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‘Raptor’ is the name Ford adds to its models when their performance is boosted to extremes. We’ve seen how Ford Performance, the carmaker’s high-performance division, has transformed models like the F-150 and Ranger to become more hardcore as Raptor versions, and now they’ve done it with the new Bronco SUV.

Ultra4 Racing-inspired
The Bronco Raptor is the newest member of the Bronco outdoor brand of Built Wild SUVs and will be the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever offered. It is also the world’s first Ultra4 Racing-inspired SUV, built for desert running and boulder crawling.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

To build the world’s first Ultra4-inspired SUV, Ford Performance had to make the Bronco even faster and bring more off-road capability, agility and maneuverability. “We had to build the Bronco Raptor – it’s our ultimate vehicle for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who demand something more,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Like the Ultra4 desert race trucks, the ‘Raptor of SUVs’ conquers desert dunes at highway speeds and is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware.”

Starting with the Bronco frame as foundation, the Ford Performance team added more suspension travel and track width for handling stability during high-speed desert runs. At the Raptor core is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame with new shock towers that increase wheel travel and off-road durability.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

Heavy-duty hardware for desert events
Heavy-duty bash and skidplates provide continuous driveline coverage from the front bumper to the back of the engine, transmission and transfer case. In the upper body, B-pillar cross bar and C-pillar reinforcement help deliver a greater than 50% total body-in-prime torsional rigidity increase over a standard Bronco.

Competition-level, Ford Performance-developed axles further deliver on the Ultra4-inspiration. The solid rear axle is upgraded to a semi-float Dana 50 Heavy-Duty AdvanTEK with 235-mm ring gear, while the Dana 44 AdvanTEK front-drive unit includes upgraded half-shafts with 210-mm ring gear. These upgraded front and rear axles increase the track width, while larger front and rear driveshafts support increased wheel torque. An advanced 4×4 system with 3 modes includes a higher-capacity clutch designed to withstand the demands of high-performance desert events.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

As with other Raptor variants, the Ford Performance team also installed FOX parts to upgrade the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system with Live Valve technology. Similar to the F-150 Raptor truck’s position-sensitive damping design, the Raptor HOSS 4.0 system features FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers that are uniquely tuned at the front and rear and feature integrated reservoirs up front and remote reservoirs in rear.

Suspension height sensors and other sensors at each corner monitor terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and adjust suspension tuning accordingly. The Bronco Raptor also runs with a minimum ground clearance of 332 mm, 122 mm more than a regular model.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

More power for desert running
To give Bronco Raptor even more desert-running power, the powertrain team developed the proven twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine with specific Raptor-level tuning to meet Ford Performance standards. With a target of more than 400 bhp, this would make the Bronco Raptor the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever. Intercooling and air-induction systems ensure that higher ambient desert temperatures can be endured for long periods.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

For higher-speed desert capabilities or crawling over rocks, the compacted graphite iron-block engine, which saves weight while providing strength for added durability, is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission tuned to meet Ford Performance standards. A true dual-exhaust system, featuring first-for-Bronco active-valve technology, uses near-equal-length pipes for an improved exhaust note. The system allows drivers to alter the sound of their Bronco Raptor with four selectable exhaust modes, including Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja.

Extreme Built Wild design
“As the most badass Bronco yet, the Bronco Raptor design is extreme,” said Paul Wraith, the Bronco’s design chief. “It’s muscular, while maintaining an underlying simplicity with performance-focused details added only for outstanding high-speed capability.”

Familiar Ford block lettering at the front stretches across the signature two-piece rectangular grille. LED headlights with amber daytime running lamps and integrated amber marker lamps further tie in the DNA of the Raptor to provide a menacing look. A heavy-duty modular steel front bumper by Ford Performance includes tow hooks, removable bumper end caps for improved off-road clearance and rigid off-road lamps for greater illumination.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

The bonnet is made of sheet-molding compound, which allowed the design team to dramatically sculpt its muscular shape. An integrated vent is molded-in-colour Carbon Black and fender vents are painted body colour.

The Bronco Raptor leverages on the Bronco’s patented off-road modular design, stripped it to its base, and replaced components with unique-to-Raptor front and rear quarter-panels, fenders, fender flares and door appliques. Sheet-molding compound is once again used to sculpt the wider front fenders and integrated bodyside heat extraction ducts, which provide additional engine cooling.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

Race-focused interior
The driver gets the familiar heritage-inspired horizontal dashboard, integrating an all-digital 12-inch cluster. The cluster allows drivers to select from various views, including a Bronco Raptor-exclusive Performance View that emphasizes tachometer and gear readings and allows the customization of gauges.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

“The Bronco Raptor interior was designed around what we know hardcore off-road racers want in a vehicle,” said Ryan Olsson, design manager. “From the all-new Performance View on the cluster and unique steering wheel with paddle shifters and fingertip access to Raptor-specific controls, to its race-ready, high-bolster front seats, Bronco Raptor leaves the factory ready for the starting line.”

As standard, it has SYNC4 with a 12-inch touchscreen, information on-demand panel and enhanced voice recognition. Other technology features include an exterior camera with 360-degree viewing capability. The Lux Package is available for customers looking for even more human-centered technology, such as an optional 10-speaker B&O audio system and Adaptive Cruise Control.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

Ford brings back the Bronco, the original small SUV

Since its global debut, the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-MAX has impressed buyers and critics alike, attracting new users who have appreciate its impressive level of sophistication, comfort and capability.

Launched in Malaysia last April, the new D-MAX has expanded the brand’s appeal and reach. “Through the strong and bold design of the new model, excellent safety features and impressive comfort and premium SUV-like refinement, the D-MAX – especially the flagship X-Terrain variant – has raised the bar to be one of the most desirable pick-up trucks on the market today,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo.

Most popular in Klang Valley/Kota Kinabalu
Despite the acute shortage of D-MAX supply due to the global semi-conductor shortage, 713 owners took delivery of their new X-Terrain, making it the 2nd-most popular model in Isuzu Malaysia’s line-up. The versatile and highly capable 1.9-litre 4×4 Premium model also found 842 customers, especially in the Klang Valley and Kota Kinabalu. In fact, these two areas took more than half of the nationwide total volume.

The new X-Terrain variant has been regarded as a revolutionary truck, having redefined the landscape of the pick-up truck industry. It introduces new and higher levels of comfort, refinement and safety. Yet there is no compromise on Isuzu’s long-established qualities of versatility and overall dependability.

5 titles in less than a year
In less than a year in the Malaysian market, the new D-Max X-Terrain has received no less than 5 ‘Pick-up Truck of the Year’ titles. These have come from media titles such as Carplus, Carlist, DSF.my, Rider ATH and Wapcar, which picked the Isuzu as the worthy title-holder for its impressive ability to bring the pick-up truck experience to a whole new level.

“There were just so many ‘wow’ factors in the new Isuzu D-MAX that it was immediately the worthy choice. During our test drive of the Isuzu, we often wondered how a tough and capable vehicle like the D-MAX was able to be transformed from a rough diamond to be a brilliantly-polished gem,” an impressed senior editor said.

8,000 units targeted for 2022
With the momentum of strong demand expected to continue through 2022, Isuzu Malaysia’s priorities will be to address the backlog of supply in order not to disappoint eager customers. “Many customers have been patiently awaiting delivery of their new vehicles. We are hoping that the supply disruptions can be alleviated soon in order for us to fulfill the demand for this new truck,” said Mr. Sogo. “We expect that once supply is regulated, we will be able to double the deliveries and achieve our target of selling 8,000 units this year.”

Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo. with the latest D-MAX.

The latest D-MAX range comes in a variety of variants suited to different requirements and budgets. Those who require a durable and reliable pick-up truck for work can choose the Single Cab variants. There is a wide selection of Double Cab variants powered by the 1.9-turbodiesel litre engine or the powerful and capable 3.0-litre powerplant.

To find out more or to have a test-drive, visit any authorised Isuzu dealer in Malaysia. Locations can be found at pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my.

Improved in all aspects, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX aims to win more customers (w/VIDEO)

It’s been a while since Ford had a victory in the World Rally Championship (the last one was in the Rally Great Britain in 2018) and Sebastien Loeb’s win in the 2022 Monte Carlo Rally was all the more significant as it was the first one in the new hybrid era of rallying.

Loeb won using the new Ford Puma Rally1 with the British M-Sport Ford team run by Malcolm Wilson, a former rally driver as well. Aged 47, Loeb, from France, was also the oldest winner of an FIA World Rally Championship round. Loeb’s win in Monte Carlo makes it 8 for him, putting him alongside Sebastian Ogier as far as wins on the classic event are concerned.

Loeb had beaten his Ogier, who was using a Toyota GAZOO Racing Yaris Rally1, on the final day when Ogier, driving a, was given a 10-second penalty for a jump-start earlier. To make things worse, a puncture on a front tyre slowed him although he made it to the finish but by then, Loeb had ended with a 10.5-second lead. Incidentally, Ogier will only enter selected events this year after stepping away from full-time competition.

Loeb, accompanied by co-driver Isabelle Galmiche (a 50-year-old teacher), had been running behind Ogier initially but then clocked 4 fastest times consecutively to move into the lead. The Toyota driver’s puncture on the penultimate stage of the rally had lost him his lead of 24.6 seconds but he fought hard and, even with the penalty, cut the deficit down to 10.5 seconds.

Another Ford Puma, driven by Craig Breen, finished in third and added to the team’s points to gain an early lead in the Manufacturers’ championship. Fourth was an impressive result for young Kalle Rovanpera and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, who made huge strides forward in pace and confidence in their new GR Yaris Rally1.

For the Hyundai Motorsport’s Ott Tanak, the opening round of the 2022 World Rally Championship was one to forget. Tanak, champion in 2019, and his team mates experienced troubles during the second last day and had only 2 of the new Hyundai i20 cars to finish the rally.

“We had a tough weekend,” said Thierry Neuville. “There has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to prepare for this event, from me and Martijn, as well as the team, so to come away without any reward is hard to accept. We won’t give up. There are different areas we are going to work on but most important is the reliability.”

The WRC2 category was also fiercely contested, with Andreas Mikkelsen/Torstein Eriksen working hard to keep their titles again this year. Signs are good that they can, with victory in their Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo ahead of Erik Cais who was in a Ford Fiesta, and Mikkelsen’s team mate in Toksport, Nikolay Gryazin.

Sami Pajari marked the start of the new-look FIA WRC3 category, which is now for Rally3 cars, beating Jan Cerny to the class win with a margin of just 7.6 seconds. Enrico Brazzoli rounded out the top three with all drivers competing in Ford Fiesta Rally3s.

The new era of WRC, which starts its 50th season this year, focusses on hybrid powertrains for the Rally1 cars, with 100 kW electric motors coupled to 1.6-litre turbocharged engines that generate at least 500 bhp. The new regulations are aimed at moving the championship towards a more sustainable future and include use of 100% hydrocarbon fossil-free fuel.

TOP 10 FINISHERS
1. Sebastien Loeb/Isabelle Galmiche | Ford Puma Rally1
2. Sebastien Ogier/Benjamin Veillas | Toyota GR YARIS Rally1
3. Craig Breen/Paul Nagle | Ford Puma Rally1
4. Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen | Toyota GR YARIS Rally1
5. Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson | Ford Puma Rally1
6.Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe | Hyundai i20 N Rally1
7. Andreas Mikkelsen/Torstein Eriksen | Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo
8. Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston | Toyota GR YARIS Rally1
9. Erik Cais/Petr Tesínsky | Ford Fiesta Rally2
10. Nikolay Gryazin/Konstantin Aleksandrov | Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo

Hybrid power for new era of World Rally Championship starts this year

These days, it seems that the fully electric Porsche Taycan is setting a new record every few months. Many are speed-related and demonstrate the performance that would be expected of a Porsche. Recently, a Taycan Cross Turismo set another new record which has gone into the the Guinness World Record book and it’s one which sets a new benchmark.

The Taycan Cross Turismo, on its journey, made the greatest altitude change ever achieved by an electric car – 4,842.967 metres – going from inside a mine to the top of the famous Pikes Peak that is at the end of an annual hillclimb event.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

A ‘what if?’ project
The sportscar was driven by a J.F. Musial and his team who are usually behind the camera, creating automotive films and TV shows. Motivated by curiosity, they decided to take the Porsche from the lowest point they could access in America to one of the highest. Their journey covered more than 2,250 kms between the two points.

“It started as a ‘what if?’ – a passion project, mixing our love for cars and travel and taking it to extremes,” explained Musial. “We wanted to drive from the lowest point in America to one of the highest, Pikes Peak – where we’ve spent countless hours filming the famous hillclimb. The project relied on a lot of goodwill, and a car that’s pretty much unique in its mix of abilities.”

Going deep underground
The lowest point in America is Badwater Basin in Death Valley -t 86 metres below sea level. To go any deeper, you have to go underground. And so the team did exactly that, with the cooperation of Eagle Mine in the state of Michigan. The nickel and copper mine is the only mine in America where a car can be driven to sufficient depths, down a ramp usually used by specialist mining vehicles.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Due to the Taycan Cross Turismo being a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) as well as being capable off-road with its raised ride height and all-wheel drive, it met Eagle Mine’s criteria for being allowed to drive through the portal and into the tunnel itself and down to 540.8 metres below sea level.

The Taycan Cross Turismo was an ideal choice as it is one of very few cars in the world with the right mix of capabilities to be able to attempt the trip. It needed no modification and even used  completely standard road tyres.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

“It was fitting to have the Porsche Taycan drive to the bottom of our nickel and copper mine, as both elements are essential to electric vehicles. After numerous risk assessments, safety discussions, and detailed planning, our mine team was up to the challenge. We are proud to have worked with Porsche to safely execute and complete a new world record,” said Darby Stacey, Managing Director of Eagle Mine.

Climbing almost 5 kms vertically
With their precise depth measured and verified by specialist surveyors, the team emerged from the mine just after dawn and began their journey to Pikes Peak in the state of Colorado. The journey was among the most demanding the car and team had ever experienced. It would take them across 6 states, and would ascend 4,842.967 metres – without ever leaving the ground.

The oxygen available to them at the start of the journey fell by 40% by the time they reached the top of the mountain. However, the electric powertrain – unlike a combustion engine – did not suffer from the effects of thinner air. Nevertheless, the varied conditions, including snow and ice, gave the Taycan Cross Turismo a strong challenge.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

In total, 3 groups of drivers working in tandem took on the driving duties. They conducted the whole attempt by the book, with separate, sealed GPS devices monitoring their route and altitude throughout – along with an analogue altimeter and witness logs to satisfy the strict Guinness World Records requirements.

Fittingly it was Dai Yoshihara – class winner at the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – behind the wheel for the final, record-breaking stage of the drive. The team of record-breakers had covered a total of nearly 5 kms straight up, and 2,274 kms along the ground, in 33 hours and 48 minutes.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Although 2021 was the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the auto industry had been hoping to recover from the impact of the lockdown in 2020, the total number of new vehicles sold was actually lower. Where the Total Industry Volume (TIV) in 2020 was 529,514 units, the TIV for 2021 was 4% lower at 508,911 units.

Nevertheless, the usual final-month push by car companies saw the December having the highest sales volume of the year with 65,184 vehicles delivered nationwide. This contributed to the year’s TIV going past the 500,000-unit level that had been forecast by the Malaysian Automotive Association. While 2021, like 2020, had long periods when business activities – including motor vehicle sales and production – were suspended, the rate of recovery in 2021 was not as quick as the year before.

New vehicle sales in Malaysia from 2017 to 2021.

Commenting on the sales figures, MAA President Datuk Aishah Ahmad said that the measures taken by the government were important factors. “The much smaller TIV’s contraction recorded in 2021 [compared to 2020] can be attributed to the measures and wisdom of our government in balancing between saving lives and jobs so as not to jeopardize the domestic economy,” she said.

Owing to the relaxation of the movement control orders, many economic sectors were allowed to re-open for businesses. This helped to improve business confidence which contributed to more sales of new vehicles, including commercial vehicles which are much needed for the running of businesses. Having deferred purchases during 2020, many companies would have made their fleet purchases during 2021 to support their business activities.

The sales exemption has helped to encourage many to buy new vehicles, contributing to the recovery of the industry.

“The extension of the sales tax exemption incentive under PEMERKASA+ package till December 31, 2021, also helped to sustain the demand for new passenger vehicles,” added Datuk Aishah. “Under the PEMERKASA+ package, the government agreed to exempt sales tax up to 100% for completely knocked down (CKD) passenger vehicles assembled in Malaysia, and 50% on passenger vehicles that were imported in completely built-up (CBU) form.

In the passenger vehicle segment, it was evident that even more buyers preferred SUVs, mirroring the global trend which has had manufacturers hurriedly launching new SUV models. In the case of Malaysia, passenger car sales declined by about 19.7% while SUVs grew by 43%. The other segments – MPVs (which used to be second to passenger cars) and window vans – also saw lower sales although not significantly different from their 2020 volumes.

Overall, passenger vehicle sales fell by 5.9% to 452,663 units but this was not entirely due to reduced demand. Some companies also experienced stock shortages due to the semiconductor microchip supply issues which affected their local production or production at overseas factories from which they import their vehicles. It only takes one part being unavailable to prevent a vehicle from being completed and leaving the factory.

The commercial vehicle segment (which includes pick-up trucks)) fared better, recording an increase of 15.9% to a volume of 56,248 units, which represented 11% of the TIV. In this segment, pick-up trucks registered the biggest increase of 20.9% to 40,736 units, account for 72% of the commercial vehicle segment.

All-new 4th generation Isuzu D-MAX launched in April would have contributed to growth in pick-up sales.

The growth would have been helped by the introduction of new models like the Isuzu D-MAX during the year. The all-new generation of the popular pick-up truck was launched in April and Isuzu Malaysia reported that average monthly orders were 100% higher than the previous generation.

The bigger commercial vehicles saw lower sales; bus sales, for example, fell by almost 50% between 2020 and 2021 although this would be understandable in view of the situation. With restrictions on interstate travel for much of last year and borders with Thailand and Singapore pretty much closed, tour companies would not have wanted to get new vehicles. However, truck sales did go up by 5.3%, probably in view of increasing demand for delivery services.

Although the factories were forced to shut down for an extended period, the drop in local production was actually minimal – 3,535 units or 0.7%, compared to 15% in 2020 when the drop from 2019 was almost 87,000 units. While passenger vehicle production declined by 11,324 units (2.5%), commercial vehicle production actually rose by 7,789 units (28.4%). Outputs rose for trucks and panel vans which, as mentioned earlier, had greater demand.

Looking ahead in 2022
Notwithstanding pandemic-related issues that can cause disruptions and supply chain issues such the global shortage of semiconductor chips, rising cost of freight, there are still some positive aspects that can boost new vehicle sales in 2022.

Continuation of the sales tax exemption for imported and locally assembled passenger vehicles till June 30, 2022 will be helpful in encouraging people to buy new vehicles. Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision at its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in November 2021 to maintain the benchmark Overnight Policy Rate at 1.75% will provide additional policy stimulus to accelerate the pace of economic recovery. This may help to stimulate domestic spending including for high-cost items like motor vehicles, and with the economic recovery will come more consumer spending.

Therefore, the MAA is optimistic that the industry will accelerate its recovery in 2022 and is forecasting growth of 17.9% over the 2021 TIV. This would take the volume to the elusive 600,000 units that has been difficult to reach (the last time was in 2019 when the TIV was 604,281 units).   The MAA expects the passenger car segment to grow by 19.3% and account for 540,000 units, with the commercial vehicle segment (which includes pick-up trucks) growing by 6.7% to 60,000 units.

Looking further ahead, the MAA expects 2023 to be a boom year as recovery continues with rising demand after 2022. It forecasts a 7.5% increase to 645,000 units then but then the market will slow down again with average growth of around 2% annually up to 2026. Of course, much depends on how the pandemic runs its course although the government has made it clear that there will not be lockdowns again (apart from targeted ones, if really necessary).

Nissan Motor and Citizen, the watch company, both have long heritage starting from the 1930s. In the nine decades they have been in existence, they have introduced many iconic products in their respective markets.

Citizen’s line of sports watches are well known with a reputation for high quality and technology. Likewise, Nissan has produced many sportscars and one of the most famous is the Z which made its debut in 1969. The original Datsun 240Z was one of the first Japanese models to show that Japan could also make sportscars and not just econocars. It certainly added another side to the Datsun brand (Nissan was not used as a brand name then) and drew enthusiasts to it.

Limited edition, 1,700 pieces
50 years later, the seventh generation of the Z has been launched and its iconic design has been modernised. To celebrate this much-anticipated return of the sportscar, Citizen has collaborated with Nissan to create a pair of limited edition watches in its Eco-Drive range. Only 1,700 watches will be available with a recommended price of US$2,495 (around RM10,400) in the US market.

The watches feature accents in the striking new Seiran Blue or Ikazuchi Yellow, both colours available with the new Z. The colours stand in bold contrast to the matte black on the centre of the dial that evokes the sense of smooth new asphalt on a highway.

The black of the dial is accented by silver hands and indexes to create a cool, understated look, while a red second hand is inspired by the redline on a tachometer. The watches each have a ‘Z’ mark on the crown and NISSAN logo on the case back.

Super Titanium casing and bracelet
The case is made of Super Titanium as is the bracelet. The proprietary space-age material is 5 times more scratch-resistant and 40% lighter than stainless steel.  Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal is used to offer impact and shatter resistance, with anti-reflective coating to make it easy to view in all lighting conditions.

1 second loss in 1,000 years
Like other Citizen Eco-Drive watches, there is solar-powered quartz chronograph movement. Powered by any light source, there is no need to replace watch batteries. Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment is available in 26 Time Zones, and the 1/20 second Chronograph measures up to 60 minutes. It is claimed that if you use the watch for 1,000 years, you would lose 1 second at most…

All-new 7th generation Nissan Z revealed! (w/VIDEO)

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