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30 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz F 100 showed the future of motoring

At one time, a ‘connected’ vehicle was one which could receive radio broadcasts and that was about all. Today, the term refers to many more ways that the vehicle and its occupants are connected which we are taking for granted. Even the cheapest models come with simple handsfree telephony capabilities, and connecting to the internet has been possible for many years.

Yet, in the early 1990s, connectivity like this was still considered as just ideas in concept cars. People were just starting to enjoy the convenience of mobilephones and being able to make calls from cars (which would lead to new laws that made them offences as they affected safety). Voice command was still regarded as science fiction, let alone handsfree telephony.

Thinking ahead in 1991
But many of the connectivity features that are common in today’s vehicles were already in the minds of Mercedes-Benz researchers and designers back in 1991. They showed their ideas in the F 100 research vehicle which was first displayed at the North American International Auto Show.

The F 100 was significant in many ways as never before had so many new ideas and innovative solutions been incorporated in a single vehicle. With all its technology, the vehicle was a forerunner of today’s connected car, which was typical of the German carmaker that has a long tradition of demonstrating pioneering technology in visionary and fully functional vehicles.

The F research vehicles
The F 100 was the first Mercedes-Benz research vehicle to feature an ‘F’ in its name. After the F 100 would come models such as the F 200 Imagination (1996), F 300 Life Jet (1997), F 400 Carving (2002), F 500 Mind (2003), F 600 HYGENIUS (2005), F 700 (2007), F 800 Style (2010), F 125! (2011) and F 015 Luxury in Motion (2015).

The F 100 was clearly a visionary research vehicle and it was employed by the engineers and designers to implement key findings in relation to future demands on vehicle technology. Among other things, the research vehicle incorporated findings from accident/social research: as a typical passenger car carries an average of between 1.2 and 1.7 people in everyday use, the developers positioned the driver in the centre of the passenger cell – the safest place inside the vehicle. This made the innovations in terms of crash safety for the driver even more effective.

The occupants in the second row were seated to the left and right behind the driver. Two further passengers were given seats towards the centre between the sturdy rear wheelhouses. The body of the F 100 with its steeply raked rear end anticipated the trend of future years, in which there was an increasing demand for spacious estate cars and other vehicles. It did not, however, take into consideration the SUV with its higher ground clearance…

Complex door operation
The innovative spatial concept of the interior was matched by a new type of door operation. Access to the driver’s seat was by means of rotating-swivelling doors, which took parts of the vehicle floor and roof with them when opened. When they were closed, mechanical locking mechanisms in 3 places ensured firm, reliable closing.

In this way, the F 100 made up for the slender waistline in the vehicle floor and the design with no B-pillar between the front doors and the space-saving, rear pivot-and-slide doors. Of course, the complex idea would be expensive and would not appear in production cars, although sliding side doors are common in MPVs.

The connected car
With many of its systems, the F 100 anticipated solutions that would in future years give rise to the ‘connected car’. These included a voice-controlled telephone system and a central display, on which the vehicle system automatically showed the key information in every situation – such as the current speed or warnings about traffic in the area around the vehicle.

Such information was delivered by a camera activated when reversing, while a distance-warning radar and another radar system monitored traffic ahead and behind the F 100. Sensors also detected other vehicles in the blind spot if the driver indicated to change lane and automatic lane-keeping was also possible.

Other electronic assistance systems included access to the car by chip card instead of a conventional key, electric motors to control the adjustment of seat and steering wheel, mobile fax and a permanently installed personal computer that was becoming widespread. The power supply was assisted by solar cells in the roof with an area of almost 2 square metres and an output of up to 100 watts.

*The driver of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class today has a dashboard that provides all kinds of information, and the car has features that were just ideas in 1991.*

They all sound common today, along with other systems that were considered very advanced in 1991: autonomous intelligent cruise control, xenon headlamps and a chip card as the vehicle key. Those who saw the F 100 and learnt of these systems may have found it hard to believe would be available in cars just a decade later – and not just in the flagship models like the S-Class.

Better lighting too
it was a vehicle that gave a fascinating promise of the future of automotive technology. This included safety systems and one of them showed a new approach to lighting technology. The F 100’s highly compact headlamps were the first from Mercedes-Benz to use gas-discharge lamps. This technology was later to become known under the name of xenon headlamps. The tail lamps were of transparent prism rods that served as light conductors and were activated from a central light source in the appropriate colour depending on the required function.

Different vehicles, different purposes
In addition to its research vehicles, Mercedes-Benz also develops technology vehicles, test vehicles, concept vehicles and one-off vehicles in advance of new standard-production models. Technology vehicles are standard-production vehicles that are equipped with new technology – such as alternative drives – in order to test that technology under everyday conditions. Related to research vehicles, the test vehicles are used to take new technologies out of the research lab and onto the test track.

*The F 300 Life-Jet displayed in 1997 was a new vehicle concept which combined the cornering dynamics of a motorcycle with the safety of a passenger car.*

Concept vehicles, on the other hand, are near-production, ready-to-drive vehicles that position a future vehicle model on the market. They are usually equipped with new technology just short of readiness for use in use in production models that customers can buy.

The most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – the Vision EQXX

Pushing prototypes to the limits – and having fun as well

The engineers who have to test prototypes go all over the world to places with extreme environments. Their job is to see how the future model will perform in the toughest conditions on the planet and collect data that will help them ensure reliability and durability. Much of the time, the work can be monotonous as it’s not a joy-ride and the vehicles must be driven in specific ways… and not always at high speeds.

For Polestar’s engineers, there are occasions when they must enjoy their work, especially when within the Arctic Circle where the company’s intense winter testing programme runs for 15 weeks from December to March every year. Teams of engineers pushing prototypes to the limits in harsh conditions that can be as low as -35 degrees C.

It’s not just components that are tested but also the prototype’s driving dynamics. “Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer who has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme environment.

“With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyse the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. This is my absolute favourite place to develop cars,” he revealed.

To exhibit this expertise, and being a rally driver in his spare time with numerous trophies to his name, Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version that brings winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time.

The base car, a Polestar 2 Long-range Dual motor with Performance Pack, has several specific modifications. The ride height is higher (+30 mm), with increased power and torque output (350 kW and 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tyres, each having 4 mm metal studs (490 per tyre). These give the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle the mechanical credentials to be quick and agile on snow and ice.

In combination with springs that are 30% softer, the 3-way performance Ohlin’s dampers, specially designed and tuned for this car together with Ohlins, are set to 9 clicks front and rear and feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. The standard 4-piston Brembo front brakes are good enough, so they are retained without changes.

The front bumper has a carbonfibre skid plate for additional under-body protection. The front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. A new prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. And just in case the drivers get stuck in snow far away, a carbonfibre snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car as well.

Visually, rally inspiration has seen the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, there are custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal with Swedish gold branding.

“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialised tyres are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said a happy Rydholm, adding that the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a one-time-only showpiece there are no production plans.

Experimental Polestar 2 with higher output shown at Goodwood Festival of Speed

‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ by SDAC-Ford provide owners with ways to enjoy their truck to the fullest

Most people who buy a pick-up truck are the active types who enjoy going out into the countryside and exploring our beautiful country. For those who own a Ford Ranger, there’s now an even better way to enjoy their truck with the ‘Ford Ranger Getaways’. This is new brand experiential programme offered by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (SDAC-Ford) for enthusiasts to experience the ‘Ranger Life’ with other owners. The program also allows them to discover the potential of the Ranger themselves through specially designed excursions.

An industry first, the programme has been crafted based on customer feedback, which underlined their desire for wanting to network with like-minded individuals, expanding their lifestyle activities to enhance work-life balance, and spending more quality time with family and friends.

There are 15 getaways and each one has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the multiformity of the Ranger lifestyle. These encompass fun city outings and outdoor or off-road excursions to foodie trails, and even flying a plane through Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)!

There is also a one-of-a-kind on and off-road experience within the vicinity of Sepang which will be held on February 26 for owners of the high-performance Ranger Raptor. Owners of other Ranger variants can also participate on a similar type of event the next day at the same venue.

The programme is also a way for SDAC-Ford to help boost domestic tourism which have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and to support as many local businesses as possible. These businesses have been selected for their activities that are aligned with the Ranger Life core values.

The Ford Ranger Getaways will be refreshed from time to time to ensure that they remain interesting. The current getaways on offer are half-day, full-day or overnight trips and prices range from RM98 to RM2,133 per person, depending on the package chosen.

*The various Ford Ranger Getaway packages available.*

In conjunction with the launch of the Ford Ranger Getaways, owners can enjoy 50% savings for the on and off-road experience which will be held on February 26 and 27. Each participant can also bring along a companion for free. As there are limited slots, acceptance of bookings will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Over the years, the Ranger has transformed from a purely utilitarian workhorse and is now leading the pack as a versatile and premium truck that is sought after for work, family and play, whilst maintaining its ‘Built Ford Tough’ DNA. In line with the 5 guiding principles under our new ‘Live the Ranger Life’ brand essence, the Ford Ranger Getaways aims to offer experiences that push the boundaries of what people perceive a pickup truck to be. We also believe that this attracts new customers to our Ford Ranger brand,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

Ranger owners can make their bookings from February 5, 2022 onwards by going to SDAC-Ford’s new e-commerce platform at www.sdacford.com.my/shop. Using the online platform, they can select their desired adventure and travel date as well as complete the payment transaction, all from the comfort of their home or office. Confirmation will be sent via email from the time the booking is processed.

‘Live The Ranger Life’ celebrates Ford’s pick-up truck evolution into the modern lifestyle machine that it is today

For GWM’s customers, a L.E.M.O.N. vehicle is a good to have

It’s not explained how or why Great Wall Motors (GWM) chose to name its technology platform L.E.M.O.N, a name which has a negative meaning when associated with cars. But since it appeared in the third generation of the Chinese company’s Haval H6 SUV in 2020, the platform has been widely publicised in positive terms.

The platform has been developed in-house by GWM and light weight (that could be what the ‘L’ stands for in L.E.M.O.N.) is one of its strong points. In addition to having an all-aluminium body to reduce vehicle weight, there is also a hot-stamped one-piece door ring solution to further cut the kilograms. More significantly, some new models used more than 75% of high-strength steel as well.

The lightweight aspect cannot be understated and to achieve it, GWM engineers made structural improvements, adjusting the material arrangement path and fully improving the torsion resistance and roof crush strength.

At the inception phase of the project, GWM took advantage of simulation topology and MDO (multidisciplinary design) to identify the most effective material arrangement path that meets performance needs like safety and rigidity. After fully improving the body structure, the L.E.M.O.N. Platform was strengthened by using different materials according to the load conditions at different places.

*Instead of traditional spot welding of separate parts, the door structure is an integrated hot stamped part.*

Traditional spot-welding spliced door ring is replaced by integrated hot stamping door ring, which helps remove the centralized collision stress at the joint position along the force transferring path, reduce the body intrusion in the collision, and improve the passenger safety in 25% small overlapping collision conditions.

This obviously has significant benefits in terms of safety and the L.E.M.O.N. Platform has been engineered with this as one of the objectives. GWM engineers have made sure it will be suitable for global application, in Germany where there are no speed limits as well as in the Middle East where the environment is extremely hot.

It can also achieve NCAP 5-star ratings and meet the highest rating of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in North America. The 360° panoramic image system is used to protect drivers’ safety that can provide a high-definition display without blind areas to users, helping them observe surrounding road conditions and ensure all-around driving safety.

The platform can be used with four types of powertrains – Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Hybrid, Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric. The hybrid electric powertrain is available in both DHT and P2/P2+P4 architectures. The DHT architecture is more suitable for urban commuting because of longer endurance mileage and low energy consumption. For example, the HAVAL H6 Hybrid with this architecture has a fuel-saving rate of 48 – 50%, with a pure electric endurance mileage of 200 kms, it is claimed.

*Latest Haval H6 SUV is one of the models sold globally which sits on the L.E.M.O.N. platform.*

Regardless of the powertrain used, a lighter vehicle will definitely provide benefits in terms of fuel efficiency. GWM’s extensive tests show that if a car’s kerb weight is decreased by 100 kgs, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometres can decrease by 0.3 litre – 0.6 litre. Additionally, the studies also found that carbon dioxide emissions will decrease by about 5 gms per kilometre.

This has been proven with the latest Haval H6 which has had a 100-kg drop in weight compared to the previous generation. Its fuel economy has improved by 14.5%, with fuel consumption per 100 kilometres down to 6.6 litres. If a driver travels 30,000 kms a year, fuel-savings could be 180 litres.

Needless to say, a light vehicle will have better straightline performance and a weight reduction of 10% can see acceleration improving by 8%, while the braking distance can decrease by 5%.

*Ora Goodcat also rides on the L.E.M.O.N. platform.*

Currently, the models built on the L.E.M.O.N. Platform are latest Haval H6, Dargo, Jolion and ORA Goodcat, all of which are being sold globally.

New Great Wall Motors factory in Russia is the largest overseas factory built by a Chinese automobile enterprise

The Ford F-150 Lighting can be a mobile ‘powerbank’ for the whole house (w/VIDEO)

These days, many people carry around powerbanks to recharge their devices, mainly mobilephones, when necessary. The invention of the powerbank has certainly made it possible to have an electrical supply available wherever you go, and it is small enough to be in your pocket or handbag.

Now imagine the same idea being applied to providing an entire home with emergency power supply. Of course, the little powerbank in your pocket won’t be enough unless it’s like the nuclear powerbank that was used by The Terminator (in ‘Rise of The Machines’)! Instead, the portable ‘powerbank’ is a truck which can store a large amount of electricity in its battery pack and share it with a home.

With the new electrically-powered F-150 Lightning pick-up truck, Ford is the first in the USA to offer this ability for vehicle owners to power their homes when the power supply is cut, which could happen during a natural disaster in the area. It gives energy independence to houseowners and also provides emergency power for rescuers in remote areas.

This independence is important: according to the US Energy Information Administration, Americans experienced the most power interruptions on record in 2020. With F-150 Lightning, homeowners can use their truck to maintain their routines during brief or extended outages.

Ford is partnering with Sunrun, the country’s leading solar company, to enhance home energy management, making use of the substantial onboard battery capability of the F-150 Lightning. Sunrun will be the preferred installer of F-150 Lightning home charging solutions, including the 80A Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System. This enables the vehicle to store and supply power to homes in a variety of ways.

Ford Intelligent Backup Power, making its debut on F-150 Lightning, gives owners the ability to use bidirectional power technology from their truck to provide energy to their homes during an outage, whether sheltering in a storm or keeping cool in a heat wave.

The extended-range battery system can store 131 kilowatt-hours of energy and deliver up to 9.6 kilowatts of power in a cleaner, quieter, more efficient way versus petrol-powered generators, and with greater capacity than many wall battery units. The F-150 Lightning can also offer lower-cost energy storage in a product of their own – their truck.

With the Sunrun-installed system in place and the F-150 Lightning plugged in, the system automatically kicks in to power the home if the power supply is cut. Once power is restored, the system automatically reverts back to utility power. Based on an average American home at 30 kilowatt-hours of use per day, an F-150 Lightning with its extended-range battery can provide full home power for up to 3 days, or as long as 10 days when used in conjunction with solar power or rationing. Of course, that assumes that the owner doesn’t drive the truck around during that time.

In the future, Ford will introduce additional features to help customers potentially save money and take pressure off the public electric supply during peak usage. Ford Intelligent Power, for example, will allow vehicle owners to power their homes with their truck’s battery when electricity rates are higher, while charging the truck when rates are lower – or from their own solar-powered rooftop. This load shift can also help buffer the load on the nation’s grid and help reduce the use of higher carbon energy without affecting daily routines or charging schedules.

“F-150 Lightning brings new innovations to customers, including the ability to power their homes when they need it most,” said Matt Stover, Ford charging and energy services director. “Teaming up with Sunrun leverages their expertise to bring solar power to even more customers, giving them the chance to turn their truck into an incredible energy storage source – and future truck features can help accelerate the development of a less carbon-intensive grid.”

All-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning revealed

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

4-time Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah to compete in Season 2 of Extreme E series

The Extreme E series, which is the off-road version of Formula E, will enter its second season this year after an exciting inaugural season in 2021. Although 3 of the original venues on the calendar could not be used due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers still managed to finish the season with 5 rounds in different parts of the world.

This year, there will again be 5 rounds with 7 teams taking part; last year, 9 teams took part. Each team has to have one male and one female, with both taking turns to drive on the competitive stages.

*Abt CUPRA Tavascan XE all-electric rallycar in action during the 2021 Extreme E series.*

Two Dakar Rally veterans
The Abt CUPRA XE team, which finished 5^th overall last year, is among the entrants and its drivers will be Nasser Al-Attiyah and Jutta Kleinschmidt. Both drivers are veterans in off-road events, with Qatari Al-Attiyah having won the Dakar Rally 4 times, his most recent win being this year’s event. German driver Kleinschmidt, who drove for the team in 4 rounds last year, is also a Dakar Rally (2001) winner and is still the only woman to win the world’s toughest rally.

Updated rallycar
The duo will use the new CUPRA Tavascan XE which was shown in concept form about 5 months ago. It is an updated version of the 2021 rallycar and is powered by a 54 kWh battery pack, placed behind the cockpit which contributes to an optimal vehicle weight distribution. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan XE is more sustainable and environmentally-focussed than before. It comes equipped with 3D-printed parts to improve adaptability and make repairing the vehicle far easier and quicker, a crucial consideration when the event venues are in remote areas.

While the bodywork of the all-electric racing vehicle hints at the design language that will be seen on the future series production CUPRA Tavascan, the platform is similar to that used by other teams. Known as ODYSSEY 21, it has a common package of standardised parts and is manufactured by Spark Racing Technology. This encompasses a niobium-reinforced steel alloy tubular frame, as well as crash structure and roll cage, whilst the tyres are designed especially for the extreme conditions by Continental Tyres, a founding partner of the series.

“I’m very excited,” said Al-Attiyah, 51, who has won over 60 rallies and 13 titles. “I believe this is going to be a massive experience for me as the Extreme E Championship is a step forward towards a better future. I’m proud to have joined the CUPRA tribe for this adventure, and I know we can do a great job. The team’s background, combined with the experience of Jutta and me, can consolidate all the great work so far. We are really determined, and the goal is to win. I can’t wait to be sat in the car and start having fun. Let’s make the most of this opportunity!”

First round in Saudi Arabia again
The first round of the 2022 Extreme E series will be on February 19 and 20 in Neom, Saudi Arabia, which should be familiar territory to Al-Attiyah and Kleinschmidt. His closest rival in the desert would be Sebastian Loeb, who has won the World Rally Championship 9 times and is familiar with the Dakar Rally. Loeb’s team mate in the X44 Team, Cristina Gutierrez, has also participated in the Dakar Rally and Extreme E last year. Another veteran off-road driver with experience in Saudi Arabia is Carlos Sainz, who will be in the Acciona | Sainz XE team.

*A ship is used to transport the vehicles and equipment to each location, reducing the carbon footprint of the Extreme E series.*

At each venue, the participants learn about the environmental issues that need to be addressed and help to create awareness. Researchers also accompany the organisers to conduct studies and collect information, with a Science Laboratory on board the ship for them to use.

The other side of Extreme E
As in the first season, transportation of the vehicles and other equipment to each location is by ship. This is to minimise the carbon footprint Extreme E and though slower, travel by sea is a less carbon-intensive equivalent compared to using aircraft. The ship, called the St. Helena, has been re-engineered to be more efficient and includes a Science Laboratory for use by the researchers who follow the series and conduct environmental studies at each location.

Apart from providing the excitement of motor racing, Extreme E will also be used to raise awareness of environmental and climatic challenges that the world faces, particularly looking at the ecosystems selected for the races. In the case of Saudi Arabia, where the first round will be held, focus will be on the desertification there which epitomises the challenges of the global climate crisis and the importance of regreening and encouraging resilient ecosystems.