Home - Piston.my

Hopium Machina FCEV from new French carmaker to make global debut in October

Hopium is a French car brand you probably never heard of. In fact, before October 2019, it never existed and was established in that month by Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner in the 24 hours of Le Mans (LMP2 class). Hopium is the brand of Hydrogen Motive Company which will make high-end hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (FCEVs).

Now 31 years old, Lombard starts off with 7 years of personal experience with such vehicles and has assembled a team of experts as well as business partners to develop the car of the future. While the transport sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, Hopium is positioning itself as a player in the fight against climate change.

Prototype developed in record time
The development work began in October 2020 and by June 2021, the first prototype was produced in record time. It has been known as Alpha 0 and is used to certify the reliability of the fuel cell system. After the design and architecture phases, followed by the implementation of the various components within the vehicle, the prototype went through lab and track tests. It has already reached a maximum speed of 200 km/h, the performance level which is promised for the Machina, as the production model is to be known.

Over the past 12 months, the next phase following the rolling prototype has been underway and has led to the completion of the Machina concept car which gives a preview of the design features. Conceived by automotive designer Felix Godard (previously at Porsche, Tesla and Lucid) has a sleek aerodynamic form with an imposing grille in the ascending fuselage to optimize fuel cell cooling.

Inspired by water
The lighting signature is distinctive and also serves as the emblem of Hopium. The lines replicate the stratification of hydrogen and the movement of waves on the surface of water. In fact, much of the design has been inspired by water, which is a harmless by-product of the reaction in the fuel cell to generate electricity.

The platform has the fuel cell system installed up front, generating electricity that is stored in battery packs that are optimised in size and efficiency. The hydrogen storage tanks can contain over 6 kgs of the gas which will take only 3 minutes to fill with high-pressure pumps. The performance targets for the Machina are 500 ps, 230 km/h and 1,000 kms of range.

Future of the Human/Machine relationship
Godard and his designers imagine the future of the Human/Machine relationship inside the Machina. Facing the front occupants is a pillar-to-pillar display with a ‘digital landscape’ of information. It can transform into a full or minimized layout as desired, in a wave-like motion. The haptic console offers a new sensory connection with the interface.

At the back, passengers can enjoy the comfort of a spacious interior with a view of the sky. All the materials used for the interior are of the highest quality, and made to last a long time. The materials will be sourced in Europe to reduce their environmental impact.

Orders for the first 1,000 units of the Machina have been accepted over the past year but the company has not revealed how many there are. It will make its world premiere at the 2022 Paris Motor Show this October.

UKM team completes development of two hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)

Chery’s All-Domain Power Architecture ready for next 30 years

China’s auto industry made limited progress in the decades before 1980 and the vehicles its manufacturers produced were technologically outdated. In the mid-1980s when the country opened up and the economy rapidly grew, demand for cars also rose quickly and the young carmakers initially had agreements and joint ventures with foreign companies to acquire modern technology.

At the same time, companies like Chery also worked towards developing its own technology base and reduce dependence on ‘imported’ technology. It was a long journey and by 1999, the company was able to produce its first engine. From then on, with more advanced R&D and greater investments, its engine range widened and evolved. Today, many of its engines are in the third generation and nine of them have been listed among China’s Top 10 engines. To date, the company has made over 10 million engines which power vehicles in China and other countries.

*An early Chery engine in the 2003 QQ model.*

All-Domain Power Architecture
As demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEV) grows with the demand for reduced energy consumption and low carbon emissions globally, Chery is taking its All-Domain Power Architecture – encompassing traditional, hybrid and fully-electric powertrains – to the next developmental stage, to respond to these demands.

Currently, three of the company’s 4^th generation engines have completed thermodynamic development and are in the bench calibration phase, and development of the first 5^th generation engine has been given the go-ahead. The design of this state-of-the-art engine is expected to be finalised by the end of June 2023 and will be installed in a production model by 2024.

*Chery’s R&D team includes multi-national experts in the powertrain field.*

Hybrid powertrain
This new engine is a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, direct fuel injection, an i-HEC 4.0 intelligent high-efficiency combustion system and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation technology. It is said to be able to achieve an industry-leading thermal efficiency of 43.9%.

The preliminary research programme on high-efficiency engines, adopting pre-chamber jet ignition and lean-burn technologies, has met its target of better than 45% thermal efficiency in the laboratory.

*One of Chery’s latest engines, used in the Tiggo Pro SUV.*

Chery has also developed a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with dual motors, 9 operating modes, 11 gear combinations and twin-shaft drive, making it the first of its kind amongst Chinese brands.

Key R&D project
Earlier this year, a national key R&D project headed by Chery – the ‘new-type, cost-effective, passenger car powertrain development vehicle integration project’ – passed project acceptance in Wuhu, China. The outcome of the project was Chery’s first-generation DHT – 3DHT125 – which found its way into the Tiggo 8 Pro e+.

In March, the company’s ‘dedicated hybrid engine (DHE) development’ project, another national key R&D project, passed the appraisal of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, and the jury of experts for project acceptance. This project focuses on research into high-compression ratio deep Miller cycle and high lean-burn combustion to enhance the performance of Chery’s 4^th and 5^th generation engines.

The company aims to further optimise its 3-speed DHTs for mid-sized plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) while developing a single-speed DHT for compact and sub-compact PHEVs and hybrid electric vehicles.

Having made its debut in the NEV market in 1999, Chery’s powertrain matrix does not end at combustion engines and hybrids. In 2017, the Chery EQ1 battery electric vehicle (BEV) was launched in China and two years later, Chery exhibited its 3^rd generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with 30 kW fuel cell stacks that can be topped up with hydrogen in 3 minutes. The range achieved by these vehicles is said to be over 700 kms.

Chery’s All-Domain Power Architecture thus encompasses all types of current and future powertrains that use fossil fuel, electricity or hydrogen. Its technological capability is therefore comprehensive to cover automotive powertrain development during the next 30 years.

Chery Malaysia will return to the Malaysian market with these SUV models

UMW Toyota Motor sees sales increase in spite of semiconductor issues affecting production

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) continues to maintain its position in the non-national category with 7,442 units of Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in May. Added to the cumulative volume for the first 4 months, this brings the company’s total sales in 2022 to 36,972 units at the end of May.

With almost 37,000 units sold, the cumulative volume for the first 5 months of 2022 is 9% higher than for the same period in 2021 which was 34,026 units. This increase is despite the forecast that vehicle sales in Malaysia will be slow for the rest of the year due to shortage of completed vehicles.

While there was no issue of shortage of semiconductors last year to prevent carmakers from completing vehicles, this is the situation in 2022 is making it difficult to achieve higher outputs to meet demand.

The strong demand up till now has also been driven by the expectation that sales tax (or GST) will be resumed after the end of June 2022 (although there are now rumours that it could be extended again). This has persuaded many car-buyers to make their purchase before the end of June in order to enjoy the savings.

“As we rev up for the second half of this year, we at UMW Toyota are truly appreciative and emboldened by the support we have received from our customers. It has always been our policy to put our customers first and we are always ready to extend our assistance to the many Toyota fans as we journey out of these uncertain times. We are looking forward to continued confidence in our products and servicing capabilities, backed by our advanced automotive technology and comforted by the security features of all our products. Here’s to a more positive outlook forging ahead,” said Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Continuing with the monthly promotions, UMWT has offers worth RM4,000 for those who want to become owners of the Yaris or Vios. There are also money-saving offers for other models in the form of cash rebates.

UMW Toyota has new models in the pipeline for the second half of the year so they are expecting a further increase in numbers.

The company is also looking forward to running the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival on June 25/26 at the Sepang International Circuit. While the highlight of the event is the Vios Challenge one-make race, there are also other activities for all the family. Entry is free during the two days but the public should observe social distancing and wear facemasks to protect themselves as well as others around them. Click here to read more about the upcoming Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival.

2022 Toyota Camry 2.5V – more than just a mid-cycle refresh with a brand new engine

Updated Nissan Serena S-HYBRID to be launched in July, bookings now accepted

The Nissan Serena S-HYBRID was among the first hybrid models to be assembled in Malaysia and up till today, it is still the only locally-assembled hybrid MPV. With this generation of the Serena, not only did Nissan give it a hybrid powertrain but it also upgraded the MPV to be a more premium product. It offers the luxuries that many enjoy in other up-market MPVs for a lot less.

Cosmetic changes up front
Periodically, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) refreshes its models and adds a bit more value, and for 2022, the Serena gets cosmetic changes in the form of redesigned headlamps with daytime running lights, a new V-motion front grille with a distinctive chrome pattern, redesigned front bumper with foglamps.

Besides the cosmetic changes, the Serena S-HYBRID maintains practical and thoughtful convenience features such as a two-section back door and hands-free powered sliding doors on both sides, as shown below.

Versatile interior
The spacious and versatile interior has as many as 13 seating layouts with Captain Seats on the second row. These have individual armrests and extra-long slide adjustment. Front passengers and those in the second row have Zero Gravity Seats, inspired by NASA’s studies in achieving the most neutral posture for fatigue-reduction. Quality materials are used, such as combination Nappa leather for the seats. And there are no less than 7 USB ports so there are unlikely to be any fights over who gets to recharge first!

Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM)
With its 7-passenger capacity, safety is even more important and Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) provides a suite of advanced technologies with both Active Safety and Passive Safety systems. Five smart intelligent technologies have been added to the new Serena S-HYBRID to enhance Active Safety – Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Around View Monitor (360^o camera) is also standard and gives the driver situational awareness around the vehicle. It uses four tiny cameras to capture images which are then combined to give an overhead view as if a drone was permanently hovering and sending imagery. The system also has Intelligent Moving Object Detection which will detect and alert the driver of moving objects – especially pedestrians – around the vehicle.

S-HYBRID system
The Serena S-HYBRID continues to be powered by the proven 2-litre Twin CVTC hybrid drivetrain. Its ECO (Energy Control Motor) electric motor provides torque assistance on take-off, reducing demands on the petrol engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency. This gives some of the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without the associated high costs.

2022 Nissan Serena S-HYBRID — *The S-HYBRID powertrain with a petrol engine produces 150 ps/200 Nm, with up to 14.2 kms/litre of fuel consumption claimed.*

Two variants are available, with estimated prices starting from less than RM150,000 for the Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star and from less than RM165,000 for the Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star. The prices are for Peninsular Malaysia registration and include full sales tax but not insurance

While the model will have its launch in early July, bookings are now accepted at all authorised Nissan showrooms nationwide. ETCM encourages customers to make their booking early (minimum amount of RM1,000) to secure a unit in the system. It will also help the assembly plant to schedule production more accurately and minimize waiting time as disruptions continue due to semiconductor microprocessor shortages and global shipment delays. Depending on the variants, there are up to four colour choices.

‘Early Bird’ offer
For the ‘early birds’ making bookings, ETCM has a special offer to save money when they are owners. Five free maintenance services (inclusive of parts & labour) will be provided at alternate intervals (10,000 kms, 30,000 kms, 50,000 kms, 70,000 kms and 90,000 kms), and the warranty period will also be up to 5 years with unlimited mileage (terms and conditions apply).

Customers who require more information or locate a showroom can visit the Nissan Malaysia website at www.nissan.com.my. They can also contact the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838. A pre-launch leaflet is also available by clicking here.

Click here for other news and articles on Nissan and ETCM,

Updated and refreshed 2022 Jaguar XF now available for booking

The latest Jaguar XF is now available from Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM), the model updated with a new distinctive exterior design and enhanced interior. Priced from RM498,800 (with 10% sales and service tax, but excluding roadtax, registration fees and insurance), the new Jaguar XF will be available in the R-Dynamic version. Orders are now accepted at the showrooms.

This version comes with a revised front-end design that features a new grille with a repositioned ait intake. The Full LED headlights not only provide strong illumination but also a ‘Double J’ visual signature to identify the XF from afar. The rear bumper profile has also been given a sleek profile.

The enhanced interior maintains the luxury and comfort for which all Jaguar models are known. Its dynamic and bold cockpit design has been devised with the driver’s experience in mind. The cockpit has a sportier centre console that merges into the dashboard.

A wider 11.4-inch curved glass HD full colour touchscreen is now provided and besides being 48% larger than before, it is also 3 times brighter for enhanced clarity. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment system has a simplified menu structure that streamlines access to common tasks from the home screen in two taps or less.

With enhanced connectivity, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, drivers can easily connect their smartphones to the touchscreen and use popular apps from the screen. There is now a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones, making it unnecessary to have cables.

Other notable features with the latest XF include the segment-first Active Road Noise Cancellation technology which can help to reduce the noise levels within the cabin. The technology can lower disruptive noise peaks by 10 decibels and overall noise levels by 3 to 4 decibels. The system, which employs technology developed by Silentium, works like the noise cancellation systems in headphones. Tyre and road noise are constantly monitored by sensors on all 4 wheels and an opposite frequency is generated (through the Meridian sound system) to cancel out the noises.

The new XF also benefits from the latest generation of driver assistance technology, providing alerts to the driver when there is a risk of an accident and taking action (like automatic braking) if the driver fails to act in time. Besides monitoring the position of the car in its lane and warning the driver when it starts to wander out of the lane, there is also a Driver Condition Monitor which will determine when the driver may be drowsy and recommend stopping for a break.

The version imported by JLRM has a 2-litre 4-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine powering the rear wheels. With an output of 250 ps/365 Nm, the claimed acceleration time from 0 to 100 km./h is within 7.1 seconds. Power delivery flows through Jaguar’s 8-speed automatic transmissions which also has a manual mode that the driver can use with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

“With performance at the heart of its DNA, the new Jaguar XF continues to redefine modern luxury. With its inspiring design, intuitive state-of-the-art technology and engaging dynamics, we are pleased to raise the bar once again to elevate the driving experience of our vehicles for customers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of JLRM.

“We strive to offer world-class vehicles that suit the diverse needs and preferences of Malaysians. In line with this, the Jaguar XF is a mid-size luxury sedan that is best in its class, renowned for its superb performance. With continued robust growth in the luxury car market, we are confident that the latest model is a highly attractive option,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.

*The latest XF appeared in the opening car chase action in ‘No Time to Die’, the James Bond movie that was screened last year.*

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia showroom upgraded and now has Robot Assistants!

Toyota wins at Le Mans for the fifth year in a row

Toyota won the 24 Hours Le Mans again, the fifth year in a row that the Japanese carmaker has won the classic endurance race. Toyota is the only other Japanese carmaker to win the 24-hour race, the other being Mazda in 1991 with its 787B.

This year, Toyota is using a new racing car, the GR010 HYBRID developed to the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) technical regulations. It’s a completely new machine, sharing virtually nothing with the LMP1 (Le Mans Prototype) class TS050 HYBRID car that was used successfully in previous years.

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team’s fourth 1-2 finish at the 90^th edition of the race was led by the crew of Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa who drove in the #8 GR010 HYBRID for 380 laps. They were followed across the finish line by 2021 winners, Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María Lopez, in the #7 car, 2mins 1.222 seconds behind.

The two Toyota hypercars were in a class of their own and engaged in close battles at the front. The lead changed several times as the race went through the night, with traffic, slow zones and track evolution all coming into play. Most of the time over a period of 16 hours, the two cars ran just a few seconds apart.

As the morning started, there was a rare moment of trouble when the #8 car had a puncture with Buemi at the wheel. But the complexion of the race changed decisively on lap 256 when Jose had to move the race-leading #7 car to the side of the track following an issue relating to the front motor. He had to perform a system reset and was then able to return to the pits. Further resets solved the issue and allowed the car to rejoin the race but nearly a lap behind the new leader in the #8 GR010 HYBRID.

With closely-matched performance, that deficit proved too great for the #7 crew to overcome, despite Jose setting the fastest lap of the race within the remaining 30 minutes of the race. It was therefore left to Brendon to take the #7 car across the finish line, completing 5,177 kms in 24 hours.

Third and fourth places were taken by the cars of Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, also racing in the hypercar class, which has covered 370 and 375 laps. Fifth place in the category (but 23^rd overall) was the Alpine A480 – Gibson which was off-pace due to a number of technical problems that plagued the car and team.

Aston Martin claimed another victory with its Vantage GTE as partner team TF Sport won the GTE-Am class. The victory, in a year featuring a record-equalling 23-car GTE-Am entry, marks a second in three years at Le Mans for TF Sport following its class success in 2020.

As the third round of the 2022 World Endurance Championship (WEC), Le Mans offered double points and a chance for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to jump upwards in the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ standings. The new season had seen a close start in the Hypercar class against strong competition from Alpine and Glickenhaus.

However, after the Le Mans race, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has moved to the top, 22 points ahead of Alpine. The Drivers’ championship remains wide open, though, with the #8 crew just 3 points ahead of the leading Alpine trio, and #7 20 points behind.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing wins first-ever hypercar championship of World Endurance Championship

Piston.my

Latest News

Hopium Machina FCEV from new French carmaker to make global debut in October

Chery’s All-Domain Power Architecture ready for next 30 years

UMW Toyota Motor sees sales increase in spite of semiconductor issues affecting production

Updated Nissan Serena S-HYBRID to be launched in July, bookings now accepted

Updated and refreshed 2022 Jaguar XF now available for booking

Toyota wins at Le Mans for the fifth year in a row

Mini Countryman D: The Versatile Addition to the Mini Family

Bentley’s Mulliner Unveils Limited-Edition Bentayga SUVs Inspired by Extraordinary Journeys

Elon Musk Teases New Tesla Models Amid Stagnating Sales

Proton Recognised For Excellence At ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2024

Jaguar Concludes F-Type Production with Heritage Collection Addition

The End of an Era: Porsche 718 to Go Fully Electric by 2025

Careless Express Bus Drivers Endanger Passengers’ Safety

Smart #5: The Production-Ready All-Electric SUV Unveiled with Over 600hp!

New SMART Tunnel to Alleviate Congestion and Flooding in Petaling Jaya?

Fleet Card Initiative Supports Public Transport Operators Amid Rising Diesel Prices

Archive

Jaguar Land Rover Pumps in £500 Million for Electric Vehicle Factory

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Unveils Locally Assembled GLC 350 e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

Toyota’s New Four-Cylinder Engine Aims to Surpass the Legendary 2JZ

Proton e.MAS 7 to Make First Public Appearance at Malaysia’s 67th National Day Parade

The Zeekr 7X – An Electric SUV That Does 0-100km/h in 3.8 Seconds

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show