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New sales records in 2019 make BMW M GmbH most successful manufacturer in its segment

BMW’s high-performance unit, BMW M GmbH, concluded its 2019 financial year with a new sales record of 135,829 performance/high-performance automobiles sold. Compared with the previous year, the number of newly registered M automobiles increased by 32.2%. With this result, the BMW Group subsidiary, which has the status of an independent automobile manufacturer, claims the leading position as the most successful company in its competitive environment.

“We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to acquire market leadership in the performance/high-performance automobile segment for the first time in the almost 50 years of the company’s history,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “This success is the result of a continuous growth strategy and shows how much BMW M, the authentic character of our products and the unique driving experience inspire performance-oriented customers all over the globe.”

The most M automobiles introduced in 1 year
The company’s record year was characterised by an unparalleled model offensive. Never before were as many new M automobiles introduced within a single year. With the X3 M, X4 M, and each respective Competition model, high-performance automobiles became available in the midrange Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) segment for the very first time.

Furthermore, with the introduction of the M8 Coupe, M8 Convertible and the corresponding Competition models, a new generation of luxury sportscars designed for the high-performance segment was launched.

The US market took the most M automobiles, followed by Germany and the UK. The share of M automobiles in BMW’s total sales volume has steadily increased over the past years. In parallel with the continuously rising demand, the dealership network for M automobiles has expanded by more than 90% during the past 5 years with around 1,200 certified companies worldwide.

World premieres in 2020
During 2020, the M8 Gran Coupe and the corresponding Competition model will be available from dealers. Moreover, the new editions of the X5 M and X6 M (including Competition models), as well as the M2 CS are scheduled to be launched during the coming months. 2020 will also see the world premiere of the new M3 Sedan and the new M4 Coupe.

“With the latest product offensive, we have managed to attract new target groups to experience that unmistakable M feeling,” said Thomas Felbermair, Head of Sales and Marketing at the BMW M GmbH. “We are confident that through the market launch of numerous further attractive models, we will continue to forge ahead on our path to success in 2020.”

Almost a million vehicles sold with M Sport Package
Sales of the M Sport Packages, now available for all BMW Model series, also achieved a new record high in the 2019 financial year. Almost a million vehicles were delivered with model-specific components in the areas of aerodynamics, suspension, exterior and interior set attractive accents. This unprecedented number equals an increase of more than 25% compared to the previous year.

Very rare BMW M3 Lightweight owned by Paul Walker sold for RM1.57 million

Bentley Motorsport takes on the challenge of racing on ice

Bentley Motorsport is contesting a specially prepared Continental GT at the 2020 GP Ice Race in the Austrian town of Zell am See this weekend. Following on the British brand’s history of setting Ice Speed Records in 2007 and 2011, the W12-powered Continental GT is ready to continue Bentley’s heritage of high performance on ice at the spectacular showcase event.

The Ice Race Continental GT will be running in livery that pays homage to its record-breaking compatriot from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2019 and shares the same factory-built W12 twin-turbocharged TSI engine.

The 6.0-litre unit delivers 635 ps/900 Nm and is claimed to be able to go from standstill to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, and then on to a top speed of 333 km/h. The car’s 3-chamber air springs, 48V active anti-roll control system and iron brakes are entrusted with keeping the car running at its best on the purpose-built ice track.

Junior World Rally Championship driver Catie Munnings will be at the wheel of the Continental GT in Zell am See. The FIA European Rally Championship Ladies Trophy winner, former host of the CBeebies television programme ‘Catie’s Amazing Machines’ and daughter of a former rally driver, will be the first female driver of the modern era to competitively race for Bentley Motorsport.

“The opportunity to race with Bentley at Zell am See is one that I couldn’t miss. I’m completely blown away by the car, and I actually still can’t believe I’m getting let loose in a Bentley to do an ice race. I spent some time on ice in the car just before Christmas. At first, I thought it would feel heavy, but I was amazed by how dynamic, nimble and responsive it is. It can dance like a lightweight rally car, and I can’t wait to race it at such an iconic event,” she said earlier in the week.

The car has been kept as close to production standard as possible, with minimal changes for safety compliance including a rear roll cage, on-board fire suppression system, racing seats and harnesses. Modifications beyond standard include an increase to the nominal ride height to give greater ground clearance, arch extensions to accommodate a 15 mm increase in track width, studded Pirelli Scorpion Ice Zero2 tyres, a row of Lazer high-performance lights, and a custom exhaust system from Akrapovic. The roof has a bespoke rack, fitted with a pair of Bomber for Bentley Centenary Edition skis.

Consisting of two days of motorsport in unpredictable conditions, the GP Ice Race was first run in 1937 and revived last year. The event features an array of historic and modern race and rallycars. Entrants compete in various vehicle categories over a 600-metre frozen racetrack carved from the snow, and involves two tests – standard racing, and an exhibition of skijoring. Skijoring is a competition whereby a skier is towed by a car over a track of snow and ice, and dates back to the Olympic Winter Games 1928 in St. Moritz, when skiers were drawn by riderless horses.

https://www.piston.my/2019/12/04/15-exclusive-units-of-the-bentley-continental-gt-to-commemorate-record-breaking-run-at-pikes-peak/

Dream Car Performance Garage is the latest member of the PETRONAS AutoExpert network

Dream Car Performance Garage, which had its official opening today, is the latest member of the PETRONAS AutoExpert network in Malaysia. Located in the Temasya Industrial Park at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, the service centre is a full-fledged auto service provider with experience in high-performance and high-end models.

The PETRONAS AutoExpert concept is an initiative by PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia (PLMM) together with PETRONAS Lubricant International (PLI) which was introduced in Malaysia in April last year. It aims to establish 100 centres in Malaysia, with more to be opened across 30 countries in the next 5 years.

The idea behind the PETRONAS AutoExpert service centre is to allow customers to enjoy PETRONAS’ technical expertise, particularly in the area of lubricants. Business partners like Dream Car Performance Garage will offer value-added services that are usually associated with under-warranty care only.

Dream Car Performance Garage PETRONAS AutoExpert — *The service centre offers a range of PETRONAS lubricants especially formulated for high performance engines.*

As a PETRONAS AutoExpert service centre, Dream Car Performance Garage has specially trained mechanics utilizing the latest tools and technology to conduct vehicle inspection, engine diagnostics, oil change and other services. It also has access to systems and tools that help facilitate a more efficient service, with PETRONAS providing support such as training, marketing advice, effective trade programs and consultancy for future business development, as well as leveraging on PETRONAS as a leading global brand.

Click here for other news and articles about PETRONAS at PISTON.MY.

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

For some time to come, owning a Taycan – Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar – will already be something special. But there will be owners who want a higher degree of personalisation and for these customers, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offer up to 90 exclusive options to choose from. The special equipment packages for the exterior and interior are hand-finished with high-quality components so they are of the same standard as the rest of the car.

The highlights among the exclusive options offered by the company’s own manufactory include the Sport Design package in three variants and 21-inch Exclusive Design wheels with carbon aeroblades.

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has extended its capacities to coincide with the launch of the Taycan. The factory space was expanded by a third to 2,000 square metres and 4 new lifting platform workstations were added. 150 square metres of storage space was also created and the vehicle logistics were optimised with a direct connection to the finished vehicle loading facility. The team has also grown with the additional vehicle finishing experts.

Exterior options
Three variants of the Sport Design package are available, all giving a more dynamic look. They differ with respect to the inlays in the lower front apron, in the sill panels and in the side fins of the diffuser. Depending on the package, these are painted in the exterior colour or in Black (high-gloss) or are made of carbonfibre.

The LED matrix headlights with Dynamic Light System Plus are available with a 3-dimensional circuit board graphic in the headlight housing as well as daytime running light elements in Glacier Ice Blue. The 21-inch Exclusive Design wheels with aeroblades made from forged and milled carbon combine excellent aerodynamics with lightweight construction: The weight reduction per wheel set is more than 3 kgs compared with a similar wheel variant.

Sporty, high-quality interior
The Carbon interior package is inspired by motorsports. Large areas in the front and rear doors as well as trim elements on the sides of the centre console are finished in matt carbonfibre. The accent package also offers a choice of contrasting colours in the interior, with the front and rear door trims painted in the exterior colour.

The Taycan’s sporty character is accentuated by the seatbelts available in the colours Graphite Blue, Truffle Brown, Lime Beige, Crayon, Blackberry, Meranti Brown, Slate Grey and Bordeaux Red.

About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
The customisation of production vehicles is the core competence of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. The more than 30 employees have access to an extremely wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior.

Added to this is a wide range of special colours and high-quality materials such as leather, carbonfibre, aluminium and elegant wood finishes for interior elements. Even customer wishes that are not covered by the 600 order options in the customisation programme can be realised by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for selected models. The requirements for quality, technology, road safety and full compliance with international laws are all met.

The facility has specialised in personalisation work since 1986. Besides the special customer cars, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also manufactures limited production runs, such as the recent 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series. As part of the Heritage Design strategy, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur works together with the Style Porsche design department on designing exceptional vehicle concepts which combine the footsteps of history with the contemporary cars of today. The objective is to give exclusive sportscars the finishing touch using contemporary interpretations of design elements from past icons from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Star Wars theme for Porsche Taycan debut in Asia-Pacific region

First SUV in Genesis range targeted at North American market

Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s luxury division, has unveiled its first SUV, targeting the North American where it will be in showrooms from mid-2020. The new model introduces a variety of firsts for the brand, including responsive electronic control suspension, active road noise cancellation, and an active motion driver’s seat.

“GV80 is our proof of concept that we infuse the spirit of youth and wonder into everything we do,” said Mark Del Rosso, CEO, Genesis Motor North America. “We developed GV80 by looking inward and asking ourselves how Genesis brand DNA could differentiate our very first SUV. I’m overwhelmed by the bench strength at Genesis and what the design, engineering and development teams have accomplished with the GV80.”

The production GV80 realizes the vision of the GV80 Concept first shown at the 2017 New York auto show. It joins the line-up of G70, G80 and G90 sedans with more than a common thread of design identity.

Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on the GV80 from every vantage point. The Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of GV80. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by power lines above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence. The Quad Lamps, which flank the Crest Grille, are made possible with sophisticated lighting technology.

Unique signature of Genesis design
“The Quad Lamp graphic will become the most recognizable, unique signature of Genesis design, as the simplest of lines communicate a distinct identity,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “Two lines will come to define Genesis.”

The G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior is inspired by orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light. The pattern also appears on the available 22-inch wheels.

The body structure of GV80 is enhanced with hot-stamped, high-strength steel, as well as lightweight aluminium used on the doors, bonnet, and tailgate that allow it to achieve competitive curb weight.

Luxury in space
The interior focuses on ‘the beauty of white space’, characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural philosophy. The concept of ‘luxury in space’ defines the open feeling of the cabin of GV80, with the G-Matrix pattern as a motif.

“The concept of the ‘beauty of white space’ is a hallmark of Korean design. We were able to express a luxurious feel for the interior of GV80 through reductive design and channelling the Korean roots of the Genesis brand,” explained SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Genesis Design.

The width of the cabin has been emphasized through the design of sleek, thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment. A 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display sits front and centre atop the dashboard. The number of hard buttons and switches was intentionally kept to a minimum, both for aesthetic purposes and ease of use. In up-level variants, soft materials cover every surface, from the inside of the door handles to the quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console.

The ornate centre control unit on the middle console covers an electronic, shift-by-wire transmission base with dial-style shift. Handwriting recognition through the Genesis Integrated Controller helps users set a destination or enter data without having to operate a keyboard on the navigation screen — simply by using handwritten letters on the writing recognition control system.

A mobile ‘oasis’
The GV80 features the world’s first application of Road Active Noise Cancellation (RANC) technology, which dramatically reduces road noise while driving. Based on the science of digital signal processing, RANC overcomes the limitations of existing noise control technologies that rely on physical technology, such as materials and body structures, to quiet the cabin. RANC generates sound waves of opposite phases in 0.002 second by analyzing road noise in real-time, dramatically reducing irregular, simultaneous road noise.

Another world-first technology is an active motion driver’s seat that contains 7 air cells. This feature is said to reduce fatigue during long hours of driving. One-touch comfort control, adjustable from the front row, allows for limousine-level relaxation in the second-row seats with heating and ventilation available in the first two rows.

RWD drivetrain
As an ‘authentic’ Genesis, the GV80 sits on a unique rear-wheel drive platform, with all-wheel drive an option. Two turbocharged petrol engines (2.5-litres and 3.5-litres) will be available for the North American market, each paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive models will be equipped with an electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential at the rear axle.

Electronically controlled suspension with road preview is another Genesis first. This contributes to optimal ride comfort by recognizing information on the road ahead in advance via the front camera.

Advanced safety with world firsts
The GV80’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including several world-first technologies, starting with Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning (SCC-ML). SCC-ML advances the science and engineering behind smart cruise control. It is an artificial intelligence-based intelligent navigation technology that enables the car to independently learn the driving characteristics of its drivers and implement autonomous driving similar to that of human drivers.

Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) is a system that assists the driver in a wider variety of situations than before, including lane-change when the turn signal is used, and helping to merge in congested situations.

There are no less than 10 airbags around the cabin. This includes a centre-mounted airbag between the front occupants to reduce injuries that may occur as the front occupants’ bodies are subjected to lateral forces during a collision at the side of the car.

Unfortunately, the potential volume in righthand drive markets is not as large as for lefthand drive regions and from a business perspective, it would not be cost-effective to develop and produce a RHD version. So Genesis will focus on LHD versions only.

Dewan Bandaraya KL offers special rates for compound fines for traffic offences if settled before March 3, 2020

In conjunction with Federal Territory Day this year, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) is offering special rates for summonses. Owners or operators of motorcycles, cars and heavy vehicles can pay a compound fine of RM15 if they settle by March 3, 2020.

The offer is intended to encourage settlement of overdue summonses so that blacklisting does not occur. The rate is only applicable for traffic offences and is not applicable to cases which are already undergoing court proceedings or blacklisted vehicles/owners.

Payments can be made at all DBKL and Pos Malaysia branches and counters. Payments online can also be done via DBKL’s app Mobis (available at Google Play Store or Apple App Store), or MyEG.

According to Khairul Azmir bin Ahmad, Director of DBKL’s Corporate Planning Department, of the total number of summonses that have not been settled, DBKL has brought 107,547 cases to court and as at December 31, 2019, 4,914 cases have been blacklisted by the JPJ.

Today (February 1) is also the last day of the offer by the Traffic Police to settle summonses with a 50% discount. You don’t have to rush to the police station as they accept payments online via MyEG and Rilek.com.my.

It’s discount time again! Pay 50% less if you settle your summons between January 18 and February 1.

Lower toll rates on PLUS highways start after midnight today

If you are travelling on a PLUS highway tonight, don’t forget that after midnight, toll rates will be 18% lower. So pull over at a R&R for a teh tarik and delay your exit till after midnight. If you’re coming from Juru in the north and exiting at Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur, you can save almost RM8. You might get a special welcome from the PLUS people too as they are gathered there tonight for a symbolic ceremony to mark the occasion.

The PLUS-operated highways which will have toll reductions are the North-South Expressway (NSE), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), the Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing (LINKEDUA), the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), the Butterworth – Kulim Expressway (BKE), the East-Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2), and the Penang Bridge.

The 18% reduction follows an agreement with the Ministry of Finance in exchange for an extension of the concession another 20 years until 2058. The reduction applies to all Passenger Vehicles (Class 1), Taxis (Class 4) and Buses (Class 5) and will remain unchanged until the concession ends. Toll charges for lorries (Classes 2 & 3) will also remain unchanged until the end of the concession in 2058.

PLUS has agreed to make the reduction as well as maintain the highways without any compensation or further funding from the government. Thus, apart from savings for the average of 1.7 million highway users each day, taxpayers will also not be paying for the upkeep of PLUS highways. PLUS has given assurance that its services and operations will not stagnate and aims to provide improvements as the years go by, as well as enhance the travelling experience on its highways.

Lower toll rates on PLUS highways – but not in time for Chinese New Year travel

Fuel Prices For February 1 – 7, 2020

Kuala Lumpur fails to make it into Top 10 ranking in TomTom’s Traffic Index

Malaysia has a tendency to be top ranking in lists that are ‘negative’ but for a change, it does not appear among the Top 10 of TomTom’s latest Traffic Index of cities around the world. However you may feel about traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, it’s not as bad as Bengaluru, a city in southern India where drivers can expect to spend an average of 71% extra travel time just stuck in traffic – the longest time in the world.

No. 2 in the location technology specialist’s report which covered the traffic situation of 416 cities (with populations of over 800,000) in 57 countries was the Philippine capital of Manila (also 71%). Other than Manila and Bogota in Colombia, three Indian cities are among the Top 5 cities in the world with the most congested roads.

Kuala Lumpur was ranked No. 13 in Asia (37%) and No. 46 globally, while Singapore was at No. 24 and globally, No. 96. Incidentally, the least congested city in the study was Abu Dhabi.

Congestion up globally
Traffic congestion has increased globally during the last decade, and the 239 cities (57%) TomTom included in the new Traffic Index report had increased congestion levels between 2018 and 2019, with only 63 cities showing measurable decreases. This global increase in congestion, despite being an indicator of a strong economy, is understood to cost economies billions.

“Globally, there’s a long road to travel until congestion levels are brought under control. In time, the rise of autonomous vehicles and car-sharing services will help alleviate congestion, but planners and policymakers can’t afford to sit and wait. They need to use all the tools available to them to analyze traffic levels and impacts, so they can make critical infrastructure decisions. And drivers have a role to play too. Small changes in driving behaviours can make a huge difference,” said Ralf-Peter Schafer, TomTom’s VP of Traffic Information.

Analyzing real-time incidents and congestion to predict traffic before it happens, TomTom’s Real-Time Traffic is claimed to make its navigation software more accurate with enhanced route calculations and accurate estimated times of arrival.

The company also works on the future of driving – from high definition maps for autonomous vehicles, to efficient electric vehicle routing and charging – so that carmakers, technology companies, road authorities and governments already have the tools to make the roads less congested.

How do you beat traffic congestion?
Next time you are heading out in your car, consider these tips from TomTom.

Plan before you go. Taking a few moments before heading out the door to inform yourself on the road conditions on the way to your destination will help you consider your alternatives and decide on the best course of action.
Trust technology to help you. It may be uncomfortable to take a road you may not be familiar with because your satnav suggests it’s the fastest one. Often, if you cannot see that a road is indeed congested, it is hard to believe it. Dare to take the alternative route offered by up-to-date navigation, because it is basing its recommendation on real-time traffic conditions on the route you are taking. You will likely be surprised!
Change your driving habits. Most often, traffic will peak at certain times of the day, depending on location. This is clear in TomTom’s studies and its report provides the average congestion level for each hour of each day of the week. Use the information available to adjust your departure time accordingly. Leaving early or late from a location might mean avoiding time spent in traffic on the road.

The Hummer is returning but you’ll hardly hear it coming… (w/VIDEO)

It’s been almost 10 years since the last Hummer was produced and for a while, it seemed that a company in China would take over the brand which started in 1992. However, that never happened and General Motors, the brand owner, stopped production and marketing after 2010. Although sold mainly in America, the Hummer was an iconic vehicle globally because of its looks and size and perhaps the fact that it was a civilian version of a military vehicle.

In May 2020, GM will revive the Hummer with the unveiling of an all-new model although statements by senior GM executives indicate that it will be a model name rather than a brand as it used to be. The vehicle will be sold under the GMC brand and it will be a totally different type of Hummer because it will have an all-electric powerplant instead of the 6.2-litre engine (the Hummer H3 had a smaller 3.5-litre powerplant).

It will be GMC’s first all-electric truck, a rival to Tesla’s Cybertruck which Elon Musk says already has 250,000 orders from people who paid refundable US$100 deposit. Starting off with the theme of ‘Quiet Revolution’ in advertising spots starting on May 20, the HUMMER EV, as it will be known, will have 1,000 bhp, 15,592 Nm of torque and a claimed 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3 seconds. And without the noise and unhealthy emissions Hummers of the past generated but expected to still have superior capabilities off-road.

The HUMMER EV will be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant which has received a US$2.2 billion investment to make it the company’s first fully-dedicated electric vehicle assembly factory. GM’s first all-electric truck will be a pick-up with production scheduled to begin in late 2021. This will be followed soon after by the Cruise Origin, a shared, electric, self-driving vehicle unveiled by Cruise in San Francisco last week. Somewhere in the production schedule would also be the HUMMER EV which GMC informs will be initially available during the fourth quarter of 2021.

GMC Terrain — *GMC has been around for almost 120 years as a truck manufacturer. Its current range includes SUVs like the Terrain (above).*

GM’s joint venture with LG Chem – which is investing US$2.3 billion to manufacture battery packs – will supply battery cells for the electric vehicles manufactured at Detroit-Hamtramck. It will be interesting what size of battery packs the HUMMER EV will have – would it guzzle electricity the way the original Hummer consumed fuel at a rate of around 4 kms/litre (even the ‘lighter’ H3 did 7 kms/litre at best). That consumption figure was one of the reasons why Hummer sales died quickly as fuel prices rose, taking the company down with it.