stance, asserting that ICE vehicles can coexist with efforts to reduce carbon emissions. “The enemy is carbon, not internal combustion engines,” Takahashi remarked, encapsulating Toyota’s perspective on ICE vehicles.

Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota has no immediate plans to introduce a performance EV under the GR brand. This decision raises questions about the fate of the FT-Se concept car, which boasted impressive performance figures but remains without a clear production path.

(more…)

Piston.my

Latest News

BMW 5 Series Touring Expands Variety with the First BMW i5 Touring

Subaru, Toyota and Mazda Are Developing New Engines For Carbon-Neutral Fuel Compatibility

The New Porsche 911: First Street-Legal 911 With a Super-Lightweight Performance Hybrid System

The Next Chapter Of Electrified Mobility: Nissan E-Power

Peugeot Malaysia Delivers First Batch of The All-New 408 to First 10 Owners in Malaysia

Toyota Gazoo Racing Doubling Down on ICE Investment

Umno Leader Calls for Better Highway Management to Address Traffic Woes

Mini Malaysia Unveils the New Mini Aceman – 218hp, 0-100km/h in 7.1 Seconds and 406km Range

LEKAS Highway Temporarily Closed this Saturday Evening to Sunday Morning

Exclusive Audi Deals: PHSAM Announces Special Discounts on Electric and Luxury Models

UMW Toyota Motor Delivers Outstanding Sales Performance In September 2024

Sime Darby Motors Achieves Over 10,000 BYD Sales in Malaysia

Innovation Recognised: Berjaya Sompo Triumphs at Global Brand and Economics Awards

EV Market Faces First Decline as Hybrids Gain Ground in 2024

Negligent Maintenance: A Key Factor in Commercial Vehicle Accidents, Warns JPJ

McLaren W1: McLaren’s Most Powerful Road Car – 1,258hp, 1,339Nm of Torque

Archive

Mitsubishi Malaysia Rolls Out Facelifted Xpander, Opens Bookings at RM115k Introductory Price

Volkswagen’s Iconic Polo to Make Way for Smaller and More Affordable Electric SUVs

BMW Warns of Trade Dispute Fallout as EU Considers High Tariffs on Chinese EV Imports

Nissan e-Power Powertrain Previewed Ahead of Malaysian Debut

Authorities Urged to Adhere to SOPs for Timely Road Repairs

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show