Audi has created three new concept cars to show how the brand will design its future luxury cars. The concept cars have a lot of focus on interior design which has been planned for Level 4 autonomous driving which will have much reduced driver involvement.
The three concept cars are called Skysphere, Grandsphere and Urbansphere. The shared root word ‘sphere’ in their names emphasizes all three designs’ focus on the new interior concept and the holistic digital ecosystem for a new world of experience on board.
With the transition to electromobility and, in a few years, to automated driving, this aspect of the car will change more dramatically than it has at any time in recent decades. And with the interior and the spatial architecture, a new overall car concept will also emerge in which the inner space becomes the core of new vehicle design. A digital ecosystem will also make personalized services possible beyond the car.
Each of the vehicles interprets this paradigm shift in design differently – created with resolute dynamism, distinction, or even long-distance travel in mind. In each case, the passengers’ needs and quality of experience are at the very top of the priority list. To achieve this, technological innovations and the highest quality materials and workmanship envelop the passengers in all areas.
Level 4 autonomy means that they can enjoy the freedom to drive themselves or – if possible – to simply disconnect from traffic and let the car drive itself. When autonomous mode is in use, the interior then changes its functionality. It becomes a free space for relaxing, networking, or even actively communicating.
“These concept vehicles embody our brand strategy. They show how we imagine the near future of premium mobility,” said Henrik Wenders, Head of the Audi brand. For him, the future is a design space to offer people new experiences during their journey. Audi is calling these newly designed car interiors – referred to as spheres – that envelope the passengers.
The first two concept cars will make their appearance during August. The Skysphere will be unveiled at Audi’s new design centre in California and also shown at the Monterey Car Week. A few weeks later, the second concept car, the Grandsphere, will be presented at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich. In the first half of 2022, the Urbansphere will follow as the third concept car.
Unlike ‘vision cars’ like the Audi AI:CON or AI:ME, these three showcars are not trying to look into the distant future. Instead, they are presenting lines, technologies, and spaces for experience that are likely to be seen in some production models from the mid-2020s.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Malaysia has long had national automotive policies which are intended to provide a ‘roadmap’ for the development and growth of the auto industry. Updated periodically, it is supposed to give a ‘roadmap’ for companies, especially carmakers, to plan ahead. Investments are often planned many years in advance so policies must be sufficiently long and more importantly, consistent.
In recent times, interest has been on how the government intends to phase in electric vehicles (EVs), in line with the global trend. With Europe, China and Japan putting pressure on electrification, some manufacturers have already declared that they will not only step up development of electrified models but will also stop selling vehicles with combustion engines by the end of this decade.
‘EV roadmaps’ already out in neighbouring countries
Neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia have already provided their ‘roadmaps’ to the industry. The policies announced have provided sufficient information for the carmakers to plan their investments which will be considerable.
Malaysia has said it has an EV policy and will announce it in due course, so the industry waits. A clear policy coupled with incentives will certainly attract investments to supercharge EV adoption by the masses, according to industry players speaking at Maybank Kim Eng’s ‘The Rise of ASEAN EV’ webinar recently.
Clear timeliness will bring investments
Having clear timelines for EV adoption and phasing out of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), incentives for EVs and also introducing disincentives for ICEVs will increase the demand for EVs. Investments will follow suit, including those for building the charging infrastructure and stability of power supply.
Car companies like Edaran Tan Chong Motor have used their own money to try to create more awareness of EVs. In 2012, when the government allowed short-term duty-exemption on electrifed vehicles, the company introduced the LEAF EV. But without incentives to offset the high prices of the EVs, there was little interest when the exemption ended.
Citing Norway’s experience, Eirik Barclay, Group Executive Vice-President, New Ventures and Technology, Yinson Holdings, said that there was never a subsidy for EVs. Instead, the government increased taxes on ICEVs and fuel. This also meant that the government did not lose revenue. He believes that these measures, and the removal of fuel subsidies, will result in consumers choosing EVs over ICEVs due to cost of ownership.
Comprehensive charging infrastructure needed
Range anxiety remains a concern among consumers, this referring to the distance that can be travelled on a fully charged battery pack before it needs to be recharged. However, studies have found that most do not usually drive more than 100 kms on a typical day and most of today’s mass-produced EVs can already provide that range and more. This concern can be mitigated with a charging infrastructure that is well planned and comprehensive.
A comprehensive and widespread network of charging stations is necessary to make Malaysian comfortable owning electric vehicles.
Lee Yuen How, Director, EV Connection Sdn Bhd said that all stakeholders such as automakers, oil and gas companies, utility companies, chargepoint operators, and the government should work together to build the infrastructure.
“If you leave it to the private sector, they will only build the charging infrastructure where there are high concentrations of EV users, leaving the semi-urban and rural areas to become an ‘EV-charging desert’. Therefore, the government plays an important role in ensuring investment across all areas,” he added.
Responsibility for used batteries
Jinsi Lee, Founder & CEO of Oyika, advocates a separation between the battery pack and the electric vehicle for environmental and regulatory benefits. “The party that sells the vehicle must be responsible for the battery across its entire lifecycle, instead of transferring ownership to the vehicle buyer. The seller will be required to take the battery pack back, recycle it and reuse it as second-life storage, decommission it and so on,” he said.
“From a consumer’s point of view, if the battery pack is leased, then one can buy a second-hand EV and still get the latest battery technology. We are doing this for motorbikes and I don’t see why we can’t do it for vans, trucks and cars,” he added.
Maybank Kim Eng Research predicts that sales of EVs will reach parity with ICEVs by 2030, driven by the global carbon neutrality agenda and millennial consumer preferences, among others. Malaysia and the Philippines are the slow ones in the EV race in ASEAN. Malaysia’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint is an important catalyst; however more focus should be on battery EVs (running only on electricity) instead of plug-in or hybrid EVs to be fully on the carbon neutrality agenda.
During the webinar, it was also suggested that ASEAN should look at China and pure-EV companies for partnerships and investment, and pursue green technology such as hydrogen at the same time.
The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.
As part of its Beyond100 strategy, Bentley will pursue sustainability in every area of its business as well as the products it makes and sells. The journey has already begun and a limited edition of the Flying Spur Hybrid provides a preview of what will come.
The Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition uses an advanced hybrid powertrain which can prove that hybridization will not compromise luxury or performance. The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, generating a total of 544 ps/750 Nm (significantly more power than the Bentayga Hybrid). While able to cover the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a claimed 4.3 seconds, the limousine is also said to have a range of over 700 kms when fully fuelled.
Sustainable materials throughout the cabin
New, even more sustainable materials are used throughout the cabin, directly reflecting design details showcased in Bentley’s centenary concept car. The cabin features panels of beautifully crafted tweed made from 100% British wool, twisting a blend of tonal colours into a bespoke yarn to create a unique natural luxury textile especially for Bentley.
The open-pore Koa veneer fascias and waistrails use 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers, and allow the natural surface texture and aesthetic of the wood to be enjoyed. Selected from only the very best, most figured stock available, open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness.
The centre console is finished in a sleek, minimalist Piano Linen veneer, while a dedicated tri-colour leather scheme lends the whole interior new depth. Together with new materials, sustainable leather is used widely across the cabin, thanks to its long-term durability. Indeed, Bentley’s own 1955 S1 Flying Spur was referenced during the design process, as the car still retains its original leather interior which, in spite of now being 66 years old, is still in immaculate condition.
Accents to the interior are in a soft, warm hide called Autumn, with customers able to choose from 5 specifications that utilize Beluga, Porpoise, Cricketball, Brunel or Burnt Oak leather in tandem with light, modern Linen hide. A unique Odyssean Edition treadplate becomes apparent when entering or exiting the car, and is matched with exterior D-pillar badging.
In common with the finishes seen in the EXP 100 GT interior, an exclusive new embroidery style sees thread colours blend calmly into one another across the width of each seat, defining and accentuating the ‘lofted diamond’ pattern unique to the Flying Spur – together creating a stunning effect employed here by Bentley for the first time.
On the exterior, painted Pale Brodgar accents on the 21-inch 10 twin-spoke wheels and lower brightware (front and rear bumpers, headlight and tail light surrounds and lower body side chrome) give a unique visual character. A curated exterior palette of six colours have been recommended to harmonise with the Pale Brodgar accents, but the full Bentley palette can be chosen from.
Real-world usage of Bentley Hybrids
As part of Bentley’s journey towards electrification and the Beyond100 strategy (delivering a product range composed entirely of plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles by 2026), a research activity has been undertaken to gain insights into customer usage of the Bentley Hybrid from owners.
Over 90% of owners use their first generation Bentayga Hybrid on a daily basis or several times a week and nearly 100% make use EV mode, which means running only on electrical power with zero emissions. Half of them consistently have journeys of less than 48 kms. In real-world terms, this means that the majority of the journeys, whether office commuting or school runs, can be achieved predominantly whilst producing zero emissions.
With over 14 million units sold since 1946, the E-Class is the bestselling model line for Mercedes-Benz. The current W213 generation was launched in 2017 and the facelift which the factory released last year is now available in Malaysia in two variants – E 300 AMG Line and E 200 Avantgarde.
Their prices (excluding insurance) start from RM326,943.19 for the E 200 and RM375,432.19 for the E 300. As both cars are assembled in Malaysia, they are exempted from sales tax until December 31, 2021.
The cosmetic changes
For the E 200, the Avantgarde package includes a slim new grille design while the surface of the bonnet has a more pronounced bulge – often called a ‘power dome’ – to provide a visual suggestion of the power of the engine underneath. There are also new high-performance headlamps and tail lights using LEDs.
Besides the power dome, the AMG Line on the E 300 has a new bumper styled by AMG, with the familiar grille that has visual depth. The MULTIBEAM LED headlamps now include ULTRA RANGE high beams for stronger illumination. Like the E 200, the rear lamp unit are also revised.
For the E 200, the standard alloy wheels are 18 inches in diameter with a 5-twin spoke design. The E 300 gets 19-inch wheels with an AMG-styled 5-twin-spoke design. New paint colours are available for the latest models – Grey Metallic and a High-Tech Silver finish.
Two engine outputs
Both variants use the same 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (M264) with turbocharging, but with different tuning levels to give different outputs. The E 200 engine is tuned to deliver 197 ps/320 Nm, while the E 300 has output boosted to 258 ps/370 Nm. The difference in outputs enable the E 300 to go from 0 to 100 km/h 1.2 seconds quicker (6.4 seconds) than the E 200 and also reach a top speed 10 km/h faster (250 km/h). The E-Class continues to have rear-wheel drive, of course, with power delivery going through a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the latest E-Class has the new multifunction steering wheel wrapped in genuine leather. The control surfaces sport a high-gloss black finish while the trim elements and surrounds have a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim in the E 200 Avantgarde, and open-pore black ash wood trim on the E 300 AMG Line.
New operating principle for display
The instrument cluster and media display are controlled by swiping along the Touch Control buttons. The operating principle of the Touch Control buttons has changed from optical to capacitive which means a mechanical system is no longer needed.
The design of the front seats offers strong lateral support with pronounced side bolsters> Depending on the variant, the centre section has sporty transverse or modern longitudinal seams. The colours of the centre sections of the seat backrest and cushion are matched to the overall form of the seats. For the E 200, the upholstery is ARTICO man-made leather while the E 300 has genuine leather.
The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system displayed in the Widescreen Cockpit has two 12.3-inch displays. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is in high-resolution for maximum clarity.
Latest safety systems
A pioneer in automobile safety, it is only to be expected that the latest E-Class will come with the latest generation of driver assistance systems to enhance driving safety, particularly Active Safety. In some situations, automatic activation of certain systems such as the brakes will occur if the driver does not respond in time.
The hands-off recognition now works on a capacitive basis, enhancing user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode. Previously, to inform the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the E-Class, a slight steering movement was required but now, sensors on the rim of the steering wheel can detect if the driver is holding it. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.
As standard, the E-Class comes with Active Brake Assist for autonomous emergency braking. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning off across the oncoming lane.
Additionally, for the E 300, there is also Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360° camera view that makes it possible to enter and leave parking spaces automatically. The system facilitates the search for and selection of a parking space as well as entering and leaving (if the vehicle was parked automatically) parallel and end-on parking spaces or garages.
For the first time, the new E-Class is able to recognize and use parking spaces which are only marked as areas on larger sites, for example. The 360° camera transmits an even more realistic image to the display, which includes an expanded side view. When leaving a parking space, the system is able to warn of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and can apply the brakes in case a vehicle approaches.
Protection against break-ins and theft
The URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection package provides comprehensive protection of the car at all times when the owner is not using it. Sensors can detect movement within (when the system is activated) and there is also tow-away protection which is able to detect changes in position. In the event of a break-in, the battery-backed alarm will sound. The driver can also be notified of theft or parking damage detection through the Mercedes me app.
In challenging times like these, Honda shows that it’s not just a company that makes and sells cars but also cares about the local community. In Malaysia, the company has demonstrated its corporate social responsibility in many ways, and the most recent activity is helping the local communities in Melaka who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Honda Malaysia has a special relationship with Melaka as its factory is located in the state. Recently, together with the Honda Malaysia Suppliers Club (HMSC), close to RM40,000 worth of essential goods to 6 charity homes in the state to help alleviate the burden brought about by the pandemic and total lockdown as well as to uplift their spirit through this gesture.
The 6 charity homes include old folks homes, welfare centres and orphanages. At the same time, this initiative also provided an opportunity for the company and HMSC to mutually strengthen with relationship.
“2021 continues to be a challenging year for Malaysia with the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, and the country was placed under a nationwide lockdown since June 2021. The near total closure of the economic sectors has resulted in difficulties in sustaining livelihoods, especially among the communities that need support, thereby bringing adverse impact on their everyday life. We understand their situation and believe in order to overcome the challenges, we must move forward “Together As One” and help each other in every possible way,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.
“Striving to be a Company society wants to exist, we collaborated with HMSC in an initiative to help ease the situation especially for the elderlies, orphans, people with disabilities and the homeless. As the nation is implementing Phase One of National Recovery Plan (NRP) in several states, the charity homes are even more difficult to get aid from the public. Hence, this initiative enabled Honda Malaysia to reach out to them,” she said.
Essential supplies that were distributed included rice, flour, eggs and cooking oil, as well as hygiene products such as disposable diapers, detergent and shower gel to charity homes in the vicinity the Melaka plant. Also provided were clothes for adults, as well as colouring books and small toys for the children.
“We hope the contributions from Honda Malaysia together with the aid from public donations and Social Welfare Department can provide some relief to their burden as well as joy and hope to the residents of the homes. We are also hopeful that the ongoing vaccination programme will help to curb the spread of COVID-19 and bring a safer environment for all of us in Malaysia,” Ms. Chujo added.
The 6 charity homes were Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Dan Warga Emas Alor Gajah, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Warga Emas Dan Anak Yatim Victory, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Harapan, Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Murni Insan Istimewa, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna and Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Villa Harapan. A total of more than 300 people are residents at these homes.
Honda Malaysia constantly thinks of ways to help the less fortunate and even on media drives, they have organised charity distribution activities to bring supplies to needy homes.
Meanwhile, on the business front, Honda Malaysia’s plant and authorised dealer showrooms remain closed. However, owners can still obtain support services for preventive maintenance, repair work and towing assistance. Appointments must be made in advance before visiting a service centre, and in accordance with regulations, the service centre should be within 10 kms of the owner’s home. For information and assistance, call 1 800 88 2020.
Regardless of whether we continue to be in control driving cars or a computer does the driving, the interior of a car will remain an important aspect of car design. In fact, as autonomous motoring grows, the driver may spend less time at the steering wheel and more time with the other occupants. In this case, the cabin layout may have to change to be more suitable.
The Renndienst study
At Porsche’s Weissach Development Centre in Germany, designing interiors is just as important as exteriors and for interiors, the User Experience (UX) is a vital part of the brand experience. In the book Porsche Unseen, the sportscar manufacturer recently published fifteen previously secret design studies. Among them is the Renndienst study. The 6-person van concept is reminiscent of the Volkswagen racing service van that once served the factory racing team as a service vehicle. On the outside, it’s futuristic and edgeless but on the inside, it’s a modular travel cabin.
For the Renndienst study, the designers at Style Porsche journeyed far into the future of mobility. They considered design visions for the day after tomorrow in order to derive steps for tomorrow. They asked themselves how far they can expand Porsche’s design language and to which products it could be applied.
“We thought about how we could still give a distinctly Porsche flair to a passenger compartment that is so far removed from the classic sports-car interior. And how autonomous driving could be designed, but we don’t assume that our customers want to give up using a steering wheel,” chief designer Michael Mauer explained. “In order to be able to think freely about the future, boundaries must be crossed when carrying out these ‘finger exercises’. This is how the central driver position of the Renndienst came about.”
“When I want to drive, I have more cockpit feeling than in any other car. And when I don’t, the driver’s seat can be rotated 180 degrees—with one swivel, it turns to face the other passengers. We worked on materializing these basic ideas for about a year,” he elaborated further on the study.
Looking at next overall innovation
The overall UX, when it comes to interior design, is dedicated to the digital lifestyle and the relationship between driver, passengers, and vehicle. “In the Taycan, we have shown how much we think ahead,” said Ivo van Hulten, Director of UX Design. “So we were looking at a possible next overall innovation. For this, we thought and worked from the inside out.”
The side windows are designed asymmetrically. “One side is closed; passengers can retreat there,” explained Markus Auerbach, Head of Interior Design. “The other side enjoys a large window bank for an unobstructed view outside. When we close the doors, the interior feels like a protective capsule.”
A feeling of security and comfort dominates the modular interior. The passengers in the first row sit offset to the right and left in ergonomically shaped bucket seats. They can enjoy an unobstructed view of the road ahead and of their own dashboard screens. The rear seat headrests are installed in a floating position, which allows a clear view through the rear window. The luxury of adaptable space is made possible by the powertrain which is fully electric and hidden in the underbody.
UX as a success factor
The customers of the future will be the smartphone generation. “In the past, the hunger for something new was satisfied with the purchase of the product. Today, many young people are no longer just fascinated by the aesthetics of a product, but by the opportunities it offers them,” said van Hulten.
The aesthetics of the interior therefore depend on many more factors than just shapes and materials. “The questions are: Is the interior modular enough to adapt to changing circumstances even a few years after purchase? Will I be able to run updates remotely and around the clock?” Van Hulten is confident of finding answers in the form of a new aesthetic.
“A digital journey can open a gateway to a universe for us, but it can never replace the physical experience. A car is a space that moves whether I’m driving it myself or not. The seats in this van have been designed for movement; they hold and support the body,” added Auerbach.
“The bench seat allows a different sitting angle due to its curved sides—we can turn towards each other. It is a particularly communicative area that invites relaxation, offering alternative seating positions for talking, working, and relaxing,” he explained.
The visions on which the specialist departments work together are complex because they design spaces where people sit. “Cars with an unsatisfactory interior do not survive for long – because no emotional connection can be built with them,” Auerbach noted.
Inspired by ‘Knight Rider’
In the next step, van Hulten wants the Renndienst to gain a soul. He remembers the American TV series Knight Rider, which he enjoyed watching as a child. “K.I.T.T., the talking car, fascinated me. The strong team of the protagonist and his vehicle really captured my imagination. I connected with the car because it had a soul,” he said.
Referring to the study, he asks the question: “What kind of daily interactions do we plan – in 30 years, will we call our car and then it will come around and pick us up?” From this grand vision of the day after tomorrow, the design team is now moving backwards in time to get the specific answer for tomorrow.
The materials of the future under consideration include renewable resources such as wood, reinterpreted and combined with metals or sustainable plastics. Wood was once banished from vehicles but could soon make a comeback. Auerbach also relies on what are known as ‘smart materials’ which can do something special—for example, such materials can respond to external factors and light up without being directly illuminated. Or materials that repeatedly change their shapes to perfectly fit the ergonomics of the occupants.
The designers constantly keep their minds fresh with the ‘first principle thinking’ method. In doing so, they move away from familiar analogies and break hypotheses down into their smallest components. They focus not on familiar forms but on functions that might be of interest in the future. They ask themselves what a Porsche could be—and what it could not be. This process provides answers to questions that no one has asked before.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but carry and spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
