Today is the last day you have a chance to win a share of the RM500,000 worth of cash prizes and ePoints in BHPetrol’s Pump/Shop & Win Merdeka Contest. Entries for the contest, which began on August 15, 2019, will only be accepted up till the end of today (TuesdayOctober 15, 2019).
The prizes awaiting winners are: a) 6 x Grand Prizes of RM62,000.00, and 62,000 ePoints b) 6 x Special Prizes of RM6,200.00, and 10,000 ePoints c) 62 x Consolation Prizes of RM1,000.00, and 5,000 Bonus ePoints
How do you enter? Just make a purchase of at least RM40.00 of BHPetrol fuel (petrol or diesel) at any participating BHPetrol service stations and/or any shop items at the BHPetromart of the participating service stations. Purchases of flour, cooking oil, sugar, tobacco, and reloads of Touch’nGo and ePay are excluded.
Get an original BHPetrol sales receipt for the purchases and ask for a contest entry form to which the receipt must be attached. The contest entry form contains questions which must be answered in order to be an eligible winner, and contact details must be entered. The entry forms can be dropped into contest boxes provided at the participating BHPetrol service stations.
Just RM40 of BHPetrol fuel before today ends could get you RM62,000!
Winners will be selected based on a manual lucky draw by BHPetrol. The first 62 entries with the correct answers drawn from all the entries will each win a Consolation Prize. The next 6 entries with the correct answers drawn from the balance of all entries will each win a Special Prize. The last 6 entries with the correct answers drawn from the balance of all entries will each win a Grand Prize.
The ePoints (bonus prize) referred to above are strictly only for BHPetrol eCard members and are not transferable, non-refundable and not exchangeable for cash.
Contest winners will be notified by November 15, 2019 via the contact number or email address as provided on the Contest Entry Form. The results will also be published for public viewing at www.bhpetrol.com.my.
You still have time to drop by at a BHPetrol station to get an entry in. Good luck!
Malaysia just witnessed the launch of the new 2019 Isuzu D-Max and it looks like the manufacturer is getting more recognition for its versatile pick up truck. This time, it’s in the UK where it was awarded its second consecutive award for the ‘Pick Up of the Year’ at the Commercial Fleet Awards. (more…)
The Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) in Las Vegas is all about personalization. It’s an event that even carmakers attend to showcase what extremes their models can be taken to when it comes to adding accessories. Ford sees the automotive aftermarket space (in the USA) continuing to grow at a tremendous pace from powerful street machines to the latest trends in overlanding and off-road. This means a lot of personalization opportunities for its Ranger in countless ways to give owners the flexibility to make their vehicle unique.
Ford Performance Parts Ranger at SEMA
Ford Performance Parts has lots of accessories developed for the Ranger, including a Ford Performance-tuned Fox off-road suspension leveling kit providing 2-inch front lift, Ford Performance Ranger Raptor wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres, Ford Performance Ranger bonnet-hinge light kit with Rigid DSS-Series lights,
Other components include a Warn 9.5 XP winch mounted on a winch-capable front bumper, Ford Performance by Warn Industries heavy-duty recovery kit and red tow hooks, Tepui HyBox rooftop tent, Decked truck bed storage system, RSI Smart Cap, ARB Elements refrigerator/freezer and ActionTrax recovery boards.
And here are customized Rangers from other aftermarket companies to give you ideas for your truck…
2019 Ford Ranger Tjin Edition – The Ranger Tjin Edition is the creation of a father and son design team. The Tjins were looking to create their unique take on Ranger, going the opposite direction of a lifted Ranger, which is one of the most common modifications made to Ford’s popular truck. The Tjin Edition is among the first new-generation Ford Rangers slammed to the ground via an air suspension, lowered 203 mm in the front and 230 mm in the rear.Yakima Ford Ranger – Ford Accessories partner Yakima has created an all-sports, overlanding special upgraded with Ford Performance Parts components. A truck bed rack, JayLow kayak mount and HangOver vertical 4-bike carrier with BackSwing mount showcase Yakima utility products.Advanced Accessory Concepts Ranger XLT – Advanced Accessory Concepts hastransformed the Ranger into the must-have accessory for exploration. The truck, boasting AFN bumpers, skid plate, rock sliders and Ford Performance rear differential cover, is a showcase of strength and protection. It features a conversion at the rear to an AFN aluminium tray bed with canopy.Hellwig Ranger – This Hellwig 2019 Ranger targets the ultimate adventure vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts who value sustainability. The truck is designed to get to remote locations with such features as a 3.5-inch Icon suspension, 17-inch Icon Compression wheels and Falken tyres. Where this off-roader finds its own path is with the addition of Goal Zero solar power, allowing users to reduce their carbon footprint while out in the most remote locations.RTR Rambler Ranger – This Ranger is meant to be ‘the ultimate overlanding and support vehicle for owners seeking to enjoy the great outdoors – taking adventure to the next level and beyond’. The truck joins the line-up of RTR Mustang and RTR F-150, with the Ranger created to deliver a balance of street-ability, overlanding and trail capability.
To know more about the Ford Ranger Raptor which you can buy in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my
It was only in September that Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar had its global debut – on 3 continents simultaneously – and now, the company is presenting the third version – the Taycan 4S.
Puristic exterior design
The clear, puristic design of the Taycan signals the beginning of a new era. At the same time, it retains the unmistakable Porsche design DNA. The sleek cabin, the drawn-in rear C-pillar and the pronounced shoulders of the wings result in a sharply emphasized rear, typical of the brand. There are also innovative elements such as the glass-effect Porsche logo, which has been integrated into the light bar at the rear.
Distinguishing features of the Taycan 4S compared with the Turbo and Turbo S include the aerodynamically optimized 19-inch Taycan S Aero wheels and the red-painted brake calipers. The front apron with new geometry, side sills and rear diffuser in black also give further visual differentiation. LED headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) are standard.
This version is available with two battery sizes; with the Performance Battery, up to 390 kW/530 ps and with the Performance Battery Plus, up to 420 kW/571 PS. Following the Taycan Turbo S and the Taycan Turbo, the Taycan 4S is therefore the new entry-level model in the series.
A single-deck Performance Battery with a total capacity of 79.2 kWh comes as standard. The two-deck Performance Battery Plus familiar from the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo is optionally available. The total capacity here is 93.4 kWh.
For both variants, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.0 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h in both cases but the claimed range is up to 407 kms with the Performance Battery and up to 463 kms with the Performance Battery Plus – the highest of the current Taycan range.
Dynamic performance
The permanently excited synchronous machine on the rear axle has an active length of 130 mm and is therefore exactly 80 mm shorter than the corresponding drive component on the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo. The pulse-controlled inverter used on the front axle in the Taycan 4S operates with up to 300 amps, and the inverter on the rear axle with up to 600 amps.
With two permanently excited synchronous machines on the front and rear axles – in other words, all-wheel drive – as well as a 2-speed transmission on the rear axle, the drive architecture comprises the same main technical highlights as the other versions.
The same also applies to the intelligent charging management and exemplary aerodynamics. With a Cd of 0.22, the aerodynamics makes a significant contribution to low energy consumption and thus long range.
Unique interior design
The cockpit also signals the start of a new era with its clear structure and completely new architecture. The free-standing, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver axis. A central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look.
As standard, the Taycan 4S comes with a partial leather interior as well as front comfort seats with 8-way electrical adjustment. However, with the Taycan, Porsche also offers an entirely leather-free interior for the first time, for customers who have such a demand. Interiors made from innovative recycled materials underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sportscar.
Porsche uses a centrally networked control system for the Taycan chassis. The integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time. As standard, the Taycan 4S features adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology including electronic damper control PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).
Toyota Motor Corporations has announced the “LQ”, a concept vehicle that has the advanced ability to build an ‘emotional bond’ between car and driver. That’s right, the next-generation Toyota “Concept-I” comes ready with automated driving capabilities and “Yui”, Toyota’s next-level AI that can learn from the driver and deliver a personalised mobility experience. (more…)
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has unveiled their latest Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) to further improve the overall Nissan customer experience in line with their ever-evolving global presence. The first Nissan showroom to adopt this new retail concept is Nikaijaya Resource (KL) Sdn Bhd. (more…)
The finishing positions of the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix yesterday were taken on the 52nd lap rather than the 53rd lap. This means that the race distance was one lap short and the error is believed to be due to the chequered flag having been shown on the display panel one lap early.
Teams and drivers, upon seeing the chequered flag flash, assumed the race to be over as the regulations state. The FIA’s Article 43.2 says: “Should for any reason the end‐of‐race signal be given before the leading car completes the scheduled number of laps, or the prescribed time has been completed, the race will be deemed to have finished when the leading car last crossed the line before the signal was given.”
The officials don’t know how it occurred and blame it on a system fault. However, even with one lap short, the overall results are unchanged – with one exception. Although SportPesa Racing Point’s Sergio Perez (pictured below) had crashed out in what was to have been the final lap, the error instead positioned him as ninth-placed finisher. This meant he picked 2 valuable points for the team which is still going after Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg, having been pushed down one position to tenth place, lost a point.
Heavy penalties for Leclerc and Ferrari
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was also penalized for his collision with Max Verstappen on the first lap, resulting in the Red Bull Racing driver having to retire. The Stewards imposed a 5-second time penalty which was added to the elapsed race time.
Additionally, he got another 10-second penalty for continuing to drive the car in an unsafe condition after the incident on Lap 1. He drove until the third lap and then the damaged wing disintegrated and some broken parts caused damage to the mirror on Lewis Hamilton’s car.
This all means Leclerc’s finishing position is one step down, from sixth to seventh. He received 2 penalty points on his racing licence (total of 2 in the 12-month period), while the Ferrari team was fined 25,000 euros (about RM115,254).
Hyundai Motors is currently pushing their technology prowess on autonomous driving capabilities with their Hyundai IONIQ model. Still in early stages, the hybrid sedan is currently being tested on European roads with Level 4 Autonomous Driving, which is only one level away from a car being completely autonomous in every situation. (more…)
♦ The strong typhoon forced qualifying to be postponed to raceday and both Ferrari’s were able to take the front row of the starting grid.
♦ With Valtteri Bottas winning in Japan, the 2019 F1 Constructors Championship is secured by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport team. The sixth consecutive world championship double is a new Formula 1 record.
♦ Although the two Ferraris had the front row on the starting grid, the team lost its advantage when the lights went green as Sebastian Vettel fumbled his start. However, the stewards did not penalise him for what appeared to be a ‘jump start’. Charles Leclerc was also slow off the line and Bottas surged forward, taking advantage of the situation.
♦ Max Verstappen’s race was short after his car was hit by Leclerc’s early in the race. Although both cars were damaged, the Red Bull was worse off and Verstappen was forced to retire.
♦ It was Alexander Albon’s first time at Suzuka and the 4th place is the best he has achieved in his career to date, one position better than in Belgium and Russia.
♦ A Mercedes-AMG driver will win the title again but it’s still not Lewis Hamilton’s for sure. The round in Mexico will be a tense one as Bottas still has an outside chance, depending on the outcome.
It used to be that pick-up trucks would have a model cycle of at least 10 years – double that of passenger cars. And during that considerable length of time in the market, distributors would have to sustain interest by having limited editions periodically to refresh the looks, besides adding extra features. Today, though, competition is tough and 10 years is a bit long so Isuzu Motors has come out with an all-new generation of its popular D-MAX truck after 8 years.
To go on sale from October 19, the new D-MAX has received extensive change guided by the development concept of ‘Efficient and Robust’. This development concept was formulated to offer a vehicle that delivers higher fuel efficiency and safety while responding to various usage conditions and purposes in over 100 countries where the 1-ton truck is sold.
Versatility has made it very popular
The D-MAX has been especially popular in Thailand, where Isuzu has its global production hub (which supplies CKD kits to its subsidiary plant in Pekan, Malaysia, for local assembly). The popularity has been due to not only being suitable for personal use but also for business use. The durability of the powertrain has also been a strong factor in making Isuzu a top brand in Thailand.
It’s hard for a truck to look significantly different but Isuzu’s designers have given the new model a more distinctive look with a larger grille that is orientated more vertically. Aiming to present the new D-MAX as ‘Bold, Emotional and Smart’, the designers have given the chunky exterior profile with a wedge body shape a more powerful, swishing silhouette than ever before. A neatly integrated step bumper is mounted on the rear, giving an all-new, sophisticated look.
In the headlamps, bi-led projectors combined with stylish signature lamps are installed giving an eager, intense look. At the rear, the lamps have dual LED edge lights. Together, these new light designs contribute to a unique, stylish appearance front and rear.
Lean, rational assembly structure and extensive use of high-tensile steel plates have moderated the overall vehicle weight but the bodywork is still tough and rigidity is 20% greater. Taking note of the need to resist corrosion as the vehicle is used in wet conditions in markets like Thailand, anti-corrosion ability is said to be greatly improved. The new D-MAX can cross a river that is 800 mm deep as well. Moreover, it’s designed in such a way that its electrical architecture flexibly accommodates evolution in security and connected technologies.
Front and rear suspension
Interior with ‘first-class appearance’
The revised dashboard has a 9-inch display mounted in the centre of a horizontally-flowing form with sharp and rich surface textures. The interior has a ‘first-class appearance’ with the introduction of a floor console which is now taller and wider. Also, it is designed to enfold the driver and passenger as if they were in a cockpit of an airplane. Low-rebound MDI polyurethane is used for front seat cushions to reduce fatigue that long-distance drivers have to endure.
The design of a rear seat in the crew cab is optimized to improve ride comfort. To allow for easy getting in/out, an opening of the B-pillar is shifted forward and assist grip is added.
Detailed attention is paid to its interior components having embossed and texturized surfaces to achieve a high-end, sporty look. For the workhorse applications, there’s a simple and practically designed instrument panel and durable door trim.
Low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Isuzu has specialised in diesel engines for decades and for the new D-MAX, there’s a newly developed 4JJ3 engine (based on the reliable 3-litre 4JJ1 diesel engine). The combined effects of 250 MPa high injection pressure, electronically-controlled VSG turbocharger, heat-insulating coating on the piston, double-scissors gear, etc. has yielded the engine featuring high power, low fuel consumption and low noise. The 1.9-litre RZ4E engine (recently introduced in Malaysia) has received some enhancements.
A pull-ring shift lever is used for the manual transmission to make it easier for the driver to reverse the vehicle, and drive feel is better and more engaging. As for the automatic transmission developed for RZ4E engine, a downsized torque converter and lock-up clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper provide improvements in fuel consumption and response.
A single propeller shaft made of aluminium is now installed, giving a significant weight reduction. There’s also an electromagnetic rear differential lock to use in difficult conditions. With an enhanced transfer of power to the wheels, Isuzu says it now takes shorter time to switch between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive as well as between High and Low ranges.
The new D-MAX’s front hub bearing is now maintenance-free as it is part of unit bearing. Maintenance schedules for other items are extended, and the maintenance frequency and costs are greatly reduced (depending on the market).
Better protection for occupants with up to 6 airbags, and active safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring (below).
EE Architecture for new CASE era
The EE architecture is configured using the central gateway in order to pave the way to the new CASE era. Technologies designed to optimize convenience and comfort are extensively employed such as keyless entry, infotainment, lights, wipers, etc.
The new generation of the D-MAX will most likely be available in Malaysia some time next year. Because Isuzu assembles the model locally, some time is needed to prepare for assembly and also to coordinate with local parts suppliers.
