Home - Piston.my

McLaren create thunder down under

McLaren hosted a special track day event for 21 of its luckiest customers in Australia. The event was held at the iconic Philip Island Circuit where participants got to experience the thrill of driving their cars flat-out in a controlled environment.

It also shines a spotlight on the automaker’s commitment to ensuring that customers are given opportunities to enjoy the ownership experience. Unlike others, McLaren doesn’t believe that their relationship with customers end as soon as the money exchanges hands. instead, they believe that it is forged by continued engagement between both parties.

The event mirrored other track day programmes held by the Woking based manufacturer in other areas of the world. participants were offered the chance to get behind the wheel of 29 other McLaren models to truly experience the entire range of its supercars.

George Biggs, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at McLaren Automotive, said, “This event marks the first ever McLaren owner’s day to take place in Australia. Every McLaren is built to be driven and enjoyed, hosting it here on the Philip Island Circuit provides the best opportunity for our owners to do so.”

“It is great to see a growing community of McLaren owners in Australia that enjoy sharing their passion for driving. Besides the Owner’s Day event, McLaren owners in Australia may look forward to more driving programmes in the near future as we definitely have an exciting line up of activities in 2018,” he later added.

McLaren enlisted the expertise of Kenny Brack, Indy Racing League Drivers Championship winner and Indy 500 champion, to train and offer tips to owners that might help boost their performance on track. Even owners who are adept at handling a Mclaren at its limits can learn a thing or two from an instructor and professional racer like Brack.

Brack was appointed as Test and Development Driver for McLaren Automotive in 2015. His insight and experience has played a part in strengthening McLaren’s three tier product range – Sports Series, Super Series, and Ultimate Series. He will also be responsible for ensuring that every new car that is produced, is worthy of being called a McLaren

SEAT deliver the Guardian Angel of cars

SEAT has produced one of the safest cars in the world with technology that rival that of certain volvos. Called the Leon Cristobal, the car is fitted with 19 innovative technologies that help keep drivers safe while on the road.

This particular Leon was named after St Christopher (San Cristobal in Spanish), the patron saint of travelers. It’s a fitting name considering that most of its features are designed to keep commutes as safe as possible.

The first feature of the lot is Drive-lock. This system works with a built-in breathalyzer that prevents drivers from driving off if a positive reading is given. A must for party animals, this piece of tech could reduce the number accidents caused by drink driving.

Then there’s the Eye Tracker, a system that monitors a driver’s eye lids to detect signs of drowsiness. It can work in tandem with Drive-coach, a personalized voice assistant that provides several different warnings that include the excessive speed warning.

A nice addition that we wished were made available across other hatchbacks, is the Display-mirror. Essentially, its a display system that receives input from a rear mounted camera for better all-round visibility. Even if the boot is stacked with items, rear visibility will not be impaired.

Inspired by aircraft safety, the Leon Cristobal is fitted with a Black box image and date recorder. It sends footage to a selected smartphone in the event of an accident. There’s even a parent mode here too. the Mentor app enables them to limited vehicle functionality when their overenthusiastic teen with limited driving experience gets behind the wheel.

The app allows parents to limit vehicle speed and monitor its location location at any given time. But the Pièce De Résistance, has to be the ‘Guardian Angel’ driving mode. Once activated, it allow for all 19 safety systems to work concurrently, ensuring that the car is driven safely and is under the control of a fully alert driver.

Introducing such systems may seem like a Godsend for many, but there will definitely be a select few, who will ignore them and instead prefer that natural selection take its course. If more vehicle manufacturers introduce such safety nets, they could contribute to the reduction in vehicle related accidents and fatalities.

Ford invests big money in Valencia facility

Ford Motor Company is spending a substantial amount of money on its Valencia plant in preparation for the next-generation Ford Kuga medium-sized Sports Utility Vehicle. More than €750 million (RM3.7 billion) has been poured into the facility to facilitate several upgrades that are related to cost efficiency and productivity improvements.

In total, Ford has spent about €3 billion (RM14.7 billion) since 2011 for its manufacturing site in Spain, which currently employs 8,000 workers across all of its operations. Its latest investment signals the Blue Oval’s commitment to this facility and its workforce.

“This major investment reconfirms in the clearest way our continuing commitment to the Valencia region and to Spain. I also want to thank the national government in Madrid and the Generalitat Valenciana for their continued support,” said Steven Armstrong, president and CEO, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

About 25% of all vehicles sold in Europe are SUVs, which is probably the reason for Ford’s recent investment strategy. According to the automaker, sales figures for the Kuga this year stands at 126,900, which is a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2016. And it happens to be Ford’s third top-selling model after the Fiesta and Focus.

It also accounts for 50% of the total production numbers at the Valencia facility, which speaks volumes about Ford’s mindset of maintaining a foothold in the highly competitive European SUV market.

GEM urges motorists to curb certain behaviour

Allowing your engine to idle for long periods of time while in your car, isn’t illegal, but shouldn’t be practiced often. There several health and environmental concerns that are associated with vehicle exhaust gases. While idling, their exhaust pipes spew out harmful pollutants including soot and carbon monoxide that are not conducive to healthy living.

Idling is a term given to the practice of leaving a vehicle’s engine running while stationary without any immediate plans of setting off. It is something many of us have been guilty of on several occasions. And though we invoke rational reasoning to convince ourselves that it is acceptable behaviour, that simply isn’t true.

GEM Motorist Assist, a road safety and breakdown organisation in the UK has taken it upon themselves to urge motorists to curb this particular habit. They say that not only is it bad for health, but can cause a significant dent in your monthly petrol expenses.

Neil Worth, GEM road safety officer, said, “We ask drivers to think twice before sitting stationary in their vehicle with the engine running. By switching off you will be helping to improve air quality, reducing your carbon footprint and complying with the law.”

Adding to that, the company also states this problem is a contributing factor to the 40,000 air pollution-related deaths in the UK each year. The magnitude of this problem led the UK government to ban this practice several decades ago.

According to section 42 of the UK Road Traffic Act 1988, as made clear by Rule 123 of the Highway Code, Leaving a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road can land you with a RM110 penalty charge notice. And they take these rules very seriously over there.

Unlike the UK, Malaysians have to deal with appalling weather conditions. As such, many are forced to keep the engine and A/C running to ensure that they don’t cook themselves. That said, it’s still an avoidable practice as long as you are able to plan your journeys well and take a break at petrol stations with R&R facilities.

This way, your car gets the rest it deserves, considerable amount of fuel is saved, and you get to cool off in an air conditioned rest area that serves food and beverages. It’s a win-win situation that can benefit all parties, including Mother Nature.

Rio Ferdinard to better foundation with apprenticeship programme

Famous footballer Rio Ferdinand, has teamed up with Aston Martin to help inspire and develop future generations with the proper skill set. The Rio Ferdinand Foundation or (RFF) works to provide career opportunities to youth in the UK.

It focuses on inspiring young people and providing them with the required tools to tap into their natural talents and reach their potential. And this new partnership with Aston Martin will see one person from RFF join the Aston Martin Apprenticeship Programme each year over the next three years.

The automaker is proud of its programme, which has seen its apprentices rise to leading roles within the company. Andy Palmer, the current President and CEO of Aston Martin, started his own career as an apprentice. This speaks volume about how thorough the company is at imparting the proper knowledge and skills to its employees.

Apprentices are given a full grounding across a range of business areas including Manufacturing, CAD Engineering and Design. They are taught by some of the finest engineers and technicians that work with the company. Earlier this month, 30 new apprentices joined Aston Martin in the hopes of enjoying lucrative careers there.

Speaking of his foundation, Rio Ferdinand, said, “Since setting up the RFF in 2012, it has been a huge source of pleasure for me to see these young people make positive choices and create a good life for themselves and their families.”

In addition to the tie up, Aston Martin has made Rio Ferdinand its brand ambassador, which should help increase its appeal to a wider range of consumers. Ferdinad has been a customer and fan of the company for a long time and his newest appointment could signal more collaborative efforts between him and the supercar maker.

Aston Martin AMR Pro will have F1 rivaling performance

Aston Martin has announced a new track focused racer called the Valkyrie AMR Pro, which was designed and developed alongside the roadcar of its namesake. But unlike the roadcar, the AMR Pro doesn’t need to comply with the same regulations and requirements. As such, designers were given free reign to create the most efficient model possible.

And the result, is a car that features a more fluidic design, canards protruding from the door sections, lower and wider double decked rear wing and other aerodynamic upgrades. The windshield is made from polycarbonate to save weight and its tyres are smaller than the road car at 18-inches – to fit the required Michelin rubber.

The automaker gutted the car in the name of reducing weight and as such, the car forgoes the heater/de-mister blower and infotainment screens. Even the bodywork has been constructed out of carbon-fibre that’s lighter than the standard Valkyrie. Other such measures include new suspension uprights, carbon-fibre wishbones, molded race seats.

Stopping power comes from F1 inspired race-spec carbon-carbon brakes that is best suited for track use. Powering the car is the same 6.5-litre Cosworth-built V12 engine, but it develops more power and torque. This coupled with extremely aerodynamic bodywork enables the AMR Pro to hit a predicted top speed of 402km/h and possess exceptionally good cornering abilities.

According to the automaker, the car is expected to be such an amazing performance car, that its lap times should be able to rival that of current generation F1 or LMP1 cars. This feat which was once considered impossible for vehicles that weren’t professional race cars, has now been realised by incorporating revolutionary techniques.

The use of ultra lightweight components, removal of unnecessary electrics and luxury items as well as altering the overall silhouette for maximum efficiency have made the AMR Pro far superior to the standard Valkyrie. Like the road car, the AMR Pro’s Rimac Energy Recovery System remains unchanged, but its control systems will be re-programmed.

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Valkyrie has always been about pushing the limits and redefining the possible. The road car will set new benchmarks for performance, engineering and technology – a hypercar in the truest sense – and with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro those limits will be pushed further still.”

The Valkyrie AMR Pro is the culmination of effort from Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and project partner AF Racing. The brainchild of Adrian Newey, only 25 of these cars will be produced in 2020, however, all of them are already spoken for.

Piston.my

Latest News

McLaren create thunder down under

SEAT deliver the Guardian Angel of cars

Ford invests big money in Valencia facility

GEM urges motorists to curb certain behaviour

Rio Ferdinard to better foundation with apprenticeship programme

Aston Martin AMR Pro will have F1 rivaling performance

Harman Kardon Launches Enchant Series Soundbars and Flow Car Audio Systems with Premium Features

Aston Martin Unveils DB12 Goldfinger Edition in Celebration of 60 Years of Bond Partnership

Kelantan JPJ Auction Raises RM151,100 from Sale of Seized Vehicles

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé to Launch in March 2025, Featuring Enhanced Performance and Advanced Digital Integration

smart Malaysia Brings Tour Brand Roadshow to Sunway Pyramid

Stellantis Malaysia Unveils Leapmotor C10: A New Chapter in the Electric SUV Market

The CaltexGO App Offers a Convenient and Rewarding Experience with Caltex Rewards

Sixth-Generation Mitsubishi Triton Officially Launched from RM102k

Porsche Worth RM3 Million Seized by Customs for Exceeding Duty-Free Island Stay Period

BMW Unveils Next-Generation Electric Models and Visionary Concepts at Paris Motor Show 2024

Archive

Review: Revisiting the Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo – Is it Still Worth the Buy?

smart Officially Introduces the #5 SUV in Australia – Over 740km of Driving Range

BMW Blends Art, Tech, and Community with BAYC-Themed 2 Series Gran Coupé

BYD Xia MPV Revealed – 1.5-litre Turbo with a Hybrid System

Hyundai Santa Fe FL (CKD) Launched: Starting From RM185,888, 2.2L Diesel and 1.6L Hybrid Variants

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show