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With autonomous cars on the horizon and the involvement of humans in actually driving becoming unnecessary, dramatic driving manoeuvres like cars sliding sideways or doing handbrake turns may become a ‘lost art’. In fact, such manoeuvres would not be done as the supercomputer ‘driver’ would deem them dangerous and its job would be to avoid such things.

This doesn’t mean that the computer isn’t capable of such dramatic actions and the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) in America has demonstrated in a world first. As shown in the video, a sportscar drifts on a closed track and while there is someone inside, he is not actually controlling its movements. Combining a deep knowledge of both vehicle dynamics and control design, TRI’s Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) approach extends the vehicle’s operational domain to the very limits of its performance.

Not a frivolous exercise
While the demonstration is impressive, it was not just a frivolous exercise and the idea behind it programming controlled, autonomous drifting is to ‘teach’ the computer how to avoid accidents by navigating around sudden obstacles or on very slippery road conditions.

“At TRI, our goal is to use advanced technologies that augment and amplify humans, not replace them,” said Avinash Balachandran, Senior Manager of TRI’s Human Centric Driving Research. “Through this project, we are expanding the region in which a car is controllable, with the goal of giving regular drivers the instinctual reflexes of a professional race car driver to be able to handle the most challenging emergencies and keep people safer on the road.”

Toyota Research Institute

‘Skills’ comparable to expert drivers
One year ago, TRI and the Dynamic Design Lab at Stanford University set out to design a new level of active safety to help avoid crashes and prevent injuries and fatalities. With the support of automotive performance specialist GReddy and drift legend Ken Gushi, this latest achievement is another step in that journey. By building skills comparable to an expert driver, this technology can amplify and augment a regular driver’s ability to respond to dangerous and extreme situations, helping keep people safe on the road.

“When faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to ‘drift’ the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,” said Jonathan Goh, a TRI Research Scientist. “That’s why TRI is programming vehicles that can identify obstacles and autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track.”

This achievement brings TRI researchers closer to understanding the full spectrum of vehicle performance. The software advances announced today calculate a whole new trajectory every twentieth of a second to balance the car gracefully as it goes around the track.

NMPC explained
Combining the vehicle dynamics and control design insights from drifting-specific approaches with the generalized framework of NMPC yields a control scheme that extends the vehicle’s operational domain beyond the point of tyre saturation. This allows the vehicle to drive beyond the notions of traditional open loop stability to where the vehicle is skidding but still controllable due to closed loop driving control.

The NMPC controller can smoothly transition from dynamic, non-equilibrium drifting to grip driving, while accounting for multiple objectives including road bounds. This approach was tested on a Toyota Supra that has been specially customized for autonomous driving research. It is equipped with computer-controlled steering, throttle, clutch displacement, sequential transmission, and individual wheel braking. Vehicle state information is obtained from a dual-antenna RTK-GNSS-aided INS system at a rate of 250Hz, and the NMPC controller runs on an x86 computer.

For the purposes of data collection with expert drivers in a controlled environment, the suspension, engine, transmission, chassis and safety systems (eg roll cage, fire suppression) were modified to be similar to that used in Formula Drift competitions.

There are a lot of expectations levelled on the pick-up truck segment.

Decades ago, a pick-up truck only had to be tough and reliable.

It just had to be able to carry as well as tow heavy things, not break down, and that’s about it.

Manufacturers had little to worry about in terms of design and creature comforts.

They focused on bomb-proof reliability and go-anywhere technology such as an advanced four-wheel-drive system.

Now though, pick-up truck manufacturers have a lot to do.

They not only have to make sure their product is tough and reliable, but it also has to be comfortable with advanced creature comforts and safety technology to match that of a regular sedan.

Good looks matter now more than ever before as well. Not to mention top notch after sales service.

A good warranty matters more in this segment than any other segment as well. Simply because the truck needs to be able to do what the manufacturer says it will do – like be able to tow three tons without breaking down.

And if it did break down – the manufacturer needs to fix it, and quick.

Which takes me to the one pick-up truck that seemingly has it all – the all-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain.

Isuzu’s have always been tough and reliable. Basic machines with a singular purpose of carrying out the toughest jobs in some of the toughest terrains.

It is a reputation that has been built on decades of use and abuse in some of toughest conditions around the world.

But good looks, comfort and brimming with creature comforts and technology is not something that is usually associated with an Isuzu.

Now though, the D-Max X-Terrain is different. Very different.

It’s good looks can challenge that of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

It’s toughness and reliability could perhaps put a Toyota Hilux to shame.

The Mitsubishi Triton doesn’t even come close to it in all aspects. And neither does the Nissan Navara.

Take the interior for starters.

The seats are among the most comfortable in its segment, and extend support to the shoulders, which isn’t something you get very often in a pick-up truck.

The tanned brown leather doesn’t only look great but is super comfortable especially during long distance drives.

The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable in 8-different ways with impressive thigh support. Thigh support is important for those long cross-border drives.

And what I really appreciate about the sitting position of the X-Terrain is the steering wheel that is adjustable for reach and height (tilt & telescopic). Which means you are never left uncomfortable when driving.

The Isuzu is the only truck to offer such adjustability as well.

The quality of everything is top notch, even the buttons feel like they came from a BMW 3-Series or a Mercedes C-Class.

Then there is the entertainment system that is accessible via a 9-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.

The software that gives you access to navigation and other controls such as air-conditioning is easy to use.

But it also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

This combined with an impressive sound system that features speakers mounted on the roof (!) of the car, gives the interior a luxurious look and feel.

Occupants of the rear seats will appreciate the rear air-conditioning vents and the single USB slot to charge electronics.

The interior is generally well thought out and doesn’t seem to be lacking anything. Simply said, almost perfect for a pick-up truck and there’s lots that other pick-up truck manufacturers can learn from the X-Terrain. Especially as far as creature comforts and ergonomics go.

Then there is the powertrain.

Isuzu’s have generally offered rather basic powertrains. There has always been a robust engine at the centre that is a good mix of power, reliability and fuel economy.

And that engine has been mated to a rather traditional gearbox.

That has not changed, and I understand why.

Why fix something that works fine?

The engine is a 3.0-litre turbocharged unit that is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Rather conventional you might say, but it is a tried and tested powertrain that has been in the market for a while already.

It is proven to be reliable which is the most important thing in a pick-up.

And it is also quite economical. You get a range of a little over 750 kilometres when the 76-litre diesel tank is full.

In fact, on a trip to Penang, I saw a range of 850 kilometres. So consumption depends on usage and your driving style.

In terms of power, the X-Terrain isn’t exactly the most powerful in its class.

It puts out 190PS and 450Nm of torque, which may not seem like much against the likes of the Ranger Wildtrak, but it is still plenty for day to day usage.

This powertrain also gives the X-Terrain the ability to tow anything that weighs up to three and a half tons. And is able to carry anything that weighs under a ton in the rear bed.

Other pick-up trucks too have similar capabilities, proving that you don’t need mega power to get the work done.

In terms of drive, the X-Terrain feels more refined while power delivery is not an issue. It will comfortably cruise at about 140-150km/h with no dramas.

The suspension set up is quite regular – independent double wishbones with coil springs and gas shocks up front. And the usual leaf springs at the rear.

This gives the X-Terrain a typical pick-up truck live drive and feel, so there are no surprises there.

But the one segment that has the X-Terrain glittering over its competitors is the amount of safety technology that the D-Max has over its competitors.

Namely ADAS, which is short for Advanced Driver Assist System.

ADAS is a suite that encompasses all the safety technology that the D-Max X-Terrain has to offer. This includes.

1. Forward Collision Warning – This detects a potential collision in front and alerts the driver.

2. Autonomous Emergency Braking – Detects a collision and brakes automatically if the driver doesn’t respond.

3. Turn Assist – Monitors oncoming traffic when turning and brakes automatically to avoid accidents.

4. Automatic Pedal Misapplication Mitigation – This system helps to brake the car when the accelerator pedal has been accidentally pressed by the driver.

5. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function – Adjusts the cars cruising speed based on traffic conditions, and also helps to accelerate again when the car comes to a complete stop.

6. Lane Departure Warning – Detects and warns the driver when the car accidentally drifts towards another lane.

7. Automatic High Beam – Dims the high beam automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers.

8. Blind Spot Monitor – Alerts the driver when a vehicle is in the car’s blind spot.

9. Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Monitors the rear of the car and alerts the driver when there’s a vehicle approaching when reversing.

10. Manual Speed Limiter – Limits the speed of the car at the press of a button.

11. Multi Collision Brake – In the event of an accident, the car’s brakes are applied to prevent subsequent impact from cars behind.

Not only that, but the D-Max is the only pick-up truck in its segment that has a five-Star ASEAN NCAP crash rating. And it is also the only pick-up truck that offers seven airbags when all other trucks have just six, or less.

These are not the only safety features the X-Terrain has to offer. In fact, the safety tech is so vast that the official brochure has three full pages dedicated to safety technology alone.

The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain seemingly has it all. But what perfects an already impressive package is the fact that it come with a seven year unlimited mileage warranty.

For reference sake, the Toyota Hilux only offers a five-year or 150,000km warranty, so if you do 160,000km in two years, that warranty is out the window.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak offered a five year warranty until recently. It now comes with a five-year or 160,000km warranty.

The Mitsubishi Triton on the other hand offers a five-year or 200,000km warranty.

The Nissan Navara too offers a five-year or 150,000km warranty.

In that aspect, Isuzu has truly put its money where its mouth is (or grille) and offered the best warranty. Because there is no better testament to a product than the manufacturer itself having trust in it and offering the best warranty in the market.

At just RM142,000, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is undoubtedly the best value for money pick-up truck in the market right now.

It is no wonder then that the truck has been the recipient of multiple awards the world over naming the X-Terrain as the best pick-up truck in the market.

Car-related accidents can happen at any time of the day but as lighting levels decrease – like at night – the possibility of an accident is higher. This is especially so with pedestrians, cyclists and even animals that may be walking along the side of a road which is not well lit. For this reason, the carmakers have constantly improved on lighting the road ahead, using advanced technologies as they have become available.

From candle lamps over 100 years ago to bulbs and then to LED headlamps, illuminating the road ahead has become better through the decades, contributing to reduced accidents at night. Intelligent lighting technology enables the brightness to be maximized when there are no vehicles approaching but automatically lower the beams (or even selectively adjust their shape) so as not to dazzle other drivers.

Expensive technology trickling down
A more advanced technology that is slowly used in cars is night vision. You’ve probably seen night vision technology in action in movies as soldiers use them, giving them the capability to see at night and spot the enemy. Reconnaissance aircraft also have night vision cameras to capture imagery at night. The same type of technology has been used in a few car models at the higher end but because of the cost, it has been slow to trickle down.

Now, with the latest Grandland SUV by Opel, night vision appears to be coming to midrange models which is good news for motorists. No, drivers will not have to wear googles like the solders do as the system uses a camera to scan the road ahead with infrared beams. If living objects are detected, the driver will see on the instrument panel an image ahead that identifies the position of people or animals.

Detecting heat with infrared camera
Like the adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light installed in the SUV, the camera-based Night Vision system can help Grandland drivers spot people and animals crucial moments earlier. The infrared camera, which detects heat, is concealed in the Opel Vizor (the name given to the company’s frontal design) which also integrates the advanced LED headlamps with 84 elements per unit.

The IntelliLux LED Pixel Light provides a seamless adaptation of the light beam according to the driving situation and surroundings. The matrix function precisely cuts out oncoming traffic in milliseconds, while the other areas remain fully illuminated with main beam.

With the Night Vision system, there is improved coverage on darker roads, especially along the sides where people, cyclists and animals might be. Shadows my not make them so visible so the Night Vision is valuable to detect them and it can scan up to 100 metres ahead. The camera analyses temperatures and the difference from the surroundings will trigger an alert.

When people, who have wamr bodies, are detected by the camera, their precise position is shown on a display in the instrument panel.

As soon as the camera detects the pedestrian, cyclist or animal at the side of the road, it shows their position in the 12-inch Driver Info Centre that is within the digital Pure Panel cockpit. The person or animal ahead of the vehicle is highlighted in colour, clearly distinguished from the surroundings. Being alerted earlier and knowing exactly where the person or animal is could make a crucial difference to avoid an accident. The driver might adjust his speed or move further away from the side or even take evasive action if necessary.

Useful anywhere there are dark roads
While the main aim of developing the system was to increase safety during the winter months when lighting conditions are lower, the Night Vision system would also be valuable anywhere else. In Malaysia, there are many roads in rural areas that are not well lit, and such a system would help the driver to spot others on the road more easily.

As with many other safety systems, the cost of a Night Vision system will eventually become low enough that it could be offered even in entry-level models. We’ve seen this happening with active safety systems like ABS, airbags, electronic stability control and automatic emergency braking which began in more expensive models years earlier.

Opel Grandland

When Aston Martin introduced the DBX in November 2019, it was presented as a superlative product… the brand’s first SUV with sportscar performance. Now comes a flagship model, the DBX707, which the company has declared to be ‘an SUV like no other’. Taking the V8 DBX’s design, dynamics and character as its starting point, the DBX707 enhances those sporting attributes.

Starting with the powertrain, Aston Martin’s engineering team has extracted the full potential of the DBX’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant. Engineered for the DBX707, the engine now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque.

2022 Aston Martin DBX707

Also new is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission that has been designed to handle the much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic. In the case of the new engine, the numbers are 707 ps and 900 Nm, increases of 157 ps and 200 Nm over the DBX (V8).

The adoption of the new transmission brings further benefits as well. The shifts are faster and the driver will feel more immediate and direct response. According to Aston Martin, launch capability is also improved, which enables the DBX707 to go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds.

2022 Aston Martin DBX707

Boosting performance so significantly requires other areas to also be beefed up, particularly stopping power. To provide this, the DBX707 has standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB). Measuring 420 mm in front and 390 mm at the rear, the CCB discs are gripped by 6-piston calipers and result in a 40.5 kg reduction in unsprung weight.

Revisions to the brake system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.

2022 Aston Martin DBX707

There’s also a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the maximum output of torque, it is fitted with a revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This helps to give stronger response in the lower gears as well as enhances in-gear response. However, there is still the efficiency and cruising refinement offered by the 9-speed transmission.

Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the e-diff ensures the DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic character of a sportscar.

Key to the superior handling is the air suspension system which has the same basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 but gains a dedicated chassis tune. New damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching has improved body control and steering response. The electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering feel, with greater effort build-up off centre to help the driver build a clearer picture of increasing cornering loads and available grip.

2022 Aston Martin DBX707

A thorough design makeover differentiates the DBX707 from the DBX V8. There is newfront-end treatment with a larger grille and all-new design of the DRLs. Also new are the air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter profile. The enlarged grille has double vanes, with the 6 horizontal bars now split to create more visual interest and make this flagship model immediately identifiable.

At the rear end, a new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and increase high speed stability, with a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system. Finished in satin black to complement the gloss black treatment of the diffuser, this new exhaust has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature.

2022 Aston Martin DBX707

“Right from its first introduction, the DBX has represented Aston Martin’s dynamic and design values in a way that proves not all SUVs have to conform to the same compromises. With the DBX707, we have pushed the boundaries in every area to create a car which sets new standards of performance and desirability. The fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind, it propels Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance,” said Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers.

2022 Aston Martin DBX707

Daimler AG has changed its name again after 13 years (it was DaimlerChrysler before) and will now be known as the Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Following the successful stock market debut of Daimler Truck, the group’s renewed focus on the automotive business is being underlined with a new name that has a history dating back to 1926. That was when the predecessor companies of Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler were merged as a single entity.

Prior to that merger, the two pioneers had already been well known for many auto-related inventions and together, they developed and introduced many more that would revolutionize the auto industry as it rapidly progressed.

“The renaming to Mercedes-Benz Group AG underlines our renewed strategic focus. In doing so, we want to make clear where we see the core of our company – building the most desirable cars in the world. The Mercedes star has always been a promise for the future: Changing the present in order to improve it. We want to continue this legacy of our founders by taking the lead in electric mobility and vehicle software,” said Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of the new Mercedes-Benz Group AG. He was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG in May 2019.

Daimler Truck is now a separate and independent group which focuses on commercial vehicles.

Parallel to the renaming of Daimler AG, Daimler Mobility AG is also adapting its brand. Under the name Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, the company offers mobility services for passenger cars and vans in the areas of financing, leasing and insurance. This division enables Mercedes-Benz customers to use their vehicles flexibly via rental and subscription models, fleet management and digital services for charging and payment.

With the renaming of Daimler, the company completes its historic realignment that began last year and has been approved by the shareholders with an overwhelming majority. In December, Daimler Truck Holding AG was launched as an independent company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Following the realignment of the original Daimler Group, Mercedes-Benz Group still holds a minority stake of 35% in Daimler Truck Holding AG, of this, around 5% are held in its pension assets.

As the Mercedes-Benz Group, the focus will now be fully on passenger vehicles as well as small vans.

The new Mercedes-Benz Group will thus fully concentrate on its passenger car brands Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ as well as vans. As a more focused manufacturer with the most valuable luxury automotive brand in the world, the group will be able to fully develop its economic potential in the future and better exploit its competitive strengths.

Two years ago, at the Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in Stockholm, Sweden, participants from 140 countries (including Malaysia) agreed to no less than 18 resolutions linking road safety to sustainable development with a key aim of halving the number of traffic deaths by 2030.

The ‘Stockholm Declaration’, as it came to be known, reflects the resolve of UN members to apply speed management as a key road safety intervention. The main element of this is to strengthen law enforcement to prevent speeding and set a maximum road travel speed of 30 km/h as appropriate in areas where vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists) and motorized vehicles mix.

30 km/h, a lower speed than the typical 50 km/h that has been applied, has been chosen based on studies from recent decades in cities such as Graz (Austria), London (Great Britain), New York (USA) and Toronto (Canada) which indicated that limits set at that speed in certain zones has reductions – often significant – in road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths. Evidence shows that 30 km/h streets where people mix with traffic not only save lives, but also promote walking, cycling and a move towards zero-carbon mobility. Today, more cities around the world have established 30 km/h zones and many lives have been saved.

“Many decades ago, the world was at a crossroads: a transport system centered around the private motor vehicle versus one which maintained a share of the road for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport. We are again at a crossroads. I call on all policy-makers to work with national and local authorities to reduce urban speed limits to 30 km/h, as a step towards giving streets back to people and ensuring those streets are protective of health and the environment. Low-speed streets – the heart of every community – are streets for life,” said Etienne Krug, Director, Department of Social Determinants of Health at the World Health Organization.

In Malaysia, perhaps due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of 30 km/h zones had not gained a lot of attention earlier although MIROS had said it was preparing a proposal for the relevant authorities last May. It gained more attention this month when the Transport Minister mentioned it and said that his ministry would discuss the speed limit with various stakeholders.

As in other countries where the lower limit has been introduced, there will be some who are not agreeable to the idea although if it will save lives, why not? According to the minister, excessive speed is not the only factor that causes accidents and this is where MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety), which has volumes of data, has made a case for 30 km/h.

The proposed speed limit is not a ‘blanket’ speed limit and will be applied in areas that are identified as having a lot of mixing between pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles. The highways would not be subject to such a limit for obvious reasons but in residential areas and city centres, it would make a lot of sense to have motor vehicles travel slowly.

There are however some arguments where a lower speed can be counter-productive in other respects. Congestion might occur and in Singapore, speed limits were raised on a few roads because they found that the flow could be more efficient if the vehicles travelled 10 km/h faster. In Malaysia, though, our city roads are so congested that there is a ‘natural’ speed limit already working and it doesn’t even need enforcement!

There is also another danger in making motorists drive too slowly and that is a possible reduction in concentration. As their speed drops, they may feel that it is so slow that they can’t get into trouble and start to look around – and miss seeing a pedestrian crossing the road. Higher speeds usually make people give more attention to their driving as they realize that one mistake and they could go off the road. But as with many things, humans can also adapt and in time, a later generation of motorists will come to be used to lower speeds.

Motorists should also not forget that a 30 km/h speed limit is also for them and not just for ‘others’. There will be occasions when they too walk along roads, whether in their own neighbourhood with their children or in the city on the way to a meeting after parking. They may also have family members who walk more than use a car, so their safety should also be considered.

In a perfect world, we would not need speed limits because everyone would be sensible enough to drive at a speed that is safe for themselves and when there are pedestrians, safe for those other road-users. We wouldn’t have many accidents – and we should have even less with all the advanced safety systems today. Unfortunately, there are too many motorists who do not use common sense and who are irresponsible, so speed limits have been necessary, backed by laws that punish those who break them.

You’ve probably heard of NFTs or Non-Fungible Tokens lately as there seems to be a surge in trading NFTs. Actually, they are not something new and go back at least 5 years when CryptoKitties, a collection of artistic images representing virtual cats were traded. But it was only in 2020 that NFTs grew in popularity and caught on in the art world.

So what are NFTs? They are unique identifiers recorded on a distributed ledger known as Blockchain and tied to a digital asset. Such assets can be pictures, videos, music, or other records (even vehicle VIN numbers). The important qualifier is that each token must be unique. It must be the only one of its type in the universe and owners are able to guarantee asset authenticity, scarcity, programmability and trackability over the internet.

Lamborghini NFT 2022

Auctioning Lamborghini NFTs
Recently, Lamborghini also got into the NFT thing and, together with NFT PRO and RM Sotheby’s, will receive bids on the five pairs of physical and digital artworks by the renowned artist Fabian Oefner. Each auction will last for 75 hours and 50 minutes, the exact time it took Apollo 11 to leave Earth and enter the moon’s orbit – but that’s not the only reference to human space exploration.

The physical artwork, known as the Space Key, contains carbonfibre pieces that Lamborghini sent to the International Space Station back in 2020, as a part of a joint research project. Engraved with a unique QR code, these carbonfibre parts link the digital element – a series of 5 photographs of a Lamborghini Ultimae, lifting off toward the stars.

Lamborghini NFT 2022

A complex composition
The images depict 5 separate moments within seconds from each other as the car rises above the earth. Its parts, the engine, the transmission, the suspension and hundreds of nuts and bolts are shooting away from the chassis like the exhaust flame of a rocket.

What may look like a computer-generated image is in fact entirely created from elements of the real world: the artist captured more than 1,500 individual parts of a real car. The photograph of the earth`s curvature was made by sending a weather balloon equipped with a camera to the edge of the stratosphere. The artist then carefully assembled all of these images into an artificial moment in time.

Lamborghini NFT 2022

600-million pixel resolution
Each of the five NFTs has more than 600 million pixels. As one starts to zoom in, hidden details of these hyper realistic photographs are revealed. The resolution is so enormous that you can read tiny markings on the firing order of the V12 engine or marvel at the different milling patterns on the transmission cog wheels. The longer you look at the composition, the more secrets you discover…

“For me, ‘Space Time Memory’ is an analogy to the memories we make in life. Memories are rooted in the physical world; we make them in reality. We then store them in our brains, what could be considered the digital world. I often wonder, what is more precious to me, the actual moment or the memory of that moment? Analog to that, I wonder with the ever-increasing amount of digital realities around us, what is more precious, reality itself or the copies and derivatives of it, that exist in the digital universe,” explained Oefner on the idea behind his creation.

Lamborghini NFT 2022

At the start of the project, Oefner meticulously studied the engineering plans of the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and created an accurate sketch of what the final photograph will look like. Based on that sketch, Lamborghini prepared all the necessary parts and components of a production ready Ultimae. The pieces were then photographed by Oefner and his team in a makeshift photo studio right next to the production line at the Lamborghini factory.

Upon returning to his studio in the USA, he combined the countless images into the composition envisioned in the sketch. It took Oefner and his team more than 2 months to create a moment and it  is shorter than the blink of an eye.

Lamborghini NFT 2022

In America, they call MPVs ‘minivans’ and in fact, that’s where these people-carriers started. In the mid-1980s, Chrysler came come out with a vehicle that could carry more people than a stationwagon and had the spaciousness of a van. It was actually an idea that Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich came up with when they were in Ford but Henry Ford II didn’t like the concept and then later fired both of them (for other reasons). Both men moved to Chrysler where they continued the project and introduced a new market segment that was so successful that it saved Chrysler from collapse.

Elsewhere in the world, the minivan idea caught the attention of other carmakers but they called it a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which emphasized its versatility in carrying people and cargo. MPVs quickly became a new segment, joining sedans, coupes, liftbacks, hatchbacks and stationwagons. They came in various sizes, big and small, just as with the SUVs that started appearing in the following decade.

2022 Kia Carnival

Kia came out with its first MPVs in the late 1990s, a small one called the Carens and a big one called the Carnival. Both were popular in many markets and the Carnival was even adapted by Naza and sold as the Ria under its own brand in the 2000s. Although SUVs have since gained dominance in the company’s product lines, MPVs still have a place and the effort put into styling the Carnival’s fourth generation is no less than for the other models. In fact, Kia is even trying to reposition it higher up by referring to it as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ (GUV?).

Large MPV with SUV style
The dimensions of the new Korean MPV give it an imposing presence on the road – slightly more than 5 metres in length and 2 metres wide. However, it’s not as tall as other MPVs and the styling is SUV-like with an upscale appearance. There is yet another interpretation of the ‘Tiger nose’, a familiar signature element in Kia models for some 15 years, which spans the whole width of the front end.

2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival

The detail is impressive with the integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, having a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The new Kia brand logo is also seen for the first time on a model in Malaysia, affixed to the bonnet and the rear door.

A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A and B-pillars beneath a body-coloured roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of the SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.

2022 Kia Carnival

The monolithic form is also aerodynamically efficient and little details along the sides keep airflow smooth for less drag. The underside is also largely closed off so air rushing through underneath does not become turbulent as it encounters openings in the floorpan.

The new body sits on a new midsize Hyundai Motor Group platform that has a longer wheelbase of 3090 mm and the structure has had a lot of engineering improvements to strengthen rigidity. There’s expanded use of hot-stamped parts as well as ultra high-tensile steel and cold-rolled steel.

Progression towards a more premium image
Like the exterior, the inside of the Carnival shows another progression towards a more premium image. The finishing is impressive and the materials have a high-class feel and look. Some new models have gone fully digital and touchscreen for everything and it is not always practical. In the case of the Carnival, the interior designers provide different adjusting methods that are more sensible.

2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival

For example, a rocker switch is used for temperature adjustment (individual for left and right sides) which is a lot better than a touchscreen which you need to look and pinpoint your finger on – not so good while driving. For the blower speed and switching between recirculating and fresh air mode, there are pushbuttons and for tuning the radio, a rotary knob is used.

2022 Kia Carnival

The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the command centre for the infotainment system where you might need to just touch an icon once to activate an app. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can easily be connected and the popular apps operated from the display.

The 11-seater cabin
The lengthened wheelbase means a more spacious interior and there’s space for up to 11-persons in the massive cabin. That ‘11-seater’ is mentioned gives it an image of being a minibus though it is far from that! The 4-row/11-seat layout is available when really needed but it is likely that the Carnival will be used as a 7-seater at most with the fourth row folded into the floor. For smaller groups, it can even be configured with four individual rear seats (generously-sized) and a passage between them which can be filled by a table that appears when the middle seats are folded.

2022 Kia Carnival
The centre row can be folded sideways to create a walk-thru aisle to the rear when there are four or more rear passengers, and when the middle seat is folded down, the back of the seat can be turned into a table with cupholders (below).

2022 Kia Carnival

Each seat has 3-point seatbelts and the air-conditioning is well designed to ensure that the last row gets cool air as well. A separate control unit is provided for the rear occupants to adjust their environment for a more comfortable journey.

The Carnival comes with two side doors which are motorized and are ‘smart’ because they can open automatically when you stand next to them (or you can press the key fob button) . To avoid accidents when getting out, the sensors that are used for the blind spot detection are also used to detect vehicles approaching. If a vehicle detected and the door is about to be opened, its operation will be stopped. This is a great safety feature, especially for those with kids who may be eager to rush out when the vehicle is stopped.

2022 Kia Carnival
When 11 seating spaces are not needed, the fourth row can be folded flat and out of sight (below).

2022 Kia Carnival

The back door also has the smart sensing feature which opens it automatically upon approach. While it is certainly a convenient feature, it might not be practical in certain situations. For example, if you are parked near a wall and the door starts to open by itself (when you are nearby), the door may hit the wall or worse, trap you against it! Perhaps the system should detect if there is a wall and deactivate the automatic opening. Or better still, just deactivate the feature in the settings and use the button on the key fob.

Both the front seats have 8-way power adjustment with the driver’s seat having lumbar adjustment as well. The seating position is such that the driver can have a commanding position which is important given the size of the Carnival. In fact, on our drive, we had a rather small-sized person who was not intimidated at all by the vehicle’s size and found easy to drive.

2022 Kia Carnival

Individual safety systems
The latest Carnival comes with a long list of active safety systems but it doesn’t have a suite with a fancy sounding name like many of the new models introduced lately. Besides the airbags at the front, all the side windows have curtain bags which will deploy if the vehicle is hit from the side and by covering the openings, there is reduced risk of someone being ejected if the accident is a violent one.

2022 Kia Carnival
The Surround View Monitor makes it easy to park the large Carnival and the simulated overhead view is detailed enough to help position the vehicle properly in a bay.

An interesting safety system is Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCBC) which reduces the severity of a secondary impact if it occurs after a collision. This can happen after the vehicle is hit and the driver may no longer be in control. When activated, the system measures vehicle speed and any changes of direction, applying the appropriate level of braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop. It may also use the electronic stability control system in some cases but will not activate if the speed is very high as automatic brake intervention at high speeds could cause undesirable vehicle reactions.

Driving impressions
The Carnival imported to Malaysia (and which will be assembled locally in future) comes with only a turbodiesel engine that runs on Euro5 (B7) fuel. This is the new 2.2-litre Smartstream unit that has an aluminium block which saves 38 kgs compared to the previous engine with a cast iron block. It generates 199 bhp with maximum torque of 440 Nm available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The strong low-end torque at the front wheels will be appreciated when the 2,000-kg MPV moves off.

2022 Kia Carnival

Kia has fitted a conventional torque converter automatic transmission and it has a good choice of 8 ratios well matched to the relaxed engine’s characteristics. A rotary knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is used for selecting the main operating modes with a PARK button in the middle. The driver can choose drive modes for more acceleration or better economy but we found that the default mode is a good balance and there was no real need to use the other modes.

On the move, the size of the Carnival becomes less apparent the longer you drive it. Thanks to the nicely-weighted motor-assisted steering, the vehicle is easy to maneuver and it doesn’t wallow in corners either. The size and weight became advantageous on highways where there is good stability and the vehicle sits firmly on the road at high speeds. The long wheelbase also smoothens the ride quality although those in the rearmost row will tend to feel bumps a bit more noticeably.

2022 Kia Carnival

For now, the Carnival imported in completely built-up form from Korea is priced at RM196,340.80 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration). You have a choice of 6 colours, and Dinamikjaya, the new distributor, offers a 5-year vehicle/100,000 km warranty and during the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms), scheduled maintenance will be free.

It’s no secret that the Carnival will be assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah later this year. And the assembly operations will be managed by Kia Malaysia, which Kia Motors has majority share in. Naturally, when assembled locally, the price will be lower and if Dinamikjaya can maintain a similar level of equipment and features, the Carnival should be a worthwhile buy for those wanting a large MPV. As we said earlier, don’t let the ’11-seater’ description be a turn-off as the extra seats can be out of sight (though not removed).

2022 Kia Carnival

The Highway Code that provides information and guidance for road-users in Great Britain was first published in 1931. Prepared by the British Department of Transport, it has been regularly updated as times have changed and so has the auto industry. While much of the Highway Code is to advise road-users, some items are also legal requirements.

Yesterday saw a major update to the Highway Code coming into force in England, Scotland and Wales with 9 sections updated, incorporating 50 new or amended rules.

The most significant guidance introduces a hierarchy of the types of road-users which aims to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected. Before, it was simply understood that ‘the bigger vehicle has a greater responsibility to ensure the safety of the smaller vehicle or road-user’.

Now, the updated Highway Code is more detailed and the hierarchy is based on the group likely to cause most harm in the event of a collision. Thus, the driver of a car would have to give priority to the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, while cyclists must ensure the safety of pedestrians who are near them. This is obviously common sense but now it is properly documented and while there are no specific penalties, accidents will be dealt with in accordance with prevailing laws.

The hierarchy in the Highway Code is not biased towards any group and basically emphasises responsibility to look out for other road-users. Especially in shared spaces, more advice is given where cyclists should not overtake people walking but at the same time, pedestrians should also not obstruct paths. Cyclists are permitted to cycle two abreast but are advised to be considerate to other road-users when in groups.

Motorised vehicle drivers are required to take extra care when approaching a roundabout, with priority given to cyclists. In fact, it appears that cyclists are better protected and this is perhaps in view of their growing number on roads. However, the Highway Code also advises cyclists to ensure they are as visible as possible and they are allowed to ride in the centre of lanes on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions.

There is also new guidance on overtaking cyclists: at speeds of up to 50 km/h, there should be a gap of at least 1.5 metres and should the speed be higher, then the gap should be greater. When cyclists are heading straight ahead at a junction, they can have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.

Those who have been to Britain will know that motorists are very respectful of pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings, unlike Malaysia where  pedestrians sometimes have to take risks because cars will not bother to stop. In Britain, cars will stop when a pedestrian steps onto the crossing  or even puts a foot out to indicate the intention. Now the update asks motorists to come to a stop if they see a pedestrian waiting to cross.

The ‘Dutch Reach’ which advises occupants of a car to use their opposite hand to open the door so that their body will be turned around and they will be able to notice any approaching cyclist or motorcyclist.

An interesting new guidance is about opening doors. This is to reduce the chance of the door opening as a cyclist or motorcyclist approaches. The occupant is advised to do what is known as the ‘Dutch reach’ where they use the hand further away from the door to open the door. This means that the driver (in the right seat) should use his or her left hand to open the door, instead of the right hand which most people would use. This would force the driver to turn their body around more and put them in a position to notice other road-users approaching.

And as evidence of how the Highway Code evolves with changes in the auto industry, motorists using electric vehicles are advised to park closely to the public charging stations so that the cables do not cause pedestrians to trip.

With the number of electric vehicles to increase in coming years, the Highway Code is already advising owners of such vehicles to ensure that the charging cables do not make pedestrians trip.

Malaysia too has had a Highway Code for decades and it is the basis of the exam (now computerised) for those who take tests for their driving licence. It has at least been updated a bit since it does not contain hand signals for drivers which was in the Highway Code older drivers referred to.

 

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