Home - Piston.my

Rolls-Royce Unveils Spectre Semaphore: A Bespoke Masterpiece for Monterey Car Week

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a truly unique creation, the Spectre Semaphore, a one-of-a-kind bespoke commission set to make its global debut in the US at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on August 16, 2024, during Monterey Car Week. This exceptional edition of the Rolls-Royce Spectre epitomises the brand’s evolving luxury standards, tailored for its discerning and youthful clientele.

The Spectre Semaphore stands out with its striking exterior, finished in a custom Bespoke Semaphore Yellow. This vibrant solid colour, which lends its name to the commission, is further enhanced by an exclusive bonnet artwork titled ‘Marbled Paint Spill’. This intricate design pays homage to the diverse beauty of California, capturing elements from the sunlit Southern coast to the silver-topped eastern mountains.

Rolls-Royce’s skilled artisans dedicated over 160 hours to perfecting this unique graphic, applying silver lacquer and multiple layers of clear coat to achieve a flawless finish.

The bold yellow theme continues inside the Spectre Semaphore. The cabin features a blend of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow, complemented by Grace White and Slate Grey hues. This vivid colour scheme is highlighted by Lemon Yellow stitching throughout the interior, including the seats, Starlight doors, and instrument panel.

Incorporating the latest in digital Bespoke technology, the SPIRIT operating system’s dials have been customised to match the vehicle’s color palette, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to personalised luxury.

The interior also features a high-polish Bespoke painted wood set in Cashmere Grey, imbued with silver mica flakes that sparkle under direct light, enhancing the car’s contemporary design.

Only one Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore will be produced, underscoring its exclusivity. It will be showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, marking a highlight of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ participation in Monterey Car Week 2024.

Proton Poised for Major Global Expansion with UK Market Reentry and New Export Ventures

Proton is preparing for a significant expansion of its global export operations, including a strategic return to the UK market, according to sources close to CEO Li Chunrong. The move will also target new right-hand-drive markets in Asia, South Africa, as well as a reentry into Australia and New Zealand.

This global push is closely linked to Proton’s development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility under construction. The AHTV represents a substantial investment from Geely and Malaysian industrial conglomerate DRB-HICOM Berhad, aimed at bolstering Proton’s production capacity and global sales potential.

Strategic Investments and New Facilities

The AHTV, with a reported investment of up to £7.9 billion, will significantly enhance Proton’s manufacturing capabilities. This facility is expected to play a crucial role in Proton’s strategy to re-enter previously exited markets and explore new ones. The investment is part of a broader effort to revitalise Proton’s global footprint, which had previously seen the brand selling models in the UK from 1989 until 2014.

(more…)

Mercedes-Benz Gains Approval to Test Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles in Beijing

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first foreign automaker authorised to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in China. The approval, granted by Chinese authorities, marks a crucial step in the development and deployment of self-driving technology.

Level 4 autonomy indicates that a vehicle can operate independently without human intervention under certain conditions. This capability is exemplified by robotaxi services such as Alphabet’s Waymo One and Baidu’s Apollo Go. Mercedes-Benz’s autonomous vehicles will undergo a series of tests in Beijing, including parking, reversing, and navigating complex traffic scenarios, such as making U-turns and turning left in busy intersections.

Testing Scope and Future Applications

The trials will focus on assessing the vehicle’s performance in real-world conditions, which include high-density traffic and varied driving environments. While the primary aim is to refine the technology for private car use, Mercedes-Benz is also considering potential applications for a robotaxi service or licensing the technology to other companies.

(more…)

New Hypercar In Town: The Nilu – V12, Over 1,000hp and 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Sasha Selipanov, the acclaimed designer behind the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Gemera, has officially launched his own hypercar, the Nilu. This marks a significant milestone for Selipanov, who recently established his design consultancy, Hardline27, and his hypercar brand, Nilu27, in collaboration with his wife, Inna.

Selipanov’s career includes stints at major automotive brands such as Volkswagen Group, where he was instrumental in designing the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis, where he contributed to the Essentia and Mint concepts. At Koenigsegg, he was the head of design responsible for the Gemera and CC850. Now, he turns his expertise to creating his own high-performance vehicles.

A Modern Take on Classic Racing

The Nilu is a pure, V12-powered track car with a road-going version that is also in development. Designed to offer an unfiltered driving experience, it eschews modern conveniences in favour of a design that pays homage to classic Le Mans endurance racers.

The Nilu features a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque passenger cell, supported by aluminium-alloy tubular subframes at both the front and rear. Selipanov opted for these skeletal tubular subframes instead of composite materials to enhance access to key components and improve cooling efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Nilu boasts a 6.5-litre V12 engine developed by Hartley Engines, a renowned New Zealand engine builder. Paired with a 7-speed manual transmission, the powertrain is expected to deliver over 1,000hp. Selipanov aims for the Nilu to be the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated car without any electrification. The engine features a “hot-V” design, placing the exhaust system between the cylinder banks, and includes fully exposed 12-into-1 exhaust headers, which Selipanov refers to as the “Snake Pit.”

Design and Interior

Access to the cabin is provided by gullwing doors, and inside, the Nilu features two low-mounted sports seats and an H-pattern shifter with an exposed mechanism. The interior is minimalist, with traditional dials and billet-machined controls, and devoid of digital screens, except for a digital rearview mirror. The steering wheel is also stripped of any controls to ensure an undistracted driving experience.

Limited Production and Future Plans

The Nilu will be privately showcased to prospective buyers at an event in Los Angeles before making its formal debut at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. Initially, Nilu27 plans to produce just 15 examples of the Nilu, with the first cars being built by California’s Aria Group. The company intends to establish its own production facility overseas in the future.

Additionally, a road-going version of the Nilu is in development, with plans to produce 54 units, four of which will feature unique designs that will further evolve the brand’s design language.

MITI Refutes Report on Tesla Abandoning Southeast Asia Factory Plans

The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has dismissed a report by Thai daily The Nation alleging that US electric car maker Tesla has abandoned its plans to establish factories in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

According to FMT, a source from MITI stated that the report, which cited an unnamed government source, does not reflect an official statement from Tesla and lacks confirmation from the company itself.

“The report cited is not an official statement from Tesla, and confirmation would need to come directly from Tesla,” the MITI source emphasised.

(more…)

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Unveils Exclusive Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ in an enticing special edition known as the “Limited Edition.” This unique model promises to deliver unmatched exclusivity and performance in the compact sports car segment.

Striking Design and Unique Features

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition stands out with its distinctive “AMG green hell magno” paintwork. This striking colour, previously seen on the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, is making its debut in the compact segment. The edition features AMG logo foiling and large “45 S” lettering on the doors, along with an AMG crest on the bonnet.

The vehicle is equipped with exclusive matt black 19-inch AMG forged wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design, highlighted by yellow accents on the rim spokes. Matching the wheel colour, the high-performance brake callipers are finished in glossy black with white AMG logos. Additional refined details include an AMG-branded fuel cap and a light projector that illuminates the AMG coat of arms when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Enhanced Equipment Packages

The Limited Edition comes with three premium equipment packages:

AMG Night Package: This package includes striking black and high-gloss black design elements such as the front splitter, exterior mirror housings, and beltlines.
AMG Night Package II: It features darkened struts on the radiator trim, black chrome typography on the front fenders and tailgate, and exclusive black door handles and Mercedes stars on the wheel hub caps.
AMG Aerodynamics Package: Developed in a wind tunnel, this package includes special add-on parts and a fixed AMG rear wing to enhance aerodynamic performance and stability at high speeds.

Distinctive Interior Design

The interior of the Limited Edition is equally impressive, featuring AMG performance seats upholstered in black ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre. Yellow decorative stitching throughout the seats, door panels, and instrument panel creates a striking contrast. The front headrests are embroidered with “45 S” labels, while the AMG performance steering wheel, trimmed in nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre, is accented with yellow stitching.

Additional interior details include aluminum trim elements with AMG pattern and yellow AMG lettering, illuminated AMG door sills, and AMG floor mats with “45 S” lettering and yellow stitching.

Powerful Performance

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers an impressive 421hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 270km/h. The vehicle features fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL, allowing dynamic distribution of power between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels.

Exclusive Availability and Pricing

Limited to just 10 units, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition is available for order exclusively through the online showroom at Mercedes-Benz Store. The retail price is RM558,888 (including 10% sales tax) for Peninsular Malaysia, on the road without insurance.

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition promises to be a standout in the compact sports car market, combining unparalleled performance with exclusive design elements.