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The heart is a weird thing. It is what keeps you alive, and yet it is also the same spot where you feel such powerful emotions as joy and sadness.

The factually inclined amongst us would argue that you feel those emotions because the brain sends signals to your body to release dopamine or serotonin chemicals. These are chemicals that make you feel feel happy.

My body was packing about four cups of coffee by 10am that morning, and was filled with those two chemicals linked to happiness.

And that was because I had my sights on the Ferrari F8 Spider. I had a full 8 hours with it. That was the joy part.

Over the buildings in PJ though, I could see dark clouds blowing in. And I was about to spend my day with over 700 horsepower under my right foot. That was fear.

I would like to say that the F8 Spider is quite possibly one of the most beautiful Ferraris of modern times.

But that would not be 100% accurate because there are others like the F12, the LaFerrari Aperta and perhaps even the 360. In this writer’s eyes at least.

But as I write this, I would like to put it out there that the new Ferrari Daytone SP3 is among the most beautiful, Ever!

Back to the F8 Spider.

This is a Ferrari that evokes emotion. One that looks fast while its standing still. And there is not a curve that looks out of place.

Every curve and inch of the F8 serves a purpose. Whether it is to channel air to cool the brakes, lead air in and out of the engine bay, or to simply to push the car down to the road as you drive faster. There is nothing about the F8 that is not doing something.

But the best thing happens when all of those things combine to create something beautiful – and that would be the F8 Spider.

The engine is probably the star of the show – a 3.9-litre, twin-turbo, V8 engine that puts out a mind numbing 720hp and 770Nm of torque.

And to think that this is an entry level Ferrari sports car.

What I really like about modern Ferraris is how driver centric the interior feels.

Everything is about the driver.

There aren’t too many levers hanging around behind the steering wheel either. Just two of the most important – the shifter pedals.

Everything else like the indicators, wipers and light controls are located on the steering wheel in the form of buttons that are perfectly formed to fit your fingers.

The audio, GPS and car data are displayed on the meter panel up ahead which is a joyous mixture of new and old.

The entire meter panel is dominated by a huge rpm meter flanked by digital screens that give you the audio, gps and data about the car and such.

The passenger can be left to be mesmerised by the experience of being propelled by one of the best engine’s ever made by mankind.

Or F8 buyers can opt to have something called the Ferrari Passenger Display, which is a small rectangular sized display that looks like it has been neatly inserted into the dashboard right in front of the passenger.

This display feeds the passenger data about the car such as the speed and rpm, as well as the gear selected and even the manettino settings.

But as brilliant as the interior may be and as ingenious the engine is, the real star of the show is the driving experience, because let’s not forget that this is a Spider – and nothing gets more dramatic than a drop top Ferrari.

The engine of the F8 is an engineering masterpiece. It is so good that it won the 21st edition of the International Engine & Powertrain of the Year in 2019.

And for the record, Ferrari is the only car maker to have won that award four years in a row. This is a company that doesn’t only build great cars, but they engineer the best engines.

Back when the award was presented, the 3.9-litre V8 engine was powering the 488 GTB and Pista. Now though, the already brilliant engine has been further refined to power the F8.

And what do you get when you continuously refine an engine that is already brilliant – fantastic performance!

The F8 Spider’s engine puts down power quicker than your brain and hands can digest. And this is partially due to the fact that there is almost zero turbo lag.

If you follow Ferrari history, you might remember that Enzo Ferrari had said that the company only produced road cars so that they could build race cars to go racing in.

Well, that is not lost. Because the zero turbo lag in the F8 Spider is derived from the Ferrari Challenge cars – the 488 Challenge to be specific.

Ferrari has placed turbo rev sensors to detect when power is needed, and this maximises the efficiency of the turbochargers. Simply put, the turbochargers almost feel like they have been hard wired to your right foot, that iconic whistle of a turbocharger comes alive with every flex of your foot.

It really does feel like you have been hardwired into the cars central system, and that the car knows what you are about to do before you even know what you are about to do.

And of course this is also down to the fact that the gearbox is equally as brilliant as the engine.

The seven-speed dual clutch transmission is one of the fastest shifting I have ever experienced in my career.

I never doubted Ferraris brilliance when it comes to powertrains and power delivery. After all, these are the same guys who introduced pedal shifters in Formula 1.

And they have continuously developed the technology.

So it is this combination of engine and gearbox that has combined to offer one of the best driving experiences money can buy.

Put that in a car that looks like a piece of art with a roof that is able to fold away at speeds of up to 50km/h in just 14 seconds.

You can see how it folds and unfolds in the video embedded above of this article.

So the F8 Spider may be the facelift successor to the already very capable 488, but mid-life facelifts are not supposed to be this good.

As to why I was afraid of those rain clouds. I guess that is what we are hardwired to feel when we feel threatened.

My brain thought that I could easily hurt myself with 720hp at my disposal to the rear wheels. I was afraid I might get it wrong and bin it.

Well, it was as simple as turning the manettino switch to Rain mode.

The Ferrari F8 Spider is ferocious yet docile. And considering that this is just a facelift model, it really is not supposed to be this good because facelifts are usually reserved for cosmetic upgrades.

But then again, you don’t expect Ferrari to create something as unexciting as ‘just another facelift’.

The Ferrari F8 Spider is now in Malaysia with prices starting from RM1.18 million before duties and taxes and customisation.

The Renault 4 may not be of great significance to Malaysians but it is nevertheless a very special model to Renault and was popular in Europe. Though it was marketed as a stationwagon, it was really the world’s first hatchback. Over 8 million units were produced between 1961 and 1992.

The carmaker has been having various events to celebrate the models 60th anniversary this year and besides the SUITE N°4 concept shown earlier, it has also created a futuristic showcar as a reinterpretation of the iconic model.

Renault AIR4 concept 2021

A ‘blue jeans’ car
The original Renault 4 was a simple, efficient and versatile vehicle – a ‘blue jeans’ car, as the former head of Renault Group, Pierre Dreyfus, used to describe it. It was versatile, conveying families, helping businesses and even providing transport for the French police and postal service. And of course, it enabled several generations of young motorists to start motoring. Its values and qualities convinced TheArsenale, a design hub, to collaborate with Renault to reimagine a 4L.

The original 4L, an iconic model which was probably the first hatchback in the world when it was launched in 1961.

For highways in the air
The AIR4, as it is called, is designed to drive along the unmarked highways above our heads. This  unprecedented approach is a symbol of independence and freedom, born out of the realisation that traffic is compounding; lives are grinding to a halt, and the world above us is unhampered. Thus, the AIR4 claims the air as the new road of the future.

Design-wise, the reinterpretation of the retro icon is far removed from the modern car design language. The vehicle, entirely made of carbonfibre, maintains the same lines and contained mass of the original 4L, but with new dynamic capabilities. The rigidity has been completely revised to include new concepts such as thrust or lift, which required hours of calculations and tests.

Drawing on generative design techniques using artificial intelligence, TheArsenale’s engineers were able to test terabytes of data to improve and fine-tune the designers’ ideas, even before starting the first real-world trials (yes, it actually does fly).

Renault AIR4 concept 2021

Renault AIR4 concept 2021

Propulsion by propellers
To move around, the AIR4 does not use wheels. Instead, it features 4 two-blade propellers, one at each corner of the vehicle, like a drone. The chassis sits in the middle of the rota frame, and the driver can access and take a seat in the utilitarian cabin of the vehicle by lifting the reimagined Renault 4 shell, which is hinged at the front.

Power comes from by 22,000 mAh lithium polymer batteries that generate a total power of 90,000 mAh. The vehicle can travel horizontally at up to 26 metres a second or 94 km/h. It can climb at an angle of up to 70° and reach an altitude of 700 metres. The take-off speed is 14 metres/second (50 km/h) and landing velocity is 3 metres/second (11 km/h).

This vehicle is the first product from TheArsenale’s ROAD TO AIR division, which envisions the future transport network to be in the sky. The AIR4 is the brainchild of Patrice Meignan, CEO and Founder of TheArsenale, who sought to create a new kind of vehicle that provokes emotion, establishes brand identity and offers pleasure.

On public display
The AIR4 will be on public display at the Atelier Renault in the vibrant centre of Paris. Next year, it will be shown in Miami (perhaps at the first ever F1 race there in May) and then New York, before a pit stop in Macau.

“After a year-long of celebration we wanted to create something unconventional to close up the 60th anniversary of 4L,” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director. “This collaboration with TheArsenale was a natural fit. The flying showcar AIR4 is something unseen yet and a wink to how this icon could look like in another 60 years.”

Renault AIR4 concept 2021

Visitors to the Proton Centre of Excellence (CoE) which is also the head office complex of the Malaysian carmaker will remember an area where the company’s history and milestone models were displayed. That area was cleared some time back and in its place is a brand new Gallery of Inspiration which marks the next step in the company’s rebranding journey that began in 2019.

Comprising several zones, the Gallery of Inspiration showcases Proton’s history, inclusiveness with stakeholders in Malaysia’s automotive industry, domestic and global network, as well as current and future technologies. Everything is presented in a seamlessly integrated display that utilizes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for an immersive experience. The gallery includes the first Proton Cafe outlet (which suggests others may be set up at outlets) and a collection of historical Proton models.

Proton Gallery of Inspiration 2021

Proton Gallery of Inspiration 2021

Showcasing Proton’s journey
“As the country’s first carmaker, the history of Proton and Malaysia’s automotive industry are intrinsically linked. We have achieved many firsts and introduced various innovations through the years and that journey is proudly shared in the Gallery of Inspiration. At the same time, our products have developed rapidly the last few years so we are also taking this opportunity to show car-buyers what the future holds and what they can expect from Proton,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.

Proton Gallery of Inspiration 2021

Proton Gallery of Inspiration 2021

Proton Gallery of Inspiration 2021

Proton Gallery of Inspiration 2021

One-stop experience
Situating the brand gallery at the Centre of Excellence allows visitors to have a true one-stop experience. At the adjacent Crystal Showroom, they can view, test drive, and book the latest models. Those who are owners can also visit the premier service centre in the same complex.

“We invested substantial resources on the Gallery of Inspiration and will update the information as Proton adds more milestones and models to its portfolio. As for the name, it is our hope that visitors will be inspired by our story, and it ignites a spark that sets them off on their own journey regardless of their field of interest. Of course, it also ties in with our slogan of Inspiring Connections and helps to strengthen the brand story and messaging with our customers,” added Encik Roslan.

The Proton Gallery on Inspiration is open to the public from Mondays to Fridays between 8.30 am – 5.30 pm. Click here for the location of the CoE which can be shown on Google Maps.

MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn. Bhd. is doing its part to help keep prevent climate change by providing cleaner engines with its New MAN Truck Generation. MAN Malaysia is the first heavy-duty truck manufacturer in the country to upgrade its powerplants across the range.

The new engines meet the Euro V emission standard which means significantly lower emissions of toxic nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases. This is achieved  through the use of low sulphur Euro V diesel and AdBlue exhaust treatment. Euro V diesel, available in B7 and B10 grades, has been available in the Malaysian market since 2014, with BHPetrol having been the first company to offer it.

Newly developed consumption-reducing driveline and software components also ensure a new level of efficiency to deliver improved fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The improved aerodynamics of the new vehicle design also play their part in this reduction.

Completely new range
The new MAN Truck Generation is a completely new range of heavy-duty trucks for the Malaysian market that is oriented towards the changing requirements of the transport industry. It is said to set new standards in key areas such as driver orientation, assistance systems, digital connectivity and reducing the environmental impact.

The new range consists of 5 variants of the TGS model which can be used for three main applications: 4×2 and 6×2 for haulage/container; 6×4 for construction and heavy-duty use; and 4×2 and 6×2 with ADR (Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) specifications. Prices for the vehicles start from RM340,000 for the standard specifications, excluding sales and service tax.

Customers can choose from 2 engine options. The 4×2 and 6×2 variants for haulage and transport of dangerous goods are powered by the proven and reliable MAN D20, 10.5-litre, 6-cylinder inline Euro V diesel engine. The heavy duty-oriented 6×4 variant has the bigger but equally efficient 12.4-litre D26 engine. Both engines are coupled to a smooth and quiet 12-speed MAN TipMatic intelligent gearbox with advanced software and selectable driving programmes for different applications.

Excellent driver fit and ergonomics
Developed with extensive input from drivers, the New MAN Truck Generation sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, optimum ergonomics, more intuitive operation, reliable networking with digital devices and applications, optimum space and comfort. After all, the driver is the person who spends much of his life in the vehicle, so making it as comfortable and safe as possible is of great importance.

New MAN Truck Generation

The redesigned smart-looking multi-function steering wheel is smaller than that of the previous generation of MAN Trucks. Equipped with airbag as standard for Malaysia, the new steering wheel can now be adjusted from 20° to an almost passenger car-like 55°, offering an ideal steering position for drivers of all shapes and sizes. Also new is the ability to adjust the steering wheel forward to 0° park position. This creates maximum space for easy getting in and out of the cab and for rest periods.

The cockpit is split into two levels. The bottom level instrument panel is now even more angled towards the driver for optimum reachability while the displays on the top level are placed further away for optimum visibility. This makes it easy for even the most seasoned drivers to switch to and from reading information on the display to the traffic on the road ahead.

New MAN Truck Generation

Safety is just as vital to a truck driver as it is to a passenger car driver and the new MAN TGS is equipped with a host of innovative safety and driver assistance systems to ensure the driver and vehicle complete every journey safely. Like many of the latest passenger cars and SUVs, there are active safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Program, and Advanced Emergency Brake Assist.

Optimised uptime
The hallmark of a ‘good’  truck is its reliability and independent TUV reports, confirm that the New MAN Truck Generation offers a new level of reliability and product quality. Newly developed, simplified, powerful and future-proof electronics architecture will significantly improve and expand its functionalities well into its service life.

Additionally, MAN Telematics, a comprehensively developed, cloud-based, factory-fitted digitalised maintenance and fleet management system, reduces operating inefficiencies and costs whilst delivering maximum up-time of the new MAN TGS. The good news is that MAN Malaysia is offering a free 2-year subscription with every purchase of the new trucks.

A transformational product
According to MAN Malaysia Managing Director, Andrew O’Brooks, the New MAN Truck Generation was a transformational product that marked the evolution of MAN Truck & Bus from a vehicle manufacturer to provider of intelligent and sustainable transport solutions.

New MAN Truck Generation

“The New MAN Truck Generation is the most ambitious project by MAN Truck & Bus in 20 years. It is the answer that our customers expect us to provide in face of increasingly diverse and complex challenges confronting the transportation industry all over the world, including here in Malaysia,” he said.

“The New MAN Truck Generation, which was crowned the International Truck of the Year 2021, winner of two awards at iF Design Award 2021 and just named “Sustainable” Truck of the Year 2022; offers everything that customers and drivers expect and more.  It combines the attributes that are synonymous with MAN Trucks — toughness, durability and reliability – with future-oriented innovations aimed at simplifying the lives of both business owners and the people behind the wheel,” he added.

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although and you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Volvo Car Malaysia has updated its XC60 and apart from cosmetic changes and added safety features, the significant new feature is integration with Google Services. This is the outcome of the partnership between the Swedish carmaker and Google which sees a first-of-its-kind built-in infotainment system complete with a host of Google Services.

Volvo Cars is the first company to team up with Google to integrate an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services such as Google Assistant built in. This means that Volvo drivers can get the same sort of apps that they have on an Android smartphone integrated with their infotainment system and use voice commands to manage and operate them.

Of course, there is now also Android Auto which can mirror apps from a compatible smartphone onto infotainment systems but having the apps and services as part of the system is even better.

Additionally, with the Volvo Car App and Connected Services, the driver can be easily connected to the XC60 using a mobile device. This enables convenient remote control of several functions, eg cooling down the cabin by starting the air-conditioner, checking vehicle status, locking/unlocking the doors, etc.

Referring to the latest model as ‘The Smarter XC60’, Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, said that with Google Services, customers can get the most intuitive infotainment experience in the automotive industry. “It fully delivers on our brand promise to provide the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way,” he said.

The latest XC60, priced from RM325,449 (without insurance and sales tax), has a new grille, new front bumpers and a new exterior colour. For the Recharge T8 version, there are also new 19-inch 6-multispoke black diamond-cut alloy wheel design and a Bowers and Wilkins sound system as standard.

As an electrified model, the XC60 uses hybrid technology with its 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that has a supercharger as well as a turbocharger. The combustion engine output is 407 bhp/640 Nm with the electric motor contributing 87 bhp/240 Nm. All that power goes through an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds.

In the past, that sort of performance would mean high consumption but the XC60 is said to be able to do up to 45 kms/litre. This is because the powertrain does not run on the petrol engine all the time and depending on conditions, it use the electric motor which means no fuel is consumed. There is even a mode that can ‘lock’ the powertrain in pure electric mode but only for a limited distance as it will be constantly drawing on power from the lithium-ion battery pack.

Volvo built much of its reputation on safety and the XC60 ensures that is maintained. While the early Volvos had impressive passive safety (which protects occupants when an accident occurs), today’s models have more advanced Active Safety systems. These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can help to avoid collisions, keep the car in its lane and even stop the car at a junction if another vehicle is approaching from either side (but the driver is unaware). Small cameras provide a simulated image of the area around the vehicle so the driver can spot hazards and also park more precisely.

Although the first concept was shown back in 2013, the production Kia Niro only went on sale in 2016 so it is a fairly young model in the Korean carmaker’s range. However, it is one of the earlier electrified models and its BEV (battery electric vehicle) version uses the same electric powertrain as the Hyundai Kona Electric.

With increased emphasis on electrification, Kia has now updated the Niro with a second generation which has just made its debut in Korea. Completely redesigned, the new Niro has been developed under the company’s Opposites United design philosophy, fulfilling ‘Joy for Reason’ ethos. It takes inspiration from nature in design and the choice of colour, material, and finish strike a balance between an environmentally responsible approach and a future-oriented outlook. Efficient aerodynamics and sustainable materials are united through the cohesive design

2019 Habaniro concept

Influenced by Habaniro concept
The strong influence of the Habaniro concept, shown in 2019, is evident in the shape with bold crossover looks and a high-tech 2-tone finish. A wide pillar at the rear enhances airflow to improve aerodynamics and blends into the boomerang-shaped rear taillights.

Being a Kia, it does of course have that signature ‘Tiger Face’ which is constantly evolving. For the Niro, it extends from the bonnet right through to the rugged fender below. The contemporary front design is finished with striking ‘heartbeat’ LED DRLs (daytime running lights) for a striking look and visual signature.

The rear design blends simple surface treatments with dynamic sections to emphasize modernity. The unique vertical taillight design highlights aerodynamics and technology. It traces the vehicle’s wide and stable stance with its strong shoulders and upright windows.

Greenzone Drive Mode
With this new model, Kia introduces the ‘Greenzone Drive Mode’ which automatically transfers the (P)HEV into EV drive mode to meet the demand for sustainable mobility solutions. When driving in green zones such as residential areas, or nearby schools and hospitals, the vehicle automatically uses electric power based on navigation cues and driving history data. It also recognizes a driver’s favorite places, including home and office registered in the navigation system as a green zone.

2022 Kia Niro

Commitment to sustainability
Inside the new Niro, Kia shows its commitment to sustainability and the way it will carry out future model development. Many of the materials used are recycled materials, eg the headlining is made from recycled wallpaper, while the seats are made from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves. BTX-free water-based paint is used on the door panels to minimize the impact on the environment and reduce waste.

The off-centre dashboard curves around the front occupants with horizontal and diagonal lines opposing each other to create a calming, yet irregular aesthetic. The centre console is easy to operate and has an electronic dial-type shift lever. It is positioned on the wide high-gloss black surface for a simple and modern look.

2022 Kia Niro

The audio-visual screen and air vents are incorporated within the diagonal gaps of the modern dash design, while ambient mood lighting heightens the senses and creates a welcoming interior. The slim, contemporary seats enhance roominess, comfort and style by applying a high-tech lightweight seat mechanism. The headrests’ back cover incorporates a convenient coat hanger, while the slim dimensions of the headrest helps to increase the feeling of space.

2022 Kia Niro

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