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BMW i8 headed to retirement as a future Classic

Six years after it appeared, the BMW i8 Coupe will be retired as its production cycle comes to an end. A success story as a unique symbiosis of futuristic design and pioneering technology, it was the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid model that spurred interest and excitement for electrified drive technology and laid the foundation for the BMW Group’s now broad range of plug-in hybrid models.

At the same time, the i8 developed into the world’s most successful sportscar with an electrified drive system. With more than 20 000 units sold since 2014, it achieved higher sales than all competitors in its segment combined. Its global market share has been more than 50% in the segment of sportscars with electrified drive for years and the i8 will be able to maintain this leading position until the middle of April 2020.

The i8 began as the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, a concept car shown at Frankfurt Motorshow in 2009. The response was very enthusiastic, and BMW said that the central features of its design and technology would be transferred to a production model of the new BMW i brand.

BMW i8 Concept 2011 — *The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept evolved into the i8 concept in 2011. It was used in one of the Mission: Impossible movies.*

Launchpad for electrification strategy
The i8 had its world premiere at the same motorshow 4 years later, together with the i3. The double debut was the starting signal for implementing a comprehensive electrification strategy, with which the BMW Group set the early and consistent course for a model programme geared towards sustainable driving pleasure.

Today. Pure electric and plug-in hybrid models are available in all relevant segments, from the compact and midsize class, through the BMW X models, to sportscars and luxury sedans. The BMW Group plans to expand its range to include 25 electrified models by 2023, more than half of which will run on electric power alone.

Pioneer and flagship
As a pioneer and flagship for driving pleasure with plug-in hybrid technology, the i8 was an ideal car for the job right from the start. New paths were forged with the BMW i specific vehicle architecture and the plug-in hybrid system. The combination of a passenger cell made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) with an aluminium chassis was just as revolutionary as the intelligently controlled interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor.

The control of its plug-in hybrid system was designed both for dynamic power delivery and for the most efficient interaction of the two engines. The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology transfers its power to the rear wheels. The electric motor drives the front wheels. The result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive with a noticeably positive influence on traction, agility and driving stability.

This, and the spontaneous power delivery of the electric motor with a maximum torque of 250 Nm available immediately from standstill, means that the sporting character of the i8 also comes into its own in purely electric and therefore locally emission-free driving. Up to 120 km/h can be reached in pure electric driving mode and the combined drive torque of both powerplants unleashes performance characteristics similar to a high-performance sportscar.

Beyond eDrive technology
Right from the start, the pioneering function of the i8 extended far beyond establishing BMW eDrive technology in an iconic sportscar. The extensive use of CFRP in the body structure and the clearly visible measures to reduce air resistance set new standards in the areas of intelligent lightweight construction and aerodynamics. Together with the i3, the sportscar also paved the way for innovative manufacturing technologies, with which the BMW Group became a pioneer in the use of CFRP in the industrial production of volume-produced automobiles.

Already a milestone in the history of the BMW Group
The Leipzig plant is currently producing the 200 units of the limited Ultimate Sophisto Edition of the i8. One of the edition models was already manufactured in December 2019 as the 20,000th unit of the model. Among the milestones in the history of sportscars, its sales figures are well ahead of classics such as the M1, of which only 399 units were produced for road use, and also ahead of the Z8 roadster, which was built in some 5,000 copies.

Click here for other news and articles about BMW.

325 km/h street-legal Zenvo TSR-S unveiled, priced from almost RM7 million

Zenvo, the Danish hypercar manufacturer, has today revealed its latest TSR-S alongside further developments. This street-legal variant of the TSR track car has received numerous customised touches and is the first car to receive full fragmented carbonfibre wheels designed.

Following Danish design ideals of innovation and creativity, the geometric pattern carbonfibre visible within the blue tinted central stripe is a further evolution of Zenvo’s carbonfibre technology and personalisation options, such as the bespoke ‘watermark’ carbonfibre graphics featured on previous TSR-S models. This technique has also been used on the exposed carbonfibre side pods, with the Zenvo logo emblazoned within the material in an opposing herringbone pattern.

As for the new fragmented carbonfibre wheels, each minute fragment is hand-cut and expertly layered to create the special finish and weigh some 15 kgs less than the aluminium variants. These components are created in-house using a combination of cutting-edge technology and human craftsmanship with countless personalisation options. Each wheel takes two technicians roughly one week to create. All visible carbonfibre on the car can be colour-tinted, including the wheels, and clients can specify individual sections in differing finishes.

Also unveiled today is the latest drivetrain development from Zenvo, a hybrid variant of the 7-speed sequential gearbox with helical-cut dog gears that has become a trademark of the brand. This gearbox offers the driver two changeable modes, Road and Race, controlled by tactile aluminium switchgear on the steering wheel. In its Road setting, the changes are electronically assisted to remove the usual harshness of a traditional ‘dog-box’ while Race mode allows for exceptionally fast and direct mechanical changes usually only offered in fully fledged race cars.

The latest development of this innovative gearbox is the addition of a hybrid module which yields a power boost, further traction control and even the addition of an eighth forward gear with the electric motor providing reverse drive.

The 4.8-metre long TSR-S is Zenvo’s flagship model, combining the road-going capability of the TS1 GT with the track-derived performance of the TSR and is powered by a 1,177 bhp twin-supercharged flat-plane V8. 0 – 100 km/h is achieved in 2.8 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 325 km/h (electronically limited) aided by a super lightweight carbonfibre construction and exceptional aerodynamics including Zenvo’s patented Centripedal rear wing which reacts to steering inputs to create high levels of downforce while cornering.

The TSR-S is priced from at 1.45 million euros (almost 7 million ringgit) and only 5 cars are planned for each year.

Toyota’s new painting process with highest coating efficiency in the world

Before the 1970s, corrosion in metal car bodies was a problem and one of the reasons was that the protective layer of primer paint was not effectively applied over the metal surfaces. It was manually sprayed on so there would be some little sections that may not have been covered. And like a cut in your skin allowing germs to enter your body and infect you, a small unprotected spot on the metal could allow corrosion to start.

This changed when the electro-deposition (ED) dipping process was introduced where the entire bodyshell was submerged in a giant tank of primer paint. It was covered 100% and even the cavities got properly covered. After the 1970s, corrosion issues reduced significantly. Galvanization of the steel (adding a zinc coating) also made a big contribution to reducing corrosion and enabling vehicles to last longer.

The ASSB plant in Shah Alam, Selangor, started using the ED system in 1979 and corrosion resistance of Toyotas increased significantly, The picture shows a KE70 Corolla being lowered into a tank of primer paint so coverage is complete.

Over the primer goes coloured paint that is sprayed on either manually or in many plants these days, with robotic spraying machines. The quality of application has improved greatly over the years, but coating efficiency has been around 60% to 70%, which you aren’t like to notice but to the quality control people, it is a known issue.

95% coating efficiency
Now Toyota has developed a new type of airless paint atomizer that achieves over 95% coating efficiency (the amount of paint sprayed versus the amount that actually adheres onto the vehicle body), the highest in the world. The machine – the first of its kind in the world – uses static electricity instead of air, to replace the conventional air paint atomizers used in the vehicle body painting process.

By deploying the airless paint atomizer in Toyota Group’s painting process, it is expected that the factories in the Group can reduce CO2 emissions by about 7% as well. In addition, the collection device situated at the bottom of the paint booth (the area where paint is sprayed) can be made more compact. Therefore, painting production lines in the future can be more compact.

Toyota is advancing initiatives to achieve its Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge, one of the targets included in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 announced in 2015. As part of this effort, it developed the airless paint atomizer and deployed it at both Takaoka and Tsutsumi Plants. Gradual deployment at other plants is planned as well as consideration of deployment among other Toyota Group companies and licensing the technology to other companies.

How it works
Conventional air paint atomizer sprayed paint primarily using aerodynamic force, then paint the vehicle body with the atomized particles using an air paint atomizer. For this reason, paint particles are scattered by the air ricocheting off the vehicle body, with up to 40% lost. By comparison, the new airless paint atomizer uses electricity to spray the paint (electrostatic atomization), and the statically charged particles coat in such a way that they gravitate toward the vehicle body (electrostatic painting).

Electrostatic atomization and electrostatic painting technologies greatly reduce the number of atomized particles that scatter, thereby achieving a higher coating efficiency. In a way, it is like the ED process that has been used for applying primer where electrical charges attract the paint to stick onto the metal.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota.

Mercedes-AMG GT4 Updated and upgraded for 2020, available later this month

Following the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3, Mercedes-AMG has now come out with an updated GT4 model for the tenth anniversary season of its Customer Racing Programme. The new GT4 features new design characteristics and technical optimisations that, among others, enhance the endurance racing performance. Homologation is expected to be completed this month so customers can receive their cars soon.

In the past 2 years, the ‘little brother’ of the GT3 advanced to one of the most successful cars in the booming GT4 segment worldwide. So far, more than 120 units have been delivered to Customer Racing Teams all over the world. With the new edition of the GT4, Mercedes-AMG expects to give the teams even greater competitiveness.

Improved brake and engine cooling
The notable improvements of the new GT4 are in its optimised brake cooling around the front axle as well as enhanced engine cooling. Both the enlarged brake air inlet as well as the dimensionally stable brake air lines with larger diameter prevent the brake components from overheating. As a result, they ensure better driveability as well as considerably reduced wear of the brakes that are under particular load during endurance races.

Thanks to a new carbonfibre brake air duct, adapted heat protection and optimised brake caliper adapters, the airflow through the thermally affected parts has been improved. A newly developed brake disc on the front axle, aimed at reliability and longevity, complements the optimised brake cooling.

The re-arranged oil cooler contributes to an even more effective cooling of the proven AMG 4-litre V8 biturbo engine, just like the new carbon exhaust air duct and the newly shaped edge on the bonnet, made of natural fibre enforced material. As a result, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 can reliably deliver its performance, even in extremely hot conditions.

New light concept
The update of the GT4 also includes optimised front and rear lights, identical to the corresponding GT3’s. Their design is in line with the current Mercedes-AMG GT road cars. Next to the facelifted look, the new light concept also comes with a practical purpose: the new LED high-performance headlights provide considerably better illumination of the track. In darkness or in poor visibility, this can lead to decisive advantages for the drivers in terms of safety and performance.

Optimised handling
Another optimisation are the modified track rods on the rear axle that are also similar to those used on the new GT3 model and that come with a significantly extended longevity. As a result, the that has, among others, already racked up three class wins in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, is even better prepared for endurance races in the toughest conditions. The integration of an enlarged brake fluid tank, optimised with the particular requirements in endurance races in mind, is also one of the changes in the 2020 GT4.

Highest safety standards
Like its road cars, the GT4 has particularly high safety standards relevant to track racing. The roll-cage of high-tensile steel has been bolted to the aluminium spaceframe and a recovery hatch has been integrated into the roof of the car. The carbonfibre driver safety cell with integrated headrest provides a considerably higher level of protection than usual racing seats. A powerful fire extinguishing system complements the comprehensive safety concept.

Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing: “When we entered the GT4 segment two years ago, it was our aim to build a car that was capable of winning right away. Looking at the achievements of the Mercedes-AMG GT4, we have succeeded in doing so in an impressive way. In order to enable our Customer Racing Teams to accomplish such top achievements at the race track in the future as well and to be prepared in the best way for the challenges in newly entered markets like Asia and South America, we have now decided to update the Mercedes-AMG GT4.

New Mercedes-AMG GT R & GT C – From RM1,558,888

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Hyundai Motor is lucky they didn’t plan on using the 2020 New York Auto Show for the world premiere of the new generation of one of their popular models. Due to concerns about the widening COVID-19 epidemic which have led to one area of the city being turned into a ‘containment zone’, the event is being postponed to late August this year. That’s at least better than the Geneva International Motor Show which has been cancelled.

The Korean carmaker is using Hollywood on the west coast of America for its event on March 17 which will see the all-new Hyundai Elantra being unveiled. The model is Hyundai’s bestseller worldwide, with over 13.8 million units (it is also known as the Avante in some markets) sold since its introduction in 1990.

1991 Hyundai Elantra — *First generation of the Elantra, introduced in 1990.*

For the new generation, which will be the seventh, the Elantra returns to its sport sedan roots with an ambitious ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme. It sits on a new platform that places the longer and wider 4-door sedan lower to the road to enhance the sporty looks.

The edgy and aggressive look is based on parametric shapes and textures, which reflects Hyundai’s new design identity. Cutting edge engineering solutions and design innovations actualized the polyhedral appearance.

Essentially, advanced digital design technology brought the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics. This formation is said to be a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, ‘marking Elantra’s disrupter-spirit’.

The ‘Immersive Cocoon’ interior layout creates a driver-focused user experience. Low and wide structures go from the door and connect all the way to the centre console, while the large interface consisting of two harmoniously integrated displays elevates the racing-inspired feel of the car.

More will be known next Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Malaysia) and as some carmakers have done, the launch event will be livestreamed globally.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)

Renault Used Trucks launches T 01 Racing model

With the inclusion of the 13-litre engine with 480 bhp in its range of used trucks, Renault Trucks (part of the Volvo Group) now offers the T 01 Racing model. The appearance of this used prime mover semi-trailer tractor of the last Euro6 generation was done by the Halle du Design (HDD), Renault’s own design facility.

The designers were inspired by the world of motorsport to create a modern and dynamic design that reflects the technical performance of the vehicle. From the outside, the T 01 Racing is presented in three colours on an EKLA white background: glossy black, bright red and bright yellow.

The inside of the headlight covers is painted in bright red. Reflective retro stickers that are reminiscent of the world of motorsport are affixed to the outside of the vehicle. The painting of the Viscope outer sunvisor, the rims, the radiator grille and rearview mirror housing complete the sporty appearance. Optionally, a customer can order additional parts in carbonfibre, accessories for LED lighting or horns, or even a special paint job.

The spacious cabin has door sills also specially painted in bright red and bright yellow. An anthracite grey interior with carbonfibre elements is provided with red buttons that stand out clearly from the dashboard.

The T 01 Racing is transformed in the Used Trucks Factory, Renault’s own conversion and adaptation facility for used vehicles, using the same assembly procedures as for new vehicles. Only certified original parts are used, and the selling points are low mileage and a manufacturer’s guarantee of 12 months or 120,000 kms.

Lotus Evija production to start soon as new factory is completed

The new manufacturing facility where Lotus will build its Evija all-electric hypercar is being readied for final prototype production. Shortly after production commences in mid-2020, the first of 130 customers can expect deliveries of their cars. The first year’s production allocation is already designated to customers around the world.

The hall is situated trackside next to Lotus’ 3.5-km circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others. The result is a versatile and inspiring workspace that will see Lotus hand-build up to 130 examples of the Evija.

“This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters,” said Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars.

“With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition,” he added.

Read: Lotus Evija Revealed! Facts & Figures of the world’s most powerful series production road car

Work on the new Evija factory began in mid-2019. Highly collaborative in nature, the project has involved the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors with more than 50 experts on site over the last 6 months.

The interior has been fitted on three sides with gantries which frame the build stations. These have been designed and engineered to be sleek and unobtrusive, though robust enough to carry the necessary power, data and compressed air systems required to assemble the Evija.

An overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp have also been installed. The interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 of the latest high-density, low-energy LEDs. A state-of-the-art light tunnel will house the rigorous final inspection, before each Evija is driven out directly onto the test track for dynamic validation.

The Evija is the first all-electric British hypercar and has a target power output of 2,000 ps, which makes it the world’s most powerful series production road car. Its ultra-lightweight carbonfibre monocoque also makes it the world’s lightest production EV hypercar, at 1,680 kgs.The engineers expect the 0 to 100 km/h time to be under 3 seconds with a top speed over 320 km/h. Running on just electrical energy with no emissions, the Evija is expected to be able to go up to 400 kms.

Lotus Evija prototypes complete high-speed testing as electric hypercar debuts in China (w/VIDEO)

Honda’s TEI Series merchandise offers 4 different collections

Honda owners and fans in Malaysia have a new line of Honda Official Merchandise to show off their favourite car brand. Known as the ‘TEI’ Series (TEI stands for Trust, Equality & Individuality’), there are 21 items inspired by Honda’s Philosophy.

The 21 items are grouped in four different collections – Corporate, Lifestyle, Activewear and the newly introduced Travel – and include a newly launched Sports Hijab.

According to Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, Honda Malaysia’s official merchandise has always been well-received by Honda enthusiasts and fans in this country for its trendy and appealing designs.

“Apart from providing the Joy of Buying Honda cars to our customers, we would also like them to experience the joy of owning items from Honda’s Official Merchandise collection which can be incorporated into their daily lives. It is therefore our delight to share the new line of Honda Official Merchandise with them which embodies the core values of Honda’s Philosophy. We are confident that Honda customers will appreciate the high quality and uniqueness of the new collection,” said Mr. Ishiyama.

‘TEI’ also means shape or form in the Japanese language and the designs are injected with a combination of Japanese elements. This new line of Honda Official Merchandise represents a unique, practical and energetic spirit, with a focus on style and innovation without compromising practicality and comfort.

The Corporate Collection offers smart casual clothing to supplement the working adult’s wardrobe while the trendsetters can choose stylish and exclusive items from the Lifestyle Collection such as the unique Reversible Bomber Jacket that offers two interchangeable designs in one jacket.

Other stylish items in the Lifestyle collection include the unique water-activated ‘TEI’ fineprint 30-inch Umbrella where the ‘TEI’ print will appear embossed when it comes in contact with water.

In the Activewear Collection, female fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to know there’s a newly launched Sports Hijab. Also in the collection is a reflective Activewear Shirt that provides high visibility and safety, especially at night.

For travellers who are looking for useful gear, the Travel Collection includes a reflective Travel Jacket and a specially designed 2-in-1 Detachable Travel Luggage Bag that is practical yet trendy. The luggage bag incorporates a backpack that can be attached to the cabin-size luggage bag or detached to be used as a backpack after arrival at a destination.

Priced from RM31 to RM320, the ‘TEI’ Series can be purchased at any of Honda’s 92 authorised sales dealerships nationwide or at ongoing Honda mobile roadshows. Visit www.honda.com.my to know more as well as to find the nearest Honda showroom.

All-new 10th Generation Honda Accord finally arrives!

RUF’s Porsche-looking Rodeo Concept for off-roading

RUF is well known to enthusiasts and Porsche fans for its custom creations that are not just original Porsches but can be considered independent designs which utilise only the Porsche chassis. In Fact, RUF Automobile is recognised as a vehicle manufacturer by the German government and its production models have their own identification numbers (VIN).

The company’s history goes back to 1939 although it is only from the late 1970s that it began to be noticed for its sportscars. As at other carmakers, RUF’s designers have many ideas but not all can be commercialised and sometimes, they start a project to build a concept car.

The latest is the Rodeo Concept, inspired by the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance and its founder – and friend of RUF – Bruce Meyer, as well as by Ralph Lauren and his 2011 Western Collection as well as RUF enthusiast and collector Phillip Sarofim who has roots in Texas.

The car features the same carbonfibre monocoque chassis as the CTR Anniversary and the SCR, but with a 4-wheel drive system, larger all-terrain tyres, longer-travel suspension and other features for off-road use. The Rodeo Concept can accommodate either a normally-aspirated or turbocharged RUF flat-six engine.

“When we began building our own automobiles, it was all for the thrill of the drive,” said Estonia Ruf, Marketing Director of RUF Automobile GmbH. “The Rodeo Concept combines that passion for cars with the love of western culture – an appreciation I found while studying in Oklahoma, USA. This car is inspired by some of our favourite people and our love for the countryside.”

First production SCR
At the unveiling of the Rodeo Concept recently, the company also presented its first production RUF SCR. The 1,250-kg SCR uses a 4.0-litre normally-aspirated flat-six engine producing 510 bhp/470 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The rear spoiler generates high downforce to keeps the SCR stable at its claimed top speed of 320 km/h.

The SCR has had a place in the brand’s history for 42 years, having had its premiere in 1978. The original SCR was powered by a 6-cylinder engine with 3.2-litre displacement and its power output could be uprated to 217 bhp.

90 options for the Porsche Taycan owner who wants a more personalised car

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine

Isuzu Malaysia’s Dura Miles Challenge has proven that the Isuzu D-MAX is a champion when it comes to fuel economy. It has seen the pick-up truck being driven from Bangkok to Singapore on just one full tank of fuel, certainly an impressive achievement.

In the automotive world, technology constantly advances and the Isuzu D-MAX has become a more efficient all-round vehicle with new capabilities as well as those already embedded in its DNA. It has the new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel engine that produces more power and torque than the 2.5-litre powerplant it replaces.

To demonstrate its capable performance and engineering supremacy, Isuzu Malaysia loaded a 1.9-litre Single Cab model to its maximum permissible capacity of a ton and took it through some of the highest accessible hills along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range. In total, it clocked over 1,000 kms and two bars of fuel still remained in the tank.

“The prowess of the Isuzu D-Max continues to astound with its remarkable capabilities. Despite being the pick-up truck with smallest displacement on the market, the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max completed the challenge with absolute ease and confidence. It truly suggests that the Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Blue Power has what it takes to get any job done,” said Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.

Prior to starting its journey from its ‘birthplace’, the Isuzu-Hicom Malaysia factory in Pekan, Pahang, a thorough inspection of the vehicle was conducted by PUSPAKOM. This was to verify its conformity as a showroom-standard unit.

With its crates, bonnet and fuel tank sealed, the D-Max headed north for its first challenge – the East-West highway linking Jeli in Kelantan and Gerik in Perak with a climb to the peak of 1,052 metres before ending at Ipoh for the night.

The next day, the route was even more daunting as the lone white D-MAX travelled up 1,112 metres to Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands before heading on to Fraser’s Hill (1,222 metres) via Raub. From there, the journey took on an even-bigger challenge: the climb up to Genting Highlands at 1,604 metres before ending at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor after clocking 1,145 kms.

It was certainly a very long way to go from Pekan to Shah Alam but the D-MAX passed through the gates of the finish point with ample fuel to spare in its 76-litre tank. Based on the reading from its on-board computer, the 1.9-litre engine had consumed an average of just 7.2 litres/100 kms or 13.7 kms/litre.

“Through advanced technology, the new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine is by far the most fuel-efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu Motors and this was clearly demonstrated in this exercise. Perhaps some vehicles can travel long distances on a tank of fuel, and some can probably manage to carry a ton of weight or climb mountains. But to achieve all three criteria with one vehicle is a true feat of a competent vehicle,” added the CEO of Isuzu, Malaysia Koji Nakamura.

All D-Max models (including the 1.9-litre Single Cab) come with a 5-year 150,000-km warranty. To know more about the range and to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup.