Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Toyota Gets Approval For HD Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain Kit

Toyota reported that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted it a Zero Emission Powertrain (ZEP) Executive Order for its new heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain.

The hydrogen fuel storage tanks, fuel cell stacks, batteries, electric motors and gearbox are all included in the hydrogen fuel powertrain kit. As businesses try to convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles, Toyota claims that it offers a credible alternative to conventional diesel powertrains used in commercial goods transportation.

(more…)

Bentley Continental GT’s 20th Birthday Celebrated With One-Off Grand Tourer

The Continental GT, which has been in production since 2003, marks its 20th birthday in 2023. At the Shanghai Auto Show, a one-of-a-kind car was unveiled with a multitude of commemorative badging and several special features, kicking off a year-long celebration.

The one-off commission comes coated in a stunning shade of dark grey metallic, matched by 22-inch wheels in black and a black-finished chrome front mesh grille. It is based on the GT S, which means it is powered by the 4.0-liter V8 rather than the 6.0-liter W12 we associate with Bentley’s grand tourer.

(more…)

Tesla Reintroduces Regenerative Braking Options With New Software Update

Regenerative braking options for Tesla electric vehicles have been restored thanks to a new software update.

One of the most fascinating aspects of electric vehicles, regenerative braking, was previously adjustable by Tesla drivers.

An EV’s electric motor can reverse power to slow down the car instead of using a conventional braking system, recovering energy while it does so. This technology may even make one-pedal driving possible since you won’t need to press the brake pedal to engage the standard brakes except in an emergency.

(more…)

2023 Shanghai Auto Show Has Marked The End Of An Era For ICE Cars

As a car enthusiast, nothing beats the feeling of downshifting and flooring the throttle while passing through a tunnel just to hear your engine roar and get a glimpse of the flame shooting out your tailpipes. That’s what cars are about.

Now, imagine watching Fast and Furious but with electric vehicles (EVs). Wouldn’t be the same now, would it?

Sadly, the world is going into a “greener” future and ICE cars are being forgotten about. Based on the predictions of analysts and industry insiders, this year’s Shanghai Auto Show marked the end of the petrol engine era in China, as Chinese electric car firms push transformation across the sector and leave international competitors in the dust.

(more…)

A Tribute To The Martini Racing Team’s 7 WRC Titles With Lancia

Lancia and the Martini Racing Team are prominently embedded in the history of the World Rally Championship (WRC), especially during that glorious period of the Group B super rallycars. The Italian cars, with the blue, light blue and red stripes, are just as well remembered as the Audi Quattro and Peugeot 205 Turbo.

Of the many rallies the team entered, it was during 1983 when the refined strategy and brilliance of team boss Cesare Fiorio beat Audi to take the first WRC title with the 037. It inspired the Martini Racing Team to continue competing with determination over the next 10 years. The 037 was succeeded by first the S4, and then the Delta Integrali which won another 6 world titles.

(more…)

New Record For Vehicle Sales In March 2023

March was the final month for delivery of new vehicles that were exempted from sales tax, the provision having been allowed by the Finance Ministry after the tax exemption ended on June 30, 2022. Understanding that the demand had been very great as many people wanted to save on the sales tax, and production was not sufficient to fulfill the orders by the deadline, the ministry allowed the car companies until March 31, 2023 to deliver the vehicles booked before the deadline.

The 9-month allowance was certainly appreciated as the industry had production disruptions due to shortages of parts, especially microprocessors. During the second half of last year, vehicle output was inconsistent even though efforts were being made to maximise the numbers, with priority being given to the tax-exempted orders.

Furthermore, March is also the end of the financial year for some car companies and there is usually a final strong push to end the financial year with the best numbers. Thus the March Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicles shot up by 24% to reach 78,849 passenger and commercial vehicles.

(more…)