English Archives

Piston.my

English

First of 50 customers to get Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign in late 2020

After being approved for limited production, work began on the production version of the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign which was shown in June last year. While Italdesign, which has a history that goes pack as far as 1968, developed and engineered the model, Nissan’s design centres in the UK and California worked on the exterior and interior designs.

“Designers dream of creating from a blank canvas, but with GT-R, it is a canvas that has been shaped by an adventurous history, a heart powered by NISMO, and a soul reflecting 50 years of dreams of engineers, designers, artisans, developers, racers and leaders,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Senior Vice-President of Global Design. “The best of Japan and Italy combined with help from our California and London studios are painting on the best canvas any designer can possibly have!”

The production version will go on display at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year and the first customers should receive their cars before the end of 2020. Customer demand has been strong, with a significant number of deposits already taken based on a starting price of 990,000 euros (equivalent to RM4.58 million) for each o the 50 cars that will be produced. Each unit can be personalised to the customer’s requirements.

Meanwhile, fans can see the prototype model at the 2019 NISMO Festival which is on this Sunday. It will subsequently be shown at Nissan Crossing in Tokyo’s Ginza district for the rest of the month, and at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2020.

“Our customers have relished the personalized experience provided by Italdesign, who have a long tradition in the exclusive field of ultra-rare, bespoke high-performance vehicles,” said Bob Laishley, Global Sports Car Program Director at Nissan. “Their experience with the GT-R50 has been incredible and I can say first-hand that each car will certainly be a standalone masterpiece.”

Powering each GT-R50 by Italdesign is a NISMO-tuned 720 ps/780 Nm hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (VR38DETT). The engine draws on Nissan extensive GT3 competition experience and knowledge. The E-TS ATTESA all-wheel drive system will deliver power to all four 21-inch wheels. The suspension will be revised with the Bilstein DampTronic system and an upgraded Brembo braking system will be installed for stronger stopping power.

At the time of writing, Nissan says that there are still ‘a limited number of reservations’ left so if you want one, you need to contact Italdesign quickly. The address for e-mail is aporta.gtr50@italdesign.com.

22nd NISMO Festival this weekend celebrates 50th anniversaries of Nissan GT-R and Fairlady Z

GVE Asia Group continues business operations of Volkswagen Sg Besi

The GVE Asia Group joins the Volkswagen dealership network in Malaysia as a new business partner of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). The group has experience in retailing luxury and premium models and operates used car dealerships, sales and aftersales and other automotive related services.

It has acquired the existing Volkswagen Sg. Besi outlet in Kuala Lumpur which was previously operated by Wearnes as its first entry into the Volkswagen network. The outlet is a full-fledged 3S dealership so Volkswagen owners can get everything they need for their vehicles at one location.

With built-up area of over 75,181 sq. ft. on two floors, the showroom can display up to 9 vehicles. The aftersales facilities in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards and customers can relax in a comfortable waiting lounge complete with cable TV, Wi-Fi and cafe.

“We thank Wearnes for being part of the Volkswagen family. We’ve seen many years of growth, and their service to the brand has been invaluable,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM. “At the same time, it gives me great pleasure to welcome GVE Asia Group into the network. I look forward to a fruitful partnership as we continue to build the Volkswagen brand together and to meet the needs of our customers.”

To know more about Volkswagen products and services or to locate other authorised dealerships in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Volkswagen owners can get more with VIP

Lexus Malaysia invites you to UNWRAP AMAZING this weekend

It’s that time of the year when the festivities to celebrate the end of the year start. If it was a good year for you, then there’s reason to celebrate and if it was not good, there’s also reason to celebrate because it’s going to end, and a new year is just around the corner.

At Lexus showrooms throughout Malaysia, there’s definitely a festive mood with ‘UNWRAP AMAZING’, an event to be held from 10 am to 4 pm this weekend (December 7, except Lexus Centre Ipoh which will be on December 14).

A special Christmas doorgift is presented to all visitors to the Lexus Centres and it will certainly set them in the mood to UNWRAP AMAZING. Within the showroom, Amazing Experiences await them with the liberal use of high-tech digital innovation and technology to elevate all the five senses, creating the unparalleled Lexus experience.

For those who want to understand why Lexus vehicles have been so highly regarded all over the world, the best way to do so will be to go for a test-drive. Whether they have a preference for a SUV, sedan or sporty coupe, there’s a Lexus model available to experience. As a token of appreciation, guests will receive a gift after their test-drive.

All Lexus models have the latest Active Safety technology with the Lexus Safety System, keeping occupants safe on all journeys. There are systems to automatically brake the car in an emergency, alert the driver when the car deviates out of its lane, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and of course, airbags all around the cabin to give added protection during accidents.

At Lexus Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, there will also be additional festive activities. Visitors can join in the Ginger House-Making workshop and enjoy special performances by Wilson Jong & Thomas Phillip Musical at various times of the day.

The renowned standards of Lexus are inspired by the Japanese tradition of omotenashi (hospitality) which every visitor to any Lexus centre will experience, right from the time he or she enters the refined environment of the showroom. Whether going for a test-drive or enjoying a cup of coffee from Café Richard, customers are always at the centre of the Lexus Amazing Experience.

While at the showroom, visitors can also find out more about Lexus Malaysia’s Corporate Privilege Programme. The programme is available with the purchase of any new Lexus model, from the luxurious ES to the RX SUV that blends practicality and prestige, to the NX that pushes the boundaries of a crossover. Qualified customers can receive discounts and free service packages along with enjoying a 5-star lifestyle marked by Amazing Experiences.

For the locations of Lexus Centres in Malaysia, visit www.lexus.com.my.

2019 Lexus ES & RX officially launched in Malaysia – From RM299,888

Three BMW dealerships to host BMW Year-End Expo 2019

Quill Automobiles, Ingress Auto and Wheelcorp Premium, which represent the BMW and MINI brands in the Klang Valley, will transform The Marquee at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre into the largest BMW and MINI dealership in the city centre this weekend (December 6 – 8). Billed as ‘a one-of-a-kind event’, the BMW Year-End Expo 2019 will have over 90 vehicles on display from both brands from 10 am to 7 pm each day.

As would be expected, the dealers will have special offers for those who want to shop for a new car to have in the porch or garage this Christmas or for the new year. The offers will include a special 6 Years and 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty programme; special financing rates from 0.33% (terms and conditions apply); and complimentary one-year BMW Comprehensive Motor Insurance.

They will also be able to find out about BMW M Performance Parts which enhance the sportiness of a BMW and of course, check out the lifestyle items from BMW and MINI.

Your future Ford will have parts made from coffee bean skins!

Ford Motor Company has long been making car parts from discarded materials that can be recycled. In one example, old jeans were used as sound insulation material for the first generation of the Focus. Besides plastic bottles, recycled resins are used for various other parts, supporting the company’s sustainability agenda.

Now, working with McDonald’s in the USA, coffee beans will also be used in vehicle parts such as headlamp housings. Every year, gigantic quantities of coffee chaff – the dried skin of the bean – naturally comes off during the roasting process. Together, Ford and McDonald’s can use a significant portion of that material rather than just throw it away.

The companies found that chaff can be converted into a durable material to reinforce certain vehicle parts. By heating the chaff to high temperatures under low oxygen, mixing it with plastic and other additives and turning it into pellets, the material can be formed into various shapes. . This is the first time Ford has used coffee bean skins to convert into selected vehicle parts.

The chaff composite meets the quality specifications for parts like headlamp housings and other interior and under-bonnet components. The resulting components can be about 20% lighter and require up to 25% less energy during the molding process. Heat properties of the chaff component are significantly better than the currently used material, according to Ford.

McDonald’s is expected to send a significant portion of its coffee chaff in North America to Ford to be incorporated into vehicle parts. This will help Ford as it progresses toward a goal of using recycled and renewable plastics in vehicles globally, with an increasing range of sustainable materials.

“McDonald’s commitment to innovation was impressive to us and matched our own forward-thinking vision and action for sustainability,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials research team. “This has been a priority for Ford for over 20 years, and this is an example of jump starting the closed-loop economy, where different industries work together and exchange materials that otherwise would be side or waste products.”

Planning to buy a Ford vehicle in Malaysia? Visit www.sdacford,com.my for the location of the nearest showroom.

1999 Ford Focus — *First generation of Ford Focus had sound insulation materials made from old jeans.*

Ford uses 1.2 billion plastic bottles for auto parts each year

Bermaz Motor sells Mazda vehicles and also provides humanitarian aid and medical relief

To the Malaysian public, Bermaz Motor is associated with Mazda vehicles, distributing them nationwide and providing aftersales services to the increasing number of owners. However, there is also another side to the company which provides humanitarian aid and medical relief to the under- privileged and also actively supports communities and organisations requiring assistance.

To achieve these aims, it recently hosted its 7th Mazda Charity Golf Tournament for the Mazda Medicare Fund (MMF). This year, the charity tournament was held at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club in Shah Alam, Selangor and received tremendous support from 150 participants. The event raised a total of RM447,550 for the MMF, which came from generous golfers, donors and sponsors.

The MMF was established in 2015 and is jointly managed with Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd and in collaboration with B. Braun Avitum Renal Services to provide life-saving haemodialysis treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with financial constraints. As of today, there are 12 B. Braun’s dialysis centres operating nationwide and eligible patients can receive subsidies for haemodialysis treatments. Over the past 5 years, the MMF has contributed a total of RM2.4 million which has supported more than 176 patients throughout Malaysia.

Additionally, the MMF has also supported various communities such as old folk’s homes, orphanages, people with disabilities and Down Syndrome children by providing financial aid. The communities are carefully selected and vetted by the MMF Team to ensure that all donations will be put to good use.

Sponsors — *The MMF gets donations from individuals and corporate sponsors, and the funds are distributed to communities that need aid (below).*

The MMF Team consists of volunteers from within the Bermaz organization so there are no additional costs involved in its operations. This will allow the full amount of donations received to go where it really matters – to the people in need.

Another approach taken to raise funds is through the Mazda Privilege Card (MPC). In a tie-in programme with MMF, all sign-up fees will serve as funds donated by Mazda Owners. The introduction of the MPC has been well received with heart-warming support for its noble cause.

Aside from contributing to the society, owners of the MPC can also enjoy a 15% discount on Mazda genuine spare parts and official merchandise, along with a 5% discount on labour charges (applicable at Mazda showrooms and aftersales service centres operated by Bermaz Motor and Prima Merdu).

Bermaz Motor believes that one of the good ways to contribute to the society is by partnering with the community and the Mazda Medicare Fund (MMF) is one of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to bring about a society and enrich the lives of those who are in need. The company is grateful for the unwavering support from customers, business partners, donors and sponsors to the MMF initiative.

For information relating to the Mazda Medicare Fund, you can send email to mmf@mazda.com.my. To know more about Mazda and Bermaz Motor, visit www.mazda.com.my.

Nissan investing 33 billion yen on advanced manufacturing technologies globally (w/VIDEO)

Manufacturing technology in the Japanese auto industry has been constantly improving, enabling carmakers to deliver products that are of higher quality. Initially, the technologies were used in Japan but with the globalisation of the industry today, factories all over the planet also serve as production hubs for certain models, so they too need to have the best technologies for making their vehicles.

In view of this, Nissan will make a substantial investment in advanced technologies and equipment for its factories around the world. Following an initial investment of about 33 billion yen at the company’s Tochigi Plant in Japan, the technologies will be rolled out across factories globally.

Necessary for new generation of vehicles
These innovations will help deliver a new generation of electrified and intelligent automobiles (like the Nissan LEAF pictured above) that embody the company’s Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision, while also making production operations more flexible, efficient and sustainable. This latest investment represents a necessary rethinking of conventional car-making and tackles the structural and technical challenges of producing vehicles that will lead the industry in a new era of electrification and intelligence.

“We’re facing an unprecedented evolution in the capabilities of our vehicles,” said Hideyuki Sakamoto, Nissan’s Executive Vice-President on charge of manufacturing and supply chain management. “Our job is to make this evolution a reality by rethinking how we build cars. This will also mean shifting the efforts of our expert technicians from techniques they’ve already mastered to new, unexplored areas.”

Building the future of mobility
Nissan’s next generation of cars will be electrified, intelligent and connected. They will be ‘electronics-dense’ and use many materials which are new. This adds new complexity to design and construction, requiring major advancements in production engineering.

One such advancement is the Universal Powertrain Mounting System (shown above) developed by Nissan’s Production Engineering Research and Development Centre. Mounting powertrains in cars is a lengthy process and strenuous work for assembly line staff, who must install multiple components in sequence. Nissan’s new system uses an automated pallet to mount the entire powertrain at once.

The system measures the car’s dimensions in real time during mounting, and the pallet makes micro-adjustments accordingly. This ensures that powertrains are installed to within a small fraction of a millimetre’s accuracy. The new system is also highly adaptable. The same pallet can mount three types of powertrains (internal combustion engine, e-POWER and pure electric), and can assemble and mount 27 different powertrain module combinations.

Bringing craftsmanship to robots
Robots have the advantage of high-speed production and consistent quality, enabling faster and higher output of vehicles. However, they are not so good when there are variations and Nissan has developed certain specialist skills and processes that, until now, could only be performed by trained craftspeople. Through an intensive collaborative process, Nissan’s craftspeople and engineers have digitized parts of these delicate processes and ‘trained’ robots to perform them around the clock. This will allow the craftspeople to focus on new, unexplored areas of expertise.

Making better workplaces with robots
When robots were first used, one of the benefits was that they could do jobs that were dangerous or strenuous for humans, like welding body parts together. Robots can perform such tasks efficiently, freeing workers to perform more valuable jobs elsewhere on the line. This also improves ergonomics, making factories easier places to work.

One example is the installation of a headliner, the overhead layer of material on the inside of a car’s roof. Workers must enter each vehicle’s cabin to perform this physically demanding job. The task has become even harder as cars come with more connected features, adding to the number of devices in and around the headliners.

Nissan’s solution is to use robots to insert the headliner through the front of the vehicle and then fasten it. Sensors monitor changes in pressure and use a proprietary logic system to determine when the clips have snapped securely into place.

Lower environmental impact
Nissan is also working to reduce the environmental impact of building cars. Changes in the painting process are especially noticeable. Car bodies must usually be painted at high temperatures because the viscosity of paint is hard to control at lower temperatures. By contrast, bumpers are made of plastic, so they need to be painted at low temperatures. This requires two separate painting processes for one vehicle.

Nissan has developed a water-based paint that maintains the right viscosity at low temperatures, so that bodies and bumpers can be painted together. This will cut carbon dioxide emissions from the process by 25%. Nissan will also use a water-free painting booth that makes it possible to collect all waste paint and reuse it in other production processes.

“These new technologies and innovations are at the heart of the company’s competitiveness,” said Sakamoto. “They will be rolled out globally in the coming years, underpinning the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility and reinforcing our status as a leader in technology.”

Nissan has developed new technology to make custom body parts faster and at lower cost

Proton sales doubled in November

Proton is having quite a year after showcasing a strong year-end performance. Sales in November alone actually doubled with an amazing 9,643 units sold. The tally now stands at 89,476 units sold so far this year, which is a significant 50.1% increase (16.2% increase in overall market share for 2019). (more…)

Jaguar F-TYPE for 2020 gets updates but loses V6 engine and manual gearbox

For 2020, Jaguar’s F-TYPE gets updates in many areas, with the styling changes being the work of Design Director Julian Thomson, who took over the role after Ian Callum’s departure at the end of June this year. As before, the Jaguar DNA is maintained but with an even more muscular, assertive design.

“Design the most beautiful sportscar, with purity, proportion and presence that’s unmistakably Jaguar: that was the challenge we set ourselves. The new F-TYPE is more dramatic than ever, with even greater clarity of purpose in every line, surface and feature, and embodies true Jaguar design DNA,” said Thomson.

“State-of-the-art technologies together with luxurious materials and finishes deliver beauty with purpose in an interior which will delight driver and passenger alike even before the engine starts and the journey begins. Jaguar has been making sportscars for more than 70 years, and that rich heritage has inspired the team to create something truly extraordinary,” he added.

The design has evolved still further with a focus on even greater purity and discipline to the perfectly-sculpted form. Super-slim pixel LED headlights with subtly updated signature ‘Calligraphy’ J daytime running lights, and sweeping direction indicators, blend into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the new clamshell bonnet. The result is an exaggeration of the car’s visual width, accentuating its assertive stance. The new front bumper and subtly enlarged grille also deliver more visual impact and presence.

The rear haunches enhance the F-TYPE’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form, while the new slender rear lights combine an unmistakable LED chicane signature, inspired by the I-PACE all-electric SUV, with subtle monogram pattern detailing and a fine ‘pinstripe’ beneath.

The interior combines traditional Jaguar craftsmanship with rich, contemporary materials such as Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome. Beautiful details include monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.

There’s more driver-focused technology, including a reconfigurable, high-definition, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display, Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and software-over-the-air functionality so future software updates can be made at the customer’s convenience, without having to visit a dealer. Two Meridian sound systems are available to choose from, both offering enhanced sound reproduction.

Even before the drive begins, the F-TYPE delights the driver with the visual theatre of flush, deployable door handles and deployable air vents. Pressing the start button brings the car to life with its hallmark exhaust flare as purposeful as ever. The distinctive crackle and pop on the overrun synonymous with the F-TYPE, remains.

The V6 option with manual transmission is no longer offered in 2020 and the range of powerful, responsive engines will have only 4 and 8-cylinder options, all matched to 8-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control using either the SportShift gear selector or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

All engines – 300 ps turbocharged 4-cylinder and 450ps or 575 ps V8s – feature active exhaust systems. Customers who choose the supercharged V8s benefit from the new Quiet Start function, which ensures a more subtle, refined sound. The electrically-actuated bypass valves in the rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open up under load. If desired, Quiet Start can be over-ridden by selecting Dynamic Mode or by pressing the switchable exhaust button before starting the engine.

The new 450-ps supercharged V8 has been developed to offer exploitable and rewarding performance, with maximum torque of 580 Nm being generated from just 2500rpm. It is offered with a choice of all-wheel drive and – for purists – rear-wheel drive.

Raising the output of the F-TYPE R supercharged V8 to 575 ps/700 Nm means more exceptional performance is exceptional. All-wheel drive gives all weather stability while retaining inherent tractability and day-to-day usability.

The F-TYPE R’s increased power is matched to a comprehensively uprated chassis with new, wider, 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels in Gloss Black with diamond-turned finish, and new adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars and stiffer rear knuckles and ball joints, delivering even greater agility and responsiveness.

Taking all of the learning accrued from the development of the limited-edition 320 km/h XE SV Project 8, the Quickshift transmissions in both the new F-TYPE R and the 450-ps V8 versions have been carefully recalibrated for a more engaging driving experience. The new F-TYPE R specifically offers even faster, crisper gear changes when the driver chooses gears manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. Both upshifts and downshifts are more immediate and give an even more connected and responsive feel.

Customers also have the choice of the exclusive F-TYPE First Edition. Based on the R-Dynamic models, the First Edition is offered for one model year only. It comes with refinements such as the Exterior Design Pack in contemporary Dorchester Grey and 5-spoke, 20-inch wheels in Gloss Technical Grey with contrast Diamond-Turned finish, complementing the choice of Santorini Black, Eiger Grey or Fuji White paint.

The order books have opened with deliveries to start early next year. In the UK. Prices start at about £54,000 (equivalent to RM293,000) and can go as high as at £97,300 (RM528,000).

Behind The Scenes at Jaguar’s new Design Studio

‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’ You could get it by just spending RM40 at a Shell station

‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’ is the name of Shell Malaysia’s latest campaign to welcome 2020. Throughout December 2019 until February 9, 2020, Shell customers have the opportunity to cash in an extra RM20,000 each week! On top of the RM20,000 Grand Prize, Shell is also giving away RM1,000 to 20 consolation prize winners on a weekly basis.

Extra sum of money for a brighter 2020
Though a new year should bring hope for better things, we cannot deny some of the worrying thoughts running in the minds of most Malaysians. A study found that 86% of Malaysians are concerned about the cost of basic needs and high-priced homes, followed by 76% who are in debt to sustain their cost of living while the remaining 74% are uneasy about loss of source of income. This insight supports the ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000’ campaign, which provides Malaysians with an opportunity to receive an extra sum of money for a brighter 2020.

“Just like Shell FuelSave 95, a fuel that is designed to go further, we hope the extra RM20,000 cash prize will help customers pursue the things that matter to them,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

“Whether it is starting a college fund for your children, an Umrah trip, paying bills, or a downpayment for a new car, Shell wants to give customers a chance to go a little further and start the year on a high note,” he added.

*Just spend RM40 at a Shell station and you could get RM20,000 in 2020.*

How to participate
To participate in the campaign requires only two simple steps: Step 1 – customers need to spend a minimum of RM40 in one receipt at any Shell station nationwide; Step 2 – customers need to submit their details via a physical contest form with receipt or scanning a QR code to submit details and receipt online. They will then be eligible to win the weekly cash prizes.

Additional rewards
In line with the ‘Ekstra’ theme, Shell is also offering additional rewards to customers this December in partnership with Touch ‘n Go and BonusLink. Throughout December 2019 until February 9, 2020, customers will receive an extra RM5 cashback when they spend minimum RM40 at Shell by paying with Touch ‘n Go eWallet. This special offer is limited to two cashbacks per Touch ’n Go eWallet account per month, and only for the first 300,000 transactions at Shell.

Additionally, Shell is offering extra rewards to loyal customers through BonusLink. On December 4,5 and 6, 2019, customers will receive 10x BonusLink Points for everyone litre of fuel purchased with the swipe of a BonusLink Card at any Shell station nationwide, which is 10 times extra than the normal Points offer. Thereafter, on December 12, 2019, customers can redeem their BonusLink Points at Shell to receive a 50% rebate, allowing them to go further with their Points.

For more information on the extra offers at Shell, visit www.shell.com.my.