Hyundai will launch its first all-electric high-performance model in 2023. This will be based on the IONIQ 5 and is currently being developed by the carmaker’s N high-performance division. For the development work, the engineers are using two high-performance concept cars — the RN22e and N Vision 74 – as ‘rolling laboratories’.
Hyundai Motor’s ‘rolling labs’ are where it tests and verifies the company’s advanced technologies to apply them to future production models. In this case, a lot of work is being done on electrification and how to provide models with the type of performance the N brand is known for.
Adapt from IONIQ 6
The RN22e, which possesses track-ready performance, uses the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP and a design based on the IONIQ 6 Electric Streamliner. As Hyundai N’s first rolling lab based on the E-GMP, the RN22e shows the N brand’s vision and direction in an electrified future. The concept received its designation because it is the rolling lab of N brand developed in 2022 and is an EV performance.
Testing of the RN22e focusses on the brand’s three performance pillars. These start with ‘corner rascal’, a cornering capability since the brand launch that makes use of e-LSD, Corner Carving Differential for most N models. The RN22e enhances the ‘corner carving’ feel with heavier weighting by exploiting torque vectoring. 3D-printed parts reduce weight and keep the rigidity high for better handling. With AWD, there is optimized torque distribution whatever the drive mode and the driver can customise the amount of torque going to the front and rear wheels.
Enhancing racetrack capability
To enhance the RN22e’s racetrack capability, the N engineers focused on cooling and braking endurance. Track-optimized settings let drivers go to the limit with 4-piston monobloc calipers and 400-mm hybrid discs to ensure plenty of stopping power is available. In addition, the engineers will use the RN22e to study how to deliver dynamic movement with regenerative braking that can precisely controls yaw and corner attack. Once verified, the new state-of-the-art technologies can be transferred to N production models.
Hyundai N Sound+
Sound is also part of the emotional driving experience – but electrified models don’t have the type of sound that excites enthusiasts. So the RN22e has N Sound+ which generates sound from speakers inside and outside the car. In addition, the N e-shift integrates the vibration and shifting feel with N Sound+.
By adapting the IONIQ 6’s streamliner design, the RN22e will leverage on the new EV’s aerodynamic features. In order to maximize the performance, Hyundai N added motorsport-inspired details that add visual dynamism and also improve cooling performance and aerodynamics.
Just a few months after its global debut, the Ferrari 296 GTS – the ‘topless’ version of the 296 GTB – is in Malaysia, with its Southeast Asian premiere held at the Sepang International Circuit recently. Apart from the allure of being a berlinetta spider, this is the first ever Ferrari spider with a rear-wheel drive-only PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) architecture in which the engine is integrated with a rear-mounted electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain is derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 racing cars and another example of racing technology being transferred to road cars.
Plug-in hybrid powertrain
The 296 GTS uses the new 663 ps 120° 2992 cc V6 coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering a further 167 ps, the same unit found in the 296 GTB. With the additional power generated by the electric motor, total system output from the powertrain is 830 ps/740 Nm, of which 165 ps comes from the electric motor. This allows it to achieve a new specific power output record for a production car of 221 ps/litre.
Hybrid powertrain technology used in Ferrari’s Formula 1 racing cars has been brought to the 296 road car.
The powertrain assembly comprises the engine that powers the rear wheels via the 8-speed DCT and E-Diff, and the MGU-K located between the engine and the gearbox. A clutch is set between the engine and the electric motor to decouple them when in electric-only eDrive mode.
Sound-wise, the V6 engine rewrites the rulebook by harmoniously combining two characteristics that are normally diametrically opposed: the force of the turbos and the harmony of the high-frequency notes of a naturally-aspirated V12. Even at low revs, inside the cabin, the soundtrack features the pure V12 orders of harmonics; at higher revs, there is that typical high-frequency treble. This Ferrari’s soundtrack matches its performance, creating a sense of unprecedented involvement even with the top down.
Power with efficiency
Being a PHEV gives the 296 GTS the best of both worlds – lighting quick performance and also zero emissions motoring which can be up to 25 kms in all-electric eDrive mode. As was the case with the SF90 Stradale, customers who want to take the car further, especially on the track, can specify the Assetto Fiorano package which includes lightweight features and aero modifications.
The innovative top
With the RHT (retractable hard top) in use, the silhouette remains very similar to that of the 296 GTB. When it is stowed away, a sleek, sporty design is created. The lightweight RHT takes 14 seconds to retract or deploy at speeds of up to 45 km/h.
The need to stow the RHT inside the engine compartment required the creation of a new tonneau cover design. As a result, the folding roof splits into two sections that fold flush over the front of the engine, thus maintaining the engine bay’s thermal dissipation characteristics and the balance of the overall design. This also allowed the designers to introduce a window in the rear section of the engine cover through which the new V6 is clearly visible.
When the top is retracted, the cabin and the rear deck are separated by a height-adjustable glass rear screen which guarantees optimal passenger comfort even at high speeds. The separation line between the car’s body and the roof is above the B post.
Redesigning the 296 GTS’s engine bay to seamlessly integrate the RHT means that the engine has the same rich tone and intensity as the 296 GTB when the roof is up. The exhaust resonator system (Hot-Tube) has been optimised for the new cockpit geometry. The dropping of the top creates a direct, completely unobstructed connection between the cockpit and the sound produced by the single tailpipe exhaust line.
Radical aerodynamic solutions
The 296 GTS adopts several radical and innovative solutions in aerodynamics. The aero choices have turned the active aero paradigm, introduced from the 458 Speciale onwards, on its head. On the 296 GTS, an active device is being used not to manage drag but to generate extra downforce. The LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTS to generate a high level of rear downforce when required – up to a maximum of 360 kgs at 250 km/h.
The aero development work done on the 296 GTS means that even in low-drag configuration, the car can deliver more downforce than previous applications. In high-downforce configuration, there is an additional 100 kgs in downforce, thanks to the active spoiler.
The brake cooling system was developed around the Aero calipers that debuted on the SF90 Stradale, with ventilation ducts integrated into their castings. This cooling concept requires a dedicated duct to correctly channel cool air coming in through the air intakes on the front bumper through the wheelarch. In the case of the 296 GTS, the intake has been integrated into the headlight design.
This made it possible to push the design of the car’s underbody to new extremes, increasing the cooling capacity of the underbody without having to adopt any active front aero mechanisms. The signature aerodynamic element at the front of the 296 GTS is the ‘tea-tray’, a concept widely applied to single-seater racing cars. The rear surface of the bumper works in synergy with the upper surface of the tea tray to create a high overpressure field, which counteracts the depression field that characterises the underbody.
High levels of driver engagement
The car’s dynamic development focused around boosting pure performance and delivering class-leading levels of driver engagement. The targets were achieved by honing the architecture and keeping all the main vehicle components as compact as possible, as well as managing energy flows and their integration with the car’s vehicle dynamic controls.
The 296 GTB’s chassis was redesigned and optimised to improve torsional rigidity and bending stiffness compared to previous spider applications. From a chassis perspective, at 2600mm, the wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than previous Ferrari mid-rear-engined berlinettas to the benefit of the car’s dynamic agility. Other solutions that enhance the car’s handling and performance include the brake-by-wire system, the ‘Aero’ brake callipers, electric power steering, the rear active aero device and SCM-Frs magnetorheological dampers.
Meticulous attention was paid to reducing weight to ensure the car’s balance and delicacy of handling. The added weight of the hybrid system was offset by a number of different solutions, including the new V6 which weighs 30 kgs less than the V8 unit used on previous berlinettas.
Digital interface for cockpit
The 296 GTS’s cockpit was developed around the new concept of an entirely digital interface. This interior layout draws on the latter’s stylistic coherence for its forms. While with the SF90 Stradale the designers wanted to highlight the presence of the advanced technology and underscore a clear break with the past, in the case of the 296 GTS, the idea was to clothe that technology to sophisticated effect.
The cabin has the concept of the formal purity of the functional elements. When the engine is off, the onboard instruments go black, underscoring the minimalist look of the cabin. Exclusive Italian leather trim to the seats and trim is further enhanced by the noble technical materials used on the functional components. Aerodynamic flaps have been integrated into the rear trim structure to reduce buffeting and increase comfort in open-top driving.
The sculptural door panel is a seamless continuation of the dashboard in terms of both materials and colour. On the central medallion, the styling cue is a deep lozenge-shaped scoop, a three-dimensional element. This type of architecture makes the entire door panel look extremely light and integrates the theme that connects it to the rear trim.
“The convertible version of Ferrari’s first 6-cylinder road-going car takes driving thrills to new heights. Subtly restyled to accommodate the open top, the Ferrari 296 GTS adds a sense of freedom to the fun of every journey. At the wheel of the 296 GTS, you get to enjoy the result of Ferrari’s exploration into electric technology and also have the ability to make the most of the weather and your mood, maximising driving pleasure,” said Damien Woo, General Manager, Ferrari Malaysia, Naza Italia Sdn Bhd.
With Ferrari’s 7-Year Genuine Maintenance programme, the 296 GTS is priced from RM1,448,000 (before duties, customization options, taxes and insurance) from Ferrari Malaysia.
These days, there’s a new electric vehicle (sometimes even more than one) being launched or previewed every month and the technical aspects sound pretty much the same. The technologies to are generally similar with each company having some advancements of its own to shout about.
So with the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai Motor seems to skirt the technical parts and instead draws attention to the inside of the first sedan in its EV sub-brand. The interior of the ‘Electrified Streamliner’ is developed to serve as a comfortable and personalized ‘hideaway’, providing a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and their passengers.
“IONIQ 6 is designed and engineered to seamlessly enhance our daily lives as space to awaken your potential,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice-President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division, Hyundai Motor Company. “The innovative interior is meticulously thought out as a cocoon-like personal space, enhanced with the latest technologies to create a safe, fun, and stress-free driving experience. The spacious interior, with sustainability and usability at its heart, once again represents a step forward for electric vehicles, in line with the values of our customers.”
The cabin takes advantage of the E-GMP (the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform) which allows an extremely long 2950 mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 20-inch or 18-inch wheels. The E-GMP supports a streamlined body with an overall length of 4855 mm, 1880 mm width and 1495 mm height, which puts it in the D-segment.
A modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience that can be customized to meet their needs. The infotainment system provides real-time travel radius mapping based on the current state of charge, while connected car services help search and plan the best route to include a charging station along the way.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring favourite smartphone apps to the widescreen display. For those without compatible smartphones, there’s also Bluetooth multi-connection support available. Two devices can be paired at the same time — one for phone calls and one for music streaming.
The premium Bose sound system’s 8 speakers, including a subwoofer, are strategically placed throughout the vehicle for a high-quality listening experience. Complementing this is a ‘spaceship-like’ sound with a sound texture that changes based on the vehicle’s driving status. How this will be received by the occupants of the car remains to be seen. Perhaps the new generation of car-buyers brought up in the digital age will appreciate such sounds!
The optional Relaxation Comfort Seats in the first row promote leisure by simply adjusting the seat angle. In addition, all of its seats are specifically-manufactured for all-electric models, and they are approximately 30% thinner than those in other conventional models, providing more space for passengers.
Dual Colour Ambient Lighting allows a driver to customize the look and feel of the interior space by selecting from a spectrum of 64 colours and 6 pre-selected themes. The Speed Sync Lighting mode adds emotion to the driving experience by changing the brightness of the interior lighting in the first row based on the car’s travelling speed.
The IONIQ 6’s personalized driving experience is further enhanced by the EV Performance Tune-up system. This allows the driver to freely adjust steering effort, motor power, accelerator pedal sensitivity and driveline mode. Drivers can create a variety of different combinations with just a few button clicks to meet their individual needs.
Of course, we still need to tell you something about the technical aspects and here, the powertrains are varied. Customers can choose a long-range 77.4-kWh battery with 2 electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line dual motor set-up is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 325 ps/605 Nm, with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h of 5.1 seconds.
Hyundai Motor claims an impressive energy consumption rate of under 14 kWh/100 kms, with the 53-kWh standard battery pack, 18-inch tyres and RWD. It supports 400V and 800V charging infrastructures and with a 350 kW charger, the recharging time from 10% to 80 percent is said to be within 18 minutes. A fully charged battery pack should be good for over 610 kms.
The IONIQ 6, like the IONIQ 5, is also able to function as a mobile power station to charge electric devices. This would be ideal not only for camping but also when there is a disruption to power supply. In addition to the external power outlet, there is a second outlet under the back row seat which can be used for charging laptops, phones and other devices.
This EV Is Hyundai Motor’s first model to offer the Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates for various controllers. This allows owners to upgrade the car’s controllers for electric devices, autonomous driving, battery, maps (and more) without having to go to a service centre. As such, the systems will be kept up to date and optimised.
In the Korean market, the IONIQ 6 is priced between 55 million – 65 million won (about RM185,000 – RM218.000). Production is to begin production in the third quarter of 2022. Sales are expected to begin before the end of the year with exports to selected markets starting in early 2023.
New Honda models almost always grab a lot of attention and the interest shown by the public actually translates into strong sales that remain constantly high. The HR-V is one such example; even from the time before the first generation was officially launched in Malaysia, it already drew crowds wherever it was displayed. And when it finally arrived in showrooms, even more orders flooded in and placed the crossover SUV in a leadership position in its segment.
After putting around 111,000 units on the road in 7½ years, it’s now time for a new generation and again, there has been the same strong interest that the first generation had. Prior to the launch today, one unit was sent around the country for exclusive previews at selected showrooms and drew a lot of potential customers.
Bookings were accepted from June 9 and with the sales tax exemption set to expire at the end of the month, many did not want to miss the opportunity to save money so they made their bookings right away. By today, Honda Malaysia has received more than 20,000 orders – more than 12 times the monthly sale target the company has set. As such, the waiting period will stretch to at least 12 months!
It’s been a while since a Honda model has had such a long waiting period, the last one in memory being the Accord back in the 1980s. However, the company is uncertain of the actual number that will be taken because there may be cancellations so it can only get an idea of the real demand after the July numbers are reviewed. Those who did book before June 30 will be entitled to the sales tax exemption and save money but for those who do want to get one, the following are the retail prices:
With the success of the first generation, coming up with the next generation must have proved to be a challenge. While maintaining the profile with a coupe-like fastback, the designers took the opportunity to use this generation change to also start introducing a new design language which is a total departure from the previous ‘wing’ theme.
The front appearance is bolder with a new and dominating grille design. As it is a big visual change, some may like it and some may not. But lack of enthusiasm for the new look is likely to fade away in time as it becomes more familiar. It is often the case that there are some designs which are not so well received when a new model is launched but eventually, the negative views diminish. In fact, a designer once said that he would be worried if a new design generated too much excitement at the start because there was a danger it could also become dated quickly. He preferred designs to ‘mature’ and gradually become more accepted amd appreciated over time.
New exterior features include front LED Sequential Turn Signals (the signals ‘move’ as the illuminate), and a full-width LED Taillight Strip which adds a visual signature visible from a distance. Other key exterior features include new LED headlights with DRLs, LED foglights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Sizewise, the new HR-V measures 4385 mm in length, which is 39 mm longer than its predecessor. The 1790 mm width is similar to the previous RS version, while the roof is 15 mm closer to the road so the profile is more low-slung. The contemporary, uncluttered form has a crisp horizontal shoulderline running from the rear light cluster to the front headlights, generating a sense of forward momentum.
This time round, Honda Malaysia is offering a choice of three powertrains in four variants. There is no longer a 1.8-litre engine and all the powertrains have a 1.5-litre displacement. At the lower end is the HR-V 1.5S which has a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 121 ps/145 Nm. The other two variants – the E and V – have the widely used 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine (shown below right) which produces up to 181 ps/240 Nm. The S, E and V variants all use a CVT delivering power to the front wheels.
The top variant, as before, is the HR-V RS which has e:HEV technology with the intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. Already available in the City RS, this 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with 2 motors (above left) generates 131 ps with an impressive 253 Nm of torque. From our experience with its in the City RS, it not only delivers strong performance but can also be very economical because it can run on just the electric motor for short distances, meaning no petrol is used at all. And as the battery pack recharges while driving, the e:HEV approach is the best one for Malaysia at this time, rather than moving to full electric vehicles so quickly.
Honda e:HEV powertrain
Compared to the e:HEV powertrain in the City RS, the one in the new HR-V has received improvements to increase performance. The battery pack in the Intelligent Power Unit has 60 cells, 25% more than the one in the City RS, so storage capacity is greater. The system also generates 20% more power and the CVT has a lower ratio, probably to suit the higher weight of the HR-V.
The chassis is the same as before with MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam at the rear, a common layout in many of today’s vehicles. Feedback from customers identified certain areas that needed improving in the vehicle dynamics. The improvements have been achieved by small engineering revisions in the suspension, body architecture and electric power steering. Adding reinforcements in some areas has contributed to better rigidity.
The torsional rigidity and spring rate of the steering column has also been increased by 15%, affording a smoother feel during direction changes. Initial corner turn-in is more direct when compared to the previous HR-V, and the overall feel during manoeuvres is much more linear and precise.
At the rear, the compliance bushes have been modified in both construction and design to improve rear wheel control and ride comfort. The liquid-filled bushes have increased damping performance and good low-frequency performance providing excellent primary ride, whilst absorbing certain frequency vibrations to improve secondary ride. In revising the bush design, a flange has been added to reduce lateral movement across the bush.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are what the passengers constantly experience and making them as low as possible makes a big difference to not just comfort but also the perception of quality. To lower NVH, the engineers focussed on two areas – engine acceleration and road noise. They didn’t just mask the noise and vibrations by using more insulation but also made changes to certain parts or added reinforcements so that the frequencies would become less disturbing.
Contributing to reducing accidents, Honda Malaysia has made Honda SENSING standard in every variant. This suite consists of 9 active safety systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, and they rely on a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen. The omission of a radar helps to lower cost and to ensure that the camera alone is enough, it has been given a wide forward view (about 100 degrees left to right) and the image processing software is also more advanced for enhanced recognition capability.
The system can identify other vehicles, people and also lane markings as well as gravel and grass edges. The latter is important for the Lane Keeping function which limits the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. On long distances, this feature can help reduce fatigue as the driver does not have to make minor corrections to the steering to stay in the lane.
When driving on slopes, there are also systems that will help the driver. Hill Descent Control, when activated, will manage the speed safely downhill so all the driver has to do is steer to avoid obstacles. There is also an AUTO HOLD function to keep the vehicle motionless on a slope without having to keep the foot on the brake. This is now possible with the electrically-operated parking brake.
Honda LANEWATCH, the innovative camera-based blindspot monitor, is fitted to the V and RS variants. This system shows real-time images of the left side of the vehicle, allowing the driver to spot if there is a motorcyclist or other vehicle coming up. The image is shown on the centre panel and comes on whenever the left signal light is activated.
The compact dimensions of the HR-V allow for only two rows of seats but the legroom is generous, with rear passengers getting 35 mm more space. This is helped by having the fuel tank situated under the centre (an idea which originated with the first Jazz). Like the City Hatchback, the HR-V cabin can be configured in three layout modes – Utility, Long and Tall. In the Long mode, there is a floor length of up to 1.9 metres when the rear backrests are folded down. Along with the high ceiling, this allows for 2 mountain bikes (with front wheels removed) to be stored on board. The Tall mode allows tall items (like plants) to be carried as the floor to ceiling height is maximised by folding the rear seats up. The idea has been used in some Honda models for around 20 years, since it first appeared in the Jazz.
For those who own the RS variant, loading cargo is even more convenient with the handsfree feature that opens the rear door automatically. Just placing a foot under the rear bumper unlocks and raises it and even better, it will close by itself too when the owner has gone further than 2 metres away.
The dashboard has the same clean design with a combination of touch and physical controls. It’s clear now that touch controls are not necessarily ideal for every function so the interior designers have provided rotary controls and pushbuttons for the air-conditioner and ventilation system. These can be operated without having to look, unlike touch controls where you have to look and then focus on an icon – which is not so good for driving safety.
Talking of air-conditioning, besides having two zones so the front passenger and driver can set their preferred temperatures, there is also an Air Diffusion System which is a first for Honda. This introduces a new concept of air conditioning, with L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard that deliver the restorative effects of a natural breeze to all occupants.
The idea was born from the concept of designing light and wind to improve passenger comfort, with nature as inspiration. The new ventilation approach resolves a disparity in traditional vent configurations, where passengers often feel uncomfortable with air blowing directly onto them. When activated by turning a dial, the Air Diffusion System creates a new gentle flow of air which discreetly flows like a soft breeze along the side windows.
The air also travels to the roof, creating a gentle vortex of air that is barely perceptible to passengers. We’re not sure if the breeze will reach the back but the rear passengers will also be comfortable as there are vents closer to them behind the centre console.
Being a Honda, the equipment list can be expected to be extensive with many features thoughtfully included. The infotainment system has Android Auto and Apple Carplay which expands its useability to include apps from smartphones (like Waze and Spotify) while there are 4 USB ports for recharging devices. The driver of the V and RS variants gets 8-way adjustment on their seats and those in the V variant also have paddle shifters. All variants have pushbutton start/stop and also auto locking when walking away (with the engine off).
Except for the S variant, all the other three HR-Vs can be started from a distance with the Remote Start. In movies, such a feature would be used as a precaution in case there’s a bomb under the car (set to go off when the engine starts) but in real life, Remote Start is useful for starting the engine so the air-conditioner can run and cool down the cabin.
For those who like the extra class that leather gives, this is standard for the upholstery in the V and RS variants. For the other two variants, fabric upholstery is provided. Throughout the cabin though, there are many areas where the panels have soft padding for a more premium feel.
Honda CONNECT, a telematics system that provides safety, security and convenience, is provided with the E, V and RS variants. This system can track the vehicle’s position so it can be located if stolen and owners can also set ‘geo-fencing’ so they will be alerted if the vehicle moves out of a designated zone. In the event of a severe collision, an automatic notification will be sent out so that help can be quickly sent. Honda CONNECT also allows the owner to check on the condition of the battery and fuel level without being inside the vehicle, and there will be reminders when routine maintenance is due.
As with other Honda models, there is also the option of adding genuine accessories to personalize the HR-V. Honda Malaysia offers 5 packages with different themes, with prices ranging from RM1,106 to RM3,780. As the cost of these packages would be included in the total price of the vehicle, they would also be part of the financing plan.
The new HR-V is now at Honda dealerships nationwide and if you want to view or test-drive on, locate the nearest showroom at www.honda.com.my.
Yes, the Chinese carmakers are going to be serious rivals to the established brands in due course. While they may have given a poor impression 20 years ago because of low quality, they have improved steadily and now have the volumes to fund R&D to develop their own technologies and invest in the latest advanced manufacturing processes to achieve high quality.
One of the latest examples of this new generation of Chinese cars is the Chery OMODA 5 which has just been launched in China, with exports to begin to many countries including Malaysia. Priced in China between RMB92,900-RMB126,900 (about RM61,300 – RM83,700), the OMODA 5 is a sporty new crossover SUV that was first previewed as the X-C concept at Auto Guangzhou in 2021.
B+ segment
Its overall length of 4400 mm and width of 1830 mm (on a wheelbase of 2630 mm) gives it a slightly larger body that Malaysian rivals like the Proton X50 and Perodua Ativa. So it’s a ‘B+’ segment model but not too big to qualify to be in the C-segment.
The OMODA 5 uses the brand’s ‘Art in Motion’ design language that makes much use of curves and molded surfaces to dynamic aesthetics even when standing still. The body panels are carefully shaped to create an interplay of light and shadow as the SUV moves. The borderless diamond-cut geometric matrix grille extends from the middle to both sides, as if to create a ‘parallel universe where dreams match reality’.
1.6-litre TGDI engine
The OMODA 5 is powered by a Kunpeng 1.6TGDI, the letters signifying that it is a turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection. The 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine produces 197 ps/290 Nm which goes to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 7.8 seconds and while on the move, the driver can activate a Super Sport mode for more engaging driving. In this mode, there is also simulated sound to enhance the perception of high performance.
AI in the cockpit
The cabin has Chery’s latest-generation Lion 5.0 AI (artificial intelligence) technology smart cockpit with intelligent technology. AI is used for emotion monitoring and adjustment, while entertainment is managed on a large 24.6-inch display screen. A Sony audio system collaborates with 64-colour rhythmic ambient lighting for immersive audio-visual entertainment.
Besides having European-standard environmental protection technology and ecological design, the OMODA 5’s C-PURE green cabin has a negative-ion air purification and filtration system. This will provide clean air to the occupants, an important consideration these days.
Global product
The Chery OMODA 5 has been designed with youth in mind, and through its technology-rich features, aims to project a new, more vibrant Chery to global consumers. The OMODA 5’s launch marks an important step in Chery’s global brand rejuvenation as it sets its sights on many other markets worldwide,” said Jia Yaquan, Chery Automobile’s Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Marketing.
Besides the OMODA 5, Chery will be returning to Malaysia with the Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro, part of the Pro line which has 4 SUV models and one sedan. Chery Malaysia has not indicated when they will have their launches although they should happen before the end of this year. Given how GAC Motors and GWM have started their activities, Chery won’t want to lose potential customers who are keen to try new brands and are drawn to these two newcomers first.
A hurricane is one of the most destructive forces on the planet. A category one hurricane has wind speeds of between 119km/h to 153km/h, while a category five has sustained wind speeds of above 253km/h.
So when a car maker introduces a car called Huracan (Spanish for hurricane), you know that it means business.
The Lamborghini Huracan is already one of the wildest cars on the planet in terms of design and performance. But it’s not entirely new either, in fact the Huracan has been around since 2014.
Since then, a number of iterations have been introduced, each promising to be faster, meaner and more exotic than the last.
But nothing can be better than a Huracan that is designed to be raced. The Huracan GT3 EVO is one of the most successful race cars in the Lamborghini stable.
It has won the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and even the Blancpain GT Series Asia, among many other race series around the world.
But the problem with the Huracan GT3 is that it is a proper race car, which means regular rich folks can’t buy one to drive on the road.
But Lamborghini is one of the most successful supercar company’s in the history of the automobile, so it wasn’t about to sit around and not allow its customers to experience one of the best race cars it has ever built.
Enter the Lamborghini Huracan STO – the fastest street legal Huracan ever made!
STO stands for Super Trofeo Omologata, which simply means that the STO is a road-legal homologated version of the Huracan Super Trofeo Evo and GT3 Evo race cars.
Simply put, the Huracan STO is a street legal reimagination of the GT3 race car. Lamborghini’s official website says the STO is “a super-sports car created with a singular purpose, the Huracan STO delivers all the feel and technology of a genuine race car in a road-legal model.”
The STO delivers a unique race car like driving experience from the moment you sit inside.
The regular two-point seat belts have been replaced with motorsport derived four-point harnesses that are similar to those used in the GT3 race car.
Since it’s a road-going car, Lamborghini has included creature comforts such as air-conditioning and even an audio system. The interior is covered in lightweight alcantara leather and carbon-fibre adorns everything from the floor to the roof and the door panels. Even the seats are constructed of lightweight material.
Adding to the race car feel is a titanium roll cage that protects the driver and passenger should the worse happen.
But at the heart of it all is a race-derived 5.2-litre, V10 naturally-aspirated engine. This is the same engine that powers the Lamborghini Huracan race cars. Lamborghini says the engine is nearly identical to the race engines and offers a direct pedal-to-throttle feel that is the same as a race car. Even the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox offers quicker gear shifts so that there is no loss of power during acceleration.
Lamborghini is one of the few car makers left that has not adopted forced induction. Naturally-aspirated engines rely on big cylinders or ultra high revs to create power, but these engines are also among the most responsive and provide the best engine note.
As for power, the STO puts out 640PS at 8,000rpm and 565Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. But because 75% of its body is made up of light weight carbon-fibre, the STO is capable of some astonishing performance figures, such as a zero to 200km/h acceleration time of just nine seconds flat! Top speed is rated at 310km/h.
Those in the know will probably think that these figures are not all that much. Cars like the Porsche GT2RS and even the discontinued Ferrari 488 make more power than the STO.
But the STO is not about pure power alone. It is about quick lap times and driving pleasure. For instance, Lamborghini pitted the STO against the Huracan GT3 EVO race car around a race track in America and found that the STO was just under two seconds slower than the race-only GT3 which was on race tyres while the STO was on road tyres. That is the ultimate proof of performance.
It also partly achieves this by using rear-wheel-steering. This turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, giving it incredibly agility in slow and fast corners.
There are also other race derived technologies such as the the width of the car that is wider than the road car to give it better grip, a windscreen that is 20% lighter and suspension that is stiffer for more direct control of the car.
Part of the race experience that the STO offers is phenomenal braking performance. The Huracan STO boasts a new braking technology called CCM-R braking system. The system is provided by renowned braking experts Brembo using materials that is used in Formula One. The discs on the STO are said to provide four times higher thermal conductivity and 60% higher stress resistance. What this ultimately results in is strong braking performance that does not fade even after many laps.
One of the things that supercars tend to suffer from is brake fade, and that ultimate slows lap times because drivers have to brake earlier. But because the brakes on the STO have effectively solved this issue, this means you can drive at the knife’s edge of performance every single time and get the same braking performance.
The Huracan STO is undeniably one of the ultimate driver’s car in the modern world. It does not have that power figures owners can boast about, but it is a car that is appreciated when you drive it. The sound that it creates is one of pure emotion. You don’t only hear it in your ears but you feel it in your heart as well. And that what the STO is about, a pure unadulterated driving experience that overloads your senses and leaves you wanting more each time you drive it. There are very few cars left these days that are able to do that.
The Lamborghini Huracan STO is now available in Malaysia for RM1.48 million before taxes and customisation.
Before the SUV segment began to grow rapidly, interest in alternatives to passenger cars was focussed on pick-up trucks and with Malaysia regulations having been changed to allow registration of such vehicles for private use, the segment expanded rapidly. From being a mere workhorse with basic features, pick-up trucks were transformed into vehicles that could also be used for motoring on weekdays and adventures on weekends.
Isuzu was among the manufacturers that responded to this new demand and with its experience in such vehicles, it came up with the D-MAX which had all the capabilities of a 4×4 truck and the comfort and convenience of a passenger car.
The D-MAX is today in its third generation which was launched in Malaysia last year and redefined the look, feel and performance of pick-up trucks. From its workhorse Single Cab model to the sophisticated and feature-packed top-of-the-line X-Terrain variant, Isuzu has an ideal vehicle for virtually every type of customer and budget.
143% growth this year
From the time it was launched, its sales kept growing and set a new sales record for Isuzu Malaysia. With 4,237 new registrations recorded from January to June this year, the company has seen an impressive 143% growth in D-MAX sales over the same period in 2021. Significantly, the volume in the first half of this year almost matches the total achieved for the entire 2021. This puts the brand in third spot in the pick-up truck segment.
“Since the introduction of the all-new Isuzu D-Max, we have seen a growing interest in pick-up truck usage, particularly from first-time buyers and upgraders who have been impressed by the way the new D-MAX has blurred the lines between a tough and capable pick-up truck and the comfort and sophistication of a family saloon,” said Shunsuke Okazoe, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.
Blue Power is popular
With flexible engine performance, exemplary fuel efficiency, reliability, the 1.9-litre Blue Power variants have undoubtedly been the most popular choice among Malaysians, making up close to 80% of the total sales. And they also have another benefit for owners – the lowest road tax in the truck segment.
The flagship X-Terrain variant has also positioned Isuzu at a level which it has not been strongly represented before. 10% of the sales volume this year has been of this variant which has been a highly attractive proposition in the lifestyle segment. Besides offering premium comfort, refinement and style, it also has a host of top-notch safety features that are comparable to passenger cars.
“The X-Terrain has gained a strong following, particularly among urban users. Many have found the vehicle to be the ideal extension of their lifestyle activities offering the ideal balance of space, capability, comfort and safety,” said Kenkichi Sogo, COO of Isuzu Malaysia. “With the recent updates made to the flagship variant such as new colours, welcome light, scuff plates, wireless Qi charger and Around View Monitor, it is an even more desirable vehicle that allows owners to do more without boundaries.”
8 variants for different needs
The D-MAX range has 8 variants to suit different needs, whether for personal use or business purposes – or both. Most variants have 4×4 capability and can tackle any sort of terrain. There is also a 4×2 automatic variant available to provide long-distance travellers and urban users the flexibility and versatility while enjoying lower running costs.
The advanced 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine has proven its fuel-saving capabilities in the DuraMiles Challenge. A D-MAX powered by the engine and with a 1-ton payload on board travelled by a lengthy route from Pekan in Pahang (where Isuzu has its assembly plant) to Shah Alam, Selangor and its average fuel consumption was 13.7 kms/litre over 1,145 kms. You can read more about that achievement here.
Visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my to know more about the D-MAX and to locate a dealership in Malaysia where it can be experienced and purchased.
China’s car market is so huge and so diverse that keeping track of all the manufacturers can be difficult. Every so often, a new name pops up and has already progressed into production with new models. The impetus brought on by the country’s focus on New Energy Vehicles brought forth a number of new players, and among them is Li Auto Inc. which came into existence in 2015 and is already listed on NASDAQ (the stock exchange in New York City).
Li Auto has so far completed development of two models – the Auto ONE and L9. The L9 is the flagship model and made its online debut last month, appearing in showrooms in China last week. Online pre-orders are said to number more than 30,000 customers and the first units are expected to be delivered from the end of August 2022. Pricing starts from RMB459,800 (about RM303,310).
More than 30,000 orders within 72 hours of making debut online.
The L9 is a large full-size SUV with space for 6 within. Its 5218 mm long body with a clean and simple design sits on an in-house developed platform which supports a dual-motor 300 kW/620 Nm powertrain with all-wheel drive. Fitted with a new-generation NCM lithium battery storing 44.5 kilowatt-hour, a range of between 180 – 215 kms is claimed.
There is also a range-extender system powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine with maximum thermal efficiency of 40.5%. Coupled with a low drag coefficient and high motor efficiency, the L9’s with range-extender in use is said to be able to reach between 1,100 – 1,315 kms. It can also supply up to 3.5 kW of electricity for external use if needed.
Proprietary autonomous technology
The L9 also has the company’s self-developed autonomous driving system called Li AD Max with enhanced functionality bolstered by upgraded perception capability and data processing power. The perception hardware includes one forward 128-line LiDAR, six 8-megapixel cameras, five 2-megapixel cameras, one forward millimetre wave radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Together, the coverage is 360 degrees for detection of both vehicle surroundings and distant objects. In addition, there is a ‘sentry’ mode that monitors both the inside and outside of the vehicle through interior 3D ToF transmitters and exterior cameras.
To handle the increased processing needs resulting from the large number of sensors, the Li AD Max is powered by dual Orin-X chips with 508 TOPS of computing power and real-time, efficient processing of fusion signals. The dual processors provide fallback redundancies for each other, ensuring more stable operation of the autonomous driving system. In addition, the system is optimized to recognize and react to common accident scenarios, with features designed to identify and evade risks in advance and help prevent accidents.
Domain-based vehicle architecture
This SUV is one the first production models that deploys NXP’s S32G automotive network processors on its chassis system. The family of NXP S32G vehicle network processors marks a significant turning point in how vehicle architectures are designed and implemented, transforming the automotive industry to a high-performance domain-based vehicle architecture and providing software with minimal complexities and enhanced security and safety.
Adopting the S32G processors, there is an extra layer to the performance experience. The S32G processors not only provide ASIL D MCU and MPU performance with application-specific network hardware acceleration but also offloads processors to provide services with deterministic network performance necessary for the car to respond to the sophisticated real-time driving circumstances.
The S32G processors also embed high-performance hardware security acceleration, along with Public Key Infrastructure support for trusted key management enabled by its Hardware Security Engine (HSE). The firewalled HSE is the root of trust supporting secure boot, providing system security, and protecting against side-channel attacks, a crucial element in autonomous vehicles.
Smart cockpit
Within the SUV is a pioneering 5-screen 3-dimensional interactive mode which works with a head-up display (HUD) and interactive safe driving screen to present key driving information to the driver. The interactive screen, which is located above the steering wheel, adopts mini-LED and multi-touch technology, enabling easier interactions. The other 3 screens are large 15.7-inch 3K automotive-grade OLED screens that can be used for entertainment.
The L9’s smart cockpit is supported by a computing platform composed of two Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive-grade 8155 chips, which ensures the smoothness and responsiveness of its 5-screen 3-dimensional interactions.
Although there has been an auto industry in existence in China for a long time, it concentrated largely on commercial vehicles. As there was no infusion of technology from the outside world, advancements were slower as the manufacturers either drew on Russian technology (which was also not advanced) or developed themselves slowly. As a result, when the country opened up in the 1980s and its economic boom began, the early cars were quite basic and somewhat out of date… and quality was poor too.
The early cars from Chinese brands that appeared in Malaysia (in the 2000s) thus made a poor impression, not to mention the fact that they did not have strong representatives with experience in the auto industry. Even though the cars were cheap, Malaysian consumers were wary and had already moved further up the ‘curve’ in their expectations and the Korean offerings were better.
But with the rapid expansion of the market in China to become the world’s largest, the manufacturers have had the financial and technical resources to advance their technologies. Initially, they had formed technical tie-ups with European and Japanese carmakers as a quick way to get new technology. Once they got the technology, they then began to invest in developing their own to move ahead and rely less on foreign technologies (although they too source some systems from global leaders).
Looking outside China
Many of the top Chinese carmakers have begun to enter overseas markets even though their domestic market is still taking whatever they can make. With better products than what they offered 20 years ago, they are now gaining attention and slowly growing volumes in export markets. Companies like Geely have even gone to the extent of becoming a partner in Proton, providing its technical expertise and some products.
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. , or GAC, as it is known, is one of the carmakers that is looking at global markets and in fact has had its eyes on the US market. While it has not actually started selling in America, the 25-year old carmaker already has a presence in some 25 countries and exported over 2 million vehicles.
Experienced partner for GAC
GAC has come to Malaysia and it’s picked a very experienced company – the Tan Chong Group – to be its business partner and help build the brand here. The Tan Chong Group, as most will know, was the one that brought Nissan (then known as Datsun) to Malaysia 65 years ago. And older readers will know that those early Datsuns were like the earlier Chinese cars and were not considered as tough as the European ones that were then dominant in the market. People even called them ‘milo tin cars’ because they seemed to have body panels as thin as milo tins!
GAC is represented by WTC Automotif (WTCA) which is appointed as its official distributor. WTCA is a subsidiary of Warisan TC Motor Holdings Bhd, a member of the Tan Chong Group of companies. As such, there is the established and extensive network of aftersales outlets and also experienced people in the organization to handle the business.
“What is also important to know is that Tan Chong has always been a long-term partner with whoever it represents. We don’t just go into a partnership but we look at all aspects and especially whether sustainability is possible. Our track record will show our commitment to our brands. So, customers can have confidence in becoming owners of GAC, even though it is a new brand in the market. We will be there to support them over many years to come,” said Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd., the publicly-listed parent company of WTCA.
GAC’s first product for Malaysia
The first product that WTCA is importing, with a view of assembling in due course, is the GS3. This is a compact SUV which is sold under GAC’s Trumpchi brand in China but because of the name’s closeness to a former US president, the company avoids using ‘Trumpchi’ outside China. Exports began in 2019 but due to the pandemic, things have moved a bit slowly and it’s only this year that the model has arrived in Malaysia.
The design of the GS3 could be said to be a ‘typical SUV’, with many modern styling elements. There is a prominent grille which is referred to as a ‘Flying Dynamic Wing 3.0’, with chrome strips to give an elegant image. The profile has some resemblance to other SUVs in the market (Hyundai Tucson comes to mind) but for the Premium version we tested, there was a 2-tone colour scheme with a black roof that gave distinctiveness.
GAC has two powertrains for the GS3 and it is the 1.5-litre unit that is in the model sold in Malaysia. The engine is said to be developed by GAC itself and unlike some other new 1.5-litre engines in the market, it does not have turbocharging. Thus, the 4-cylinder engine has a modest output of 114 ps/150 Nm with efficient breathing by having variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides.
The transmission, which delivers power to the front wheels only, is a 6-speed automatic torque converter type. It’s supplied by Aisin which is one of the leaders in the field of drivetrains. With the small displacement and efficient power delivery, the GS3 has a claimed fuel consumption of 14.5 kms/litre and we actually got better than that (15.1 kms/litre) during our testing.
The GS3 platform is a fairly straightforward one typical of SUVs in this segment. MacPherson struts are fitted up front with a torsion beam at the rear end. 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted at the end of each axle and the front wheels are controlled by with electrically-assisted power steering. Disc brakes are also fitted to the rear wheels, a plus point though engineers will tell you that a drum brake will suffice.
The safety systems available in the SUV are generally what would be expected in a modern vehicle with things like ABS, stability control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution being standard. Just as it chose Aisin to supply its transmission, GAC also uses the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system from Bosch, a global leader in active safety systems.
For those who are not so confident on slopes, there’s a Hill Hold Control to momentarily keep the vehicle in place before moving off, without having to step on the brakes. If heading downwards, the computer can manage the speed to maintain a safe pace and the driver just has to steer the vehicle. A Blind Spot system is also included and alerts the driver of other vehicles coming up nearby.
Around the cabin (except at the back) are 6 airbags to provide protection during collisions. The ones on the side cover the windows so, in a violent accident, the occupants won’t get ejected (as has happened in some cases although they were probably not belted in either). For those with children, there are ISOFIX points to securely attach compatible childseats. The law requires their use now, by the way.
Widest body in class
The GS3 has the widest body in its class (1825 mm) and this means more space within, especially the space between the front seats. It’s not a big difference from rivals like the Proton X50 and Perodua Ativa but can still be physically discerned. The width of the cabin is also emphasized by the horizontal theme of the dashboard, creating a visual expanse of space.
In the Premium version, there’s also a further enhancement of spaciousness with the ‘Sliding Star View’ sunroof. It’s something which is not so common in this class so it helps give the GS3 one more selling point against rivals. Understandably, being a newcomer, the GS3 needs to offer more without costing a lot more to win over new customers.
The cabin materials have a high quality look and feel and assembly quality is very good. It’s certainly a far cry from those cars from China 20 years ago which had loose panels and hard plastics. Now, with SUVs like the GS3, the materials have nice texturing which is important to give a quality image.
Unlike the Korean designers, GAC’s designers do not seem to be trying to ‘reinvent the wheel’, so to speak. Switches and controls are conventionally shaped with no strange shapes to try to be ‘different’. There are also switches on the leatherette-trimmed steering wheel and they are laid out in an intuitive manner so a new driver will operate them easily right from the first day.
For the price that WTCA is asking, which is just under RM100,000 for the Premium version, we’d say that the features list is appropriately comprehensive (even includes a pushstart button). You also get cruise control and the Climate Control System has PM2.5 particulate filtration and purifier which helps to keep the cabin air clean and removes smells.
Driving the GS3
As mentioned earlier, past experiences with cars from China left poor impressions so to be frank, there was an assumption that the GS3 would lack refinement. But just as the Japanese cars of the 1980s were a big difference from those of the 1960s, it’s the same with the GS3. It feels as good as any modern car from a Japanese or Korean brand, and if you strip it of its branding identity, you would not think it is from China.
The engine also ran smoothly and though it lacked forcefulness without a turbocharger, the output 150 ps is good enough to give brisk acceleration and maintain high speeds easily. Remembering how the engines in those old Chinse cars didn’t take kindly to hard driving, we pushed the GS3’s engine hard using the manual mode to stay in each gear and the engine never felt like it was going to ‘explode’. In fact, though there were vibrations at higher revs, they were not the erratic type. Noise levels were also not particularly high and it could be that insulation is also generous.
The transmission operates smoothly and you can choose a default mode, litre-stretching ECO mode or a manual mode. We didn’t feel a big difference in the ECO mode though but it would probably help over long distances. The shifter has a rocker switch for changing gears up or down sequentially. However, this only works when in manual mode and not in the default or ECO modes. We think that manual selection should be available in all modes so that the driver can downshift for engine braking, reducing the need to use the brakes.
Driving the GS3 is no different in feel from a Japanese or Korean car (or even a Malaysian one). It has a pleasant ride although the standard tyres (from some Chinese manufacturer) seemed a bit on the hard side, even after the pressures had been set to what was recommended. Perhaps when it is locally assembled, more testing will be done and tyres better suited to our road conditions will be fitted.
With its compact size, the SUV has an agile feel and even when pushed hard around corners, it stays the course without drama. Of course, you don’t get a car like this for ‘dramatic’ driving and as an urban runabout, it certainly does that job well. It comes with a reverse camera as well so parking should be easy, and being a SUV, you sit higher up of course.
As for scheduled maintenance, the intervals are 10,000 kms or 6 months (whichever occurs first) and up to the first 100,000 kms, the RM63 labour charge for every alternate service will be waived. Maintenance costs (depending on mileage) will be between RM182 and RM815, the latter cost on just one occasion at 60,000 kms when the timing belt is changed. Aftersales support will be available through WTCA’s own outlets, with additional support from the Tan Chong network which is well established and nationwide. And you also get a warranty that is 5 years long or a maximum of 150,000 kms.
If the GS3 is an example of the standard that Chinese carmakers have reached today, then the other East Asian carmakers (and Malaysian ones too) will have strong additional rivals in future. We can’t say much about durability and reliability at this stage. Those early Datsuns also seemed like they were fragile and would not last long but they eventually became known for their reliability and durability which made them a household name. What’s to say that GAC products won’t go the same way?