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Season 4 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge starts on March 27

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to know more about promotions at BHPetromart.*

After almost a year’s absence, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) will start its fourth season at the Sepang International Circuit from on March 27. As in previous years, the highlight is the Vios Challenge and this new season will have 3 rounds for a total of 6 races.

Expanded racing activities
Additionally, GAZOO Racing Malaysia will also make its appearance in the national racing series with the introduction of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup with a total of 4 races over 2 rounds, and the GAZOO Racing Enduro Cup that will be run in conjunction with the annual Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K).

Rookie class and new celebrities
The Vios Challenge will have of 4 classes which include the inaugural running of the Rookie Class. This class will be made up of 6 new graduates of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program who are stepping up from karting and simulator to racing in a real saloon car for their very first time.

As before, there will also be the popular Promotional Class with local celebrities (three of whom are new faces); the Sporting Class for amateur drivers; and the Super Sporting Class for the veteran and professional drivers.

*The three newcomers to the Vios Challenge Promotional Class – (from left) Talitha Tan, Zizan Razak and Ahirine Ahirudin.*

Just like professional racing drivers, those in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program have to undergo rigorous training to be fit and of course, learn driving skills in the Vios from experienced racing drivers.

“It’s exciting to be back racing but as much as we would like to immediately open our doors to race fans for them to be at the venues, the threat of the pandemic has created a new and perhaps even more promising way of reaching an even larger and wider audience. Millions of race fans in Malaysia and even outside the country can catch the action on and off the track during the race weekend via live streaming and in the comfort and safety of their homes,” said TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama, who is also UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman.

Live streaming worlwide
Mr. Takeyama was referring to the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that must be followed and, as with other permitted motorsports events, the TGR Festival must operate under a ‘sports bubble’ for everyone’s protection. This means that Round 1 of the Vios Challenge will be held as a closed-door event and the action will be live-streamed to racing fans throughout Malaysia – and even the world – over the event’s 2 days.

*The cars in the Vios Challenge are identical in specifications and preparation, so it is very much driver skill that counts rather than engine power, and this makes for closer racing.*

The live streaming will be meticulously-curated, giving viewers an uninterrupted ‘front row seat’ of the Vios Challenge. In fact, it will probably get them ‘closer’ to the action than if they were at the track. ”The challenge before us today is to bring the energy and atmosphere of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival online,” added Mr. Takeyama.

Bringing motorsports to the masses
“The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival has primarily been about bringing motorsports to the masses – this focus has not changed – and to a great extent, we have successfully accomplished this by bringing the races to so many different locations since 2017,” he said.

The live streaming will be broadcast on the UMW Toyota Motor website at toyota.com.my and also at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia Facebook page.

The story behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and why it was created

Fuel Price Updates For February 27 – March 3, 2021

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BMW Group Malaysia starts 2021 with 4 new models

Starting off 2021 in high gear after a successful year before, BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled four new models in the BMW and MINI brands. The new models solidify its portfolio of offerings to Malaysian buyers while reaffirming the company’s investments in the local automotive landscape.

BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence
Assembled at the BMW facility in Kedah, the new X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence is the largest model in the BMW X range. Its imposing appearance and stature belies versatility and agility, complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technology.

The bold design of the X7 is fronted by the imposing kidney grille which gives exceptional road presence to the vehicle. This makes the slender BMW Laserlight headlights look even slimmer. The headlights can illuminate up to 600 metres ahead and are supplemented by LED foglights and high-beam assistant.

The X7 variants has large windows and a long, dynamically flowing roofline that hints at a spacious interior. Equally striking are the 21-inch light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour with run-flat tyres as standard. The variant also features a fully-electric tailgate in the rear with the Comfort Access feature.

Under the large bonnet panel is the familiar inline 6-cylinder petrol engine which has an output of340 bhp/450 Nm. This is enough to take the large SUV – sorry, BMW terms their SUVs as SAVs (Sport Activity Vehicles – from standing still to 100 km/h within a claimed 6.1 seconds. And with all the advanced engine technologies, the fuel consumption of the vehicle, which weighs around 2,300 kgs, can still be as good as 10.5 kms/litre.

Power is distributed to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW’s xDrive system. The sophisticated chassis design has a two-axle air suspension which, along with Dynamic Stability Control, enhances handling and stability on the road.

As with the imported variant, the locally assembled variant X7 comes with Executive Drive Pro that includes active roll stabilisation. Ride comfort is further enhanced by the intelligent Dynamic Damper Control system which processes data from the navigation system and front camera.

The interior features opulent ‘Crafted Clarity’ handmade diamond-cut trim element and a range of standard equipment including a sport leather steering wheel and electrically adjustable comfort seats with active seat ventilation in front. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 is interfaced with the fully digital, user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an equally large central touchscreen Control Display.

A Head-Up Display is also standard, projecting important running information on the windscreen. Together with the voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Gesture Control, the driver will not have to take the hands off the steering wheel so much, improving safety.

The X7 is offered with a choice of 5 exterior finishes and selected interior colour combinations. The price is not announced yet, but customers can register their interest at authorised dealerships or BMW Shop Online at shop.bmw.com.my/.

BMW 430i Coupe M Sport
The signature kidney grille of the BMW 4-Series Coupe has generated controversial debate. Its designers explain that it is a homage to historic icons in BMW’s history (such as the BMW 328), reinterpreting the iconic form and embodying it into a sporty, contemporary coupe form.

By virtue of its purist design language, the 430i Coupe M Sport utilises techniques in proportions and minimal number of lines to accentuate its athletic stature, combining it with the aerodynamics and sporting elegance. It has the longest coupe doors to be found on any BMW, creating an overall elongated and dynamic impression.

Compared to its predecessor, the dimensions are slightly larger with 130 mm more length, 27 mm more width and 6 mm added to the height, while the wheelbase has been extended by 41 mm.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 797 M Bicolour with mixed tyres and runflat tyres, and M Sport brakes with blue-painted brake calipers and ‘M’ designation. Under the rear end are exhaust tailpipes finished in high-gloss chrome.

All 430i Coupe M Sports sold in Malaysia come with a M Aerodynamics Package already installed at the factory. They are also fitted with BMW Laserlights with High-beam Assistant, LED foglights, and the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.

With 258 bhp/400 Nm on tap, the TwinTurbo 4-cylinder petrol engine will take the 430i past the 100 km/h mark in a claimed 5.8 seconds, after which continued acceleration will get it up to a terminal velocity of 250 km/h. The upgraded 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission is said to have improved efficiency which can return a fuel consumption figure of 15.2 kms/litre. But that would be if the driver is not enjoying the full performance of the car – which may be hard to resist!

For exploring the high limits of handling, there are advanced control systems such as ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation), which enables significantly faster and more sensitive wheel slip control. Further enhancing the sporty driving dynamics are the M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and Variable Sport Steering.

The cockpit is designed with the sporty driver in mind, as BMWs have always been. A high centre console separates the zones for the driver and front passenger. Seamless integration of the instrument cluster and Control Display forms a large workspace, displaying extensive information but in an easily accessible manner. Visually enhancing the interior ambience are the welcome light carpet and ambient light with 11 predefined lighting designs.

The rear seats provide passengers with a sporty seating experience of a coupe, while still providing ample headspace. A 40/20/40-split for the rear backrests allows the 440-litre luggage compartment to be varied in length to carry more or longer items.

The 430i Coupe M Sport has a choice of four exterior colours and the leather Vernasca upholstery with black decor stitching comes in Black, Tacora Red or Cognac. Authorised BMW dealers nationwide have the car on display, and you can also make a booking via BMW Shop Online for RM1,000.

New MINI Countryman variants
The original Mini cars were assembled in Malaysia from the 1960s until 1982. In 2018, locally assembled versions of the modern MINI began rolling off the line at the plant in Kedah and the range has continued to expand. To start off 2021 are the new Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SE Countryman.

The Countryman, measuring over 4 metres, is the biggest and the most versatile member of the MINI family. It offers significant optimisation in terms of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort, and includes a plug-in hybrid drive variant.

Both the new Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SE Countryman now feature the MINI ALL4 Exterior Optic. The differentiated front and rear bumpers with decorative elements and sump guard in aluminium matt provide a rugged look. They also come with auto LED headlights with cornering lights, bonnet stripes, roof rails and side sills.

The Union Jack Rear Light now represents an abstract interpretation of the Union Jack, with a more block-designed triangular surface, resulting in stronger lighting. A special detail is the dark tinted cover which lends a distinguishing mark to the lighting units.

Run-flat tyres are standard rubber for the Cooper S Countryman which is fitted with 19-inch MINI Turnstile Spoke. The Cooper SE Countryman also has similar tyres but have different 19-inch wheels.

Inside, both variants feature the MINI Yours Illuminated cockpit in Shaded Silver, combining the illuminated cockpit bezel in Shaded Silver with the Dark Silver door bezels and Hazy Grey. The interior ambience is enhanced with a Satellite Grey Headliner and Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black. The steering wheel is wrapped with MINI Yours Walknappa leather Steering and a signature Union Jack insignia is also featured at the bottom of the steering wheel.

For the first time, the Countryman has a 5-inch digital instrument cluster. But drivers can look down less at the instruments as there is a Head Up Display which shows them vital operating information on the windscreen ahead of them.

The updated 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation has a refined surface look, with the audio control panel and switchgear seamlessly integrated into the control unit. In-car entertainment comes from a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system.

A 2-litre TwinPower Turbo engine powers the Cooper S Countryman, its 192 bhp/280 Nm giving a 0 to 100 km/h capability claimed to be 7.5 seconds with a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission. As for the Cooper SE Countryman, a 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with an electric motor (pictured above) provide a combined output 224 bhp/385 Nm of torque. This hybrid powertrain can rocket the car to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds and on to a top speed said to be 194 km/h.

The Cooper SE Countryman, which comes with all-wheel drive, has the latest eDrive technology which includes a high-voltage lithium battery pack. Recharging the battery pack takes from 3.25 hours to 5 hours, depending on the type of power supply and outlet available. A fully charged battery pack can give a pure electric range of up to 48 kms.

Owners can access the eDrive Services on their MINI Connected App which provides information such as current battery status, electric range, charge timer, personal efficiency status data, the nearest charging station and pre-conditioning.

Authorised MINI dealerships nationwide now have the new Countryman variants which come with a choice of 6 colours including, for the first-time, Sage Green – a captivating hue inspired by nature. The MINI Online Shop at www.mini.my/minionlineshop has more information and also accepts bookings.

BMW Group Malaysia was the leader in the premium automotive segment in 2020

New Peugeot brand identity and Lion logo launched

Peugeot, now part of the Stellantis Group, has made another update and chance to its logo and brand identity. This is the 11^th time since the 1850s (although the original company was founded in 1810) and has been developed around the concept of ‘time’ and living in the moment.

The new Peugeot logo features an all-new take on the iconic Peugeot lion, with a roaring lion’s head inside a new Peugeot coat of arms. This coat of arms opens the way to a brand ecosystem that is not limited to its visual identity alone. It carries within it a deeper change. A shift in stance; a new state of mind; a new lifestyle. The recreated emblem acknowledges Peugeot’s evolution as a brand, with its innovative and successful model line-up.

Created by the Peugeot Design Lab and featuring a roaring lion’s head inside a coat of arms, the new design also uses visual language to reflect Peugeot’s electrification strategy which will offer pioneering new technologies. At the same time, the new logo embodies what Peugeot meant yesterday, what Peugeot means today, and what the brand will mean tomorrow.

Lasting and timeless
Designed to be lasting, the new logo also showcases Peugeot as a timeless brand, celebrating its history of over 200 years, while also looking to the future, towards new technologies and innovations provided by the new Stellantis partnership.

*Significant changes in The Lion emblem over the years.*

The new look will be accompanied by an international campaign and new-look website, as well as a new lifestyle collection of clothing and accessories later this year. It will be progressively used in vehicle models, starting with the all-new Peugeot 308 which will have its world premiere later this year.

New brand campaign
The new identity will be visible in every part of the organisation, from retailers and associated products to signage and communications, along with the carmaker’s first brand campaign in 10 years. The campaign, called ‘THE LIONS OF OUR TIME’, will feature both new and existing Peugeot customers. It aims to celebrate ‘Today’s Lions’ of all ages and cultures and highlight the value of quality time in our lives.

‘Today’s Lions’, of all ages, culture and backgrounds are no longer so much in search of power or money, but more in a quest for quality time. Through ‘THE LIONS OF OUR TIME’ campaign, Peugeot aims to empower the customers to own their most valuable asset: their time. The brand aims at turning time into quality time, an enriching experience.

The new lifestyle collection will be simple, attractive and with quality. This will feature everything from clothing and leather goods to electronic accessories and stationery. The new collection will echo Peugeot’s attention to detail and design when it launches later in the year.

Management team of new Peugeot distributor announced

Ferrari to officially take part in Le Mans Hypercar class from 2023

Ferrari will join the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) class from 2023. This is a new class which has attracted the interest of manufacturers and it will be the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Companies that have announced vehicle development programmes include Porsche, Peugeot, Audi, and Toyota – all veterans of the WEC with championship victories at different periods in time.

Following a period of study and analysis, Ferrari confirmed its participation and has started a development programme for an all-new LMH car. It is known that there is already a design and simulations have been run in recent weeks.

The time-frame for building running prototypes has not been mentioned, nor the name of the car and the drivers who will make up the official crews.

While Ferraris are regularly seen racing at Le Mans, it has been almost 50 years since the factory’s last official participation in the premier class of the World Sports Car Championship. It has a respectable record in closed-wheel competition with 24 world titles (most recently in 2017) and 36 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“In over 70 years of racing, on tracks all over the world, we led our closed-wheel cars to victory by exploring cutting-edge technological solutions: innovations that arise from the track and make every road car produced in Maranello extraordinary. With the new Le Mans Hypercar programme, Ferrari once again asserts its sporting commitment and determination to be a protagonist in the major global motorsport events,” said Ferrari President, John Elkann.

Overview of the Le Mans Hypercar class
The LMH ruleset represents a major shift in philosophy compared with the LMP1 class it is replacing. It allows for a greater variety both in terms of technical approaches as well as the aesthetics of the cars, at the same time ensuring sporting equality and preventing cost escalation through the concept of ‘performance windows’.

Technical Regulations are focused on controlling performance outcome, instead of setting design or geometrical restrictions, allowing manufacturers to choose cost-effective solutions as significant expenditures will not bring performance gains.

The autonomy also allows them not only to replicate brand identity and genuine architecture, maintaining the spirit of the brand and remaining relevant to their road car philosophy, but also to express true potential in terms of creativity and innovation. Less rigid aerodynamic constraints established for the cars give them the option to incorporate styling elements to the design.

Similarly to the LMP1 class, both hybrid or non-hybrid power units with transmission to either rear or both axles are allowed.

As avoiding cost escalation is one of the key targets behind the LMH concept, several other cost-saving measures have been undertaken. With the 2021 season being the first one in the LMH homologation cycle, testing is supervised. The use of expensive materials and technology is greatly limited. The minimum weight for gearbox is set at 75 kgs, with the use of magnesium or aluminium casing and bellhousing mandatory.

The suspension is also simplified, with a double-wishbone design compulsory and aids such as active systems and mass dampers forbidden. There is also a single aero kit permitted, without the distinction for Le Mans and the other races.

In order to avoid development costs, the tyres are exclusively supplied by Michelin with different dimensions dedicated to rear and 4-wheel-drive cars. Furthermore, lower power output results in lower power unit development costs.

“Le Mans Hypercar should please both manufactures and fans, resulting in spectacular cars and high level of competition. We’ll see greater variety across the competitors while the more cost-effective regulatory approach is something much needed in the current economic climate,” said Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President.

Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW to power Peugeot hypercar for endurance racing in 2022

Seven Special Edition models to be won in Honda’s ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign

Just two years after crossing the 900,000th vehicle milestone, Honda Malaysia has now crossed the 1 million mark. To celebrate this significant milestone, the company has prepared Special Edition models to be given away in the ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign’.

“We wish to express our sincere gratitude to members of the media for their ongoing support and honest reviews of Honda products as well as our dealer partners for their strong commitment to uphold the Honda brand. The ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’ is an initiative for us to say ‘thank you’ to all our customers as it is their strong support that has enabled us to come a long way and experience this inspiring journey. As our heartfelt appreciation, we are giving away seven Special Edition models of the Jazz, All-New City, BR-V, HR-V, Civic, New CR-V and Accord,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“We wish to express our sincere gratitude to members of the media for their ongoing support and honest reviews of Honda products as well as our dealer partners for their strong commitment to uphold the Honda brand. We would also like to thank the Malaysian government for their continuous support throughout the years as well as introducing the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) during the pandemic. Tis provides substantial support to the automotive industry,” he said.

Unique feature for Special Editions
The seven Special Edition models to be given have been specially designed with unique features, making them one-of-a-kind models in Malaysia. The exterior has a Dual Tone, with Front Fascia having Red Highlights; Sporty Red Line Side Mirrors, Black Painted Alloy Wheels with Red Highlights as well as 1 Million Dreams Signature Emblem to signify them as Special Edition models.

Inside each of the models, there are ‘1 Million Dreams’ Embossed Leather Headrests for both driver and front passenger seats as well as a Leather Steering Wheel with Red Stitching and Centre Mark. The owner of each unit will receive a Special Edition Leather Key Pouch.

The campaign runs from February 26 to March 24, 2021 and during that period, there will also be a variety of exciting activities in store. Honda Malaysia’s President & COO, Sarly Adle Sarkum, said the activities will be at all showrooms nationwide and include a ‘1 Million Dreams’ exhibition. “We are also delighted to have special collaborations with our brand partners CUCKOO, Shopee and Watsons,” he said.

“In addition, we want to express our appreciation to all the frontliners for their hard work and dedication. Hence, we have allocated one of the seven Special Edition cars specially for them to win through this campaign. On top of the seven Special Edition cars, we have prizes worth 1 Million Shopee coins to be given out to 150 lucky winners on a weekly basis; throughout the campaign, we will also have prizes worth 5 Million Shopee coins,” he added.

Various ways to enter and win
Malaysians can stand a chance to win these seven Special Edition models just by completing a few easy steps to participate in the contest. Participants can take part in any of the 6 activities prepared by Honda Malaysia to earn as many entries as they can and submit the entries at authorised Honda dealers or via Honda Malaysia’s official website.

Participants can collect the entries by downloading and signing up for the HondaTouch application, playing the ‘1 Million Dreams’ Quiz Game at Honda Malaysia’s official website, test driving a new Honda vehicle, booking a new Honda vehicle, servicing or repairing a Honda vehicle, or registering a new Honda vehicle within the campaign period.

The more entries collected, the higher the chance of winning the Special Edition cars. The lucky winners of the Special Edition cars will be announced at the Grand Finale which is scheduled for the end of March 2021.

Partners collaborate with Honda Malaysia
”Sharing our passion as a Healthy Home Creator to constantly bring value and enhancing the lives of all Malaysians, we are proud to be partnering with Honda Malaysia through their ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’. Through this collaboration, we will be offering our customers and fans who purchase any of our selected Beyond Standards CUCKOO, or our newly launched and astoundingly comfortable A-Series Mattresses in March, a chance to drive home a Honda car. We welcome all our CUCKOO customers and fans to grab this opportunity to complete their dream homes with us,” said CUCKOO International Founder & CEO, Hoe Kian Choon.

Shopee’s Regional Managing Director, Ian Ho said Shopee will be giving away a special edition Honda HR-V on Shopee and be part of making a dream come true for that one lucky user. “We are honoured to be partnering Honda Malaysia in this celebration of having sold one million units of their vehicles here in Malaysia. Apart from Honda Malaysia showing its appreciation to its customers for their trust in the brand, this partnership speaks volumes of Honda’s digitalisation journey whilst giving us the chance to help it gain further success through e-commerce. Here’s to many more milestones to come and we look forward to driving meaningful experiences with Honda Malaysia!” Mr. Ho said.

Watsons Malaysia has put together an exclusive contest for its loyalty members to stand a chance of winning the Special Edition BR-V. Watsons members can participate in the contest by spending more than RM50 in a single receipt at any Watsons store or online.

“Congratulations to Honda Malaysia for the remarkable achievement! We are glad to be part of the ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’ to commemorate this milestone with Honda Malaysia. I encourage all our members to grab this opportunity to join this contest!” said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia.

Speeding forward in digitalisation
”This year, Honda Malaysia is set to excite the Malaysian market,” said Mr. Ishiyama. “In the era of digitalisation where its development and uptake are further accelerated by the new normal, Honda Malaysia strives to provide a comprehensive digital platform for its customers by enhancing its HondaTouch application and digital pre-booking platform.”

For more information on the ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’, visit the campaign’s website at honda.com.my/1milliondreams/entry or any of the 102 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, you can call Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or visit www.honda.com.my.