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Aston Martin DBX707 Makes ASEAN Debut In KL

Aston Martin’s DBX707 – the world’s most powerful luxury SUV – is now available in Malaysia, priced from RM1,098,000 (excluding taxes). While the DBX V8, the brand’s first SUV, was presented as a superlative product, the DBX707 pushes the performance envelope even further.

Aston Martin’s engineering team has extracted the full potential of the DBX’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant by making some changes like using ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque which are 707 ps and 900 Nm, respectively. These represent increases of 157 ps and 200 Nm over the DBX V8.

Also new is a 9-speed wet clutch automatic transmission designed to handle the much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic.

The new transmission has quicker shifts, giving more immediate and direct response. According to Aston Martin, launch capability is also improved, and the DBX707 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 310 km/h.

As a responsible manufacturer, Aston Martin did not just boost the output without ensuring that other important elements are also beefed up. The DBX70 gets standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) with 6-piston calipers and there’s also a 40.5-kg reduction in unsprung weight.

Revisions to the brake system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.

There’s also a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the maximum output of torque, it is fitted with a revised final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This helps to give stronger response in the lower gears as well as enhances in-gear response.

To underline the driver-focused credentials of the DBX707, the GT Sport and Sport+ driving modes now feature ‘Race Start’ to give drivers the full experience of the vehicle’s unrivalled off-the-line acceleration. Revised active logic in the all-wheel drive transfer case enhances control between the driveline and ESP system for a more natural, sports car-like driving experience.

Torque distribution front-to-rear is fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the e-diff ensures the DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic character of a sportscar.

The DBX707’s air suspension system has the same basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 but gains a dedicated chassis tune. New damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching has improved body control and steering response.

While the overall design is similar to the DBX V8, there are distinct differences for the DBX707. The front end treatment is unique with a larger grille and the DRLs are also different. Also new are the air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter profile. The enlarged grille has double vanes, with the 6 horizontal bars now split to create more visual .

A new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing which reduces lift and increases high speed stability. A pair of large-diameter tailpipes projects at each side of the significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser.

Seated in the cabin of the DBX707 after shutting the soft-close doors, the Aston Martin DNA is immediately evident with the standard sport seats and sleek, dark chrome switchgear complementing the satin black appointments of the exterior.

Customers have three choices of interior and if those packaged and proposed by the interior designers are not appealing enough, Q by Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation. While James Bond’s ‘Q’ can provide cars with sophisticated weapons, these are not available for obviously reasons from Aston’s Martin’s Q. But almost anything else can be provided – limited only by the customer’s imagination.

*Some of the options available to customers who want to customise their Aston Martin.*

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur says that they already have a few reservations for the DBX707 (which is not a limited edition). For customers who intend to keep their DBX707 for a considerable length of time, there is now an option of an extended warranty up to 20 years (subject to terms and conditions).

Aston Martin V12 Vantage ‘Final Edition’

‘Sunday Bois’ Streetwear Created From Isuzu D-MAX x Super Sunday Collaboration

Pick-up trucks and fashion can go together, as Isuzu Malaysia showed recently at the KL Fashion Week 2022 (KLFW 2022). Besides being presented as the epitome of the modern truck, its D-MAX X-Terrain was also Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle of the annual event.

Additionally, Isuzu Malaysia also teamed up with Super Sunday, a homegrown streetwear brand, to introduce a super sleek collection called ‘Sunday Bois’ during KLFW 2022.

Well known for its streetwear having a mixture and display of fashion, music and other popular street culture, namely skateboarding and graffiti, the latest ‘Sunday Bois’ line showed how the brand has gone through several evolutions while still maintaining its core design DNA.

The new creations were also inspired by the D-MAX X-Terrain which Super Sunday’s founder, Zulkifli Salleh aka Bob aka Mr Kioue, travelled in. Bob established a multi-level store for independent artists from humble beginnings in 2007.

“For Sunday Bois, the collection still maintains its house codes and creative polymath. However, it feels elevated and boosted in various ways. While its core skate roots and unmistakably innovative take on the hooded sweatshirts will no doubt ensure it retains a strong following among the cool set, this collection seems to go parallel with the brand’s growth, not just in aesthetics but in business,” said Bob.

“The collaboration with Isuzu D-MAX, Hikari, Homebois/Daddyhood, VANS and SSST – brands that have created a big impact globally – is important, both creatively and as a strategic business proposition,” he added.

Commenting on their involvement in KLFW 2022, Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo, said: “With its cutting-edge design, superlative features and extraordinary go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, the Isuzu D-MAX is all about challenging the norm and allowing you to forge your fondest memories. Together with the KLFW, we aim to bring forward novel, imaginative and inspiring designs to share with the Malaysian audience.”

Fuel Price Updates For September 1 – September 7, 2022

No change in fuel prices for coming 7 days.

Service the engine regularly: Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Right tyre pressures: Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.

Plan trips: If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use less fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.

Slow and steady: You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight: The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags.

Switch off the engine more: Many motorists do not fully realize that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

AMG Celebrates 55th Anniversary With Very Exclusive Mercedes-AMG GT3 EDITION 55

For its 55th anniversary this year, AMG has been celebrating in various ways and one more is the production of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EDITION 55. This will be a very exclusive edition because there will be only 5 units in the world, so it will be a much-coveted collectors’ model.

To guarantee and to document the minimal production run, a specific range of numbers (“GT3.190-55”) was created for the chassis numbers of the cars. Each car will have an ex-factory price of 625,000 euros (around RM2.8 million).

While this has a GT3 designation, it is not FIA-homologated so it is not subject to the stringent regulations of the racing class. This has allowed the engineers at AMG to raise the power output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine to 650 bhp, around 100 bhp more than in the homologated version that can be used for racing. Appropriately, the performance exhaust system made of Inconel comes without a silencer, generating an even more characteristic sound pattern as a result.

Maximum exclusivity is also assured as the colour is a special finish in MANUFAKTUR alpine grey uni with red accents. This perfectly complements the matte finish of the aero components in visible carbonfibre (front diffuser, rear diffuser, rear wing including end plates, flicks, louvre, radiator grille, side skirts).

The Affalterbach crest has been painted on the doors, while next to the AMG logo, the 55 year anniversary logo can also be seen on the rear wing.

In the functional racing cockpit, the GT3 EDITION 55 has exclusive details such as the anniversary symbol on the seat embroidery and plaques with ‘EDITION 55 – 1 OF 5’ inscription can be found on the centre console and the carbonfibre seat.

The matte Anthracite metallic is characteristic for the AMG interior with the high-quality visible carbonfibre elements harmoniously blending in, from the door sills, door covers and centre console to the dashboard. Another exclusive feature in the interior are the seatbelts with silver accents.

As a technical highlight, the cockpit of the includes a Data Display Unit (DDU) of the latest generation. The Bosch DDU 11 has a high-resolution graphic display that shows relevant information like speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times, gear and shift indication, among others. The 55 year anniversary logo makes its appearance each time the car is started.

Besides a tailor-made and specially designed car cover, each owner will also receive an exclusive watch. IWC Schaffhausen has created a limited EDITION 55 box that contains a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition ‘AMG’ with each watch matched to the specific unit by the Mercedes-AMG car’s chassis number engraved on the back of the watch case made of grade 5 titanium.

The 1,049 bhp Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar is ready for production

Genesis Reveals Interior Of X Speedium Coupe Concept EV

In April this year, Genesis – the third brand in the Hyundai Motor Group – unveiled the X Speedium Coupe to give a preview of what the luxury brand’s next wave of electric vehicles will be like. At that time, it showed only the exterior of the concept car inherits the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.

Now, we get to see the inside of the X Speedium Coupe which, like the exterior, embarks on a design evolution of the Grand Tourer concept in the coming age of electrification. Over the 5 months since it was first revealed, the interior design was developed by the Genesis design group which adopted a ‘freestyle’ design exercise.

“The X Speedium Coupe was conceived as an internal design exercise that we later decided to reveal publicly. It was nothing more than a hard model built on our Athletic Elegance design identity,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. “Given the positive reception it received at the event, we chose to complete the concept and present it to discerning attendees at the Pebble Beach Concours. The interior captures the Genesis brand’s ‘Beauty of White Space’ design ethos, which suits various luxury lifestyles and adds to the appeal of the dynamic GT.”

Driver-oriented layout and UI concept
The interior of the X Speedium Coupe leverages a classic Korean design principle known as ‘the Beauty of White Space’. Inspired by Korean architecture, this aligns closely with the ideology of reductive design and is expressed through a minimalist and pure form language punctuated by strong design elements.

The asymmetric, driver-oriented layout is a continuation of the theme found on Genesis’ more recent concept cars, in which all the control systems and displays surround the driver. The instrument panel and floating centre console wrap around the driver cockpit, amplifying the driving experience.

This effect is further accentuated by the interior’s contrasting colour palette, which clearly distinguishes the driver’s area from the passenger space. The driver’s seating area is set in Pinegrove Green, a complement to the Inje Green exterior.

The contrasting Monterey Gold around the driver’s seat—a colour inspired by the scenery along the Northern California coast—alludes to the yellow flowers and golden sand found in the region.

New sound architecture
In addition, Genesis is exploring the future of audio experiences through a new sound architecture. This blends technology and art while highlighting the brand’s attention to detail. In collaboration with sound mater Guk-il Yu, the head of Metal Sound Design (a company that specializes in high-performance speakers), the X Speedium Coupe features strategically-placed speakers to fill the interior with rich sound.

Tweeters, mid-range speakers, woofers and sub-woofer are strategically positioned to provide the finest staging sound experience. The aluminium tweeters, which emit high-pitched sounds, were flawlessly crafted with a precision milling method to optimize acoustic performance.

Driver-focused cockpit
The driver-focused cockpit has a curved OLED display that visualizes the heritage of high-performance cars. The cluster’s GUI includes a centre-mounted motor output indicator designed in a ‘newtro’ (new+retro) style – a stark contrast to the RPM gauges found in cars with combustion engines.

The vertical display on the right side of the driver’s seat features an integrated touch display with an optimized UI design. The display includes the start button as well as the multimedia and vehicle control functions.

Craftsmanship in the details
The X Speedium Coupe’s cargo area has X straps on top of the loading space, a detail inspired by the brand’s unique G-Matrix Pattern, a design feature derived from the Genesis Mint Concept.

Another noteworthy detail is the leather; the material itself as well as its application. The quilted pattern on the leather seats and the door trim gives the impression of a classic sportscar. Meanwhile, the steering wheel features cut-off leather that were salvaged from re-purposed car seat materials and woven together.

Eco-friendly leather
Two types of leather were used in the interior: vegetable-tanned leather and an innovative new breathable grain leather. The vegetable-tanned leather is treated with plant-derived substances – such as citrus fruits and mimosa – and processed without chromium.

Compared to ordinary leather, the breathable grain leather used in the upper part of the cabin requires less water and lower levels of chemicals to manufacture. The threads used in the finishing process are made from repurposed plastic, adding to the material’s durability and water resistance factors.

According to Donckerwolke, the X Speedium Coupe challenges the status quo of a defined car type. “This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This is not a showcar… it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA,” he said but clarified that it is also not a conventional concept car that previews plans for the production line-up.

Unique centrepiece in Genesis GV60 EV (w/VIDEO)

The Next-Generation Ford Ranger Heads To East Malaysia

The next-generation Ford Ranger continues its journey around the country on a series of previews before it officially starts to become a regular showroom display nationwide. After being shown in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru, the all-new Ranger will cross the South China Sea to East Malaysia.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) will hold previews at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching, on September 7 – 11, and at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre in Kota Kinabalu on October 5 – 9, 2022.

Ahead of its showroom launch, these last two preview events that are part of the nationwide debut tour of 5 regions over 5 weekends for the public to get a first-hand look at the latest generation of Ford’s iconic vehicle.

Those who have received their exclusive event invitation will have a seat at the unveiling ceremony at the events. They will also be able to learn all about the new Ranger through an in-depth presentation. Registrations are open 30 minutes prior to the unveiling ceremony.

Apart from getting close-up to the vehicle, there are also exclusive Ford merchandise items to be won so pay attention to the presentation!

If you want to receive an exclusive invitation, click here to select which of the two venues you would like to go to. Alternatively, you can visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information.

Six versions available
There are six versions of the new Ranger available, with prices ranging from RM108,888 to RM162,888. All have double cabs and two versions are available with manual transmissions. A bit later on, the Ranger Raptor will also be imported and we understand that this more hardcore version has already attracted much interest and SDAC-Ford has received many orders.

EON Joint-Venture With Saudi Arabia’s Petromin Express To Offer Aftersales Services

The DRB-HICOM Group – via its subsidiary, Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) – is venturing into aftersales services with the establishment of a joint venture with Petromin Express, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Petromin Corporation. Petromin Express is the world’s fifth largest fast-fit service brand and operates in the Middle East, Africa and is looking to new markets in Asia.

The joint-venture company, which will be 51:49 shared between Petromin and EON, is expected to commence pilot operations of the business in January 2023, with 4 outlets during the 18-month pilot run. The pilot will enable management to derive a longer strategic roadmap for the business including capital requirements for expansion.

*A Petromin Express service centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.*

Growing sector in auto industry
DRB-HICOM’s move into the automotive aftersales market in Malaysia is timely as this is a large and growing area of business, especially with the population of vehicles in use. In 2021, this sector generated revenue of approximately RM42 billion.

Modelled after Petromin’s highly successful Petromin Express outlets in Saudi Arabia, the new company aims to offer Malaysian vehicle owners a unique experience of fast-fit aftersales services with a quick turnaround time.

While the services will be offered to all vehicles, the company will be targeting vehicles aged between 5 and 10 years which no longer have warranties in effect. Such vehicles will no longer be restricted by warranty conditions and can therefore be serviced by any other company.

Kalyana Sundaram Sivagnanam, Petromin’s Group CEO (left) and Akkbar Danial, CEO of EON (right) signing the joint-venture agreement, witnessed by Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal, DRB-HICOM Group Managing Director, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar.

Complementary new business
The collaboration complements DRB-HICOM’s existing and extensive automotive value chain. The group is already involved in automotive manufacturing via Proton, retails several foreign automotive brands under the EON umbrella, and also offers mandatory inspection services via PUSPAKOM.

“Petromin’s collaboration with DRB-HICOM will allow it entry into the lucrative Malaysian aftersales servicing market by partnering with Petromin Express, a well-established and trusted corporate brand in the automotive sector. Their vast know-how and operational expertise, coupled with DRB-HICOM’s market intelligence and extensive customer reach, will create an ideal synergy that will propel this partnership to great heights. At the same time, we are very excited to be offering a new, affordable and convenient service to Malaysians,” said DRB-HICOM Group Managing Director, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar.

Petromin’s businesses
Besides its Petromin Express business with over 700 outlets across Saudi Arabia, Petromin has a substantial lubricants business with products exported to over 35 countries. It also operates operates petrol service stations and distributes Nissan vehicles in the Kingdom.

Commenting on the new partnership, Petromin’s Group CEO, Kalyana Sivagnanam, said: “After decades of transforming the mobility solutions landscape in the Middle East and North Africa region, Petromin is looking forward to helping in transforming and pioneering the aftersales service experience for the discerning customers in Malaysia and around the globe. We are optimistic that this relationship will yield significant impact on the market in the face of game-changing technological, economic, and societal trends.”

DRB-HICOM to develop Tanjong Malim area in Perak to become Automotive Hi-Tech Valley

Acura to race electrified ARX-06 prototype in 2023 IMSA series

Acura, Honda’s premium and performance brand mainly sold in North America, has had a long presence in endurance racing with prototype models. Next year, at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, it will debut an all-new electrified racing car, the ARX-06, the sixth generation of a successful line of Acura endurance racing prototypes.

The ARX-06 has custom bodywork and aerodynamics based around an all-new ORECA LMDh chassis. The chassis carries an electrified hybrid power unit with an equally new, bespoke twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre V6 engine designed, developed and manufactured by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the racing arm for Acura Motorsports in North America.

Smallest combustion engine
With its 2.4-litre displacement, the AR24e power unit is the smallest displacement internal combustion engine conceived by HPD for endurance racing. It still meets the performance target of 500 kW as measured at the rear axle by torque meters. It features a 90-degree V-angle to reduce its centre of gravity and polar moment of inertia, and can run on sustainable low-carbon fuel.

The hybrid powerplant includes an IMSA-specified electric Bosch Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack. The MGU is contained in a common transmission casing and gearbox internals provided by Xtrac.

“We’ve taken the challenge presented by this new rule package from IMSA, and developed what we believe is a very competitive solution,” said Pierre Descamps, who led HPD’s powertrain design team for the ARX-06. “We’ve gone in a new direction for HPD in the design of the ICE. It is still a V6, which of course for Honda is well-known, but we have incorporated several new elements which we believe will make best use of the electric MGU and battery pack. Our new engine will rev to the maximum 10,000 rpm set by the rules, so it also makes a wonderful sound!”

Both IMSA in North America and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) rules require manufacturers to use one of four approved prototype chassis, fitted with IMSA-homologated, manufacturer-designed and branded bodywork and engines.

Continued partnership with ORECA
In the case of the ARX-06, HPD and Acura have elected to continue their successful relationship with ORECA. Since moving into chassis design and construction in 2007, ORECA has produced a series of winning sports prototypes, including the Acura ARX-05.

HPD’s Vehicle Performance Group worked closely with the ORECA design team and engineers to simulate chassis layout geometries and lap time optimization studies. They also ‘coded’ the new car into HPD’s static and dynamic Driver in the Loop simulators to begin development of the car’s vehicle dynamics and vehicle dynamic control systems.

Critical to the projects was a clean sheet hybrid powertrain control system, brake-by-wire and vehicle dynamics control system – all written in-house at HPD. This control system architecture was implemented on a Formula 1-spec ECU hardware platform. HPD also utilizes its custom, in-house developed ultra-high speed data-logging system.

Styling by Acura Design Studio
The exterior styling of the ARX-06 was led by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, in conjunction with ORECA, which is also one of the chassis suppliers approved for prototype competition in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the WEC.

Driver and team input was also sought throughout the design process. One effective change was a revision to the placement of the rearview mirrors. This is a seemingly minor adjustment but actually has a large effect on vehicle aerodynamics. Using VR headsets, the drivers were able to sit in the car virtually and recommend a much lower placement for the side mirrors, improving both the aero efficiency of the ARX-06 and visibility for the drivers.

Acura will continue its partnerships with the successful Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing teams to campaign a pair of ARX-06 entries in the GTP category of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

A new Acura Integra returns after 21 years

Retro Hyundai Models Star In ‘Seoul Vibe’ On Netflix

Until recent years, Korean models have not had a strong presence in the movie world (with the exception of Korean movies and TV series, of course). They have occasionally been seen in some action TV series like ‘24’ and ‘?????????? ????????’ but not in a big way for chase scenes. Most of the time, they have just appeared among the other traffic on the streets.

In the latest Netflix movie, ‘????? ????’ (released recently), you’ll see many Hyundai models in many car chase scenes. Because the movie is set during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the Korean carmaker supplied Netflix with various retro models from the 1980s. There include the first-generation Grandeur (Azera), a modified Pony pick-up (with its 3-litre engine from the Grandeur), Porter light truck, and some old sedans like the second-generation Sonata, Stellar, and even a Cortina.

*Some of the retro models that appear in the movie*.

*In its early years, Hyundai Motor produced a licensed version of the British Ford Cortina, and it appears in the movie* *briefly*.

Significance of the Grandeur
The first-generation Grandeur (which was adapted from the Mitsubishi Debonair) is remembered as a pioneer the premium segment in Korea and was the flagship of the Hyundai brand then. It was admired and desired for its prestige, and this is depicted in the movie.

*The original Grandeur which was adapted from the Mitsubishi Debonair and launched in 1986.*

The significance of this model in the 1980s inspired the company to create the Hyundai Grandeur Heritage Series as a tribute to the brand’s historic flagship sedan. The restomod, which was unveiled last year, has the classic formal 3-box shape with modern and futuristic elements added. These include the Parametric Pixel lighting that is used in the latest models like the IONIQ 5.

Read more about the Hyundai Grandeur Heritage Series

‘Seoul Vibe’ has an all-star Korean cast that includes Ah-in Yoo, Kyung-pyo Go, Kyoo-hyung Lee, Ju-hyun Park, Seong-wu Ong and Jung-se Oh.

Hyundai Motor also provided its Wonhyoro Service Centre at Yongsan for use as a shooting location. Located in the centre of Korea’s capital city, the area around the service centre is owned by the carmaker which plans to build a complex with a hotel and other business facilities.

Teaser for next Grandeur
In addition, Hyundai plans to unveil the silhouette of the all-new Grandeur (Azera) in photographs, through a cinematic digital advertisement in a spin-off version of ‘Seoul Vibe,’ utilizing the story and cast of the movie. The digital advertisement spotlights the ever-evolving innovation of Grandeur, from the past to the future, and provides hidden hints about the upcoming model that is expected to be launched in Korea at the end of this year.

With the film’s release, Hyundai Motor is also launching diverse experiential marketing content on digital channels. It has recreated the garage shown in the movie on ZEPETO, the global metaverse platform, to provide a virtual experience space where visitors can assemble and drive the vehicles featured in the movie through the driving zone themed ‘Seoul Vibe’. They will also be able to meet Yoon-hee (Ju-hyun Park), a character in the movie, as an NPC (non-player character), and join a vlog event, using the first-generation Grandeur.

“Through close collaboration with Netflix from the early stages of production, we endeavoured to provide a unique atmosphere for our historic vehicles and locations with a ‘newtro’ (new+retro) vibe that will appeal to every generation, including Millennial and Gen Z audiences,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice-President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division at Hyundai Motor Company. “We will continue to explore exhilarating opportunities for our customers to experience and engage with our brand through various partnerships and innovative content.”

Hyundai’s first global model reconstructed and modernised as the Heritage Series Pony

F1 / Round 14: 2022 Belgian Grand Prix Highlights And Results

With Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc – the two F1 championship frontrunners – starting near the back due to penalties for excessive changes to engines/components, a lot of ‘action’ was expected. They were not the only ones with those penalties as another 5 other drivers were also demoted from the positions they had qualified for.

Both of the Scuderia Alphatauris had issues and could not make it to the starting grid, so they had to start from the pits.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, on pole, had a good start, pulling quickly away from Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez who was more occupied with preventing Alpine’s Fernando Alonso from sneaking past. But Alonso was quick enough and got through to second, followed by Mercedes-AMG’s Lewis Hamilton. However, in the scramble to slot into second, Alonso and Hamilton had contact and both ran wide.

The incident was noted by the Stewards and while Alonso grabbed fourth, Hamilton was getting a message from his team to stop as he entered Turn 16 – the damage was severe enough that he would have to retire. Later, the Stewards would not consider penalizing either driver for the collision.

Further back, Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi also had contact as the Williams driver went wide and spun into the Alfa Romeo. For Bottas, the race ended early as he got stuck in the gravel.

The incidents brought out the Safety Car on lap 2. Sainz was in the lead ahead of Perez while Mercedes-AMG’s George Russell third during the time that Alonso and Hamilton were clashing. But it was the two championship leaders that had attention and Verstappen had moved up to eighth (from 15^th on the grid) while Leclerc followed him through to ninth (from 16^th). Leclerc took the opportunity to switch to another set of tyres while the Safety Car was out.

The F1 Safety Car left the track on lap 5 and racing resumed, thus far with two cars out. Sainz didn’t have a big gap and Perez was keeping him on the defensive. Behind them, Russell was holding on to his third place as Alonso made efforts to displace him.

By lap 7, Verstappen had passed Alonso and was looking for Russell. And within one lap, he out-accelerated the Mercedes-AMG on the straight to take third place. Leclerc, however, did not make the same sort of progress up the field and his pit-stop had dropped him back to 16^th.

The tyres were degrading faster than expected and Pirelli had been predicting a 2-satop strategy for the race. Sainz came in on lap 12, which gave Perez the lead and Verstappen just a second behind. Russell seemed to have dropped back a bit but still had a reasonable gap from Alonso.

When Sainz rejoined the race with medium tyres, he slotted into sixth, behind McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo. His team mate had reached ninth now and though he had taken on fresh tyres 10 laps earlier, the degradation would bring him in again at some point.

Lap 13 saw Verstappen easily pass Perez to take the lead. Behind the two Red Bulls was Russell and then Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, followed by Sainz. Alonso had pitted and was trying his best to move back up from the 11^th place he rejoined the race in.

Perez went in on lap 15 and when he rejoined, he was behind Sainz and more importantly, ahead of Leclerc. The Ferrari driver made a move to get past but Perez held his place going through a turn. A lap later, Verstappen was in the pits to get medium tyres. He rejoined in second, ahead of Perez but 4 seconds behind Sainz who had inherited the lead.

Lap 18 saw the Dutchman capture the lead as DRS propelled him past approaching Turn 5. Behind him, Sainz would be fighting to keep his place while Perez was snapping at him. Russell was too far back with a 7-second gap but there were still 26 long laps left. Leclerc too was 7 seconds behind him, and Alonso also had the same gap to the Ferrari.

At the halfway point in the race, Verstappen was in the lead with a 7-second gap to his team mate. Sainz was third and 10 seconds behind the leader while Russell was maintaining his fourth position without worrying too much about Leclerc who was fifth and 11 seconds behind.

Sainz left his position on lap 24 switches to the hard compound, while Leclerc took on mediums. Rejoining the race, Sainz was in fourth while Leclerc was behind Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in seventh. Alonso had also come in and took on hard tyres, dropping to 13^th when he was back on the track. The drivers within the top 10 were spaced apart too far to make an effort to move up and risk an incident putting them out. But Leclerc was determined to work his way up further and slowly picked off one rival after another.

By lap 31, Leclerc was past Vettel and into fifth place, looking ahead for Russell. With 13 laps to go, the Mercedes-AMG driver was still working hard to try to get on the podium so it was taking a while for Leclerc to catch up with him.

Verstappen reported some shifting issues but his engineer told him not to worry. Having had almost certain victories snatched from him in the closing stages of previous races, he was understandably paranoid about mechanical failure. But he had a 13-second lead, which also meant that he did not have to push the car so hard. And Perez was just behind, ready to take over, if the worst happened.

The battle for that last point-paying position was still hotly-contested. Williams Racing’s Alex Albon was holding on, but Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll kept closing in and McLaren’s Lando Norris was watching from 12^th to see if he could sneak past.

As 4 laps remained, Leclerc seemed to give up trying to catch up with Russell and was probably wanting to ensure that he could cross the line in fifth at least, or might try for an extra point at the end with a fastest lap. The finishing order seemed to be almost certain, barring any unexpected problems to the leading cars.

For the Alpine F1 team, things were looking good as both Alonso and Ocon (running in sixth and seventh) would collect points from the Belgian GP. It would give them a more comfortable position in the championship, especially as McLaren was unlikely to get any points this time.

As expected, Leclerc came in on lap 43 to quickly get a set of new tyres and rejoined right ahead of Alonso. He was a bit slow, and Alonso got past but the Ferrari driver managed to overtake the Alpine into Turn 5 and off he went to try to get the fastest lap before the race ended when Verstappen led his team mate across the finish line. Sainz had managed to stay ahead of Russell to be the one to stand on the podium in third place.