Polestar’s O2 concept shown in March 2022 received such positive and strong response that the Swedish company (part of the Geely Group) has decided to put it into production. The roadster model will be called the Polestar 6 and is expected to make its debut in 2026. Online bookings are now being accepted in markets where the brand has representatives.
884 ps/900 Nm electric powertrain The carmaker makes only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the Polestar 6 will have the high-performance, 800V architecture already confirmed for the Polestar 5. This will be able to generate up to 650 kW (884 ps) and 900 Nm from a dual-motor powertrain. The carmaker is targeting a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.
When it was presented as the O2 concept, the electric roadster was said to build on the design, technology and sustainability ambitions laid out by the Precept, showcasing the brand’s vision for future sportscars.
“With the overwhelming consumer and press response, we took the decision to put this stunning roadster into production and I am so excited to make it a reality,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. “Polestar 6 is a perfect combination of powerful electric performance and the thrill of fresh air with the top down.”
The hardtop convertible will be built on Polestar’s bespoke bonded aluminium platform. It’s unlikely that the integrated autonomous drone will be included in the production model. This was a special feature with the O2 concept where a drone could be launched from the car and follow it, autonomously recording video from above and around it.
LA Concept Edition To celebrate the launch, 500 numbered units of a special ‘Polestar 6 LA Concept Edition’ are to be produced. They will exclusively feature the unique ‘Sky’ Blue exterior, light leather interior and unique 21-inch wheels of the original O₂ concept.
Joining the growing list of electric vehicles (EVs) available in the Malaysian market is the Renault Zoe, imported by TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault passenger vehicles in Malaysia. The Zoe is actually not to TCEC as the company brought in a small batch six years ago. However, without incentives from the government and with the limited number of public charging stations then, interest was not great so TCEC focussed on other models in the Renault range.
Now, with the government providing full exemption on import duties, there’s greater interest and there is also a push to develop the charging station network. This will encourage people to consider an EV as they will feel confident of travelling long distances and be able to get their EV ‘refuelled’ with electricity.
The Zoe (its name is derived from ZerOEmission) is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) which means it runs only on electricity, as opposed to be hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) which has a petrol engine and electric motor working together). The model, originally introduced in Europe in 2012, was designed from the outset as a BEV and this latest second generation has the benefit of many technical improvements over the past 10 years.
Two versions TCEC will offer the Zoe in two versions – the Zoe R110 at RM163,000 (without insurance) and the Zoe R13 at an estimated price of RM175,000 (without insurance).
Both have Renault’s new 52 kWh Z.E. 50 lithium-ion battery pack which has a claimed range of up to 395 kms per full charge. This is a 25% increase over the previous battery pack without any changes in size. To achieve this, Renault’s engineering wing worked specifically with their supplier, LG Chem, on the shape and arrangement of the lithium-ion cells that make up the battery pack. Their collaborative work showed that it is possible to increase the storage density by developing cells that are slightly higher than usual.
Capacity is one thing, but range also depends on energy efficiency which is optimised in the Z.E. 50 battery packs. Regenerative braking and ECO mode also help extend the range although, like a petrol engine, how far the car can go depends on driving style and conditions.
30 minutes for 145 kms Recharging time is an important consideration for owners and for now, it takes a lot longer than filling up petrol so EV owners will just have to get used to it. In the case of the Zoe, it is possible to charge the battery pack to provide up to 145 kms of range within 30 minutes if you use a DC fast-charger.
You can also use AC Type 2 charging which will take between 3 hours (with a 22 kW supply) or 9.5 hours (with a 7.4 kW supply). This is to recharge a fully empty battery pack to full. In practice, owners might be topping up periodically, just as you would recharge your mobilephone from time to time. So the long period might not be the case in actual use.
The Zoe powertrain is quite straightforward with a single electric motor powering the front wheels. The R110 has an output of 80 kW/225 Nm while the R135 produces 100 kW/245 Nm. That should be sufficient for brisk performance around town although the Zoe does weigh around 1,500 kgs.
Updated technology As mentioned earlier, the Zoe has been in the market for 10 years and the one now being imported by TCEC is a new generation. As such, it has a redesigned cabin with modern features such as a wide 10-inch customisable TFT instrument cluster and the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system.
The infotainment system has a 7-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone replication made possible using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Eco-friendly materials Even with the first generation, there was emphasis on eco-friendliness and sustainability, not just in the powertrain but also in the way the car is made. Renault has also made smart use of ethical and sustainable materials in the interior featuring tactile textiles on key touchpoints. Up to 22.5 kgs of recycled synthetic materials are used, mostly in housings and other hidden parts of the car that provide protection. Floor mats are usually the only visible parts made from these recycled synthetic materials.
For those who wish to take a closer look at the Zoe, there’s a unit on display at the Renault showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Orders are also being accepted and customers can register their interest to be kept informed of further developments.
At the 2022 Monterey Car Week this weekend, Aston Martin will present the DBR22, a V12-engined 2-seater coachbuilt design concept. The creation of the DBR22, which celebrates the marque’s bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers, is the latest in a long line of projects handled by its in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin.
With classic proportions and immaculate, muscular curves, the DBR22 follows Aston Martin’s lifelong lineage of world-beating 2-seater open-cockpit sportscars such as the DBR1 and DB3S. And by mating the classic art of coachbuilding with advanced materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the design concept perfectly blends design purity, engineering precision, heart-pounding performance and true passion.
The DBR22 showcases a completely new body from Aston Martin’s designers. Its form is created from a minimal number of body panels to create a more sculpted, muscular presence. A particularly noteworthy feature is the entirely new front grille which incorporates a unique carbonfibre design in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins.
This design takes inspiration directly from the DBR1 and DB3S, giving a unique identity; one which clearly draws from Aston Martin’s heritage but uses this inspiration to create a truly contemporary design.
The bonnet features a dramatic horseshoe vent, recessed to aid airflow from the 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine (715 ps/753 Nm) that sits beneath it. This long, unbroken bonnet line draws the eye back towards the cockpit, over the lowline wind deflector and delicate mirrors, which are mounted to the tops of the doors on slender, wind-cheating carbonfibre arms.
Sitting perfectly within the wheelarches is a set of all-new 21-inch alloy wheels featuring a unique 14-spoke design created especially for the car. There is a motorsport-derived centre-lock hub which is also available to spec from an extensive colour pallet.
The DBR22 also showcases an entirely bespoke paint colour, developed specifically for the occasion using ‘Paint to Sample’ – an exclusive option available through Q by Aston Martin, demonstrating again the vast design possibilities attainable through the bespoke service.
The cockpit continues the fusion of classic and contemporary approaches with many unique components and an extensive use of both leather and exposed carbonfibre. With architecture defined by the all-new dashboard and sleek infotainment displays, it sets the tone for a clean, uncluttered environment.
Though taking inspiration from Aston Martin’s competition cars, the DBR22 is no bare-bones racer inside. Supple aromatic hides swathe the contemporary dashboard, the carbonfibre performance seats and extend over the tops of the doors to create an inviting hint of the interior.
Rising from behind the seats are twin nacelles which smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads. At the rear is an unmistakable horizontal light graphic courtesy of the slim, full-width light bar made specially for this application. Beneath it sits a perforated panel to allow hot air to exit the tail.
This beautifully sculptural piece is yet another unique highlight of the DBR22 intriguing design. Together with the smoothly integrated diffuser and pair of large diameter exhaust tailpipes, the DBR22 has incredible road presence, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of the driving experience.
Unique calibration of the engine and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission uses torque shaping to give the DBR22 a manner and delivery said to be unlike any other model. A pinned steering column brings greater accuracy but also provides more detailed feedback so the driver can build a more accurate picture of available grip.
Attention has also been paid to the DBR22’s chassis structure. Unique front and rear shear panels further increase tortional rigidity, with a bespoke calibration for the adaptive dampers providing precision and pliancy for a blend of body control and ride.
The DBR22 also features a 3D-printed rear subframe – the first time Aston Martin has introduced such a method. The component is made from multiple 3D-printed parts printed from aluminium, which are then bonded to form the finished subframe. The advantages are clear, with a significant weight-saving and no reduction in stiffness, plus the ability to make special parts for ultra-low volume models, where required.
“We set our design systems to ‘hyper-drive’, pushing the exploration of formalism further and endeavouring to express a future in the here today. Where could we go with the surfaces, proportion and form. Combining this approach with advanced process, technology, and materials, we’ve effectively modernised our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree. DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sportscar full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer.
With the accelerated pace of development in industries, a revolution is taking place and where the automotive industry is concerned, this revolution will take companies to the next level with cutting-edge technologies, processes and machinery. This transformation of the automotive industry is referred to as Industry 4.0., a term inspired by Germany’s ‘Industrie 4.0’, a government initiative to promote connected manufacturing and a digital convergence between industry, businesses and other processes.
To promote the adoption of Industry 4.0, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Perodua are gearing up through a strategic partnership to introduce the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme. The programme aims to upgrade local automotive suppliers and to digitalise their manufacturing processes through adoption of Industry 4.0.
Developing local players’ capabilities “Local companies play a major role in building the nation’s industry ecosystem–geared to support large companies and MNCs. The initiation of the MIDA-Perodua collaboration in 2020 was crucial to ensure a steady development of our local player’s capabilities in the automotive industry,” said Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.
“Under MIDA’s initiative to facilitate these companies to adopt digitalisation and Industry 4.0, we have been successful to contributing immense growth in Perodua’s manufacturing volume, through the empowerment of its industry partners and service providers.” he said.
Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO of Perodua.
Local technology ecosystem development According to Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua’s President & CEO, the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme is aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance local technology ecosystem development activities in terms of supply and value chains, research and development activities, and innovation and commercialisation. The programme has shown a promising sign as the first group of participants had implemented their proposed projects.
“The implementation of Industry 4.0 is not only for the automotive supplier’s benefit, but the impact of this programme will contribute greatly to the national’s digital transformation agenda. The programme also can fast-track Malaysia’s industries, from small to large, as it provides both funds and guidance,” Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin said.
“Perodua’s role has always been to develop the automotive ecosystem and this programme is another example of our commitment towards this objective,” he added.
Eight participants in programme The first phase of MIDA-Perodua strategic partnership has brought forth three potential Perodua-friendly partner – LSF Technology Sdn.Bhd., J.K. Wire Harness Sdn. Bhd. and Autoliv Hirotako Safety Sdn. Bhd. These companies have also been granted Domestic Investment Strategic Fund as part of the government’s initiative to assist the local companies to embark into the global supply chain.
Moving forward to Industry 4.0, MIDA and Perodua have identified five more vendors with much potential and growth opportunities. These are Armstrong Auto Parts Sdn. Bhd., Ingress Aoi Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Namicoh Suria Sdn. Bhd., P.D. Kawamura Kako Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. and Kumpulan Jebco (M) Sdn. Bhd.
MIDA, being the pivotal principal promotional agency of Malaysia, will be extending their support services to help more companies obtain growth in terms of productivity, talent and bridging financial and technology gaps.
The agency is confident that through such facilities and empowerment measures, these automotive players will be able to increase their business offerings and expertise to innovate its products and services and climb the supply chain ecosystems.
The Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team successfully defended their title in the championship, ending their participation in a high note. However, the team will not be disbanded as it will be acquired by McLaren Racing for its entry into Formula E in the next season which will be the ninth in the series.
Stoffel Vandoorne, their driver, also ended his fourth season in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as World Champion of the all-electric single seater series. Although taking runner-up in the first Seoul E-Prix in Korea, he had a 33-point lead over Jaguar TCR Racing’s Mitch Evans and enough to secure the Drivers title.
The final race
Unlike the downpour of the day before, a dry track greeted the drivers in Seoul for Round 16, the final one for Season 8. As the race got started, the frontrunners held their positions up to Turn 2 when things tightened up and Dan Ticktum (NIO 333) moved into sixth. Vandoorne picked his way through to hold fourth spot, with Evans gaining a place to go 12th after an important move on Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ).
On lap 3, Edoardo Mortara (ROKiT Venturi Racing) saw a chance to jump Antonio Felix da Costa (DS TECHEETAH) for the lead with a switchback at Turn 22. The feint was bought by the Portuguese and the Venturi driver took the lead, with Jake Dennis (Avalanche Andretti) following in second spot.
Ticktum had run with the leaders through the opening laps but was forced to pit with a technical problem at the end of Lap 3. A pity for the British driver who looked to be in with a chance of sealing NIO 333’s first points since Rome.
The first round of ATTACK MODE activations was kicked off by Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche), who had worked his way up five positions to 10th, before retiring at Turn 4. De Vries was fighting on Lap 7, too, with the Mercedes-EQ driver getting into Wehrlein – causing both race-ending damage; Venturi’s chances of overthrowing the German giants saw a significant boost.
With a third of the Formula E race gone and one of two mandatory 30-kW ATTACK MODE boosts down, Mortara headed Dennis and looked to be managing a cushion of just over a second. Both were 3 seconds up the road of Da Costa and Vandoorne, as Frijns, di Grassi, Askew, Vergne, Evans and Cassidy rounded out the top 10.
As it stood, Vandoorne had more than a hand on the Drivers’ World Championship trophy, with Evans needing to win. The Jaguar driver, meanwhile, was losing ground to the leader – some 10 seconds back.
There was big Teams’ World Championship drama on Lap 13 as di Grassi was forced into pitting to sort out a front-right puncture. That gave Mercedes-EQ a 16-point advantage – impossible to close without the Brazilian’s presence in the points.
With 22 minutes plus one lap to go, the Porsche Taycan Formula E Safety Car was deployed to recover Maximilian Guenther’s stricken Nissan e.dams. It seemed have something terminally broken on the front left corner. Was that to be a lifeline for Evans? The pack would be squeezed back up but Vandoorne, still fourth, held all the cards.
On the restart, leader Mortara and da Costa jumped for their second ATTACK MODE boost. At Turn 22, Dennis was on the defensive with da Costa hunting second with that extra 30 kW of power available. The Portuguese’ DS and Dennis’ Andretti came into contact and da Costa ended up nose-first in the wall and shuffled right to the back of the pack. The tense final laps saw Dennis penalised with 5 seconds added to his race time for that move – leaving him a net third at the final chequered flag of the Gen2 era and the completion of the 100th Formula E race.
Mortara had a good margin as he headed for the finish line, winning by almost 4 seconds from Vandoorne, with Dennis third, Frijns fourth, Askew fifth and Vergne rounding out the top six. Evans’ seventh was valiant but ultimately not enough.
Goodyear Malaysia’s Worry-Free Assurance (WFA) programme has been in the market almost ten years, having been introduced in 2013. It was initially offered with just one (the Assurance TripleMax) but within a short time, other tyres in the brand’s range were also included.
The original WFA programme had a straightforward benefit: if there were damages by road hazards, there would be free tyre replacement or partial credit for purchase of new Goodyear tyres, depending on the tread depth.
Goodyear Malaysia has now made improvements to the programme with extra benefits for motorists. “Since the Malaysian government announced the endemic phase in May, the number of cars on the road has seen an increase of two-fold compared to 2019. As such, we want to encourage our customers to be aware of their vehicle tyre’s health so they can drive with peace of mind. As an advocate of on-the-road safety, we believe the new Worry-Free Assurance programme will help our customers stay safe and have an enjoyable drive for the long run,” said Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia.
Modern tyres are tough but can still be damaged by some road hazards. If that happens with Goodyear tyres, you could get a free replacement.
Added benefits for customers The new WFA programme is available at no extra cost for all customers who purchase any new Goodyear consumer tyres and now there is no minimum purchase as a condition. However, as before, motorists who have Goodyear tyres that come fitted as standard on their new vehicle will not have WFA coverage.
Customers who register for WFA will enjoy the security of a 1-year Road Hazard Warranty from the date of purchase. They will be eligible for a free 1-to-1 exchange if tyres are damaged beyond repair caused by road hazards such as potholes and/or sharp objects during normal driving. The tyres should have a tread depth of 5.0 mm and above to qualify for the exchange. This new feature is an extension of the previous WFA with 6-month coverage with a minimum tread depth of 6.0 mm.
Free tyre safety check The new WFA programme ensures that the tyres are in optimal condition by providing 2 free tyre safety checks. Customers may return to the original Goodyear Autocare centre where they purchased their tyres from for these safety checks on the sixth and twelfth months after the date of purchase.
Warranty up to 5 years Goodyear Malaysia has updated their terms and condition where the 5-year limited warranty will cover 5 years from the date of purchase stated in the original invoice, instead of from the manufacturing date on the tyres. This is fairer to the customer since the tyres might not be sold immediately after they leave the factory.
However, in the event that the original invoice is not available, the limited warranty will cover the tyres from the date of manufacturing instead. Under this warranty, Goodyear also covers manufacturing defects in workmanship or materials used.
In the event that the original invoice is not available, the limited warranty will cover the tyres from the date of manufacturing instead. Under this warranty, Goodyear also covers manufacturing defects in workmanship or materials used.
Easy registration online The process of registering for WFA is easy as it can be done online with submission of scans of the receipt and WFA card number. Each tyre purchase should come with a WFA card but if it is not available should a claim be made (or for the safety check), customers can print out the WFA online registration instead.
