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Lamborghini Urus Performante Takes the Super SUV’s Performance To A Higher Level

Ever since Lamborghini launched its first SUV, the Urus, sales have been exceptionally high and propelled it to become the bestselling model for the Italian sportscar maker. In fact, in 4 years, it has produced over 20,000 of the SUVs, which makes the Urus the most successful model the company has ever produced.

But like any progressive company, Lamborghini has not left the Urus as it is and has been inspired by success to raise the bar on its Super SUV. With the new Urus Performante, there are revisions in styling and both the powertrain and chassis have also received improvements for higher performance.

“The Urus set a new standard at its launch, taking Lamborghini’s design DNA and technological talent and delivering the world’s first Super SUV for a new era. The Urus Performante sets the bar even higher for the SUV segment,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman & CEO.

Extensive use of carbonfibre
The Urus Performante can be identified by a pure, sharper, more prominent bonnet and bumper design/ Deep cuts in the bonnet lines extend down to the new front bumper, and the bonnet has an air outlet forged from lightweight. A roof in carbonfibre is also available as an option, reflecting the Urus Performante’s extensive use of composite materials that makes it the car with the highest number of carbonfibre parts in its segment.

The front bumper and splitter in carbonfibre sport assertive new lines. There are new black front air-intakes which deliver increased engine cooling, while a new air curtain draws airflow over the front wheels. The aerodynamic design theme decreases drag to contribute to the overall aerodynamics efficiency with the newly-designed rear spoiler increasing downforce of the Urus Performante by 38% at the rear end.

In profile, the SUV’s lowered stance is accented by its prominent front, and rear wing and bumper, increasing overall length by 25 mm. The rear is equally distinctive by its purposeful high-performance design as the rear spoiler with carbonfibre fins takes design inspiration from the Aventador SVJ.

The lower rear bumper and diffuser are also in carbonfibre with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic sports exhaust as standard. This generates the characteristic Lamborghini resonance depending on the drive mode selected.

“The Urus Performante’s very bold and characterful design perfectly integrates the improved aerodynamics incorporating the front bumper’s air curtain, with significant visual differentiation including the new lightweight carbonfibre bonnet and extensive use of carbonfibre throughout reminding of its ‘Performante’ heritage. This benchmarking Urus is designed as a unique driver-oriented Super SUV,” said Mitja Borkert, Head of Design.

Ad Personam options available
Inside, the cockpit features Nero Cosmus black Alcantara as standard with a new hexagonal seat stitching design known as the ‘Performante trim’. Customers have a wide choice of options in colour and trim, with further Ad Personam customization including interior matt carbonfibre details, red door handles, and a customized kickplate with the Ad Personam logo.

A new HMI graphic, with a dedicated design for the Urus Performante, features on both the centre console screen and in a large arc across the main display.

Increased power output
Under the bonnet, the V8 twin turbo powerplant power has gained a 16 ps increase to 666 ps (640 ps for the Chinese market due to homologation reasons) with 850 Nm of torque to take it up to a top speed of 306 km/h. With overall weight decreased by 47 kgs, the Urus has a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3.2, allowing it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and from 100 km/h to standstill in 32.9 metres.

The re-engineered drive modes allow the driver to select the perfect set-up for every surface condition to enjoy more comfort or sharper, stronger throttle response with enhanced agility. Besides the standard drive modes, there is also a new RALLY mode which provides more fun dirt tracks with amplified oversteer.

Prior to its global debut, the Urus Performante’s high level of performance was demonstrated when it set a new record in the production SUV category on the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Road, beating the record set 4 years ago.

Chassis upgrades
Under the bonnet, the V8 twin turbo powerplant power has gained a 16 ps increase to 666 ps (640 ps for the Chinese market due to homologation reasons) with 850 Nm of torque to take it up to a top speed of 306 km/h. With overall weight decreased by 47 kgs, the Urus has a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3.2, allowing it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and from 100 km/h to standstill in 32.9 metres.

New steel springs lower the Urus Performante’s chassis by 20 mm, with a wheel track that is broader by 16 mm, over which wider carbonfibre wheelarches surround the new optional 23-inch or forged 22-inch lightweight wheels with titanium bolts and specially developed Pirelli tyres.

Special-developed Pirelli tyres
The tyres come alongside with an evolution of the Urus Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. For the first time, the Pirelli semi-slick tyre has been developed to meet the characteristics of an SUV, with this particular variant developed in co-operation with Lamborghini. The result of the collaboration is a tyre with increased capability, achieving performance both on dry asphalt with high ambient temperatures and on wet surfaces with colder temperatures.

Open APs No Longer Valid To Import New Lamborghinis

Open APs No Longer Valid To Import New Lamborghinis

Until recently, any company with an Open AP (Approved Permit to import vehicles) has been able to bring in Lamborghini models, new and used. However, this is no longer the case as we understand that the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) has given exclusive rights to only one company to import new Lamborghinis under the Franchise AP privileges.

The change, which applies only to importation of new units, has been effective since August 17, 2022, and PEKEMA, the largest group of AP holders in Malaysia, has been informed accordingly by MITI.

The company appointed by Lamborghini as its official dealer for Malaysia is SunAgata Supercars Sdn Bhd (Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur), which began business in April 2021. It has a sales and aftersales facility in Glenmarie, Selangor, which opened in March this year. SunAgata Supercars is among the 22 Franchise AP holders which are currently given exclusive rights to import new vehicles of brands they represent in Malaysia.

Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur 2022 — *The service centre of SunAgata Supercars, which is the authorised dealer appointed by Lamborghini.*

About the AP policy
The AP policy, which was introduced in 1970, had the objective of helping bumiputera businessmen make inroads in the automobile sector. In earlier years, it was evident that much of the car business was in the hands of foreign companies (mainly British) and bumiputera participation was low. With the AP policy making APs available only to bumiputera businessmen and companies, it was expected that they would be able to become more involved in the auto industry.

The policy was intended to support the development of bumiputeras in the auto industry, but it was not properly managed in its early years. There were parties that applied and received APs but did not make an effort to actually do business. Instead, they merely allowed others to use their AP to import vehicles and charged a fee.

As that was not what the government had created the policy for, there was a review in 1987 and around 150 AP-holders were terminated. With the review also came the introduction of the Franchise AP for legitimate authorised franchise holders for them to import new vehicles of the brand they represented.

The condition, however, was that their company need to have a bumiputera shareholding of at least 70%, unlike the Open AP condition where the company must be 100% bumiputera-owned. For those with Open APs, their companies would have to set up a proper business with a paid-up capital of at least RM1 million and sales and aftersales outlets.

Controversial subject
With Malaysia being a member of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), the AP policy has been controversial as it conflicts with free trade practices because issuance of APs is subject to certain conditions. Periodically, there has been talk of ending the AP policy, but the government has found it difficult to remove it due to strong arguments from groups like PEKEMA.

SunAgata Supercars Sdn Bhd appointed as official Lamborghini dealer for Malaysia

Hennessey aiming to keep world’s fastest roadster title with Venom F5 Roadster

In 2016, Bugatti captured the record for the world’s fastest roadster when its Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse reached a speed of 408.84 km/h. Then Hennessey, the American high-performance manufacturer, came out with its Venom GT Spyder which clocked 265.6 mph or 427.62 km/h to claim the title of fastest convertible which it still holds.

Now Hennessey is aiming to push the envelope further by offering an even faster roadster – the new Venom F5 Roadster. This is a continuation from the premiere of last year’s sold-out Venom F5 Coupe and will have a price starting from US$3 million (about RM13.43 million) for each of the 30 units to be built.

To claim the new title, the Venom F5 Roadster will have hypercar performance and is targeted to exceed 480 km/h. This will be achieved with the mid-mounted 6.6-litre Fury V8 engine which can produce up to 1,817 bhp and send it to the rear wheels through a robust automated single-clutch gearbox.

“We created the Venom F5 to be the ultimate expression of a hypercar. The Roadster version takes the Coupe’s speed, exhilaration, and awe, plus a sprinkling of respect-inducing fear, to a new, truly visceral level that brings owners closer to the Venom F5’s extreme performance.” Said John Hennessey, company founder and CEO.

The most conspicuous design feature of the Venom F4 is the new roofline. In contrast to the F5 Coupe, the F5 Roadster’s roof has been re-engineered with an 8-kg removable panel crafted from rigid carbonfibre composites. The weatherproof panel is secured with 4 quick-release bolts and a pair of high-strength latches to withstand the Hennessey hypercar’s staggering acceleration capabilities and aerodynamic forces at extreme speed.

Owners may choose to store the panel in a bespoke Merino wool travel bag or as a standalone work-of-art on a custom-made, sculptural pedestal. The roof pedestal, crafted in carbonfibre like the roof panel, mirrors design themes from the Venom F5 Roadster. Viewed from above, its ‘blade legs’ trace the shape of the car’s rear decklid, while the side profile uses the hypercar’s bodyside air intake form for inspiration.

The Venom F5 Roadster features a new tempered glass engine viewing window. This panel, in the middle of the rear engine cover, spotlights the massive V8 engine. Its development was no simple task as the Hennessey engineers had to make it good enough to be certified for use in jet aircraft. The sizeable glass panel can withstand aerodynamic forces exceeding 480 km/h and temperatures beyond 540 degrees C.

The Roadster is further distinguished from its coupe sibling by its unique wheels. Forged from aluminium alloy and then milled to perfection, the lightweight wheels have 7 pairs of spokes, each resembling an elongated Hennessey ‘H’. The wheels are secured with 5 titanium nuts with high strength, heat tolerance, corrosion resistance, and extremely low mass.

Engineered by Hennessey from the outset with an open-top version in mind, so only minor adjustments were required to deliver coupe-rivaling chassis rigidity, strength, and stiffness. It will be built in Texas starting towards the end of this year, with validation of the model’s high-speed capabilities set to occur as the production rate levels out.

With Rimac now having a majority share of Bugatti (along with Porsche as another shareholder), it remains to be seen if Bugatti will want to reclaim the title in future.

Hennessey Performance’s Project Deep Space is a 6-wheel drive Hyper GT!

Batur coupe by Bentley Mulliner begins new era, and ends another

The Bentley Batur coupe represents the end of one era, as well as the beginning of another. While giving a glimpse of the new design language for the British luxury brand, it also marks the end of the iconic W12 engine which has evolved to become the most powerful powertrain in its history.

The Batur, named after a beautiful lake in Bali, is the second bespoke project by Bentley Mulliner after the Bacalar and only 18 units will be produced, priced from £1.65 million each ex-factory. (about RM8.74 million). The 18 customers who have already reserved a unit will receive their cars within 11 months.

Final version of the mighty W12
Although riding on a similar chassis as the Continental GT, the Batur has a more powerful 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, producing 740+ ps and 1,000 Nm. This final version is the most powerful of the mightY W12 engines that first appeared in the Continental GT in 2002. Although its power output is risen nearly 40% in 20 years, fuel economy has improved by 25%.

For the Batur’s W12 engine, a new intake system, upgraded turbochargers, new intercoolers and extensive recalibration was done to deliver exceptional. It is paired with Bentley’s 8-speed double-clutch transmission, and a sports exhaust to provide a soundtrack in keeping with the level of performance. The entire exhaust system is in titanium, while the finishers are 3D-printed in titanium in a first for Bentley.

The engine that was born on a Japanese bullet train

As well as being the most power and most exclusive Bentley coupe to date, the Batur will also be the most dynamic with Speed-tuned air suspension, it is claimed. Adaptive 3-chamber air springs each have 3 switchable chambers, changing the volume of the air spring and varying effective stiffness. The driver can select the balance between ride comfort and body control using the 4-mode Drive Dynamics, choosing between Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom.

The Drive Dynamics Control also changes the behaviour of the 48V electric active anti-roll control system, which can provide up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque in just 3/10ths of a second or completely decouple the wheels at either end of each axle. The anti-roll control system can also be used to adjust the roll stiffness front-to-rear, giving the Batur sharper turn-in and greater ability to balance the car on the throttle when in Sport mode.

Overall traction and cornering grip is maximised through the use of an electronic Limited Slip Differential that actively vectors drive torque across the chassis. This is complemented by torque vectoring by brake, whereby the car can lightly brake the inside rear wheel on turn-in for greater front-axle response, and also lightly brake both inside wheels on corner exit to move power across to the outside, loaded wheels for better traction.

New chapter in Bentley design
The Bentley design DNA that has driven the creation of the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga families has been revolutionised for the Batur, introducing new themes, approaches and details. The new form language defines a new chapter for Bentley design, as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformational journey.

“For any design team, the chance to redefine our own rules is the most exciting challenge. We have reimagined the Bentley design language, keeping some continuity to the past and present while also drastically changing key elements,” said Bentley’s Director of Design, Andreas Mindt.

“A mark of power and prestige has always been a long bonnet. Our new design cues include a line that stretches from the bonnet along the whole length of the car, connecting the bonnet into the body, making the car long and lean and giving an elongated proportion to the front end. We call this feature the ‘endless bonnet’, and it’s the only accent highlight to the cleaner shape,” he said.

“At the very front of the car, we’ve modernised the famous Bentley grille and made it lower and more upright, to give a stronger face and a more dominant stance. This upright elegance brings self-confidence with a luxury stance. The grille is flanked by a new headlight shape and design, an evolution of the design used on Bacalar and maintaining the single large headlight either side. These are matched with all-new tail-lamps at the rear, that sit either side of a deployable spoiler,” explained Mindt.

Meanwhile, the visual mass of the car is moved rearwards, giving the impression that the car is sat on the rear axle, which adds further depth to the haunches. Overall, the form is cleaner and simplified, relying more on curvaceous surfaces bisected in the right places to reflect light and dark and bring more muscle to the design.

Ultimate personalisation
The interior space of the Batur for two persons is designed for ultimate personalisation and long-distance grand touring. Inspired by the interior design of the Bacalar, the Batur builds on the core elements of the Bacalar’s cabin design and adds new sustainable luxury features.

Every element of the cabin is tailored to the customer’s specifications. Each car will be unique, designed collaboratively with the customer with guidance from Mulliner’s in-house design team. Customers will be able to specify the colour and finish of practically every surface of the Batur, to create a car as individual as they are.

There’s variety of sustainable interior materials to choose from, while the passenger fascia panel is finished with a unique etching of the audio signature of the W12 engine (but bespoke etching is also available). Bright or dark treatments to the interior brightware and titanium options are also available. Certain controls – like the organ stops for ventilation – can be in 3D-printed 18K gold, if desired.

“With Bacalar, we proved the appetite of our clients for truly bespoke and individual Bentleys. We’re building on that story with the Batur, and the fact that all 18 cars are already reserved is testament to the fact that our design team is creating cars that our clients want to buy. Batur is not only a beautiful handcrafted Bentley – it is the next member of a distinguished line of cars coachbuilt by Mulliner, which include the W.O. Bentley’s favourite car in the 8 Litre and the now truly-iconic R-Type Continental,” said Paul Williams Director of Bentley Mulliner.

*What if the Batur became a convertible? Here’s what our friend Theottle, the master at reimagining car designs, has come up with today.*

Bentley to launch 5 new hybrid models in 2022, first EV in 2025

Goodyear Malaysia continues support for St. John Ambulance Malaysia

Goodyear Malaysia recently donated RM30,000 worth of tyres to St. John Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM) to help improve the safety of the ambulances and passengers. The tyre company has been a sponsor of the organisation since 2006 as part of its support for the local humanitarian efforts in helping Malaysians in need.

The ambulance services from St. John Ambulance Malaysia provide 24-hour response to emergency calls, including transporting COVID-19 patients. At the peak of the pandemic, St. John Ambulance Malaysia transported over 400 COVID-19 patients to the Klang Hospital.

Goodyear Malaysia actively organises humanitarian initiatives to help the communities in need. Over the years, besides the St. John Ambulance, it has also supported Pertubuhan Amal Uncle Kentang Malaysia (since 2021) with tyre sponsorship of approximately 1,000 tyres in total, which were fitted to more than 50 ambulances.

About the SJAM
The SJAM has a history going back to 1885 when it was first established in the region in Singapore. Form humble beginnings with 6 out of 56 pupils passing an examination in ‘First Aid to the Injured’, the organisation has grown to over 60,000 volunteers in Malaysia.

These volunteers are found at various sporting events, festivals, parades and other functions, big or small. They also assist in disasters like floods, fires, landslides, plane crashes, etc. In total, they serve up to 3.6 million man-hours annually, providing various services.

SJAM has local 24-hour emergency as well as non-emergency ambulance services. Annually during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year periods, SJAM volunteers are also on standby along the North-South Highway and the Federal trunk roads. SJAM also provides community services such as haemodialysis centres, and Nursing Home.

To know more about SJAM or to find out how you can be a volunteer, visit sjam.org.my.

Goodyear Malaysia’s Worry-Free Assurance Programme improved

The American musclecar will live on in the EV age

Dodge, an American brand in the Stellantis Group, knows that going electric is not an option but something which has to happen. Over its 122 years of existence, Dodge has had a wide variety of vehicles although in the 21^st century, its line-up has shrunk and it is better known for its musclecars especially the Dodge Charger, which Torreto (Vin Diesel) used in various Fast & Furious movies.

Moving into the electric age, Dodge wants to maintain its performance image so unlike other manufacturers which have been giving previews of sleek, efficient EVs with a focus on range, the carmaker has been working on an electric musclecar.

The Charger Daytona SRT Concept shows how the company will shape its future musclecar. It retains the sporty styling cues of Dodge musclecars and is said to also go like one, but it runs on electricity instead of high-octane petrol.

The 2-door concept’s exterior styling incorporates subtle Dodge heritage cues that are reminiscent of the iconic 1968 Charger, with the vertical grille details adding texture. The patent-pending R-Wing redefines the typical Dodge front end, maintaining the characteristically blunt Dodge profile while developing a more aerodynamic vehicle.

The R-Wing, which pays homage to the original Charger Daytona, allows air to flow through the front opening, enhancing downforce. Incorporated into this functional performance bonnet, the R-Wing delivers an aerodynamically improved pass-through design. Carbonfibre intakes tucked into both sides of the front and rear lower fascias provide an air curtain to assist in exceeding aerodynamic performance targets.

Giving the concept the ‘Daytona SRT’ name carries with it great performance expectations because it recalls the famed Charger Daytona model that was the first vehicle to break 320 km/h on a NASCAR track in 1970.

This performance will be delivered by a new propulsion system that Dodge calls ‘Banshee’. Its 800V system will give performance levels faster than the Hellcat. Unlike typical EVs, the eRupt multi-speed transmission for the concept car has electro-mechanical shifting with distinctive shift points. All-wheel drive provides stability and grip as well as all-weather capability.

The Charger Daytona SRT Concept also boasts a PowerShot push-to-pass feature. Activated by the push of a button on the steering wheel, this feature creates a boosted output (figures are not given) that quickens acceleration for brief periods.

While quietness is used as a selling point of EVs, Dodge has given this electric musclecar the sort of sound that will be missed in future. It’s 126 dB roar comparable to that of the SRT Hellcat, generated through a new, patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system (yes, an exhaust on an EV).

The industry-first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust works by generating sound through an amplifier and tuning chamber located at the rear of the vehicle. So far, enthusiasts have had mixed feelings about this special feature, some finding it weird as they know it is artificially created. Torreto would probably not appreciate it, even if the performance is as strong as his Charger.

The interior is modern, lightweight and athletic, providing a driver-centric cockpit with all essentials cohesively packaged. The 12.3-inch centre screen is the largest ever fitted in a Dodge vehicle, complemented by a 16-inch curved instrument. An 8×3-inch H ead-up Display puts additional information ahead of the driver on the windscreen.

The slim, instrument panel (IP) and mid-bolster in Ultraviolet colour with blue and silver accent stitching feature a ‘waterline’ that extends cross-car. The upper IP is a step higher, an elevation change that creates a sculptural surface floating above the cluster. The Ultraviolet colour also touches multiple interior surfaces, such as the console, doors and seats, creating a halo that works with the Attitude Adjustment Lighting to enhance shadows and highlights.

A parametric texture unites the interior and provides a connection to the exterior by continuing the inspiration of the 1968 Charger grille detail on the inside. The parametric pattern adds fluidity and sculpture, spanning from the IP to door appliques, beneath the console and continuing to the rear armrests and rear console.

Circuit-like graphics originate on the carbonfibre floor and are strategically placed to surround occupants, flowing under the seats, moving to the centre console and dashboard, and coming back to the driver, a subtle detail that acts as a circuit board, connecting one to another The.centre console includes a unique jet-fighter-inspired cap that flips up to allow engagement of the start button and a pistol-grip shifter design inspired by the past,

The concept seats are lightweight, race-inspired and slim in design, with an insert that features an abstract, perforated pattern of the Fratzog logo. The unique pattern fades out as it travels down the seat and reappears as it flows toward the centre of the seatbacks. The upper seatbacks feature openings and seat bolsters that provide an airy, race-oriented feel, while holding occupants.

“The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept exists because performance made us do it,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO – Stellantis. “Dodge is about muscle, attitude and performance, and the brand carries that chip on its shoulder and into the EV segment through a concept loaded with patents, innovations, and performance features that embody the electrified muscle of tomorrow.”

Buick Wildcat EV concept previews brand’s new design language

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