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The Magarigawa Club offers members a world-class circuit to drive their supercars in Japan

Over the coming 12 months, the Asia-Pacific region will get two new racetracks but these will be ultra exclusive facilities rather than being open to the general public. In 2023, Club Moolia will open in Perth, Australia, and the country club will have a FIA-approved circuit. But before Club Moolia opens, The Magarigawa Club in Japan will also open (in early 2023) and this club will also have a circuit for its members’ use.

The club has been established by the Cornes Group, which has in its group automotive dealerships in Japan dealing with the exclusive luxury and high-performance brands. While the club, located in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, about 1½ hours south of Tokyo, has all the usual facilities expected by its high-end clientele, the key feature would be the circuit.

“Magarigawa will be home for car-lovers. A sanctuary where members will be able to enjoy and share their passion with friends and family.” said Kenzo Watari, CEO, Cornes Group. “It will be the answer to the perennial question – where do you drive an 800 horsepower supercar?”

*The circuit under construction in the hilly terrain.*

*The original terrain around the circuit (left) before work started in 2020, and construction work underway last year (right)..*

Built on hilly terrain, the contractors have had to move 1,510,000 cubic metres of earth. To add to the challenges of the project, the 1 million square metre site has a stream running through it for more than 2 kms.

None other than Tilke Engineers & Architects was chosen to design the circuit. The company has designed numerous F1 circuits around the world, including the Sepang International Circuit. This, however, is the first course in Japan that the team has designed from scratch.

“When I first heard about the idea of creating a private Japanese club circuit in Tokyo, I immediately got excited to get involved in this project. The extremely hilly topography offers an astonishing basis for the track and makes the layout absolutely unique in the world.” said Dr. Carsten Tilke, Managing Director of Tilke Engineers & Architects. “Although we have designed and realized over 80 racetracks worldwide, including 19 Formula One circuits, this project is very special to us, and we are proud to be part of it.”

The circuit, which has been laid out to flow with the hilly terrain, will have a maximum ascent of 20% and maximum descent of 16%, with an elevation change of 250 metres. The longest straight is 800 metres in length, making it a track like no other. There will be 22 corners over its 3.5-km length.

There will be 22 cameras at strategic locations around the circuit. Operators will be able to control camera angle and zoom in to get a closer view, when necessary. This will enable them to observe the conditions and more importantly, spot accidents as soon as they happen and take the necessary action.

“Drivers will enjoy mid-speed, technical sections as well as two high-speed straights, and there will be the highest safety and environmental standards. It will be ideal for all kinds of driver skills. As a car enthusiast and racing driver myself, I can’t wait to drive my first laps at this amazing unique track!” said Dr. Tilke.

Members can drive or transport their cars to the course and store them on-site as well. There will be personalised lessons with professional instructors so the owners can explore the potential of their cars in a safe manner. The climate-controlled pit building can accommodate up to 36 vehicles and technicians will be on hand to provide maintenance checks whenever needed.

Besides the clubhouse, there are also accommodation facilities at a cluster of luxury villas named ‘Owner’s Paddock’. The first 5 units have already been sold and another 4 will be offered before the opening. Each villa has indoor parking for up to 4 vehicles and overlooks the circuit. There will be concierge and housekeeping services available.

Memberships are now on sale but only 50 are on offer for the first batch (until the end of June 2022). Each membership is priced as 29.9 million yen (about RM1.030 million) and presumably, there will also be periodic subscription fees which are not mentioned.

A Bugatti engine on your wrist

Beverly Hills dealer delivers fourth and final McLaren Senna XP to customer (w/VIDEO)

In 2018, McLaren announced that it would add a Senna model to its Ultimate Series, joining the F1 and the P1. The name was of course that of the Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers who tragically died in an accident on the track at the age of 34. The car was to honour and pay tribute to his many victories with the McLaren Formula One Team between 1988 and 1993 Formula 1 seasons.

Only 500 units of the Senna will be in existence, and every single unit was taken even before production began. Among the 500 were a very small number of XP cars which are traditionally the factory experimental prototypes and initial test cars. These are rebuilt to individual customer specifications after the model program is completed.

McLaren Beverly Hills, a dealership in the famous district in California, acquired four XP units on behalf of customers. Until today, only three have been revealed, each one a bespoke commission through McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

This week, the dealership unveiled the fourth and Senna XP tribute car. Like the other three which have themes related to Senna’s victories, this one has the theme of ‘El Triunfo Absoluto’ (‘The Absolute Triumph’ in English). It celebrates the 1989 Mexican Grand Prix where he led from pole position and secured the championship lead with his third straight win of the season.

This particular car was used for press activity in the USA before it was sent back to the UK in 2021 to be rebuilt, explaining why it is only now being delivered to the owner. Commissioned through MSO, which offers near limitless design possibilities, the Senna XP El Triunfo Absoluto features numerous unique design elements that celebrate the win in Mexico in 1989.

The road-legal car is finished in Graphite Grey paint, and features a remarkable livery painted in Accent Red and Mexico Green on the roof scoop, front service panel and sides, inside front fenders, door lowers, front light sockets, front and rear wheel arch vanes, and rear bumper.

Also featured is an exposed Gloss Visual Carbon Fibre (VCF) Ayrton Senna signature on the driver’s side in front of the light socket, which is clearly visible on the front of the car. On the door lowers, there is an exposed Graphite Grey ‘Senna XP’ logo, and the Graphite Grey rear wing end plates are painted with a ‘1’ in Anniversary White.

The rear wing upper is a hand-painted flying Mexico flag, which is painted in Mexico Green, Anniversary White, and Accent Red with exquisite detail. On the front fender in stencil effect reads ‘EL TRIUNFO ABSOLUTO’, expressing the name of the theme.

The exterior also includes eye-catching MSO Bespoke Gloss VCF Elements replacing all the standard exterior Satin VCF areas except the roof canopy. The Centre Lock wheel nuts are painted in Anniversary White and on the front end, you can see the MSO Bespoke Gloss VCF aero blades and MSO Bespoke Electroform Front Badge. Another distinct exterior feature MSO has brought to life on this car is the MSO Bespoke fuel cap, which is painted in the design of the flag of Mexico.

Inside, the full MSO Bespoke Jet-Black leather interior is complemented by the seatpad outers which are embroidered with a double stitch in Pure White and Bright Red. The headrest pads are also exquisitely embroidered with the Mexican Flag and ‘EL TRIUNFO ABSOLUTO’ embroidered underneath.

The standard interior VCF areas are replaced with a Green Tinted Gloss VCF, and further distinct features include the MSO Bespoke painted door struts painted in Anniversary White, Galvanic Grey brushed and polished interior brightwork, MSO Bespoke door sills, and MSO Bespoke Extended Carbon Fibre Sills with a uniquely airbrushed depiction of Senna on the podium in 1989.

The finishing touches of the interior are further enhanced with subtle signature details such as a MSO Bespoke steering wheel with Green Tinted Gloss VCF Upper and a special 12 o’clock marker of a Triple Centre band which is painted in Mexico Green, Anniversary White, and Accent Red. A MSO Bespoke accelerator pedal is laser-etched with the Mexican Grand Prix 1989 racetrack layout at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and a MSO Bespoke dedication plaque etched with ‘EL GRAN PREMIO DE MEXICO DE 1989’.

Like the other Senna XPs, this one has a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 M840TR engine that produces 800 ps/800 Nm, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 668 ps/tonne (it weighs 1,198 kgs). McLaren’s test drivers have taken it from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, taking another 4 seconds to get to 200 km/h in the same run and reaching 300 km/h 18.8 seconds after launch.

In 2018, the base price of a Senna was almost US$1.5 million (equivalent to RM5.95 million). The XP versions, being rarer, would cost more and with the personalization and enhancement done by MSO, these four cars now being driven around Beverly Hills would be considerably more.

Exclusive McLaren Senna XP cars pay tribute to one of the greatest F1 drivers

Allianz General adds more versatile hybrid trucks to its Allianz Road Rangers fleet

When Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad introduced its Allianz Road Rangers service in 2017, it was industry first. It has certainly been a much appreciated service by motorists (64,000 of them in 2021, according to the company). Besides having their own Allianz-branded tow trucks, the team also has a first-responder bike team to reach motorists faster. They can provide initial assistance and first aid, if needed.

Furthermore, the company provides complete support to its policyholders after their accident. They are assisted in making police reports, submitting claims and kept informed of the progress of their vehicle’s repairs if it has been sent to an approved workshop.

In September last year, the company also extended the free roadside assistance to its policyholders who take comprehensive coverage for their motorcycles (below 250 cc).

“As an insurer, we should be there for our customers. It is as simple as that. While many others have shunned away from such a service simply for not being financially lucrative, sometimes, there is no harm in giving a little more. This is our way of saying thank you to our customers and letting them know that we are here for them in times of need,” said Allianz General’s CEO, Sean Wang.

Hybrid trucks can take 2 vehicles simultaneously
Recently, the company added 5 hybrid trucks to its Allianz Road Rangers fleet, bring the fleet total to 250 tow trucks. The tow trucks are of various types to suit different vehicles. The hybrid truck comes with the combined features of a flatbed carrier and a spectacle lift that can transport 2 accident vehicles simultaneously.

A flatbed carrier features a long hydraulic flatbed that inclines and allows vehicles to be driven or pulled onto the bed for towing, while a spectacle lift or wheel lift tow truck has a metal yoke that hooks up the drive wheels of the vehicle towed. Besides that, the hybrid trucks also carry mini and normal-sized wheel dollies. Furthermore, hybrid trucks can also tow modified or lowered vehicles or vehicles (particularly of continental makes) that may have broken air suspension systems.

*The Allianz Road Ranger fleet includes motorcycles so initial assistance can be provided before the tow-truck arrives.*

Service enhancement
“Since its launch in 2017, the Allianz Road Ranger accident assistance service has been key for our customers. In looking out for our customers, we continue to enhance the service or our fleet to ensure our service remains first-rate. With the addition of the innovative hybrid trucks, we can serve our customers better, more so should two vehicles insured under Allianz General be involved in an accident,” said Allianz General’s Chief of Claims, Damian Williams.

“With the hybrid trucks, our Allianz Road Rangers technicians are also better equipped to handle complicated towing jobs. So, if a flatbed is required and dispatched to the accident scene, but the parking brake is stuck, the technician can easily deploy wheel dollies and tow the vehicle using the yoke, all with no further delay in service,” added Mr. Williams.

MIB (not Men in Black) can provide compensation when you get hit by an uninsured vehicle

Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo added to Gran Turismo 7 (w/VIDEO)

Gran Turismo 7, the super-realistic sim racing videogame by Polyphony Digital/Sony Interactive Entertainment received its latest update recently. This follows the update in April which saw the addition of 3 new cars (2 Subaru BRZs and the Suzuki Cappuccino) and the 24-hour layout of Spa-Francorchamps.

With this update, players get another 3 new cars – the Roadster Shop Rampage, Toyota GR010 HYBRID ’21, and Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo. Additionally, new events have been added to the World Circuits, namely the Lightweight K-Cup, Vision Gran Turismo Trophy and Gr. 1 Prototype Series.

Of the 3 new cars, the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo has been much anticipated. It showcases Suzuki’s expertise in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel products, highlighting the company’s involvement in both motorcycles and automobiles. Only a handful of companies can lay claim in mastering the two genres, and fewer still can boast international racing success in both.

Suzuki’s Vision Gran Turismo, which joins a number of other Vision Gran Turismo models from other many carmakers, was developed as a unique all-wheel drive super sportscar which fuses the company’s motorcycle and automotive know-how.

The 2-seater in the familiar yellow colour of the brand has a convertible bodystyle with a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive layout. It has a very powerful hybrid drivetrain consisting of the 1340 cc inline-4 petrol engine taken from the company’s flagship sports bike, the Hayabusa, and electric motors.

There are 3 electric motors – 2 in front and 1 at the back. The combined system output is shown as 318 kW/432 ps at 9,700 rpm with 610 Nm of torque.

During development of this virtual supercar, Suzuki employed much of its racing technology in the construction, using as many lightweight components as possible. As a result, the car weighs just in 970 kgs.

As for the styling, the Vision Gran Turismo’s low stance and flowing lines were inspired by popular Suzuki production sportscar models like the Swift Sport and Cappuccino.

This isn’t the first time Suzuki fitted its powerful Hayabusa engine into an automobile. In fact, the company used it to power the GSX-R/4, a mid-engine sportscar concept that was shown in 2001. With the Vision Gran Turismo, Suzuki is recalling memories of that legendary showcar while introducing the latest technology.

According to Polyphony Digital, there will also be a Gr.3 version of the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo soon. That would certainly raise this classic sportscar formula to the next level.

Jaguar Trilogy of Vision GT Cars completed with Vision Gran Turismo Roadster

Using brainwaves to change the colour of your car!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the colour of your car change as you wish, with just the touch of a button? It’s still an idea in science fiction but the BMW Group has developed a technology which can do it. The technology, known as E Ink, was demonstrated on a BMW iX Flow at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 in Las Vegas this year.

“Since then, we have already introduced further improvements for the technology,” said Stella Clarke, project lead of the BMW iX Flow. “Previously, the changes between colour patterns only took place in a gradual transition. Now, the control electronics have been tweaked to enable instantaneous transformations, resulting in an even more stunning visual effect.”

Neurotechnology to change colours
In a one-off collaboration with the BMW Group, a Munich-based start-up called brainboost has developed a new and improved colour-changing effect using brainwaves. With the help of brainboost, the BMW iX Flow was connected directly to the brain of the delegates at a dialogue platform using an electroencephalograph (EEG), which records the brain’s electrical activity.

“The colour patterns of the BMW iX Flow react to brain activity and reflect the level of activity,” explained brainboost CEO Philipp Heiler. “Once the brain is at rest, the changes of patterns on the iX Flow also become calmer and more rhythmical.”

A special animation was activated if delegates managed to maintain this state for several seconds. Thus, the participants were able to gradually calm and relax their brains under the guidance of the brainboost experts and with the help of neurofeedback via the iX Flow.

Technology behind the colour change
The body of the BMW iX Flow is laminated in a special film containing millions of colour capsules. When stimulated by electrical signals, negatively charged white pigments or positively charged black ones will collect at the surface, thereby changing the exterior colour.

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. By making it possible to alter the body colour and display different patterns, the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink opens up a whole new way of personalising the driving experience.

Apart from a greater degree of personalisation, a customer will also not have to settle for just one colour – he or she can have many more for different occasions! “This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they sit into their car,” said Clarke.

Colour variability enhances efficiency
A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle’s air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle’s fuel or electricity consumption.

In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

The technology is still under development and as with many new advanced technologies, it will be expensive when it is initially offered. But over time, the cost could come down and then everyone can have a colour-changing car (the police won’t be happy!).

THE 8 X JEFF KOONS – most elaborately designed vehicle in all of BMW’s history

2022 Maserati MC20 Cielo spyder

In September 2020, Maserati launched its latest supercar – the MC20 (which stands for ‘Maserati Corse’ and ‘2020’) as part of a long-term plan to return to greatness, especially in the performance segment. Now comes a ‘topless’ version – the MC20 Cielo spyder – which has a similar overall form as the MC20 but also its own distinct character.

With ‘Cielo’ meaning ‘sky’ in Italian, the design’s emphasis is on bringing the clouds and stars into the cabin, so to speak. This is achieved courtesy of a powered mechanism that folds the roof into a storage area at the rear. The roof is said to be best-in-class in terms of thermal insulation and of opening/closing speed (12 seconds).

An open feeling is also possible with the roof in place, thanks to electrochromic ‘smart glass’. With the press of a button, the glass can go from opaque to clear, or reverse the process. Electrochromic glass has been around for some time now and used in non-automotive applications as well. It is usually offered with more expensive high-end models for sunroof applications and is also used for rearview mirrors.

In the case of the MC 20 Cielo’s sunroof, Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology is used. The glass switches its transparency using electricity charges that cause special elements sandwiched in the glass to darken or lighten.

The MC20 Cielo is equipped with an optional High Premium Sonus faber audio system. This has been specially optimized to fit the unique acoustic and positioning needs of the spyder’s cabin which will, at times, be open. The system’s 12 speakers have been located to give the natural sound quality that distinguishes audio systems from the Italian specialist in high-end audio systems,

Like the MC20, the MC20 Cielo has spent a long period in the wind tunnel to refine the aerodynamic efficiency of its minimalist design. There are certain ‘wow’ features that are common, eg the butterfly doors which open up like wings unfolding upwards. They are designed to make it easier for the driver and passengers to get in and out despite the low floor.

The engine is the Maserati-patented 90-degree V6 Nettuno twin-turbo petrol engine with the Twin Combustion Chamber. This approach increases combustion efficiency by using a pre-combustion chamber with twin spark plugs. The concept has so far been used only in F1 engines, so this is another example of F1 technology being transferred to a road car. Though supplied by Ferrari, the engine has been further developed by Maserati’s own engineers and is also built on its own premises.

From the 3000 cc of displacement, 630 bhp/ 730 Nm are produced, delivered to the rear wheels through an 8-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The MC20 Cielo, like its brother, has a carbonfibre monocoque tub enclosed by a lightweight carbonfibre and aluminium bodyshell. The platform is also ready for electrification in future without requiring much structural alteration.

The MC20 Cielo is offered with an exclusive Acquamarina colour, available as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme. This launch colour uses a 3-layer paint based on a racing-inspired grey, with an iridescent mica in aquamarine.

To make the connection between the spyder’s elegance and sporty soul even more exclusive, customers can choose the PrimaSerie Launch Edition. This is a limited series with exclusive features such as the Acquamarina bodywork, ice-coloured interior and even a few golden details.

David Beckham creates a Maserati MC20 that is truly his own

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Latest News

The Magarigawa Club offers members a world-class circuit to drive their supercars in Japan

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Using brainwaves to change the colour of your car!

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