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A confirmed future classic, the incredible Ferrari SP38 – the latest offering from Ferrari’s One-Off Programme – has been unveiled at Fiorano where, after the ceremonial handover to one of Ferrari’s most dedicated customers, (We weren’t told who, Nick Mason maybe? – Ed.) the car was immediately put through its paces in a series of hot laps.

Designed by the Ferrari Design Centre on the chassis and running gear of the 488 GTB, this unique car reflects the specific vision of a client with a deep passion for racing. The result is a model that can be driven both on road and on track, while at the same time expressing all the beauty and innovation inherent in Ferrari’s road cars.

The all-new bodywork, in a newly conceived three-layer metallic red, marks a radical departure from the language aesthetic of the donor car. The twin-turbo, twin-intercooler set-up of the award-winning 488 GTB inspired the team to reference the mighty F40 as an icon from which to instruct the project’s general direction.

Compared to the 488 chassis, the visual mass of SP38 appears concentrated over the rear wheels as the wedge design sharply stretches towards the front. In plan view, the strongly tapered nose expands towards muscular wheelarches, giving the car potency and agility. Specific inset headlights were designed to be as thin as possible, with the mandatory DRL (daytime running lights) units relocated to add character and functionality to a slim bumper lip reminiscent of the 308 GTB.

On the side, the defining air scoop of the 488 GTB is completely concealed where the sheet metal folds in on itself from the low belt-line on the door and into the rear wheel-arch and three-quarter light.

The effect is dramatic, as it reinforces the importance of the rear volume while, at the same time, maintaining the air flow to the intercoolers at the base of the side window. The dynamic styling continues over the engine cover, which sheds its rear glass and is treated as a flip-up assembly in carbon fibre with shutlines slashing the flanks in a gesture directly reminiscent of the F40’s.

Three transversal slats slash across the engine cover to evacuate engine heat, and the smooth integration of a substantial rear spoiler is a hint at the famous rear wing of the F40. The trailing edge of the spoiler links seamlessly with the wing and with the aerodynamic diffuser at the bottom, to create a suggestive frame surrounding the tail volume.

A full Tailor Made cabin trim puts the finished touches on this truly special Ferrari, which will be on public display for the first time at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Saturday 26th May 2018.

Bermaz Mazda has released the official 0% GST prices for all its vehicles in Malaysia, which can be downloaded at the links below:

Pen.Malaysia: Price List In Full Range with Breakdown GST-West M’sia 010618

Sabah & Sarawak: Price List In Full Range with Breakdown GST-East M’sia 01062018

CELEBRATE DRIVING WITH MAZDASPORTS ACADEMY…

Mazda cars have been engineered with a human-centric development philosophy, to instill the joy of driving into every Mazda car driver. Instead of just focusing on the mechanics of vehicle dynamics, Mazda’s developments also centered around humans so that they can deliver “Celebrate Driving” to their customers. This results in a harmonious experience where a driver feels one-ness with their car. Mazda calls it “Jinba-ittai”.

MazdaSports Academy, the latest extension of Bermaz Motor’s MazdaSports Division, is committed to create Mazda-unique driver experience programmes that are in true spirit of Mazda’s brand essence – “Celebrate Driving”. MazdaSports Academy will first introduce the “Advance Driving” ownership experience programme designed specifically for Mazda Owners, to take place on June 9, 2018 (Saturday) at MAEPS, Serdang.

With the “Advance Driving” programme, participants will learn to experience being one with their Mazda and discover ones driving potential. They will find their perfect driving position and enhance their driving ability through a dynamic driving practical course. The ownership programme is limited to twenty spirited Mazda owners. Mazda Owners that wish to join may do so by registering their interest via Mazda Malaysia’s Facebook Page. (https://www.facebook.com/mazdamy/)

Bermaz’s MazdaSports Division, formed in 2016, currently encompasses vehicle development, parts and accessories, and experience programmes. Since its establishment, the MazdaSports Division has developed two models under its vehicle development project; the Mazda3 and Mazda2 with the nameplate MS and M+, respectively, for domestic market consumption. MazdaSports Division anticipates offering a wider range of experience programmes under the MazdaSports Academy in the near future.

A team of Perodua volunteers paid a visit to the Sabah Women and Children Hospital recently, bearing gifts for the child patients as well as equipment and supplies for the hospital, in celebration of the Kaamatan season and to usher in the holy month of Ramadan.

The equipment and supplies contributed by Perodua consisted of two sets of Miller 3 straight laryngoscope blades with handle, worth RM1,800 each, plus 40 bed pillows with PVC covers. “We wish to acknowledge and thank the selfless staff of the Sabah Women and Children Hospital for their services to the people,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer YBhg Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

Together with Lego Malaysia, Perodua brought smiles to some 250 child patients by giving them the gift of play. Each was given a Lego playset along with other goodies by Perodua volunteers. “Perodua takes this opportunity to wish Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan to all who celebrate. May this festival bring us all closer together, and we hope for a harvest just as plentiful next year,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar.

Over on the peninsular, Perodua recently returned to Shan Children’s Home in Perai, Penang with a team of 10 volunteers from outlets in Penang and Kedah. The carmaker first visited Shan Children’s Home on the eve of Deepavali last year, when it contributed over RM20,000 in the form of goods and cash and announced its commitment to a three-year Corporate Responsibility programme with the home.

This time, Perodua arranged a bread-making class for the home’s 19 children, which they found entertaining and educational. The volunteers also helped with some spring cleaning and handed out soft toys to the children, making their day.

“There are so many ways we can help these children. Material and monetary help is welcome, but both are finite. By engaging the children in educational activities like this, we hope to equip them with skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lifetime,” concluded Datuk (Dr) Aminar.

In the first four months of 2018, BMW Group Electrified vehicle sales worldwide totalled 36,692 units, a growth of 41.7% over the same period last year.

Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Brand BMW said, “We are delighted to announce that there are now over a quarter of a million electrified BMW Group vehicles on the world’s roads. Combined sales of BMW i, BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles were up 52% in April (9,831), bringing the total number of electrified BMW Group cars sold to over 250,000 and we are well on track to deliver on our stated target to sell over 140,000 electrified vehicles this year.”

Up until April 2018, BMW Group Malaysia contributed to this success with electrified vehicles, as the premium automaker’s portfolio of Plug-In Hybrid deliveries in the country now accounts for 52.7% of its total vehicle deliveries.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above, second from right) said, “Our portfolio of Visionary Mobility vehicles have been developing from strength to strength here, and we now have a Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for almost all models which makes for the largest portfolio currently available in the Malaysian automotive industry.” 

In the first four months of 2018 alone, BMW Group Malaysia introduced two new plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country – the All-New BMW 530e Sport in January, the first-ever BMW 5 Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology which was also the fifth BMW iPerformance model to be introduced in the country. The premium automaker then introduced the New MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the first Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for the MINI brand.

The premium automaker also expanded accessibility to electric vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid vehicle charging facilities nationwide, installing new BMW i Charging Stations at WEIL Hotel in Ipoh, the first in the state of Perak with its dealer partner Tian Siang Premium Auto; Holiday Inn Melaka and The Equatorial Melaka, the firsts in the State of Melaka with dealer partner Seong Hoe Premium Motors, and at CityONE Megamall Kuching, the first in the State of Sarawak with dealer partner Regas Premium Auto Sarawak.

Collaborating with the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation, BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of Visionary Mobility with the BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles are also supported by the ChargEV platform, which has a growing network of more than 270 charging facilities nationwide.

Driving the Future of Electro Mobility further in Malaysia, the premium automaker also showcased the BMW i3, the BMW Group’s best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment worldwide at the recent 2018 Malaysia Autoshow. The dynamic electric car was made available to be test driven by the public. Over 40 members of the public took the opportunity to test drive the car.

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