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Project MAYBACH – a tribute to the late Virgil Abloh

With Project MAYBACH, Mercedes-Benz pays tribute to the late Virgil Abloh who passed away recently. Designed as a showcar to inspire the next generation, it is being revealed at the wishes of Abloh’s family.

The artist, architect, creative director, fashion designer and philanthropist, who was also artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, had collaborated with Gordon Wagener, design chief of Mercedes-Benz, for this design study. It interprets Mercedes-Maybach’s luxury identity with a new design language and pushed the boundaries of function, style, and collaborative creativity.

Inspired by the great outdoors and recontextualizing a traditionally urban brand within a distinctly off-road environment, the 2-seater, fully-electric off-road coupe combines huge Gran Turismo proportions (almost 6 metres long), large off-road wheels and distinctive attachments. Under the transparent surface of the showcar’s bonnet are solar cells that increase the imagined range of the Project MAYBACH.

Like Project Gelandewagen in 2020, Project MAYBACH is a design unlike anything that has been developed by Mercedes-Benz, with every element built from scratch. Key for both Abloh and Wagener was a responsible vision of future design. Complete creative freedom – unlimited by production requirements – enabled the design teams to conceptualize what the future of electric travel could look like.

The X-Factor nature of Project MAYBACH results not only from its imposing – almost 6 metres long – and characteristics, but also from its unique contrasts. ; most notably through how naturally authentic Mercedes-Maybach design elements are harmoniously combined with a new Outdoor Adventure design motif.

Project MAYBACH channels Abloh’s passion to challenge the status quo and re-write the rulebook of aspirational design. The power of his work is not only from the product design, but also the exploratory conversations that his work ignited. Whilst the showcar was inspired by how one could explore nature within a uniquely luxury context with Maybach, the Mercedes-Benz teams thank Virgil Abloh for the inspiration to explore every day the power of cross-industry dialogue to imagine a better, more inclusive future.

*Project Gelandewagen, another car from Virgil Abloh, which was inspired by the G-Wagen.*

Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS for the new generation of customers

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Hennessey Performance’s Project Deep Space is a 6-wheel drive Hyper GT!

John Hennessey, the founder and CEO of Texas-based Hennessey Performance, is a man who loves powerful cars and his company has been ‘making fast cars faster’ since 1991. His work covers not only musclecars but also trucks and SUVs, with notable recent models like the 700-bhp Velociraptor F250 and a ZL1 Camaro nicknamed ‘The Exorcist’ with 1,000 bhp.

In 2017, he started Hennessey Special Vehicles to develop even faster cars, with the Venom F5 being of hypercar status and the first road car capable of achieving more than 480 km/h. The Hennessey team developed an all new, twin turbo V8 engine that can deliver 1,817 bhp which sits on a lightweight chassis enclosed by an all carbonfibre body.

*The Exorcist, a Camaro ZL1 with 1,000 bhp (above) and the Venom F5 are just some of the superfast cars from Hennessey.*

The F5’s combination of light weight, low drag and massive horsepower is claimed to enable an acceleration time from 0 to 300 km/h in less than 10 seconds, making the new Venom quicker than current Formula 1 racing cars.

Project Deep Space

Now Hennessey Special Vehicles is taking things further with a strategic product plan to introduce 3 all-new vehicles over the next 10 years. Project Deep Space, the codename for one of the vehicles, will be the world’s first 6-wheel drive Hyper-GT.

During the next 10 years, electrification will be permeating through the industry and Hennessey is going with the change by making the hyper-GT run only on electric power, generated by 6 motors. With a 50% increase in surface contact over traditional 4-wheeled vehicles, the performance of the hyper-GT will be astonishing.

Fitted with dramatic gullwing doors, Project Deep Space will be constructed with an ultra-lightweight carbonfibre chassis and body panels. The car will be a unique, ultra-luxurious, Grand Tourer that can transport 4 adults in comfort along with 4 sets of golf clubs, plus luggage.

Diamond=shaped seating layout

The distinctive diamond seating arrangement places the driver in a central position and the rear offers lie-flat seating. The interior will be fitted with the highest quality materials and for the asking price, customers will be able to add whatever they want to personalize their hypercar.

“I’ve been building some of the world’s fastest accelerating vehicles for decades, yet they have always been performance-limited by mechanical grip. Six-wheeled electric propulsion is the solution. The technology is unprecedented in this segment – both forward-thinking and innovative. Our design and engineering team is excited about embracing the future,” said John Hennessey.

World’s most expensive EV

Full specifications for Project Deep Space are yet to be announced, but Hennessey has confirmed that pricing will start at US$3 million (RM12.6 million at today’s exchange rate) which will make it the world’s most expensive EV (unless Bugatti or someone else comes out with a rival model). Only 105 hypercars will be built with production planned to begin in 2026.

Hennessey produces World’s Fastest and Most Powerful Pick-up Truck – the MAMMOTH 1000 TRX

Fuel Price Updates For December 2 – December 8, 2021

Stellantis plant in Kedah begins rolling out new Peugeot 2008 for Malaysian and ASEAN markets

The first units of the new Peugeot 2008 have left the production line at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah. The production is meant for the Malaysian market as well as for export to neighbouring countries. Sales will start in Thailand this month and there will also be lefthand drive versions produced for markets such as the Philippines.

“Built in ASEAN for ASEAN, we’re proud to announce that the first locally-produced new Peugeot 2008 vehicles will be on their way to customers in Southeast Asia in the coming months,” said Christophe Musy, Senior Vice-President, ASEAN & General Distributors at Stellantis.

“This is an important step in our plan to enlarge the Stellantis manufacturing footprint in the region and the first example of our ambition to expand the portfolio of Stellantis vehicles built in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Musy.

The 2008 comes with Full LED Headlights, Peugeot’s signature 3-claws Light, the new Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D, 3D Quartz Cluster and 7-inch HD Touchscreen with Toggle Switches. It also has the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that include Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Assist 3, and Active Blind Spot Detection + Lane Keep Assist.

Peugeot engineers have done extensive endurance and quality testing in local conditions, with up to 200,000 kms around Malaysia in the diverse local climate and environmental landscape to ensure it is suited for Southeast Asian conditions.

Despite forced closure of the plant for an extended period (due to government actions to fight the pandemic), the Stellantis manufacturing team in Malaysia was able to keep to production timelines. By utilizing dynamic online tools and methodologies, they virtually collaborated with colleagues in China and Europe.

“What we’ve been able to achieve at the Gurun plant in Malaysia over the past few months is a great achievement, and we are now focused on continuing the momentum to keep up with the increased customer demand for locally-manufactured Peugeot vehicles in the region,” said Mr. Musy.

*Besides the 2008, the plant in Gurun also assembles the latest Peugeot 3008 and 5008.*

Stellantis (a merger between the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group) acquired the NAZA Automotive Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. plant in October this year. Over 170 employees have returned to work and the company is working with more than 50 local suppliers with production ramping up for the remainder of 2021 to meet local demand. The plant assembles the 3008 and 5008, besides the 2008.

To know more about Peugeot models and aftersales services in Malaysia, visit www.peugeot.com.my. Peugeot owners in Malaysia are urged to provide their contact details to Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd which is the new distributor for the brand.

Chrysler (FCA) ‘re-marries’ to form another mega corporation with Groupe PSA

SDAC year-end promotion for Ford owners – save money and get free merchandise when servicing vehicle

Malaysians are on the roads again, motoring all over the country after having been stuck in their own states for a long time due to cross-border travelling not being permitted. While it was unpleasant and even distressing, it was necessary to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

With the end of restrictions, we can now go anywhere we want (unless a specific area is under an Enhanced Movement Control Order) and with the end of the year coming up as well as the festive season starting, many will be on the highways.

Such long-distance travelling means that the vehicle should be in a proper running condition to avoid breakdowns that can really spoil a holiday or balik kampung journey. A breakdown will cause delays and inconvenience, but failure of brakes could result in an accident, which will be serious.

To ensure that the vehicle is in good running condition and for peace of mind, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is having its year-end and Chinese New Year service promotion for Ford owners. The promotion starts from December 1, 2021 and continues until February 15, 2022.

Up to 20% Savings
Ford owners who book a service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on parts and 10% on labour fees for lubricants, brake and timing belt packages in addition to selected parts.

All vehicles brought to the authorised service centre for servicing will go through a 27-point inspection, conducted by Ford-certified technicians. This inspection covers many areas related to safety and will ensure that the vehicles are in tip-top condition for the long journey.

Genuine Ford Parts with warranty
When servicing at any Authorised Ford Service Centre nationwide, vehicle owners can rest assured that only original genuine Ford parts are used. These parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and designed specifically for Ford vehicles. In the event of problems with the parts installed, there is a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever occurs first), excluding wear and tear parts.

Free merchandise
Vehicle owners who top up on lubricant packages with an additional RM40 spend on any parts or service will receive a free exclusive Ford-branded face mask. For brake and timing belt packages, those who spend an extra RM500 on parts or service will get an exclusive denim woven bag in addition to a Ford face mask. All merchandise will be available while stocks last.

“With travel restrictions now eased, people are looking forward to travelling back to their hometowns or taking weekend trips this holiday season. Our service promotion is timely for this occasion and Ford customers can take advantage of this service and maintenance promotion to stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

How to make an appointment
Ford owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website at their convenience, anytime and from anywhere. They can specify an authorised dealership or choose one closest to them anywhere in Malaysia. The real-time e-Service appointment booking option available allows owners to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).

The authorised service centres are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching. To make a service appointment booking online, click here.

For more information regarding the promotion or about Ford vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my

No charges for scheduled servicing during first two years of Ford Ranger ownership

BMW Concept XM – preview of the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into volume production

At the Art Basel 2021 Miami Beach show in Florida this week, BMW M will present the Concept XM as a look ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into volume production. It also provides a first glimpse of the new front-end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models with its distinctive take on BMW X model design.

The new design language
The slim and iconic daytime driving lights (DRLs) and the contour lighting of the emotive kidney grille are the main focal points. The horizontal grille sits prominently between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasizes the front end’s dynamic character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a high-gloss black surface. M-style double bars within the grille add to the perception of width.

The boldly sculpted bonnet extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. A pair of air intakes in the bonnet mimic the appearance of the LED searchlights in the roof and framing the statuesque body at its lower edge are the clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron. Triangular body-coloured blades at the outer edges accentuate the vertical air intakes while emphasizing the sporty and robust stance.

The visually expressive silhouette exudes presence with its size and the design language uses strikingly sculpted surfaces and extravagant lines. The two-tone paint finish further accentuates its distinctive lines, with the upper section in matt gold-bronze, while the lower section sports the Space Grey metallic shade.

Below the window graphic, a broad, High-gloss Black line – the ‘black belt’ – separates the two exterior colours. The signature M exterior mirrors give the car a clean-cut and technical, sporty edge. Throughout the side view, deliberately short character lines, which start off boldly before fading softly, accentuate the car’s agile, modern feel.

The expressive rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks and create an eye-catching transition into the rear. The black cladding typical of BMW X models above the wheels and on the sideskirts is very clearly defined and gives the body an elevated appearance.

The glasshouse of the Concept XM rises vertically and the colour of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen seems to have an even heavier rake as a result, injecting modern dynamism into the front end. Slim LED searchlights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars, adding to the SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) image.

At the back, the rear window is inserted almost seamlessly into the rear end. The fresh interpretation of the design can also be seen in the arrangement of the BMW logo, which is laser-etched into the window below each of the two rails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1, to date the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M (and that was back in 1978).

Lower down, dominating the rear apron, are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system reduces backpressure for the engine and also generates the emotionally rich M-typical soundtrack accompanying the engine’s imposing power delivery. The vertical arrangement and hexagonal interpretation of the tailpipes are a new take for this classically iconic feature.

PHEV only
The production model will have only a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) and it will be BMW M’s first electrified high-performance model. In the Concept XM, the powertrain is a M Hybrid drive system which combines a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 750 ps and 1,000 Nm. More detailed technical information is not available at this time but there is a claim of up to 80 kms running on just electric power.

Driver-focused cockpit
Like other M models, the cabin of the Concept XM has a driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the car.

The new BMW Curved Display screen grouping positioned creates a neat balance between traditional driver focus and modern digitality. Red accents on the steering wheel and centre console are M-specific references, while a trio of vertical elements presented in the three colours of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the centre console.

The M Lounge
The rear area is referred to as the ‘M Lounge’, with special materials and expressive details for the seats along with black-tinted rear side windows. The large rear seat bench with its deep seat recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the supporting function familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is leather-trimmed. The lower sections of the seats offer high comfort and an exclusive couch character with their luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond quilting.

Illuminated and sculptural headliner
The visual highlight of the cabin is its headliner with a 3-dimensional prism structure. A combination of indirect and direct lighting produces a relief-like structure which showcases the headliner as an exclusive work of art. Together with the ambient lighting, it highlights the Concept XM’s blend of luxury and comfort to extremely striking effect. The ambient lighting can be activated in the three BMW M colours.

Production from end of 2022
The production model – the BMW XM – will be built from the end of 2022 at BMW’s factory in the USA which was also where the company first SAV, the X5, was built in 1999. The US market is a big market for BMW SAVs and is expected to be the most important sales market for the new high-performance model.

The BMW M1 has so far been the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M (in 1978). This picture shows one of the 453 cars built at the end of a race in Malaysia’s Batu Tiga circuit in the 1980s.

First models of revived Ralliart brand debut at Thailand International Motor Expo

As mentioned in May, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is reviving Ralliart, the motorsport brand of the company. No details were given as to what the scope of the revival would be but an image of a Triton with Ralliart treatment was shown in a presentation on the carmaker’s FY2020 financial results that were made public.

At the 38th Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok this week, the first models of the revived Ralliart brand will be unveiled. These are the Triton Ralliart and the Pajero Sport Ralliart as special editions, based on the popular pick-up and SUV models made at the factory in Thailand.

No performance upgrades yet
For now, it appears that the special editions do not have any performance upgrades and are essentially differentiated from the standard models by Ralliart-themed cosmetics reminiscent of the historic cars in rallies.

Both models feature iconic side decals with red, silver and black stripes, and mud flaps with the Ralliart logo. The front grille and alloy wheels are painted black to differentiate from the standard trim. As for the interior, the floormats have the Ralliart logo and red-accent overlocks are specially fitted.

Exclusive accessories
The Triton Ralliart is based on the low-rider variant of the Triton Club Cab (Mega Cab) and Double Cab. For these two models, in addition to the common cosmetic features are front bumper garnish with a red accent and bedliner with the Ralliart logo. In addition, the two-tone model features black door mirrors, black door handles, black rear gate handle and black rear bumper.

The Pajero Sport Ralliart has front and rear under garnish with red accents and the Ralliart logo. Exclusive to the two-tone colour model are black fender arch moldings, black roof rails, black shark fin antenna and black tailgate spoiler. Two exterior colour options are available – a two-tone exterior with a White Diamond body and a black roof, and Jet Black Mica.

“We are truly honoured to bring back the Ralliart brand products to the fans of Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, MMC. “Starting from these Ralliart special editions in Thailand, we are planning to introduce more of the attractive items sequentially. We are also considering some exciting activities in the near future, so that the fans can feel and enjoy our Ralliart spirit. Please stay tuned with our revived Ralliart… there is more to come!”

The Ralliart special editions will be available from Mitsubishi Motors’ dealerships in Thailand but no word on whether other markets will get them. Quite likely, distributors in other countries like Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia may offer Ralliart accessories first and then progress to fully-equipped models at a later stage.

To know more about the Triton and to test-drive one, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my for the location of an authorised dealer in Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Motors to revive Ralliart

All-New Porsche GT3 Debuts in Malaysia – Prices Start from RM1.76 mil!

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the importer, distributor and custodian of the Porsche brand in Malaysia, today introduced the all-new Porsche GT3.

The GT3 can trace its roots back to back 1999 when Porsche needed a road going version of its race car for homologation purposes – and thus the GT3 was born.

Back then the GT3 offered the purest unadulterated driving experience a road car could offer. It was the closest a road driver could get to driving a race car.

Nothing has changed today as the GT3 is still hailed as the ultimate bridge between road and track.

Over seven editions later, the all-new GT3 offers one of the most advanced technologies available in a road legal race car.

It is lighter, faster and smarter and this results in a car that laps the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife a full 17-seconds faster than its predecessor.

In Malaysia, the all-new GT3 made its debut at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

At the heart of the GT3 lays a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engine that features individual throttle bodies for each of its six-cylinders.

This is unusual for a road car, but quite normal for a race car. And that is because the engine of the all-new GT3 is actually based on the race based 911 GT3R.

As such the new GT3 is puts out an astonishing 507hp and 470Nm of torque. This takes the GT3 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 320km/h. Making the engine one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated engines ever produced.

As for the transmission, owners can choose between a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, or a 6-speed manual GT sports gearbox that is about 20kg lighter than the auto box.

The all-new GT3 seems to have perfected a seemingly perfect package.

It not only offers a race-derived engine, but also offers race-derived handling.

For example, the front suspension of the GT3 consist of a double-wishbone layout taken from the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR race car.

Then there is the new swan-neck rear wing mounting and diffuser than are also from the 911 RSR. This allows for 50% more downforce without increasing drag.

The all-new GT3 also features a manually-adjustable rear wing and diffuser elements that can be set to increase downforce by up to 150% for maximum cornering speed.

The best thing about the all-new GT3 is that it is available with a Touring Package at no additional cost.

The Touring Package rids the car of such dramatics as the swan-neck rear wing, and offers the same exterior paint work all over.

Porsche (and SDAP) says the new Touring Package “is perfectly suited to sports car connoisseurs with a passion for understatement and classic driving pleasure”.

And so it may ride the GT3 of that massive carbon-fibre rear wing, but in place of the fixed wing, the 911 GT3 gets an automatically extending rear spoiler which offers the necessary downforce at high speeds.

As for the interior, the GT3 benefits from a a design that is in-line with the current 992 generation but GT3-specific instrument cluster that features a central rev counter that goes up to 10,000rpm, and is flanked by two high-resolution 7-inch displays featuring a new track screen.

As with all other 992 generation 911 models, the all-new GT3 also gets a centred high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen display with the latest Porsche Communication Management system with only navigation and Porsche Connect Plus.

This also supports the Porsche Track Precision App that helps drivers maximise their track sessions and improve lap times by providing detailed driving data, including live displays and video analysis.

The all-new Porsche GT3 is now available at all Porsche centres nationwide with prices starting from a cool RM1,766,244 with SST exemption.

All-new Mazda BT-50 to be launched soon, priced from RM124,179

Since the 1990s, the Mazda BT-50 has been a ‘twin’ of the Ford Ranger, as the two carmakers worked together to develop a common truck model (they also jointly developed passenger cars, vans and SUVs). However, for the new BT-50, Mazda no longer worked with Ford (which unveiled its new Ranger recently) and instead formed a commercial partnership with Isuzu Motors to develop a new model.

KODO design makes the difference
It’s no secret that the new BT-50 is adapted from the latest Isuzu D-MAX which was launched in Malaysia in April this year. However, when you look at the two pick-up trucks, you will see that Mazda has used its KODO design language to differentiate appearances significantly. In fact, if you were not told of the Isuzu connection, you would probably not think of the D-MAX. And to ensure its brand is immediately known, there is the familiar front grille (enlarged to match the size of the truck) and the 3-dimensional signature wing that extends out towards the side.

2022 Mazda BT-50 — *With its KODO design language, the new BT-50 has a significantly different appearance from the latest Isuzu D-MAX (below) which it has technical similarities with.*

There’s not a lot you can do with a truck design since the profile of cab and cargo bed are pretty much similar. So the areas where differentiation can be done would be areas like the lights. In the case of the BT-50, the headlights are distinct and sharp, taking in cues from Mazda’s SUV range, and achieving the ‘deep gaze’ characteristic of Mazda.

At the back, the tailgate is the key design point, shaped to flow towards the Mazda badge to create a continuity of movement from front to rear. This complements the overall sense of bold and powerful movement, even when standing still.

Two engine choices
For the Malaysian market, Bermaz Motor offers two engine choices – a 1.9-litre or 3-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder engines. These engines are also used in the D-MAX, so they are proven powerplants although it is possible that Mazda engineers may have tuned the characteristics slightly differently to meet the brand’s own philosophy. The electronic control module is programmed to match the torque delivery characteristics of the engine by always selecting the best ratio. Both engines are paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

*Two 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines are available for the new BT-50 with displacements of 1.9 litres (left) and 3.0 litres (right).*

Inside the double cab
As with the exterior, the double cab interior also has the same high quality feel that Mazdas are known for. The human-centric environment ensures that drivers feel connected to their vehicle and are comfortable. The horizontal layout of the instrument panel extends out to the door trim on each side, visually widening the cabin. Fine stitching is used for the dashboard, instrument panel cover, and kneepads, adding an extra touch of quality to the interior. The door moldings that wrap around the dash area are a feature of the Kodo design philosophy.

Rear passengers have convenience and comfort with air ducts bringing cool air to them and a USB charging port to recharge personal electronic devices. Supportive seats wrap around the body to hold it well when driving over bumpy terrain. A large touchscreen infotainment system offers comprehensive functionality, including Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.

The new instrument cluster has two round analog meters flanking a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the centre. The panel surface is finished in Mazda’s deep, pure black color, creating a striking contrast against the light font and silver rims of the analog meters.

The rear doors are designed with wide openings and ample space for the feet and knees to pass through. This makes it easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear of the cab. Assist grips at the top are also useful for those who need support for the body.

As safe as a car
Even though this is a pick-up truck, safety is just as important as the occupants are the same as those who travel in a passenger car. Mazda therefore provides safety technologies which 7 SRS airbags and depending on the variant) active driver-assistance systems such as ABS + EBD with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are also available, while a Rear Differential Lock is standard.

Certain versions of the new BT-50 also come with advanced systems such as Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. So it is comparable to a modern car which should be the case since most pick-up trucks are now being driven on highways more than off-road.

Preview in first week of December
The new BT-50 has a selling price starting from RM124,179.20 and purchasers get a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or 100,000 kms, whichever occurs first after original registration. Authorized Mazda dealers nationwide are now accepting bookings. For more information on the new BT-50 or other Mazda models, or to locate an authorized showroom, visit www.mazda.com.my.

Quality pre-owned Mazda vehicles available at the new Mazda Anshin website

Toyota Yaris impresses on first-ever appearance in Sepang 1000KM race

The Toyota Yaris which was entered in the Sepang 1000KM endurance race (S1K) recently was the first ever appearance of the model in a local race and it was a ‘baptism by fire’ on all accounts. Competing in the top MTC Production Class, the Yaris, driven by the pair of 16-year old Hayden Haikal and 24-year old Timothy Yeo, had taken the chequered flag 3 laps ahead of their nearest rival. However, a post-race penalty reclassified the duo to third position in class and fourth overall.

Three Toyotas occupied the top 5 front positions on the starting grid for the 9-hour/181-lap race laps around the 5.534-km Sepang International Circuit. The number #39 Yaris had been the highest-placed Toyota on the starting grid, qualifying second with a time of 2 min 38.932 seconds. They were followed by Wing Hin Motorsports team mates and the pair of Boy Wong and Dannies Ng in the number #38 Vios.

Two entries from GAZOO Racing Malaysia
Backing them up were the trio of Tengku Djan Ley, Naquib Azlan and Akio Takeyama from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia in car number #37 (another Vios) which was fifth fastest. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia fielded a second entry, another Vios crewed by a trio comprising celebrity Zizan Razak, and young drivers Jwan Hii and Mika Hakimi in the SP2 Production Class in car number #36. Despite qualifying 30^th , they went on to finish 20th in class and fifth in the inaugural running of the Vios Enduro Cup.

With three Toyotas in contention for overall victory, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s number #37 Vios, the number #39 Yaris and the number #38 Vios showed their dominance from the beginning to the final hours of the race. Four cars traded places for the lead throughout the race, but no one expected a huge turn of events that was to unfold in the closing laps.

Bad luck for #38 Vios
The number #38 Vios’ hopes of a podium finish were essentially erased due to technical issues, forcing it to rejoin 6 laps down but still managing to finish fourth overall and in Class. The number #37 Vios, meanwhile, was well poised for victory until 26 laps to the finish when the front left wheel was ripped away, dropping the team to 11th in Class.

Their misfortune left the race for the taking of car number #100 driven by Mitchell Cheah and Brendan Paul Anthony, but their hopes of a victory too came to a crushing end when mechanical problems 10 laps from the finish put them into retirement.

Yaris takes podium finish on debut
As all this unfolded, the charging #39 Yaris kept piling on the pressure and clocking consistent lap times right up to the chequered flag. “The Yaris performed impeccably, not putting a foot wrong! This is a huge testament to the car’s performance and reliability under extreme conditions, and to finish on the podium in the prestigious S1K race on its debut is, without a doubt, an amazing result,” said a happy Mr. Takeyama who is also GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer.

“We would like to have won and seen two or all three cars on the podium but unfortunately, in racing, nothing is ever certain until you cross the finish line, and this is a disappointment we will have to graciously accept despite running very competitively until the final hours,” he said.

“The S1K is a challenging test of nerves not only on the reliability and durability of the car, but also the physical and mental strength of the competing teams and drivers,” he said, with his personal experience of racing in the event. ”As a team, we have proven to ourselves that we are competitive, and this setback has certainly fuelled our desire to come back and be even stronger next year.”

The Yaris’ third place finish, however, was made that much sweeter with one of the drivers (Hayden) being a competitor and the youngest ever champion in Toyota’s Vios Challenge racing series. In fact, eight of the drivers in the top 4 cars in contention for the race win had competed in the one-make series which has run for 4 seasons.

“The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival and Vios Challenge will next year enter its fifth successive season and we hope that it has not only made a huge impact towards enhancing the profile of Malaysian motorsports by bringing it to the masses, but also in creating a strong foundation for the development of existing, new and especially young drivers. We are committed in making an impactful contribution to Malaysian motorsports and this is an initiative we intend to continue to expand on moving forward,” Mr. Takeyama promised.

Inaugural Vios Enduro Cup
In the inaugural Vios Enduro Cup, Aylezo Motorsports’ trio Mirza Syahmi Mahzan, Zen Low and Aiman Haziq completed 166 laps enroute to collect a cash prize of RM10,000. It was a 1-2 victory for Aylezo with Dato’ Danny Yip, Kenneth Teh and Chang Choon Ming placed second. In third spot was 23 Motors’ Al- Farouk and Abdull Miqail, followed by Toyotsu Racing’s Liew Jo Choon, Tan Chan Wei in fourth.

A total of 10 Toyota cars took to the track for the S1K race which attracted 38 teams, with three cars competing in the MTC Production Class and the remaining seven vying for positions in the SP2 Production Class and the inaugural running of the Vios Enduro Cup.