Home - Piston.my

Extreme E Season 2: RXR wins opening round of all-electric series in Saudi Arabia

Reigning Extreme E champions Rosberg X Racing (RXR) continued their winning ways with overall victory in the opening round of the all-electric off-road series in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. This is the second season of Extreme E and for this season, RXR (owned and managed by Nico Rosberg, the former F1 champion) retained the services of Johan Kristoffersson with a new team-mate. Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky.

The pair were the victors in a Final of two halves, as a red flag was brought out at the end of the first lap following a big accident for McLaren XE’s Tanner Foust who, in a bid for third place clipped the back of the RXR car driven by Ahlin-Kottulinsky and then rolled his ODYSSEY 21 on the opening lap.

The race resumed for a one-lap shootout, with the four teams released at intervals that matched how they had entered the Switch Zone. X44’s Cristina Gutierrez attempted to close down Laia Sanz in the ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team car, while Kristoffersson closed the gap on the two Spaniards from third.

The RXR driver soon passed Gutierrrez on the inside, setting his sights on Sanz. As the Desert X Prix entered its closing stages, Kristoffersson took a wide line into the second to last corner for an aggressive overtake on Sanz and secure a dramatic win ahead of ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, with X44 completing the podium.

Chip Ganassi Racing came fourth having secured a spot in the Final with a win in Semi-Final 2, and McLaren XE finished fifth despite Foust’s crash having made an excellent comeback from Qualifying to win the Crazy Race.

“It feels really good, but every week feels good. Every time we go for a race, we have the aim to win, but the competition is so high this year, especially with McLaren coming in, which raises the bar even higher. We learned quite a lot last year, but now things are even tighter we’ll have to work even harder. I’m just very happy to start off the season with maximum points,” said Kristoffersson.

RXR’s win was not surprising as the team set the pace in the first qualifying session. It was a dramatic first session over the 6.9-km course which was disrupted by a red flag following a crash for Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ. The Spanish driver, partnering Lance Woolridge, had looked strong throughout their Qualifying run, but the huge crash denied them a shot at the top spot. GZ was able to exit the car but sustained an injury to her foot.

There was also drama in the first of the new 5-car Heats in Qualifying 2. Sebastian Loeb and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Snr. delivered the strongest starts with Nasser Al-Attiyah running third ahead of Sara Price, all taking very different racing lines up the hill.

As the front three pulled away, the ABT Cupra XE car passed Sainz on the inside, but Nasser Al-Attiyah’s pace caused him to miss the flag and, in recovering, he collided with the Spaniard. Sainz brought the damaged ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone before retiring from the Heat. After the Stewards reviewed the collision, ABT CUPRA XE were classified last of the 4 runners in Heat 1, with the team relegated to ninth overall.

Championship Standings after Round 1
1. Rosberg X Racing – 30 points
2. Acciona | Sainz XE Team – 18 points
3. X44 – 15 points
4. Chip Ganassi Racing – 12 points
5. McLaren XE – 10 points
6. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – 8 points
7. XITE Energy Racing – 6 points
8. ABT Cupra XE – 4 points
9. JBXE – 2 points
10. Veloce Racing – 1 point

Following the opening round, the next one will be held in Sardinia, Italy, on May 7/8. The long gap between rounds is partly because the cars and equipment travel by a ship to reduce the carbon footprint of the event which is also being used to promote climate and environmental issues on the planet.

Extreme E to add Extreme H in 2024 with hydrogen fuel-cell powered rallycars

Mazda to use SKYACTIV-D engine with next-generation biofuel in endurance racing

For those following auto industry trends, it would appear that the future has to be electrified; first, hybrids with a combustion engine and electric motor, and then just an electric motor alone. It’s considered the only way to address climate change which is blamed partly on exhaust emissions of motor vehicles. Increasingly stringent regulations have made it more and more challenging for manufacturers to develop combustion engines to meet tougher standards and it seems that going electric is the only solution.

Perhaps it is – in the longer term – but for now, the technology is still expensive and hybrid powertrains are just beginning to have cost levels that can reach a much larger number of consumers than fully electric vehicles or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Furthermore, in many countries, the infrastructure to support BEVs is still not sufficiently developed so it will be inconvenient and impractical owning such vehicles that need regular recharging. In Malaysia, for example, there are around 400 recharging stations at the moment – versus around 3,700 stations selling petrol and diesel.

For these reasons, some manufacturers are looking at other approaches which can give consumers choices. Five Japanese manufacturers – Kawasaki, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, and Yamaha – are collaborating to find ways to continue using internal combustion engines in a way that can meet stringent regulations and still aim for carbon neutrality.

They are not against full electrification and are developing BEVs too (Toyota will spend 4 trillion yen during this decade on BEV development), but they also think of customers in less developed countries where BEVs will be too expensive. Such people still need transport, so they will be provided vehicles with powertrains that are sufficiently ‘green’.

Realistic alternative approach
This alternative approach is realistic and given the combined technical resources of the 5 companies, new solutions will be found. Back in the early 1970s, when tough exhaust emissions regulations were introduced in America and forced manufacturers to fit catalytic converters, Honda was able to develop its CVCC engine which could run on low-octane fuel and meet the regulations without having a catalytic converter.

Toyota and Yamaha have been jointly working on engines that can run on hydrogen, while Mazda is working on engines that use next-generation bio-diesel. The carmaker previously developed the SKYACTIV-D turbodiesel which was a very efficient engine, and this engine is now being modified to use a 100% bio-derived next-generation fuel called Susteo developed by Japanese firm Euglena Co. Ltd.

Testing in endurance racing
The prototype engine is installed in the Mazda2 Bio concept car and part of its development will include being raced in Japan’s leading domestic endurance racing series, the Super Taikyu Series. This series, which consists of 7 rounds, starts next month at Suzuka and there will be races of 5 or 6 hours as well as a 24-hour event.

Mazda already demonstrated the potential of the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D powered car with Euglena’s 100% bio-based fuel made from used cooking oil and microalgae fats when the Mazda2 competed in last November’s Super Taikyu Race.

Participating in the ST-Q class with the Mazda2 Bio concept, Mazda will take part in the full series with a new silver livery. From the third round, it will also compete with a SKYACTIV-G petrol-powered MX-5 in the ST-5 production class, a class that has seen privateer teams have huge success with MX-5s over the last few years.

Mazda SKYACTIV-G engine in MX-5 — *SKYACTIV-G engine in the MX-5.*

Multi-solution approach
Mazda is following a comprehensive strategy called the multi-solution approach, which takes into account all available solutions to reach climate neutrality and to suit individual mobility needs as well as regional conditions. It will continue to make investments in developing conventional hybrids, diesel engine models, BEV models and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models while, at the same time, promoting initiatives in renewable fuels such as 100% bio-based fuels.

Next-generation biodiesel fuels, which are made from sustainable raw materials such as microalgae fats and used cooking oil, do not compete with food crops, which has been an issue with existing biodiesel fuels. As these fuels can also be used as alternatives to diesel in existing vehicles and equipment without any modification, no additional fuel supply infrastructure is required. Therefore, biodiesel can be expected to play a prominent role as an excellent liquid fuel source in promoting carbon neutrality.

High-performance Lexus V8 modified to run on hydrogen in Toyota-Yamaha project

RML Short Wheelbase with Ferrari V12 ready to go into production

You’ve probably not heard about the UK-based RML Group but this family-owned company is an ‘engineering powerhouse’ (as described by Autocar UK) which provides specialised services to many carmakers. It develops high-performance derivatives and also builds prototypes, showcars as well as restores historic road and racing cars. It’s also produced racing cars since 1958 and involved in many successful teams.

RML typically does work for others but just over 3 years ago, they decided that a car was needed to showcase the quality and breadth of their work in the automotive industry. “For many people, RML is synonymous with motorsport success at the very highest level but over the last 2 decades, it has diversified considerably, undertaking many complex projects outside of the competition arena,” said Michael Mallock, RML’s CEO.

RML’s own product
“Much of its core design, engineering and manufacturing work within the automotive sector is now as a ‘white label’ partner to prestige OEMs (carmakers) around the world, and this work is quite rightly confidential. But our vehicle could wear the RML badge, and also benefit from the vast experience our in-house team has gained producing some of the industry’s most advanced engineering solutions for other companies. And that ‘vehicle’ has now materialised: the RML Short Wheelbase is complete and production will start imminently,” he explained.

Inspired by the Ferrari 250 SWB, the RML Short Wheelbase is a 2-seat, high-performance GT, the design of its lightweight, carbon-composite body paying homage to the driving purity of supercars from the past, while offering 21^st-century comfort and convenience. Classic features like its stacked rear lights, exposed fuel filler, chip-cutter front grille and vents appearing behind each wheel and on the bonnet have all been carefully reimagined.

2022 RML Short Wheelbase — *The RML Short Wheelbase is inspired by the Ferrari 250 SWB of the 1960s (below).*

Classic Ferrari V12 engine
Under the long bonnet is a 5.5-litre V12 engine, and it’s one of the all-time great high-performance engines from Ferrari. Developing 479 bhp/568 Nm. 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time, it gives the car a claimed 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 290 km/h. The V12 engine power goes to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox and transaxle which incorporates a limited-slip differential.

An engine like the Ferrari V12 should not only be seen but also heard, and the RML team developed an all-new exhaust system from the manifold to its quad tailpipes (apart from the catalyst) to achieve this. Acoustically sonorous, but meeting all current noise regulations, the system also had to be free-flowing enough not to impede the engine’s original performance.

With a target to emulate the exhaust note of a classic V12 road-racer, RML’s engineering team started by making recordings of the original Ferrari engine from inside and outside the car at various speeds and loads, from idle to full-throttle acceleration. The engine was also put on a dynamometer, and data from both tests was built into a computer-simulated model that could be adapted to suit the new noise requirements of the Short Wheelbase.

Classic ambience, 21^st century comfort
With such performance, the Short Wheelbase should be capable of crossing great distances with a degree of comfort and convenience that wouldn’t have been dreamt of 60 years ago. That convenience has extended to a cabin with an interior design in the classic style, yet with modern technology discreetly integrated throughout.

It has also been packaged to be able to accommodate tall occupants. “Very early on, we built a buck that could accept a broad range of human sizes,” recalls Bowen. “We actually built it around RML’s shortest employee, and tallest one – our CEO Michael Mallock wearing a race helmet, in fact! This effectively set the roof-line, and all other dimensions flowed from there,” revealed RML’s Head of Design, Jonathan Bowen.

No plastic
“We had a ‘no-plastic’ mantra when we started designing the interior,” added Bowen. “It would have been easy to save tens of thousands of pounds buying off-the-shelf dials and controls, but they would not have met our high standards. Therefore, every switch, button and clock you see in the Short Wheelbase is bespoke, and developed in-house.”

The conical dials across the dashboard are inspired by high-end watchmaking, and everything else that can be seen or touched is either machined aluminium, glass or leather. And despite the Short Wheelbase cabin’s classic design, a compact high-performance air-conditioning unit has been developed which drew on the company’s experience with component engineering for other carmakers.

The unique infotainment system incorporates everything you’d expect from a high-end modern car, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and mobilephone connectivity. The system can be hidden completely, appearing from the central gear tunnel when it’s needed. “To make sure that happened every time, we put it through a 10-thousand cycle test and it passed with flying colours!” said Bowen.

Production run of 30 units
Priced from £1.35 million (about RM7.7 million), each car from the proposed run of 30 units will take around 6 months to complete, with the capability of up to 6 builds in process at any one time to meet the already strong demand from across the world. Around 70% of sales will be for export, with the majority expected to be in North America.

250 SWB Revival – legendary Sixties Ferrari modernised

High-performance Lexus V8 modified to run on hydrogen in Toyota-Yamaha project

In November last year, 5 Japanese companies – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mazda Motor Corporation, Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation and Yamaha Motor – jointly announced that they would begin discussions for conducting collaborative research into possible avenues for expanding the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines in the quest for carbon neutrality.

Giving customers more choices
Specifically, the companies intend to unite and pursue 3 initiatives: 1) participating in races using carbon-neutral fuels, 2) exploring the use of hydrogen engines in 2-wheeled and other vehicles, and 3) continuing to race using hydrogen engines. This is in an effort to provide customers with greater choice so that, in Toyota’s words’, ‘no customer is left behind’.

Toyota has been working with Yamaha Motor, Denso Corporation and other related parties to develop a hydrogen engine since 2016. It has entered a Corolla equipped with a prototype hydrogen-fueled engine in 3 races in Japan, with Toyota President & CEO Akio Toyoda also participating in the races.

*Toyota has been racing a Corolla with a prototype hydrogen-fueled engine in Japan. It is also known to be developing a GR Yaris to run on hydrogen.*

Besides the engine in the Corolla, it has been revealed that there is another engine which Yamaha has been commissioned to develop by Toyota. This is a 5-litre V8 engine that can be used for automobiles which is fueled entirely by hydrogen. Shown to the public recently, the unit is based on the engine of the same size and configuration in the Lexus RC F sport coupe.

*The V8 engine in the Lexus RC F. For the prototype engine to run on hydrogen, it has been modified in many areas.*

Modifications have been made to the injectors, cylinder heads, intake manifold, and more, and it is claimed to produce up to 455 bhp at 6,800 rpm, with maximum torque of 540 Nm at 3,600 rpm. The 32-valve engine running on petrol has been able to produce up to 472 bhp and 535 Nm, although emission regulations have lowered it to 457 bhp in recent years.

5-year experience with hydrogen engine
Actually, Yamaha began developing a hydrogen engine for cars about 5 years ago. Takeshi Yamada from the Technical Research & Development Centre’s Automotive Development Section who is a member of the hydrogen engine development team, recalls having a of sense ‘the depth of potential in the powerplant’ as the project progressed.

“I started to see that engines using only hydrogen for fuel actually had very fun, easy-to-use performance characteristics,” he explained. “Hydrogen engines have an innately friendly feel that makes them easy to use even without resorting to electronic driving aids. Everyone who came to test-drive the prototype car would start off somewhat skeptical, but emerged from the car with a big smile on their face at the end. As I watched this, I started to believe that there is actually enormous potential in the characteristics unique to hydrogen engines instead of simply treating it as a substitute for petrol.”

Another thing that Yamada and the team value in the development process is kanno seino, meaning ‘sensual’ or ‘exhilarating’ performance. One example is the harmonic high-frequency exhaust note produced by the engine’s 8-into-1 exhaust manifold. “This is a challenge we can sink our teeth into as engineers and I personally want to pursue not just performance but also a new allure for the internal combustion engine that the world has yet to see,” declared Yamada.

“Hydrogen engines house the potential to be carbon-neutral while keeping our passion for the internal combustion engine alive at the same time,” proclaimed Yamaha President Hidaka. “Teaming up with companies with different corporate cultures and areas of expertise as well as growing the number of partners we have is how we want to lead the way into the future.”

*Yamaha was involved in the development, particularly the 6-cylinder engine, of the Toyota 2000GT, Japan’s first supercar in the 1960s.*

Long history of collaboration
Toyota has had a 5% stake in Yamaha since 2019 but the two companies have a long history of working together, going back to the 1960s. Although well known for its motorcycles, Yamaha has great expertise in engines and was involved in the development as well as manufacture of high-performance engines for Toyota models, including the 2000GT, Japan’s first supercar.

Toyota: “No customer is left behind” in quest for carbon neutrality

Extreme E to add Extreme H in 2024 with hydrogen fuel-cell powered rallycars

Hydrogen is in the air all the time but lately, the gas that is the lightest element has been ‘in the air’, so to speak, with companies like Toyota running a hydrogen-fuelled engine in the Super Taikyu race series in Japan, Renault teasing a hydrogen-powered concept car, and Toyota and Yamaha having a project to adapt a Lexus V8 to run on the gas instead of petrol.

Now Extreme E, the all-electric off-road series, has revealed also plans to launch an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. To be called ‘Extreme H’, it will run alongside Extreme E, currently in its second season, and will be a world-first for motorsport. Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023.

*Extreme H cars will use same powertrain and chassis as those for the current Extreme E cars; however, instead of a battery pack, a hydrogen fuel cell will be used which can generate electricity.*

Evolution of Extreme E
“Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility. It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issue,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme E.

“Together with the current Extreme E Teams, we will decide in the coming months the best way to integrate the hydrogen-powered cars into the racing weekend. Two separate categories, full transition to hydrogen or joint racing are all options on the table,” he added.

Elaborating further, Agag said: “Extreme E is an FIA International Series and our intention is to work closely again with the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco on the development of Extreme H. Sport is the fastest and most effective platform for driving innovation and, by using the existing Extreme E platform, we can also utilise our transport, talent and operations to ensure we are minimising footprint in the process. This effectively means we can have double the race action, with marginal additional impact.”

Fuel cell for electric power
The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E. The key differentiating factor will be that a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source. This propulsion concept has already been commercialized with models such as the Mirai by Toyota and Insight by Honda.

Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water. This technology is already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

Extreme E’s operations at each event in remote locations utilise various methods to keep its overall carbon footprint as low as possible. To power equipment and recharge the electric rallycars, the organisers provide a combination of battery and green hydrogen power sources in the paddock..

“It is fitting to launch the concept of Extreme H here in NEOM, Saudi Arabia (where the first round of the 2022 season is being held], a place with huge ambition around clean energy solutions, and the perfect example of a location which can and will become home to large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution,” Agag added.

Commenting on the new initiative, Jenson Button, Team Owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, said: “For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series. To see racing of this calibre powered by Hydrogen cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable.”

The world’s most extreme battery for an extreme off-road event

UMW Toyota Motor has a new Deputy Chairman – Takashi Obata

UMW Toyota Motor, a joint-venture company between UMW and Toyota Motor Corporation, today announced the appointment of Takashi Obata as its new Deputy Chairman. Mr. Obata takes over from Akio Takeyama, who has completed his term in the position and has spent a total of 12 years in Malaysia (including an earlier assignment).

Mr. Obata has 30 years of experience in Toyota Motor Corporation as a key member in the company’s Product Planning in Sales & Operation Planning divisions. Prior to his new position, he was in charge of the product planning of various Toyota-brand models for the global market.

Bringing his vast experience and vision for the future of mobility, Mr. Obata commits to driving UMW Toyota Motor to innovate and adapt to CASE (Connected cars, Autonomous driving, Shared, and Electric) and carbon neutrality.

“Technology is progressively evolving with the increasing necessity and responsibility to adapt to CASE, as well as carbon neutrality. This is a priority that is aggressively being pursued by Toyota globally and has already started in Malaysia with the recent launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid model. I am honoured to have been entrusted this role to navigate the Toyota business here in Malaysia towards this direction alongside UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K,” said Mr. Obata, thanking his predecessor for leaving behind ‘an incredible legacy during his time with the company’.

“This role will undoubtedly be a challenging one, but I am confident that we will be able to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, especially with the strong support from the government of Malaysia and all our stakeholders,” he added.

Reflecting on his time with UMW Toyota Motor, Mr. Takeyama said that in the 12 years, he had two key phrases which he always kept in mind: ‘Reborn’ and ‘Change & Challenge’. “My time here in Malaysia was spent in pursuit of ever-better cars and the best customer services while continuously contributing to the Malaysian automobile industry. The years I have spent in this beautiful country were truly wonderful and exciting, filled with so many significant events, milestones, challenges and accomplishments. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong support from my team and all our stakeholders,” he said.

*In the past few years, Mr. Takeyama also went racing as a regular participant in all 4 seasons of the successful Vios Challenge one-make race.*

Under the leadership of Mr. Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor has achieved many significant milestones including the launch of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Bukit Raja< Selangor which is now recognized as the No.1 quality and productivity Toyota plant in Asia; restructuring of the sales and service network throughout Malaysia; the introduction of GAZOO Racing and reclaiming its title as the No.1 non-national automotive brand after 6 years as well as successfully introducing many new Toyota models.

Mr. Takeyama will also be remembered for his personal interest in motorsports, to the extent that he also took part in every season of the successful Vios Challenge one-make series. With his enthusiastic support and guidance, the GAZOO Racing brand gained prominence in Malaysia earlier than other countries in the region.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Takeyama-san for all our achievements during his tenure, the result of which is many happy and satisfied Toyota customers. It has truly been an honour to work alongside him. With his passion and automotive brilliance, he has indeed inspired many and leaves behind an incredible legacy. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Mr. Ravindran.