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Steve McQueen racer that is almost lifelike

The advent of modern robotic systems have made our daily lives a whole lot easier. There’s the robotic vacuum that’s able to maneuver around your sofa set or dining table while vacuuming. It can even remember where it has or hasn’t been to ensure that every inch of the floor has been cleaned.

But the robotic piece we have today, is a whole different kettle of fish. It’s something only a 9-year-old would have thought about creating, which I suspect is how this product actually came about. Enter the life-like Steve McQueen racecar, based on the original character from Pixar’s ‘Cars’ franchise. Built by a company called Sphero, the car is able to voice and mimick phrases and actions from the various Cars movies. Yes, that’s right, it is able to move about just like Steve McQueen does.

Through the use of the phone App, the car can be driven as a regular RC car. It’s pretty fast and nimble, as expected but it’s something many wont bother trying out. That’s due to the immensely fascinating robotic movements the car is capable of executing. The windshield is made of an LCD screen that displays McQueen’s eyes in a rather life-like manner. The front grille, I mean the teeth, actually move as the car says various phrases from the movies.

Sphero are currently offering the Steve McQueen car on their website for $299.99 or RM1280.30, which is relatively affordable considering its abilities and the hours of fun-filled entertainment it is capable of providing.

It’s the kind of toy car that we dreamed of having as children but never could. check out the video and you will understand what we mean.

Sphero, in case you didn’t know, gained recognition around the world about two years ago, thanks to its miniaturized bluetooth controlled version of the BB-8 droid that was featured in the Star Wars Force Awakens movie. It operates and moves just like the cute spherical movie character we have all come to love. Take a look at the video below to understand its capablities.

The company also has a number of other products in the works which include a Spider Man type thing that has yet to be revealed. Check out their website www.sphero.com for the extensive list of what they currently offer.

Volkswagen launch three new cars and attractive deals in time for the festivities

Volkswagen has a few treats for Malaysians this festive season. Besides launching three new cars, the German automaker is also offering some pretty sweet deals for those interested in purchasing a new VW.

The new Beetle, Vento ALLSTAR and Vento GT have been launched simultaneously and will be on display at Mid Vally Megamall from 24 to 28 May 2017. The Beetle, has been updated with new styling and an array of body colours that include Pure White, Tornado Red, Blue Silk, Dark Bronze, Habanero Orange and White Silver.

Compared to the outgoing car, the new one gets 2-zone climatronic AC system, touchscreen infotainment system with App-Connect, leather trim “Vienna” seats with front seat lumbar support, bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The car is powered by a 103bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI engines that is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The new Beetle is available to order in Design and Sport variants with prices starting from RM136,888.

The Vento ALLSTAR which is priced from RM78,888, receives minor design tweaks that allow out to stand out when compared to the base car. it is available in Reflex Silver and Candy White body colours and comes equipped with leather seats, aluminium sports pedals, rear spoler, black door strips and trunk garnish as well as ALLSTAR scuff plates, emblems and carpet mats.

Its mechanicals are of the tried and tested kind because it is equipped with VW’s workhorse 1.6-litre MPI engine which is paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine develops close to 105bhp and 153Nm of torque that will allow the sedan to offer a fuel consumption figure of just 6.5-litres per 100km.

Volkswagen is also throwing in a new MY VW Drive App with the Vento ALLSTAR. It provides drivers with numerous functions including driving style, fuel consumption tracking, enhances driver safety and control as well as provides information on car status and performance. It will also allow drivers to get help from Mondial Roadside Assistance in case of an emergency.

Lastly, the Vento GT is now available to order with a price tag that starts from RM89,888 but comes loaded with a total of RM9,000 worth of exclusive accessories that include a Stain black roof and exterior mirror wraps, black door strips, leather seats, aluminium sports pedals, GT aerokit as well as GT scuff plates, emblems and carpet mats.

The car has been made available in either Reflex Silver or Candy White body colours. But it will only come with the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and 7-speed DSG gearbox, the same combination as what is offered with the new Beetle. Touted as the sedan with the highest torque in its class, the Vento was awarded the Compact Car of the Year award at last year’s 2016 Malaysia Car of the Year ceremony.

Kia launches Optima GT in Malaysia

Kia Malaysia has added the Optima GT variant to its latest line up of vehicles. Based on the same Optima that debuted last month, the GT, gains minor sporty design tweaks that provide it with a more aggressive stance. Compared to the previous generation car, the new one features a more pronounced tiger nose grille, angular headlights, elantra-like rear-lights and a front bumper that features air-pods on each side.

In typical Kia fashion, the interior is neatly laid out with soft touch plastics adorning necessary trim panels, which adds to the luxurious appearance of the capacious cabin. Nothing cutting edge or revolutionary about the interior or gadgetry, but the well designed cabin and the use of good quality materials make the inside of the Optima GT, a nice place to be.

The car boasts extensive enhancements and options including a range of body colours, driver aids, and a plethora of safety equipment. The Optima has allowed the Korean automaker to push the boundaries of whats possible for the D-segment market. In fact, this third generation car has helped Kia show more established automakers that luxury cars don’t need to be expensive and should be accessible by the common man.

The Optima GT is set for launch on the 24th of May 2017, but is already available for booking at any authorized Kia dealership nationwide. If you are interested, visit the automaker’s website to learn more about the vehicle.

Renault to debut new Megane R.S. at Monaco

Renault will unveil the latest iteration of its ever popular Megane R.S. in Monaco on Friday 26th May. The unveil has been timed to coincide with the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. And fittingly, the Renault will be sporting a yellow and black livery that complements that used by the namesake’s F1 car. This has been done to commemorate the French automaker’s 40-year involvement in Formula 1.

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault’s Formula 1 team driver will drive the car onto the stage for the big reveal. According to Renault, the Megane R.S. has benefited quite a bit from technology developed for F1 including aerodynamics and suspensions. As such, we can expect good things from the new generation Megane R.S..

If you would like to know more about the the three generation of Megane R.S. cars and a video of them, visit the automaker’s site at press.renault.co.uk.

Ford elects Jim Hackett as new president and CEO

There has been a major shake up at Ford Motor Company. Rumours of President and CEO of the Blue Oval, Mark Fields, being fired was rife these past few days. Many speculated that Ford’s global performance shortcomings played a part in him being axed from his post.

Ford however, released a press release stating that Mark Fields, after a 28-year career at the company has elected to retire and vacate his position as the top man of the American based automaker, which will be filled by his successor, Jim Hackett.

Hackett, 62 was the former CEO of Steelcase, Interim Athletic Director at the University of Michigan and until June 1st, executive chairman of Ford Smart Mobility LLC. Reporting directly to Executive Chairman Bill Ford, he will lead the automaker’s worldwide operations and 202,000 workforce for the foreseeable future.

“We’re moving from a position of strength to transform Ford for the future. Jim Hackett is the right CEO to lead Ford during this transformative period for the auto industry and the broader mobility space. He’s a true visionary who brings a unique, human-centered leadership approach to our culture, products and services that will unlock the potential of our people and our business,” Bill Ford said.

Hackett and Bill will place a lot of emphasis on three priorities at the company, which are sharpening operational execution across the global business, modernising Ford’s global business and transforming the company to meet future challenges.

Speaking of the contribution of Mark Fields, Bill said, “Mark Fields has been an outstanding leader and deserves a lot of credit for all he has accomplished in his many roles around the globe at Ford,” Bill Ford said. “His strong leadership was critical to our North American restructuring, our turnaround at the end of the last decade, and our record profits in the past two years.”

Other shake ups at the company include Jim Farley being appointed as executive vice president and president of Global Markets, Joe Hinrichs as executive vice president and president of Global Operations, Marcy Klevorn as executive vice president and president of Mobility, Mark Truby as vice president of Communications and Paul Ballew as Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer.

These new appointments will be made effective on 1st June 2017 and with these major changes Ford hopes to strengthen its position as a key player in the global automotive market.

Nicky Hayden succumbs to injuries from bicycle accident

It has been announced that Red Bull Honda’s WSBK rider, Nicky Hayden has past away. The 35-year-old American succumbed to injuries suffered after an accident while riding his bicycle in Italy last Wednesday.

Hayden was admitted at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy after the incident. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on 22nd May 2017, his fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side at the time.

Nicky Hayden was a beloved character in bike racing due to his tenacious fighting spirit, professionalism and all around good nature. Since an early age, he dreamed of being a pro rider and in 2006 achieved that dream by being crowned MotoGP World Champion with Honda.

Nicknamed the Kentucky Kid, he was a true champion and a fan favourite due to his kind nature, relaxed demeanor and his signature wide smile. The out-pour of prays and support from fellow racers and his legions of fans are a testament to his character and the impact he had on the racing world.

Speaking of this, Tommy Hayden, Nicky’s brother said, “On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way. Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly.”

Today, the racing world has lost one of its best talents, rest in peace Nicky Hayden.