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Continuing the partnership between Lamborghini and LEGO Technic which was established in January 2020, a Lamborghini Sian has been built with LEGO parts and is currently on display (until October 6, 2022) at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where the sportscar company’s home in Italy is located.

The model follows the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 in 2020 but is full-sized, with virtually identical dimensions as the real supercar. More than 154 different types of LEGO pieces – were used to form the unmistakable outline of the Sian, right down to the very smallest details. With some 400,000 LEGO pieces used, the Sian model weighs 2,200 kgs.

LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian

Accurate to tiniest detail
The word ‘Sian’ means ‘lightning’ or ‘thunderbolt’ in Bolognese dialect. The experts from the LEGO Group have emphasised his by making the lights and the stylish thunderbolt that flashes down the bodywork shine like the Y-shaped lights on the real car, while also producing hexagonal tail lights that can really turn on and off.

LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian

Extremely precise detailing can be seen inside the car, including a LEGO brick steering wheel decorated with the famous Lamborghini badge and the Italian flag, an instrument panel and racing seats.

LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian

Project time of 8,660 hours
It took the project team 8,660 hours to complete the model, of which 3,290 hours were spent on building it. This is the first large-scale model by the LEGO Group to have paint-effect UV colour coating which will help to make the model longer lasting. The colour was applied by the Lamborghini paint shop to ensure that the sportscar had a fitting finish.

LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian

“After a wait of more than a year, the LEGO Technic model of the Lamborghini Sian is on show at Museo Automobili Lamborghini. It’s the natural place to display the Lamborghini super sportscars that have always given dreams and feelings concrete forms, thanks to innovation and technology. This 1:1 scale model of the Sian shows that Lamborghini – just like LEGO Group – sees challenges as its lifeblood, technology as a means of creation, and design as a linchpin that can and must take people’s breath away,” said Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Automobili Lamborghini.

The Sian, which was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, is the fastest Lamborghini of all time, thanks to a unique new hybrid system which focuses on providing the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It has a V12 engine – huge for a hybrid powertrain – and a 48-volt e-motor. The 6.5-litre V12, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 bhp at 8,500 rpm (the highest output ever from a Lamborghini powerplant) combines with the 34 bhp from the electric motor. Total system output is 819 bhp with a weight-to-power ratio claimed to be better than that of the Aventador SVJ, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials. The Sian has a claimed a top speed of over 350 km/h so it will be able to keep up with any other Lamborghini model. More significantly, it lays claim to having the fastest acceleration of any production Lamborghini ever – 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds. Like the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, Lamborghini will produce and sell only 63 units of the Sian. The number has been chosen to commemorate the founding year of the company – 1963. Each of the 63 customers who have already paid their deposits will spend upwards of US$3.6 million (about RM16.04 million), the final price depending on the degree of customisation.

The fastest Lamborghini is now available as a LEGO Technic model (w/VIDEO)

Kia vehicles have been sold in Malaysia since the 1990s but the Korean carmaker has kept its involvement in local activities at arms-length. Although its models were assembled locally, the activities were largely left to their local distributor (the NAZA Group at that time). Kia did have a regional office here and too and interest in what was going on but didn’t want to make investments itself.

That changed last year when the local partner changed and Bermaz Auto took over the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Perhaps the Korean carmaker decided that it was time to control its destiny and for that, it would have to become directly involved. It formed a joint-venture company with Bermaz Auto called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country.

The Inokom manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, where Kia vehicles are being assembled.

More significantly, Kia Malaysia’s operations include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It is vital to assemble locally to be able to grow volumes more quickly and be competitive. Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026, for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.

Four models to be assembled locally
When Kia Malaysia announced its formation, it also provided an insight into its 5-year plan with 4 models to be produced, including battery-electric vehicles. The models, in launch sequence, will be the Carnival, Sportage, Sorento and Niro, the latter to be offered as a BEV.

The first product has started rolling out on schedule from the Inokom plant in Kedah and it’s the Carnival MPV. The model was already on sale at the beginning of the year as a CBU (completely built-up) import from Korea and from our driving impressions, it was certainly a very different MPV from the original Carnival which was also cloned into the Naza Ria. It’s a premium product, which is in line with Kia’s aim of raising the image of its products.

The locally-assembled Carnival is a 7/8-seater (above) whereas the CBU imported model is an 11-seater (below).

8-seater instead of 11-seater
While having the same appearance, the locally-assembled Carnival is not an 11-seater but a 7-seater or 8-seater. There was no shortage of buyers for the CBU 11-seater but having less seats might also work better to sell in greater numbers.

The powertrain is the same Smartstream 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDI engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though it is a large vehicle, the 199 bhp/440 Nm provides respectable performance, as we experienced on our drive at the beginning of this year.

2022 Kia Carnival

Bermaz Auto (its retail arm for Kia vehicles is Dinamikjaya Motors) is known for being generous with equipment and features and the locally-assembled Carnival will come with a list that maintains the premium positioning for the MPV. There will be ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion Seats (second row), 12-speaker Bose audio system, powered sliding doors, ‘smart’ powered tailgate and a complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

New beginning for brand
“The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD [locally assembled] form is an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets. The Kia Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience,” said Ted Lee, Kia Asia Pacific President & CEO.

“The consumer’s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival. We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle,” added Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors.

2021 Kia Carnival

The prices have not been officially announced but it is known that there will be 3 versions with prices (excluding insurance) starting from RM231,299. PISTON.MY will be joining a media drive of the Carnival to Penang later this week and we’ll let you know what it’s like although we expect that we will be equally impressed as we were with the CBU model.

Driving impressions of the new Kia Carnival

Up till the 1980s, Malaysian motorsports saw a regular flow of youngsters keen on racing or rallying. It was a natural progression in the sport as new blood would periodically be introduced and develop their skills, often with guidance from the veterans. However, as the cost of cars and racing became more expensive, new blood was slow in coming and while Malaysia could boast of being a host country for Formula 1, little was done to really help at grassroots level to develop future generations of racing drivers.

This situation was noticed by UMW Toyota Motor which had started the Vios Challenge as a one-makes series to draw newcomers to the sport. As a further step, the company, together with GAZOO Racing, started a Young Talent Development Program in 2020. It was not exactly the best time to start it, given the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic then. But the program got started and the rookies received training, while adhering to the SOPs specified by the Health Ministry.

GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program
The first batch of rookies (front row) in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program which began in 2020.

GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program

Since then, two groups have graduated from the program and it has proven to have a profound impact with several of its rookie drivers quickly rising to be noticed in the top ranks of Malaysian motorsports.

Naquib Azlan, a graduate of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program, came from a background in sim racing and has done remarkably well in real-world racing in the Vios Challenge.

In Round 2 of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup over the weekend, 16-year-old Putera Adam raced to a double race win, with his partner and veteran racer Eddie Liew in the #61 Laser Motor Racing Vios. The weekend also saw sterling performances by Naquib Azlan and Mika Hakimi, also from the first batch like Putera Adam. Both Putra and Naquib also went on to score podium finishes in the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) also held over the weekend. Others from the program who competed included the current season’s Rookie Class drivers Nabil Azlan and Sharique Zulqarinain, and 2021 Rookie Class graduate Jwan Hii.

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

“It’s incredible to see how much and how quickly these young drivers have evolved. We are equally proud that many have also gone on to compete and are enjoying success in other events beyond the Vios Challenge and Vios Sprint Cup one-make series where they have trained so hard to develop their driving and racecraft,” said UMW Toyota Motor President. Ravindran K.

Commenting on the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup, he said: “The two-driver and one-hour format has brought a different dimension to what we and the drivers have been used to in 5 seasons of the Vios Challenge one-make race. It’s exciting to watch… it’s unpredictable… and it fulfils one very important objective that is to have elite and experienced working alongside amateur and young drivers with the hope that they will be able to impart their knowledge to the next generation of drivers.”

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

Held in conjunction with the Malaysia Championship Series, the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup consisted of 2 rounds with 4 individual races. It was only open to Toyota Vios cars prepared to specific regulations and each car had to have two drivers. The total prize money amounted to RM60,000 for the weekend.

The GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup is run independently of the Vios Challenge but retains the format of a one-make series whereby competitors drive identical race-prepared Toyota Vios with stock standard engine and transmission, as well as suspension, tyres and fuel. This means that the emphasis is on racecraft, driving skills and experience rather than being just a ‘power game’ where the team with a lot of financial resources can develop a powerful car.

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

In the fourth and final running of the GAZOO Racing Sprint Cup, Putera and Liew rounded up a perfect weekend in rather precarious conditions with back-to-back victories. The race began with no rain, unlike the day before, although there was an overcast sky around the Sepang International Circuit. As race got underway, it began to drizzle which made track conditions extremely slippery and unpredictable in certain sections.

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

The race was essentially 18-year-old Mika’s to win, having taken over driving duties from his teammate Tengku Djan Ley in the #61 Prima Pearl TD Racing Vios, with Liew pouncing hard just 0half a second behind, and Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho in third place.

Heavy rain descended on the race with just 2 laps remaining, and the pressure to defend his lead seemed to have gotten the better of Mika who aquaplaned off the track. This allowed Liew, Ho and Prima Pearl TD Racing’s second car, the #12 with Mitchell Cheah, through. Mika fought his way back on to the track rejoining in fourth position but made a second and same mistake on the final lap in the very same corner to eventually finish fifth behind Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang.

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

The last lap of the race had been equally nerve-wrecking for Liew who, in the heavy rain, had to fend off Ho who was left dragging his rear bumper for several laps after a botched overtaking manoeuvre much earlier.

“Today I really utilized all my experience to drive in the dry, wet and then heavy rain. It was a difficult race,” said 48-year-old Liew. For Putera who started the race for the pair, a slow getaway dropped him to as far back as 10th despite starting from sixth position. Commenting on his partnership with Liew and the vast difference in age, Putera said: “It’s an honour to drive with Eddie. He’s a very good driver and he used to drive with my dad.”

2022 Vios Sprint Cup

Perodua continues its support to public hospitals with the recent by contribution of  medical diagnostic equipment to the Sarawak General Hospital. The initiative is to support the government’s mission in improving the quality of health services in the country and, at the same time, thank the dedicated frontliners.

The Malaysian carmaker contributed seven Vital Sign Monitors (for monitoring body temperature, pulse and respiration rate as well as blood pressure) worth a total of RM84,450. At the same time, hampers were presented to patients and staff in the paediatric ward of the hospital.

The handover ceremony was attended by Perodua President & CEO, Dato’  Zainal Abidin Ahmad; Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Chief Operating Officer, JH Rozman Jaafar; Sarawak General Hospital Director, Dr. Ngian Hie Ung; and Deputy Director (Medical), Dr. Norinawaty Abg. Daud.

“We thank the staff of the Sarawak General Hospital for their service to the community, we hope our contribution will further benefit the people of Kuching and Sarawak,” Dato’ Zainal said.

“As part of our Corporate Responsibility initiative, we are always looking for opportunities to provide the best assistance to strengthen the country’s health system. As such, we are in constant communication with Ministry of Health and other relevant parties to continue our initiatives,” he added.

“This is one of our ways to thank the government and Malaysian, especially our customers who have given us their trust and support over the years,” he said.

To date, Perodua has donated medical and health equipment to public hospitals including Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Selayang, Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas, Hospital Shah Alam, Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Hospital Ampang, Hospital Putrajaya and several community clinics within Hulu Selangor.

Last year, Perodua donated RM80,000 of medical supplies to Hospital Sg. Buloh which was a key medical facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Perodua was quick to use its resources in the war against the coronavirus. Besides health facilities, the carmaker also provided face shields to schools for the use of academic and support staff. The face shields were made by an associate of Perodua.

To know more about Perodua’s other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, visit www.perodua.com.my.

Perodua expands on public protection initiative

robotaxirobotaxi

In future, when motor vehicles can operate themselves and move around without control by a human driver, a steering wheel would no longer be necessary. That would add an extra seating space for a passenger who would not need to be qualified to drive. However, for now, autonomous vehicles (AVs) still require a steering wheel as a back-up in case control must be taken by a human in an emergency. The autonomous vehicle systems are still not considered 100% safe to be left to operate without such a safeguard.

Nevertheless, progress is being made and in April this year, authorities in China started permitting the removal of the steering wheel in AVs. In the US too, new regulations allow AVs to operate without having a steering wheel or pedals present. Of course, before such vehicles can be run on public roads, they would have to be tested and certified to be safe for use.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

One company which has a production ready AV is Baidu, the well known tech company in China. Its name may not come to mind when talking about cars, but it claims to be the market leader in autonomous driving in China. This is based on the number of test kilometres and number of test licenses. As of December 31, 2020, Baidu had 199 autonomous vehicle driving licenses with extensive geographical coverage in China, compared to the second player which had approximately 20 licenses.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

Recently, the company made headline news in the auto world when it announced a next-generation AV called the Apollo RT6. Designed for complex urban environments, the car will be put into operation in China in 2023 on Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service. Baidu plans to sell the Apollo RT6 at RMB250,000 (about RM165,000), a price level that it believes will quickly boost volumes for economies of scale.

“Massive cost reduction will enable us to deploy tens of thousands of AVs across China. We are moving towards a future where taking a robotaxi will be half the cost of taking a taxi today,” said Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, at the Baidu World 2022 conference recently.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

Baidu is expected to start its robotaxi service in Beijing from the second half of 2023. It will help accelerate AV deployment at scale, bringing the world closer to a future of driverless shared mobility.

As Baidu’s 6th generation AV, the RT6 is distinct from previous generations that were otherwise retrofitted on conventional vehicles. Measuring 4760 mm long with a wheelbase of 2830 mm, it has a completely flat floor and rear legroom up to 1050 mm. The steering wheel is optional and can be removed if not required.

AVs require many sensors to collect information and images about their surroundings to safely move on roads, especially in complex urban environments. The RT6 has Baidu’s most advanced Level 4 autonomous driving system, powered by automotive-grade dual computing units with a computing power of up to 1200 TOPS. The electrically-powered AV utilizes 38 sensors, including 8 LiDARs and 12 cameras, to obtain highly accurate, long-range detection on all sides.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

It is the first vehicle model built on Xinghe, Baidu’s self-developed automotive E/E architecture specially for fully autonomous driving. The autonomous driving capability of the RT6 is said to be equivalent to a skilled driver with 20 years of experience. Its safety and reliability have been confirmed by extensive real-world data from over 32 million kms of real-world testing. There is full redundancy throughout both hardware and autonomous driving software.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

As the world’s largest robotaxi service provider, Baidu’s Apollo Go has expanded to 10 cities in China since its launch in 2020, including all first-tier cities, and provided more than 1 million orders. The Apollo ecosystem has more than 200 partners, tier one suppliers and other strategic partners.

The Apollo Robotaxi operation which will use the RT6 has been a massive business opportunity for Baidu. The company has T4 licenses, the highest level of autonomous driving test license issued by the working group led by Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, which permits AVs to operate in complex driving conditions such as urban roads, tunnels, school zones and other scenarios. A pilot robotaxi program was made available to the public in 2019 and since then, the service has been extended to Beijing, Changsha and Cangzhou and expanded into larger networks and more complex road conditions.

 

The Mercedes-EQ sub-brand for fully electric Mercedes-Benz models was introduced in Malaysia some 4 years back, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has been waiting for the right time to start its EQ offensive. That right time has come in 2022, with the government providing full duty exemption on the import and sale of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for a few years and a bit long if they are assembled locally. Like the duty-free incentive provided by hybrids and EVs 10 years ago, the move is aimed at popularising zero emission vehicles to generate the demand which the industry needs in order to make it viable selling them.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

MBM has been ready for some time as Mercedes-Benz already has a range of Mercedes-EQ models in production which cover a range of segments, including the top end. Here, the brand is represented by the EQS, the flagship of the range. The EQS is fairly new in the Mercedes-EQ range, having been launched just a year back as the fifth model of the BEV line-up.

It’s also the first Mercedes-EQ model to be based using the Modular Electrical Architecture (MEA), internally referred to as EVA II. This is a dedicated platform and architecture for BEVs intended for use with the Mercedes-EQ models from the midrange upwards, as opposed to the MFA II platform for the compact models. The MEA platform accommodates modular battery packs and can be varied to have different wheelbases as well as use single or dual motor powertrains.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The EQS, like the S-Class, takes its place at the top of the Mercedes-EQ range and therefore has the prominence in its design to generate a strong presence. The designers have taken advantage of the fact that it does not have a combustion engine which, in some ways, allows new approaches to styling and modelling surfaces with ‘Sensual Purity’.

Aerodynamics have always been important in car design as this influences performance as well as noise levels. For BEVs, it is even more crucial because wind resistance has to be minimised as much as possible so that more of the available power can be used to propel the car rather than to overcome resistance. The EQS thus has carefully modelled surfaces with reduced joints and seamless transitions between panels in its coupe-like silhouette. Unique in this segment is the cab-forward design: the overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear is smoothly rounded.

With a lot of meticulous detail work, the aerodynamicists in close cooperation with the designers were able to achieve a new Cd benchmark of 0.20. This makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world at the moment. 40 years ago, the lowest Cd for a production car was 0.30 which was achieved by the Audi 100.

For the Malaysian market, MBM is importing the EQS in EQS 450+ form and prices it at RM698,888 (without insurance but with sales tax). It comes with AMG Line package which includes 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. Below the ‘radiator grille’ (a radiator is unnecessary), there’s an AMG-styled bumper which is sportier and likewise, the rear bumper also gets treatment from the brand’s high-performance subsidiary.

The EQS450+ is among six power output choices for the model and this has a single motor powering the rear wheels which generates 245 kW/333 ps and 565 Nm of torque. That can take the 2,480 kg EQS450+ from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz has spent a lot of money on battery development as this is a critical component of a BEV, the ‘fuel tank’ which determines how far the car can travel. For the EQS, there is a new generation of batteries with significantly higher energy density. These have a usable energy content of around 107.8 kWh. A range of 782 kms is claimed for a full charge and this is helped by an effective recuperation strategy with high recuperation power (up to 290 kW).

Owners get a charging cable with each EQS450+ that can be used for various recharging options with varying times. AC charging is supported up to 11 kW and direct current (DC) charging can be up to 200 kW for shorter times. According to MBM, it would take 10 hours to recharge to 100% from 10% with an 11 kW and just 31 minutes from 10% to 80% if a 200 kW charger outlet is used. So the slower speed could probably be best for home recharging overnight where a wallbox can be installed while the high-speed charging can be used when travelling long distances.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The Mercedes-EQ MEA architecture allows interior designers new freedom in packaging which provides more space front and rear. The highlight of the cabin, which can be bathed with light from above through the panoramic sunroof, is the visual technology. This is exemplified by the MBUX Hyperscreen which makes its debut with the EQS. Featuring a fingerprint scanner, the MBUX multimedia system and an OLED front passenger display form a large and continuous panel from left to right. The integrated ambient lighting installed in the lower part of the MBUX Hyperscreen makes the display unit appear to float on the instrument panel.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The passenger side display and operating area has up to seven profiles to customize the content. If the passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative part. In this case, animated stars, ie the Mercedes-Benz Pattern, are displayed.

For better display quality, OLED technology is used in central and passenger displays. This is where the individual image points are self-luminous; non-controlled image pixels remain switched off, which means that they appear deep black. The active OLED pixels, on the other hand, radiate with high colour brilliance, resulting in high contrast values, regardless of the angle of view and the lighting conditions. All the graphics are styled in a new blue/orange colour scheme throughout.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

Futuristic as the MBUX Hyperscreen is, there is still a classic cockpit display with two circular instruments to give the driver a sense of familiarity. Perhaps, in future, everything will change as later generations are more comfortable with a fully digital world. The instrument panel has been reinterpreted with a digital laser sword in a glass lens. In EV mode, important functions of the electric drive are visualized in a new way, with a spatially moving clasp, and thus made tangible.

MBUX is also an interactive system which acts as an intelligent ‘personal assistant’ for both front and rear occupants. There’s also MBUX Navigation Premium for extended functions and this uses augmented reality for navigation. Also included is the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System, 2 wireless headsets, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The Electric Art interior allows creating an ambience according to personal preferences with a choice of 64 colours of ambient lighting. An active system allows passengers to experience a technological leap visually as it links aesthetics with innovative driver information and extended functions. Wraparound light strips and trim elements amalgamate to form an additional lighting level. This also supports driving assistance systems visually, thus emphasising the intelligence of the Mercedes-EQ vehicle.

The EQS has been subjected to a long period of tough development and testing so that it will meet the quality and reliability standards that Mercedes-Benz has built its reputation on. Owners will have a 4-year/unlimited-mileage warranty for the car and a separate warranty for the battery pack which is up to 10 years or a maximum of 250,000 kms.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The all-electric future of Mercedes-Benz

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