Home - Piston.my

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches The World’s Fastest…. Family? AMG Owners Community Malaysia Officially Launched!

The AOCM or AMG Owners Community Malaysia, is the latest initiative by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to elevate the AMG experience to greater heights, driven by passionate enthusiasts and customers. Members become a part of a dedicated and exclusive community with access to all things AMG – driving days, product previews, elite motorsport events, and unique collectables.

(L-R) Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia presenting Nabil Jeffri, Malaysian Race Driver and Mercedes-AMG Brand Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia his very own AOCM Welcome Pack alongside Guido Brormann, AMG Regional Sales Manager SEA

“It gives us great pleasure to welcome our Mercedes-AMG owners to join The World’s Fastest Family via the AMG Owners Community Malaysia, where the cost of membership is nothing more than ownership and enjoyment of your Mercedes-AMG automobile. We look forward to hosting these passionate fans and enthusiasts of our most powerful and dynamically desirable cars with experiences that are exclusive only to them as we uphold the AMG ideal of Driving Performance in everything that we do,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (above, left).

AOCM is a gathering of connoisseurs of the most accomplished performance cars in the world, the Mercedes-AMG family – where unique character, incredible intensity and desirable emotion come together. These vehicles are among the most powerful in the world yet deliver exemplary safety, superior quality and the signature Mercedes-Benz premium cabin experience and luxurious finishing.

The AMG product range in Malaysia is currently represented by the A 45, CLA 45 and GLA 45 from the progressive compact car range, the versatile and practical range of AMG 43s which includes the locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG C 43 limousine and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV, the C 63 Coupe, C 63 Limousine, E 63 Limousine and S 63 Coupe along with the recently added CLS 53 and AMG GT C – the latter joining the AMG GT S and AMG GT R in the unrivalled AMG GT collection.

Owners who register new Mercedes-AMG vehicles, as well as existing owners who sign up from now until 30^th of November 2018, will receive a Welcome Pack which includes a numbered member card, car sticker, custom-designed polo-shirt and laser-engraved paperweight.

High on power. Low on instalment.

With its superior performance and reliability, the Mercedes-AMG comes with so much excitement. So does the financing. The innovative Agility Financing from Mercedes-Benz Financial comes with so many benefits. The most significant one is the guaranteed future value of the car. Through this risk-free financing, customers can be confident in the future value of their Mercedes-Benz vehicles should the car value decrease.

At the end of the agreement, customer is in control with the options to settle or extend a financing contract or even return their vehicles and upgrade to newer models. Return option is subject to fair wear and tear conditions and kilometer restrictions.

With the introduction of Performance Agility Care, customers now can drive a Mercedes-AMG with flexible financing solutions that comes with a service and maintenance package. For a limited time, the first few customers to activate Performance Agility Care will receive an exclusive Mercedes-AMG merchandise package worth RM5,000. Campaign ends on October 31, 2018. For more details, contact 1-800-88-1133.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd Officially Announces New Pricing Of Its Model Range Post SST

Following the Government of Malaysia’s announcement of Sales and Service Tax (SST) implementation,Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd officially announced the new pricing of its model range inclusive of 10% sales tax applicable for vehicles.

Refer to the pricing list below for the breakdown of prices according to model.

Model	GST PRICE	NEW SST PRICE	Difference
Picanto EX	RM49,888.00	RM49,888.00	RM0.00

Rio	RM79,888.00	RM78,888.00	less RM1,000.00

Cerato	RM103,888.00	RM103,888.00	RM0.00

Optima GT	RM174,888.00	RM169,888.00	less RM5,000.00

Sporatage EX	RM129,888.00	RM126,888.00	less RM3,000.00
Sporatge GT	RM153,888.00	RM149,888.00	less RM4,000.00

Sorento EX	RM173,888.00	RM169,888.00	less RM4,000.00
Sorento SX	RM185,888.00	RM179,888.00	less RM6,000.00

Grand Carnival SX	RM188,888.00	RM184,888.00	less RM4,000.00
Grand Carnival KX	RM159,888.00	RM155,888.00	less RM4,000.00

*OTR price without insurance

For enquiries, contact Naza Kia Malaysia customer service at 1-800-888-542 or csd@naza.com.my.

Ferrari Monza SP1 & SP2 Unveiled – The First Models In New ‘Icona’ Series [+Video]

The new Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 have been unveiled on occasion of the company’s Capital Market’s Day at the factory in Maranello. These limited-edition special-series cars are the first in a new segment called ‘Icona’ and draw inspiration from the most evocative Ferraris of the 1950s and feature the most advanced sports car technology available today.

Aimed at dedicated clients and collectors, the Monza SP1 and SP2 reference the iconic Ferrari racing barchettas of the past, not least the 1948 166 MM, which originally inspired the name ‘barchetta’, and the 750 Monza and 860 Monza. Designed with the sole aim of winning, these uncompromising models helped build the Ferrari legend in the 1950s by delivering numerous victories in the World Sports Car Championship.

The Ferrari Monza SP1 was designed as an uncompromising single-seat road car that offers a truly unique experience behind the wheel. The second configuration, the Monza SP2, thanks to the elimination of the tonneau cover and the addition of a second protective screen and a second roll-bar, is instead a two-seater enabling the passenger to share the same driving sensations.

The Monza SP1 and SP2 feature a unique design, the best weight-to-power ratio of any barchetta, thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fibre in construction, and distinctive details, such as head-and tail-lights, wheels and interior, which further enhance the cars’ exclusivity. Equipped with the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built, a 810 cv V12, they can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The architecture of the two cars is based on a monolithic form with an aerodynamic wing profile where the complete absence of a roof and windscreen gave the designers the freedom to create unique proportions that would not have been possible on a traditional spider. The result is the feeling of blistering speed normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers, which derives from the concept of a cockpit carved from the car’s very volume that wraps around the driver.

The Ferrari Design Centre has sought to create a very pure design, as though born of a single pencil stroke, to convey an ideal of timeless elegance, minimalist form and refined detail. Visually complex solutions, such as those seen on recent racing cars, have been avoided, giving way to a more understated formal design language. Never has a model expressed such a narrative power, highlighting its appeal as a driver’s car where the link between man and automobile becomes symbiotic.

A radical choice was made for the design of the cars’ compact doors which open upwards. Equally important is the all-carbon-fibre one-piece bonnet-wing assembly which is hinged at the front to showcase the imposing V12 engine once open. As with racing models, the bodyshell of both cars is made entirely from lightweight carbon-fibre. The entire interior is trimmed in the same material with a natural finish to enhance the sporty impact of the design. Weight reduction and the ‘barchetta’ configuration guarantee unique vehicle dynamics: perfectly balanced with no roll whatsoever for pure, uncompromising sports-car handling.

Because these are authentic “en plein air” sports cars, one of the greatest challenges in their design was managing the aerodynamic flows inside the cockpit in the absence of a windscreen. The solution was the innovative patented “Virtual Wind Shield” which has been incorporated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel and the steering wheel. The “Virtual Wind Shield” deviates a part of the air flow to maintain driving comfort.

Especially for Monza SP1 and SP2 owners Ferrari, in collaboration with two leading luxury brands, Loro Piana and Berluti, has created elegant gentlemen-driver-inspired apparel and accessories. The driver’s selection includes racing overalls, jersey, helmet, gloves, scarf and driving shoes. These feature a number of technical solutions to guarantee a comfortable fit and ensure freedom of movement while driving. Here’s the video of the official unveiling held recently…

Short Technical Specification

ENGINE

Type V12 – 65°

Overall displacement 6496 cm3

Max. power output * 603 kW (810 cv) at 8500 rpm

Max. torque * 719 Nm at 7000 rpm

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length 4657 mm

Width 1996 mm

Height 1155 mm

Dry weight** 1500 kg (SP1), 1520 kg (SP2)

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h 2.9 sec

0-200 km/h 7.9 sec

Max. speed >300 km/h

FUEL CONSUMPTION/ C02 EMISSIONS

Under homologation

* *With 98 octane petrol

**With optional lightweight contents

BMW Malaysia Introduces The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster @ CEPSI 2018

BMW Malaysia today unveiled the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster, with a sticker price of RM1,508,800! This “Icon of a New Era” epitomises the progression of the hybrid sports car, and was the star attraction at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018, at which BMW Malaysia is the official E-Mobility partner.

“BMW Group Malaysia sees itself as a key industry player capable of driving and shaping the national dialogue on the Mobility of the Future. Our leadership in Electro Mobility is amply reflected in the innovative range of electrified vehicles that have been launched under the BMW Group. Our commitment to drive e-mobility forward is strengthened through our initiatives to drive innovation, local assembly capabilities, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry as well as changing the infrastructure for premium vehicles in the country,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above, in light blue).

Since the introduction of the BMW i sub-brand in 2013, the BMW Group has celebrated immense success with its E-Mobility portfolio worldwide. Last year alone, the BMW Group promised and delivered 100,000 electrified vehicles. With over 82,000 electrified units already delivered in the first eight months of this year – a 43.3% increase compared to the same period last year – the premium automaker is on track to achieve the mark of delivering 140,000 electrified vehicles in 2018.

This ambition is pursued by BMW Group Malaysia locally with exceptional performance in its electrified vehicles. Year-to-date, BMW Group Malaysia has already successfully delivered over 9,500 BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, recording an increase of more than 20% compared to the same period last year. Of the total vehicle deliveries, 56% comprises of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles, indicating the evolving sentiment among Malaysians for embracing Visionary Mobility in their automotive needs.

During CEPSI 2018, BMW Group Malaysia will further drive discussion on the Future of Mobility in Malaysia with Dr. Alexander Kotouc. As the Head of Product Management for BMW i, the sub brand of the BMW Group responsible for Visionary Vehicles, Dr. Kotouc will share on the premium automaker’s plans and vision as a leader in automotive sustainability and progressive mobility.

Further solidifying its position as the leading provider of premium electrified mobility, BMW Malaysia also introduced the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster, which was officiated by the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Yeo Bee Yin, as a special guest at the landmark conference. “The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster is the ultimate icon for Mobility of the Future. The open-top hybrid two-seater sports car redefines driving enthusiasm, freedom and demonstrates e-Mobility as the visionary way forward for the convertible sports cars segment,” said Hoelzl.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster is equipped with the most acclaimed features placing it in a league of its own. This year, BMW i8 scored its fourth consecutive win of the International Engine of the Year Award since 2015, a well-deserved recognition of BMW i8’s supremely designed drivetrain. Furthermore, a string of prestigious accolades, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award, testify to the quality and allure of the brand-new LifeDrive architecture for BMW i models.

More on the BMW i8 Roadster (text & photos courtesy of BMW Malaysia) – Emotion-packed design, a character all of its own…

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster imbues emotional appeal in its spectacular design, by carrying over the BMW i design language into a distinctive vehicle concept. The taut soft-top roof has a visual lightness to go with its low physical weight and serves as a defining element of the silhouette in reinforcing the road-hugging impression made by the car’s low centre of gravity. The body’s dynamic wedge shape can also be best appreciated when viewing the two-seater in profile. A “Roadster” designation is attached on the C-pillar.

When opened, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster’s broad roof retracts fully into the rear end. A unique mechanism allows the soft-top to be folded into a compact package and stowed away in a perpendicular position, creating around 100 litres of additional storage space behind the seats. The all-electric roof opens and closes quietly in 15 seconds, a process which can be initiated while travelling at up to 50 km/h. Dropping down the roof raises the rear window by around 30 millimetres, where it can also serve as a wind deflector that reduces turbulence for the occupants. The height of the fully retractable rear window can be varied as desired at the touch of a button in the cockpit.

The Icon of a New Era features a brand new LifeDrive vehicle architecture which offers a horizontally split structure comprising an aluminium chassis and a carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) passenger cell to offer an exceptional degree of design freedom. This clever engineering trick enables the optimal positioning of the necessary drive components to ensure the best possible handling, in addition to ensuring a noticeable weight advantage with the carbon passenger cell.

The open-top two-seater comes with newly designed frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP with an aluminium outer shell, while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. This ultra-strong high-tech material is ideally equipped to provide exceptional rigidity, maximising the car’s occupant protection even if it rolls over. CFRP is also used to manufacture the side skirts with their extra-large cross-section. Additional struts and panels in the front and rear axles also help to maximise the body’s rigidity. The unladen weight of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster stands at 1,595 kilograms, a remarkably low figure for an open-top car.

Hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, precision-tuned chassis…

The electric motor’s power is transmitted to the front wheels and the engine’s drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that is controlled by the car’s intelligent energy management. In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when the driver is accelerating with particular vigour. It is also able to recuperate energy and feed it to the high-voltage battery on overrun and under braking. The petrol engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can likewise generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring sufficient energy is on tap at all times for the electric drive system.

When the navigation system’s route guidance function is activated, the intelligent energy management ensures the electric motor is employed as extensively and judiciously as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route in full and sets up the powertrain management to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey.

The model-specific tuning of the suspension and damping systems, the specially configured steering characteristics, a firmer roll stabilisation set-up and targeted modification of the DSC parameters together guarantee that the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster retains all the plug-in hybrid sports car’s trademark handling and performance qualities. Dynamic Stability Control is included as standard. The standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels feature a lightweight construction, with each weighing around one kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously offered for the BMW i8.

Engine with optimised emissions…

The internal combustion engine has also undergone further optimisation. The three-cylinder unit extracts maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp from its displacement of just 1.5 litres, along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. In the process, it generates an even sportier soundtrack. A particulate filter is now fitted to further reduce emissions by absorbing the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gases.

The system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison is now 275 kW/374 hp, enabling an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its combined fuel consumption stands at 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres, and 14.5 kWh of electrical energy per 100 kilometres. Petrol CO₂ emissions come in at 46 grams per kilometre.

Optimised BMW eDrive technology: more power, longer range – a further enhanced electric driving experience…

The rigorously developed BMW eDrive technology and optimised intelligent energy management lead to a significant increase in the number of driving situations where the electric motor can be solely responsible for powering the car. This underscores the ground-breaking character of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster and ensures drivers enjoy silent and locally emission-free open-top motoring to the full.

Underpinning this new level of electric driving experience is an updated version of the lithium-ion battery developed for the BMW i8. The high-voltage unit is located centrally in the car’s underbody. Its cell capacity has increased to 33 Ah from the previous 20 Ah, and gross energy capacity has risen to 11.6 kWh from 7.1 kWh, all of which means the electric motor has more energy at its disposal. The cell configuration allows a peak output of 105 kW/143 hp, making quick sprints possible on pure-electric power.

In the standard driving mode, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can be driven exclusively on the electric motor alone – from step-off to a speed of 105 km/h. The combustion engine is only brought into play at higher speeds or when the driver stamps down hard on the accelerator, and is switched off again far more frequently when a measured driving style is maintained. Pressing the eDrive button allows travel at up to 120 km/h on electric power alone. The electric range of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster reaches 53 kilometres.

Innovative interior with exclusive equipment…

The interior of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster continues the progressive design of the exterior with a classic BMW i8 drive orientation in line with the sporty, dynamic concept. The upper centre console to the instrument panel curves toward the driver in an acute 12-degree angle. All controls and display elements are within perfect reach of the driver and easy to read. The open-pored CFRP Carbon trim on the centre console, door handle and dashboard inlay, the ceramic controls with an embossed i8 logo on the iDrive Controller, and the ceramic finish on the gear selection lever add a futuristic touch to the interior. The immediately impactful environment gives the driver the impression of being one with the car.

The cockpit is fitted out with the BMW Head-up Display that changes to a sports display that includes revs, gears and shift lights when performing manual gear changes in SPORT mode. Other standard specifications include leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, electrically adjustable seats, the multifunctional instrument display, the Driving Assistant including Surround View, and the Navigation System Professional. The main menu in the Control Display is now presented in the form of horizontally arranged tiles with a live mode.

The BMW Connected also comes standard, providing access and information to the current charge status, the range and departure time, helping the driver search for charging stations, and having it sent directly to the vehicle, access to the efficiency rating of the last trip, tutorials for particularly efficient driving, and the CO₂calculator. The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant interfaces the vehicle with the customer’s selected touchpoints, such as a smartphone or smartwatch.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster comes in Exterior E-Copper with Accaro interior design, and will be available at authorised BMW i dealerships from 19^th September 2018. For the FULL spec sheet, click to download this: BMW i8 Roadster Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia

Dynamic Financial Programme…

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 17,268.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete Premium Ownership Experience…

Customers of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.
BMW Service Online.