The Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations-developed XE SV Project 8 has demonstrated its performance capability by setting the fastest Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time for a 4-door production car again: 7 minutes 18.361 seconds.
The Project 8 is also the first vehicle to set an official whole lap record in the Nurburgring’s mid-range production car class, lapping the circuit in 7 minutes 23.164 seconds.
2.9 seconds faster than previous benchmark
This new officially-verified time on the 20.6-km lap is 2.9 seconds faster than Project 8’s previous benchmark set in November 2017, and 7 seconds faster than any other 4-door production car has achieved.
Returning to the legendary German circuit in a production-specification 2-seat Track Pack version of Project 8 was development driver Vincent Radermecker. The car’s height-adjustable twin-spring coil-over suspension was set in ‘track’ ride height, with adjustable front splitter and carbonfibre rear aerodynamic wing positioned for maximum downforce and stability.
To maximise performance and steering precision, for the final record runs, the car was fitted with new off-the-shelf ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. Tested and chosen by SV engineers for their capability on the track, the road-legal tyres use rubber compounds directly transferred from Michelin’s competition tyres.
The original Nurburgring time set by Jaguar XE SV Project 8 demonstrated the extreme performance envelope of the world’s fastest production sedans, but the SV team is driven by a motorsport mentality and knew Project 8 could go even faster.
600 ps V8 and all-wheel drive
Powered by the most highly tuned 600-ps version of Jaguar’s 5.0-litre Supercharged V8, the all-wheel-drive Project 8 is capable of 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 320 km/h). It features a fully-enclosed flat underbody for enhanced aerodynamics, which is key to its performance.
Production of the limited-edition Project 8 will finish this year. There are three distinct 4-door specifications available, with the Touring specification – the ultimate Q-car – limited to 15 units worldwide. Prices start from £149,995 (equivalent to RM770,300) in the UK.
CONNECTIVITY. It’s a term you hear often these days in descriptions of new models. It refers to the seamless integration between advanced technologies for infotainment and the portable devices that the car’s occupants have, as well as connecting to the world outside the car.
The earliest ‘connectivity’ feature would have been the radio, receiving broadcasts of music and news from stations as the car moved along. Then with the advent of the cellular mobilephone, 2-way communications became possible. And with the internet and wireless broadband, connectivity meant being able to connect to the World Wide Web and use the same services and applications you use on your computer or tablet.
Connectivity is becoming very important and sophisticated with the coming era of autonomous cars. Not only must cars communicate with the outside world efficiently and safely but the occupants must also have the best connectivity since they will be involved in the driving less (or not at all).
Benchmark in connectivity features
Honda, like other carmakers, has already many connectivity features in its current models and is developing even more. The new Honda e EV to got on sale in Europe this year sets a new benchmark in this area with connected infotainment which helps the car to integrate with the owner’s lifestyle through sophisticated, easy-to-use technology.
As a result, the driver and passengers – whether the car is driving, parked or charging – can enjoy the same connectivity and comfort with comprehensive connected services accessed through a next-generation full-width digital dashboard.
“Our objective for the Honda e was that the simple exterior style continues inside. The overall interior atmosphere combined with exceptional comfort by using familiar materials such as wood grain and textured fabric, is reminiscent of a modern living room.” explained Kohei Hitomi, Large Project Leader for the Honda e. “In this modern, relaxing environment, occupants can effortlessly engage with advanced connected technology such as the camera mirror system and dual touchscreen display that is highly sophisticated, but incredibly easy to use.”
Full-width digital dashboard
The Honda e’s full-width digital dashboard is designed for effortless usability of connected apps and services. Five integrated high-resolution colour screens together occupy the entire width of the car’s interior.
The Side Camera Mirror System screens are ergonomically placed at either end of the dashboard to ensure a natural feel and vision for the driver, while the Centre Camera Mirror System display relays the image from a central rear-facing camera, further increasing the driver’s field of vision.
An 8.8-inch TFT meter instrument display in front of the driver presents key vehicle information including power and charge status, drive mode selected and safety feature details.
Dual screens display connected services
The largest area of the full-width digital dashboard is occupied by dual 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens. These are the primary infotainment displays, presenting a range of intelligent applications and services. This sophisticated interface is highly intuitive, customisable, and has been designed for ultimate usability to elevate the car beyond being a means of transportation to become fully integrated into the owner’s modern connected life.
The interface features familiar smartphone-style usability, with swipe controls to browse recently used applications. Content can easily be swapped across the two screens, enabling the driver to utilise content on both screens with simplicity and ease. This function allows the passenger to swipe content such as navigation instructions into the driver’s eye line. And because the dual screen set-up allows two applications to be displayed side-by-side, the driver and front passenger can independently select and view separate apps. For example, while the driver follows navigation instructions, the front passenger can search for a music playlist.
AI-powered connectivity
Connected services and applications can also be accessed using voice commands via the Honda Personal Assistant. The intuitive Honda Personal Assistant is a smart artificial intelligence (AI) service that uses unique contextual understanding to create natural conversations and provide access to a range of online services.
The Honda Personal Assistant is activated by saying ‘OK Honda’, followed by the question or instruction. Machine learning enables the technology to develop a greater understanding of individuals’ voice over time, helping it to deliver more accurate responses.
The comprehensive suite of in-built apps can be supplemented by smartphone mirroring, via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These systems enable users to view social media, music and other internet services on the dual touchscreens. When the car is parked – even when charging – the occupants can also watch video content and access the internet on their own mobile devices using the built-in wifi hotspot.
Prototypes of the all-electric Honda e to go on sale in Europe before the end of 2019
Smartphone application for remote access
Owners can still stay connected to their car remotely through a smartphone application when they step out. The service focusses on the user journey, with easy navigation to access charging functions, detailed vehicle status, climate control, security and location monitoring. Additional connectivity and EV-specific functions include battery charge control and range monitor, while charging station and navigation search results can be sent to the car from a mobile device.
The Honda e is also accessible using a digital key, allowing the car to be locked and unlocked via the app. Safety alerts can notify owners if it moved outside of a set ‘geofence’ zone.
The Honda e is initially intended for sale in European markets. Honda’s plan for the next decade is to have a substantial portion of its vehicle sales made up of battery electric vehicles. Connectivity technologies in the Honda e are likely to be adopted in new models in coming years so the next City or CR-V you buy may have some of the features you just read about.
Visit www.honda.com.my to read about models you can buy in Malaysia today.
Any SUV owners in the house? If you’re looking for one of the best tyre options for your beloved vehicle, the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is now available here in Malaysia. These rubbers have been specifically designed for ‘excellent longevity, remarkable braking performance, dynamic handling, and comfortable driving experience.’ (more…)
Caterham Cars has launched a CSR version of its most powerful European car – the Seven 485. The 485 CSR is positioned as the pinnacle of the EU range of Sevens, with an output of 237 ps/206 Nm in torque from its 2-litre Ford Duratec engine.
Priced at €54,995 (about RM252,000), the 485 CSR has a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and can push on to a top speed of 225 km/h. Weighing just 580 kgs, the 485 CSR achieves 409 ps per tonne, almost the same as a Lamborghini Huracan or a Ferrari 599!
The ultimate Caterham Seven
“This is now the ultimate Caterham Seven to have if you’re outside the UK. We’ve had to trim our EU range because of the WLTP regulations but I’m delighted that we can still offer our continental European customers something that really reflects what Caterham has always been about – the thrill of driving,” said Graham Macdonald, CEO of Caterham Cars.
Adding purpose and initiative to the 485 CSR over its standard 485 brother is its pushrod inboard front suspension, its fully independent, double-wishbone rear suspension, 15-inch CSR alloy wheels, shod with Avon ZZS tyres and aero front wing guards.
Caterham Seven range in 2019
Well equipped out of the factory
Delivered from the Caterham factory, the 485 CSR includes carpeted interior panels, a carbonfibre dashboard, adjustable leather seats, a collapsible Momo steering wheel, a limited-slip differential and a choice of 4 paint options.
Options available to owners who want to up the level of luxury even further include carbonfibre front wings, carbon leather side panels on the interior, a black Alcantara dashboard and LED high-intensity daytime running lights.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has launched the all-new 2019 Nissan Leaf a couple of days back and it marks a significant shift towards the future of electric mobility here in Malaysia. The second-gen 100% electric powered hatchback promises to be more dynamic with increased driving range plus all-round improvements in its driving experience. (more…)
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (Toyota Malaysia) has announce that their very successful TGR Festival will be entering its third season this year and fireworks will go up this coming September. Four rounds consisting of eight Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make races are in schedule as the highlight of the festival. (more…)
