Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Mercedes-AMG GT4 Updated and upgraded for 2020, available later this month

Following the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3, Mercedes-AMG has now come out with an updated GT4 model for the tenth anniversary season of its Customer Racing Programme. The new GT4 features new design characteristics and technical optimisations that, among others, enhance the endurance racing performance. Homologation is expected to be completed this month so customers can receive their cars soon.

In the past 2 years, the ‘little brother’ of the GT3 advanced to one of the most successful cars in the booming GT4 segment worldwide. So far, more than 120 units have been delivered to Customer Racing Teams all over the world. With the new edition of the GT4, Mercedes-AMG expects to give the teams even greater competitiveness.

Improved brake and engine cooling
The notable improvements of the new GT4 are in its optimised brake cooling around the front axle as well as enhanced engine cooling. Both the enlarged brake air inlet as well as the dimensionally stable brake air lines with larger diameter prevent the brake components from overheating. As a result, they ensure better driveability as well as considerably reduced wear of the brakes that are under particular load during endurance races.

Thanks to a new carbonfibre brake air duct, adapted heat protection and optimised brake caliper adapters, the airflow through the thermally affected parts has been improved. A newly developed brake disc on the front axle, aimed at reliability and longevity, complements the optimised brake cooling.

The re-arranged oil cooler contributes to an even more effective cooling of the proven AMG 4-litre V8 biturbo engine, just like the new carbon exhaust air duct and the newly shaped edge on the bonnet, made of natural fibre enforced material. As a result, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 can reliably deliver its performance, even in extremely hot conditions.

New light concept
The update of the GT4 also includes optimised front and rear lights, identical to the corresponding GT3’s. Their design is in line with the current Mercedes-AMG GT road cars. Next to the facelifted look, the new light concept also comes with a practical purpose: the new LED high-performance headlights provide considerably better illumination of the track. In darkness or in poor visibility, this can lead to decisive advantages for the drivers in terms of safety and performance.

Optimised handling
Another optimisation are the modified track rods on the rear axle that are also similar to those used on the new GT3 model and that come with a significantly extended longevity. As a result, the that has, among others, already racked up three class wins in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, is even better prepared for endurance races in the toughest conditions. The integration of an enlarged brake fluid tank, optimised with the particular requirements in endurance races in mind, is also one of the changes in the 2020 GT4.

Highest safety standards
Like its road cars, the GT4 has particularly high safety standards relevant to track racing. The roll-cage of high-tensile steel has been bolted to the aluminium spaceframe and a recovery hatch has been integrated into the roof of the car. The carbonfibre driver safety cell with integrated headrest provides a considerably higher level of protection than usual racing seats. A powerful fire extinguishing system complements the comprehensive safety concept.

Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing: “When we entered the GT4 segment two years ago, it was our aim to build a car that was capable of winning right away. Looking at the achievements of the Mercedes-AMG GT4, we have succeeded in doing so in an impressive way. In order to enable our Customer Racing Teams to accomplish such top achievements at the race track in the future as well and to be prepared in the best way for the challenges in newly entered markets like Asia and South America, we have now decided to update the Mercedes-AMG GT4.

New Mercedes-AMG GT R & GT C – From RM1,558,888

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Hyundai Motor is lucky they didn’t plan on using the 2020 New York Auto Show for the world premiere of the new generation of one of their popular models. Due to concerns about the widening COVID-19 epidemic which have led to one area of the city being turned into a ‘containment zone’, the event is being postponed to late August this year. That’s at least better than the Geneva International Motor Show which has been cancelled.

The Korean carmaker is using Hollywood on the west coast of America for its event on March 17 which will see the all-new Hyundai Elantra being unveiled. The model is Hyundai’s bestseller worldwide, with over 13.8 million units (it is also known as the Avante in some markets) sold since its introduction in 1990.

1991 Hyundai Elantra — *First generation of the Elantra, introduced in 1990.*

For the new generation, which will be the seventh, the Elantra returns to its sport sedan roots with an ambitious ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme. It sits on a new platform that places the longer and wider 4-door sedan lower to the road to enhance the sporty looks.

The edgy and aggressive look is based on parametric shapes and textures, which reflects Hyundai’s new design identity. Cutting edge engineering solutions and design innovations actualized the polyhedral appearance.

Essentially, advanced digital design technology brought the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics. This formation is said to be a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, ‘marking Elantra’s disrupter-spirit’.

The ‘Immersive Cocoon’ interior layout creates a driver-focused user experience. Low and wide structures go from the door and connect all the way to the centre console, while the large interface consisting of two harmoniously integrated displays elevates the racing-inspired feel of the car.

More will be known next Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Malaysia) and as some carmakers have done, the launch event will be livestreamed globally.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)

Renault Used Trucks launches T 01 Racing model

With the inclusion of the 13-litre engine with 480 bhp in its range of used trucks, Renault Trucks (part of the Volvo Group) now offers the T 01 Racing model. The appearance of this used prime mover semi-trailer tractor of the last Euro6 generation was done by the Halle du Design (HDD), Renault’s own design facility.

The designers were inspired by the world of motorsport to create a modern and dynamic design that reflects the technical performance of the vehicle. From the outside, the T 01 Racing is presented in three colours on an EKLA white background: glossy black, bright red and bright yellow.

The inside of the headlight covers is painted in bright red. Reflective retro stickers that are reminiscent of the world of motorsport are affixed to the outside of the vehicle. The painting of the Viscope outer sunvisor, the rims, the radiator grille and rearview mirror housing complete the sporty appearance. Optionally, a customer can order additional parts in carbonfibre, accessories for LED lighting or horns, or even a special paint job.

The spacious cabin has door sills also specially painted in bright red and bright yellow. An anthracite grey interior with carbonfibre elements is provided with red buttons that stand out clearly from the dashboard.

The T 01 Racing is transformed in the Used Trucks Factory, Renault’s own conversion and adaptation facility for used vehicles, using the same assembly procedures as for new vehicles. Only certified original parts are used, and the selling points are low mileage and a manufacturer’s guarantee of 12 months or 120,000 kms.

Lotus Evija production to start soon as new factory is completed

The new manufacturing facility where Lotus will build its Evija all-electric hypercar is being readied for final prototype production. Shortly after production commences in mid-2020, the first of 130 customers can expect deliveries of their cars. The first year’s production allocation is already designated to customers around the world.

The hall is situated trackside next to Lotus’ 3.5-km circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others. The result is a versatile and inspiring workspace that will see Lotus hand-build up to 130 examples of the Evija.

“This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters,” said Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars.

“With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition,” he added.

Read: Lotus Evija Revealed! Facts & Figures of the world’s most powerful series production road car

Work on the new Evija factory began in mid-2019. Highly collaborative in nature, the project has involved the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors with more than 50 experts on site over the last 6 months.

The interior has been fitted on three sides with gantries which frame the build stations. These have been designed and engineered to be sleek and unobtrusive, though robust enough to carry the necessary power, data and compressed air systems required to assemble the Evija.

An overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp have also been installed. The interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 of the latest high-density, low-energy LEDs. A state-of-the-art light tunnel will house the rigorous final inspection, before each Evija is driven out directly onto the test track for dynamic validation.

The Evija is the first all-electric British hypercar and has a target power output of 2,000 ps, which makes it the world’s most powerful series production road car. Its ultra-lightweight carbonfibre monocoque also makes it the world’s lightest production EV hypercar, at 1,680 kgs.The engineers expect the 0 to 100 km/h time to be under 3 seconds with a top speed over 320 km/h. Running on just electrical energy with no emissions, the Evija is expected to be able to go up to 400 kms.

Lotus Evija prototypes complete high-speed testing as electric hypercar debuts in China (w/VIDEO)

Honda’s TEI Series merchandise offers 4 different collections

Honda owners and fans in Malaysia have a new line of Honda Official Merchandise to show off their favourite car brand. Known as the ‘TEI’ Series (TEI stands for Trust, Equality & Individuality’), there are 21 items inspired by Honda’s Philosophy.

The 21 items are grouped in four different collections – Corporate, Lifestyle, Activewear and the newly introduced Travel – and include a newly launched Sports Hijab.

According to Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, Honda Malaysia’s official merchandise has always been well-received by Honda enthusiasts and fans in this country for its trendy and appealing designs.

“Apart from providing the Joy of Buying Honda cars to our customers, we would also like them to experience the joy of owning items from Honda’s Official Merchandise collection which can be incorporated into their daily lives. It is therefore our delight to share the new line of Honda Official Merchandise with them which embodies the core values of Honda’s Philosophy. We are confident that Honda customers will appreciate the high quality and uniqueness of the new collection,” said Mr. Ishiyama.

‘TEI’ also means shape or form in the Japanese language and the designs are injected with a combination of Japanese elements. This new line of Honda Official Merchandise represents a unique, practical and energetic spirit, with a focus on style and innovation without compromising practicality and comfort.

The Corporate Collection offers smart casual clothing to supplement the working adult’s wardrobe while the trendsetters can choose stylish and exclusive items from the Lifestyle Collection such as the unique Reversible Bomber Jacket that offers two interchangeable designs in one jacket.

Other stylish items in the Lifestyle collection include the unique water-activated ‘TEI’ fineprint 30-inch Umbrella where the ‘TEI’ print will appear embossed when it comes in contact with water.

In the Activewear Collection, female fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to know there’s a newly launched Sports Hijab. Also in the collection is a reflective Activewear Shirt that provides high visibility and safety, especially at night.

For travellers who are looking for useful gear, the Travel Collection includes a reflective Travel Jacket and a specially designed 2-in-1 Detachable Travel Luggage Bag that is practical yet trendy. The luggage bag incorporates a backpack that can be attached to the cabin-size luggage bag or detached to be used as a backpack after arrival at a destination.

Priced from RM31 to RM320, the ‘TEI’ Series can be purchased at any of Honda’s 92 authorised sales dealerships nationwide or at ongoing Honda mobile roadshows. Visit www.honda.com.my to know more as well as to find the nearest Honda showroom.

All-new 10th Generation Honda Accord finally arrives!

RUF’s Porsche-looking Rodeo Concept for off-roading

RUF is well known to enthusiasts and Porsche fans for its custom creations that are not just original Porsches but can be considered independent designs which utilise only the Porsche chassis. In Fact, RUF Automobile is recognised as a vehicle manufacturer by the German government and its production models have their own identification numbers (VIN).

The company’s history goes back to 1939 although it is only from the late 1970s that it began to be noticed for its sportscars. As at other carmakers, RUF’s designers have many ideas but not all can be commercialised and sometimes, they start a project to build a concept car.

The latest is the Rodeo Concept, inspired by the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance and its founder – and friend of RUF – Bruce Meyer, as well as by Ralph Lauren and his 2011 Western Collection as well as RUF enthusiast and collector Phillip Sarofim who has roots in Texas.

The car features the same carbonfibre monocoque chassis as the CTR Anniversary and the SCR, but with a 4-wheel drive system, larger all-terrain tyres, longer-travel suspension and other features for off-road use. The Rodeo Concept can accommodate either a normally-aspirated or turbocharged RUF flat-six engine.

“When we began building our own automobiles, it was all for the thrill of the drive,” said Estonia Ruf, Marketing Director of RUF Automobile GmbH. “The Rodeo Concept combines that passion for cars with the love of western culture – an appreciation I found while studying in Oklahoma, USA. This car is inspired by some of our favourite people and our love for the countryside.”

First production SCR
At the unveiling of the Rodeo Concept recently, the company also presented its first production RUF SCR. The 1,250-kg SCR uses a 4.0-litre normally-aspirated flat-six engine producing 510 bhp/470 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The rear spoiler generates high downforce to keeps the SCR stable at its claimed top speed of 320 km/h.

The SCR has had a place in the brand’s history for 42 years, having had its premiere in 1978. The original SCR was powered by a 6-cylinder engine with 3.2-litre displacement and its power output could be uprated to 217 bhp.