As mentioned in May, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is reviving Ralliart, the motorsport brand of the company. No details were given as to what the scope of the revival would be but an image of a Triton with Ralliart treatment was shown in a presentation on the carmaker’s FY2020 financial results that were made public.
At the 38th Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok this week, the first models of the revived Ralliart brand will be unveiled. These are the Triton Ralliart and the Pajero Sport Ralliart as special editions, based on the popular pick-up and SUV models made at the factory in Thailand.
No performance upgrades yet
For now, it appears that the special editions do not have any performance upgrades and are essentially differentiated from the standard models by Ralliart-themed cosmetics reminiscent of the historic cars in rallies.
Both models feature iconic side decals with red, silver and black stripes, and mud flaps with the Ralliart logo. The front grille and alloy wheels are painted black to differentiate from the standard trim. As for the interior, the floormats have the Ralliart logo and red-accent overlocks are specially fitted.
Exclusive accessories
The Triton Ralliart is based on the low-rider variant of the Triton Club Cab (Mega Cab) and Double Cab. For these two models, in addition to the common cosmetic features are front bumper garnish with a red accent and bedliner with the Ralliart logo. In addition, the two-tone model features black door mirrors, black door handles, black rear gate handle and black rear bumper.
The Pajero Sport Ralliart has front and rear under garnish with red accents and the Ralliart logo. Exclusive to the two-tone colour model are black fender arch moldings, black roof rails, black shark fin antenna and black tailgate spoiler. Two exterior colour options are available – a two-tone exterior with a White Diamond body and a black roof, and Jet Black Mica.
“We are truly honoured to bring back the Ralliart brand products to the fans of Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, MMC. “Starting from these Ralliart special editions in Thailand, we are planning to introduce more of the attractive items sequentially. We are also considering some exciting activities in the near future, so that the fans can feel and enjoy our Ralliart spirit. Please stay tuned with our revived Ralliart… there is more to come!”
The Ralliart special editions will be available from Mitsubishi Motors’ dealerships in Thailand but no word on whether other markets will get them. Quite likely, distributors in other countries like Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia may offer Ralliart accessories first and then progress to fully-equipped models at a later stage.
To know more about the Triton and to test-drive one, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my for the location of an authorised dealer in Malaysia.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the importer, distributor and custodian of the Porsche brand in Malaysia, today introduced the all-new Porsche GT3.
The GT3 can trace its roots back to back 1999 when Porsche needed a road going version of its race car for homologation purposes – and thus the GT3 was born.
Back then the GT3 offered the purest unadulterated driving experience a road car could offer. It was the closest a road driver could get to driving a race car.
Nothing has changed today as the GT3 is still hailed as the ultimate bridge between road and track.
Over seven editions later, the all-new GT3 offers one of the most advanced technologies available in a road legal race car.
It is lighter, faster and smarter and this results in a car that laps the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife a full 17-seconds faster than its predecessor.
In Malaysia, the all-new GT3 made its debut at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
At the heart of the GT3 lays a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engine that features individual throttle bodies for each of its six-cylinders.
This is unusual for a road car, but quite normal for a race car. And that is because the engine of the all-new GT3 is actually based on the race based 911 GT3R.
As such the new GT3 is puts out an astonishing 507hp and 470Nm of torque. This takes the GT3 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 320km/h. Making the engine one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated engines ever produced.
As for the transmission, owners can choose between a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, or a 6-speed manual GT sports gearbox that is about 20kg lighter than the auto box.
The all-new GT3 seems to have perfected a seemingly perfect package.
It not only offers a race-derived engine, but also offers race-derived handling.
For example, the front suspension of the GT3 consist of a double-wishbone layout taken from the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR race car.
Then there is the new swan-neck rear wing mounting and diffuser than are also from the 911 RSR. This allows for 50% more downforce without increasing drag.
The all-new GT3 also features a manually-adjustable rear wing and diffuser elements that can be set to increase downforce by up to 150% for maximum cornering speed.
The best thing about the all-new GT3 is that it is available with a Touring Package at no additional cost.
The Touring Package rids the car of such dramatics as the swan-neck rear wing, and offers the same exterior paint work all over.
Porsche (and SDAP) says the new Touring Package “is perfectly suited to sports car connoisseurs with a passion for understatement and classic driving pleasure”.
And so it may ride the GT3 of that massive carbon-fibre rear wing, but in place of the fixed wing, the 911 GT3 gets an automatically extending rear spoiler which offers the necessary downforce at high speeds.
As for the interior, the GT3 benefits from a a design that is in-line with the current 992 generation but GT3-specific instrument cluster that features a central rev counter that goes up to 10,000rpm, and is flanked by two high-resolution 7-inch displays featuring a new track screen.
As with all other 992 generation 911 models, the all-new GT3 also gets a centred high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen display with the latest Porsche Communication Management system with only navigation and Porsche Connect Plus.
This also supports the Porsche Track Precision App that helps drivers maximise their track sessions and improve lap times by providing detailed driving data, including live displays and video analysis.
The all-new Porsche GT3 is now available at all Porsche centres nationwide with prices starting from a cool RM1,766,244 with SST exemption.
Since the 1990s, the Mazda BT-50 has been a ‘twin’ of the Ford Ranger, as the two carmakers worked together to develop a common truck model (they also jointly developed passenger cars, vans and SUVs). However, for the new BT-50, Mazda no longer worked with Ford (which unveiled its new Ranger recently) and instead formed a commercial partnership with Isuzu Motors to develop a new model.
KODO design makes the difference
It’s no secret that the new BT-50 is adapted from the latest Isuzu D-MAX which was launched in Malaysia in April this year. However, when you look at the two pick-up trucks, you will see that Mazda has used its KODO design language to differentiate appearances significantly. In fact, if you were not told of the Isuzu connection, you would probably not think of the D-MAX. And to ensure its brand is immediately known, there is the familiar front grille (enlarged to match the size of the truck) and the 3-dimensional signature wing that extends out towards the side.
With its KODO design language, the new BT-50 has a significantly different appearance from the latest Isuzu D-MAX (below) which it has technical similarities with.
There’s not a lot you can do with a truck design since the profile of cab and cargo bed are pretty much similar. So the areas where differentiation can be done would be areas like the lights. In the case of the BT-50, the headlights are distinct and sharp, taking in cues from Mazda’s SUV range, and achieving the ‘deep gaze’ characteristic of Mazda.
At the back, the tailgate is the key design point, shaped to flow towards the Mazda badge to create a continuity of movement from front to rear. This complements the overall sense of bold and powerful movement, even when standing still.
Two engine choices
For the Malaysian market, Bermaz Motor offers two engine choices – a 1.9-litre or 3-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder engines. These engines are also used in the D-MAX, so they are proven powerplants although it is possible that Mazda engineers may have tuned the characteristics slightly differently to meet the brand’s own philosophy. The electronic control module is programmed to match the torque delivery characteristics of the engine by always selecting the best ratio. Both engines are paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Two 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines are available for the new BT-50 with displacements of 1.9 litres (left) and 3.0 litres (right).
Inside the double cab
As with the exterior, the double cab interior also has the same high quality feel that Mazdas are known for. The human-centric environment ensures that drivers feel connected to their vehicle and are comfortable. The horizontal layout of the instrument panel extends out to the door trim on each side, visually widening the cabin. Fine stitching is used for the dashboard, instrument panel cover, and kneepads, adding an extra touch of quality to the interior. The door moldings that wrap around the dash area are a feature of the Kodo design philosophy.
Rear passengers have convenience and comfort with air ducts bringing cool air to them and a USB charging port to recharge personal electronic devices. Supportive seats wrap around the body to hold it well when driving over bumpy terrain. A large touchscreen infotainment system offers comprehensive functionality, including Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.
The new instrument cluster has two round analog meters flanking a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the centre. The panel surface is finished in Mazda’s deep, pure black color, creating a striking contrast against the light font and silver rims of the analog meters.
The rear doors are designed with wide openings and ample space for the feet and knees to pass through. This makes it easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear of the cab. Assist grips at the top are also useful for those who need support for the body.
As safe as a car
Even though this is a pick-up truck, safety is just as important as the occupants are the same as those who travel in a passenger car. Mazda therefore provides safety technologies which 7 SRS airbags and depending on the variant) active driver-assistance systems such as ABS + EBD with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are also available, while a Rear Differential Lock is standard.
Certain versions of the new BT-50 also come with advanced systems such as Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. So it is comparable to a modern car which should be the case since most pick-up trucks are now being driven on highways more than off-road.
Preview in first week of December
The new BT-50 has a selling price starting from RM124,179.20 and purchasers get a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or 100,000 kms, whichever occurs first after original registration. Authorized Mazda dealers nationwide are now accepting bookings. For more information on the new BT-50 or other Mazda models, or to locate an authorized showroom, visit www.mazda.com.my.
The Toyota Yaris which was entered in the Sepang 1000KM endurance race (S1K) recently was the first ever appearance of the model in a local race and it was a ‘baptism by fire’ on all accounts. Competing in the top MTC Production Class, the Yaris, driven by the pair of 16-year old Hayden Haikal and 24-year old Timothy Yeo, had taken the chequered flag 3 laps ahead of their nearest rival. However, a post-race penalty reclassified the duo to third position in class and fourth overall.
Three Toyotas occupied the top 5 front positions on the starting grid for the 9-hour/181-lap race laps around the 5.534-km Sepang International Circuit. The number #39 Yaris had been the highest-placed Toyota on the starting grid, qualifying second with a time of 2 min 38.932 seconds. They were followed by Wing Hin Motorsports team mates and the pair of Boy Wong and Dannies Ng in the number #38 Vios.
Two entries from GAZOO Racing Malaysia
Backing them up were the trio of Tengku Djan Ley, Naquib Azlan and Akio Takeyama from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia in car number #37 (another Vios) which was fifth fastest. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia fielded a second entry, another Vios crewed by a trio comprising celebrity Zizan Razak, and young drivers Jwan Hii and Mika Hakimi in the SP2 Production Class in car number #36. Despite qualifying 30th , they went on to finish 20th in class and fifth in the inaugural running of the Vios Enduro Cup.
With three Toyotas in contention for overall victory, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s number #37 Vios, the number #39 Yaris and the number #38 Vios showed their dominance from the beginning to the final hours of the race. Four cars traded places for the lead throughout the race, but no one expected a huge turn of events that was to unfold in the closing laps.
Bad luck for #38 Vios
The number #38 Vios’ hopes of a podium finish were essentially erased due to technical issues, forcing it to rejoin 6 laps down but still managing to finish fourth overall and in Class. The number #37 Vios, meanwhile, was well poised for victory until 26 laps to the finish when the front left wheel was ripped away, dropping the team to 11th in Class.
Their misfortune left the race for the taking of car number #100 driven by Mitchell Cheah and Brendan Paul Anthony, but their hopes of a victory too came to a crushing end when mechanical problems 10 laps from the finish put them into retirement.
Yaris takes podium finish on debut
As all this unfolded, the charging #39 Yaris kept piling on the pressure and clocking consistent lap times right up to the chequered flag. “The Yaris performed impeccably, not putting a foot wrong! This is a huge testament to the car’s performance and reliability under extreme conditions, and to finish on the podium in the prestigious S1K race on its debut is, without a doubt, an amazing result,” said a happy Mr. Takeyama who is also GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer.
“We would like to have won and seen two or all three cars on the podium but unfortunately, in racing, nothing is ever certain until you cross the finish line, and this is a disappointment we will have to graciously accept despite running very competitively until the final hours,” he said.
“The S1K is a challenging test of nerves not only on the reliability and durability of the car, but also the physical and mental strength of the competing teams and drivers,” he said, with his personal experience of racing in the event. ”As a team, we have proven to ourselves that we are competitive, and this setback has certainly fuelled our desire to come back and be even stronger next year.”
The Yaris’ third place finish, however, was made that much sweeter with one of the drivers (Hayden) being a competitor and the youngest ever champion in Toyota’s Vios Challenge racing series. In fact, eight of the drivers in the top 4 cars in contention for the race win had competed in the one-make series which has run for 4 seasons.
“The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival and Vios Challenge will next year enter its fifth successive season and we hope that it has not only made a huge impact towards enhancing the profile of Malaysian motorsports by bringing it to the masses, but also in creating a strong foundation for the development of existing, new and especially young drivers. We are committed in making an impactful contribution to Malaysian motorsports and this is an initiative we intend to continue to expand on moving forward,” Mr. Takeyama promised.
Inaugural Vios Enduro Cup
In the inaugural Vios Enduro Cup, Aylezo Motorsports’ trio Mirza Syahmi Mahzan, Zen Low and Aiman Haziq completed 166 laps enroute to collect a cash prize of RM10,000. It was a 1-2 victory for Aylezo with Dato’ Danny Yip, Kenneth Teh and Chang Choon Ming placed second. In third spot was 23 Motors’ Al- Farouk and Abdull Miqail, followed by Toyotsu Racing’s Liew Jo Choon, Tan Chan Wei in fourth.
A total of 10 Toyota cars took to the track for the S1K race which attracted 38 teams, with three cars competing in the MTC Production Class and the remaining seven vying for positions in the SP2 Production Class and the inaugural running of the Vios Enduro Cup.
Nissan will be stepping up its electrification strategy as it aims to be carbon-neutral across the lifecycle of its products by its fiscal year 2050. With its new long-term vision – Nissan Ambition 2030 – announced today, the carmaker will advance technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities and become a sustainable company.
Having been a strong promoter of electric vehicles (EVs), starting with the LEAF, Nissan will continue to place electrification at the core of the company’s long-term strategy. In this respect, it aims to accelerate the electrification of its vehicle line-up and rate of technology innovation with investments of 2 trillion yen (about RM76.2 billion) over the next 5 years.
23 new electrified models to come
By fiscal 2030, the Nissan range will see 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs, to achieve an electrification mix of more than 50% globally across the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Within the next 5 years, 20 new EV and e-POWER equipped models will be launched and with these new models, more than 75% of sales in Europe will be electrified models by 2026. In Japan, the mix is expected to be more than 55% of sales, while in China, it will be more than 40% of sales.
“We are proud of our long track record of innovation, and of our role in delivering the EV revolution. With our new ambition, we continue to take the lead in accelerating the natural shift to EVs by creating customer pull through an attractive proposition by driving excitement, enabling adoption and creating a cleaner world,” said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.
Representing the next stage of Nissan’s electrified future, the company today also unveiled three new concept cars that offer enhanced experiences through sophisticated technology packaging. These concept cars are being developed under Nissan EV Technology Vision, a technology study that looks beyond the Ariya and next-generation crossover EV. The technology considers the direction of future EVs, and how advancements in battery technology, hardware and packaging can offer customers a wide variety of mobility solutions to match their needs and lifestyles.
All solid-state battery (ASSB) technology
At the core of Nissan EV Technology Vision is the integration of all solid-state battery (ASSB) technology that integrates with optimized components into a skateboard-like structure that allows for a variety of vehicle types. The optimum hardware structure will bring out the full potential of future complex software configurations and further realize the precision, performance, efficiency and versatility of EV offerings. Recharging time will be reduced to one-third, it is claimed.
CMF-EV platform
ASSB, which offers innovative integration of the body, chassis and battery pack, has ideal geometry with electric drive. Motors are located at the front and rear and together with a very low centre of gravity and ultra light weight, optimal mass distribution can be achieved. To efficiently manage and operate the vehicle precisely, AI (artificial intelligence) will also be integrated and this includes technologies such as Advanced e-4ORCE and Advanced ProPILOT.
Nissan will also continue to advance its lithium-ion battery technologies and introduce cobalt-free technology to bring down the cost by 65% by fiscal year 2028. The proprietary ASSB will be installed in EV models by fiscal year 2028.
In addition to technology upgrades, Nissan will localize manufacturing and sourcing to make EVs more competitive. The carmaker will expand its unique EV Hub concept, EV36Zero, which was launched in the UK, to core markets including Japan, China and the USA. EV36Zero is a fully integrated manufacturing and service ecosystem connecting mobility and energy management with the aim of realizing carbon neutrality.
Preview of future models
For those who worry that electrification will mean the end of sportscars from Nissan, this seems unlikely to happen. Even in the EV age, there will be sportscars although they may have a different sort of feel from today’s musclecars with combustion engines. They will still offer impressive performance, thanks to the high torque characteristics of electric motors.
The Max-Out concept (above) is one idea which Nissan designers are looking at and it is a convertible. Technical details are not available at this time but there is the promise of ‘a new driving experience with superlative stability and comfort’. The low centre of gravity will provide dynamic cornering and steering response with limited body roll and the occupants will feel united with the car. The 2-seater has a unique ability to morph the seating, flattening into the floor for more interior space when needed. This would be ideal when the driver is out on the road alone.
The Max-Out will have Advanced e-4ORCE which offers powerful, smooth and high output, ride comfort, and independent brake control. This electric-drive 4-wheel-control technology integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with chassis control technology to achieve a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance on par with the latest sportscars.
The Surf-Out concept (above), as the name suggests, is more of an adventure concept with the bodystyle being that of a compact pick-up. It is all-terrain capable and could have a variety of power outputs to suit different conditions. The low and flat cargo space will make stowing gear convenient, while the vehicle can also supply electric power for other devices or equipment. Like the Max-Out, this concept vehicle is also engineered with Advanced e-4ORCE.
With the Hang-Out concept (above), the designers are exploring new ideas for interior layouts. This is possible as the floor is completely flat from front to rear. Thus, the cabin can be a mobile living room which travels off the highway. Theatre-style seating will make viewing movies on the built-in display enjoyable for everyone. Special effort is made to suppress vibrations and jolts so that the occupants are less likely to experience motion sickness.
The driver will have the support of Advanced e-4ORCE and Advanced ProPILOT to make journeys safer and more comfortable. ProPILOT technology is already available in some Nissan models as the carmaker was the first to introduce a combination of steering, accelerator and braking that can be operated in full automatic mode. This technology enables autonomous operation during highway driving in single-lane traffic.
Nissan aims to expand ProPILOT technology to over 2.5 million Nissan and Infiniti vehicles by fiscal year 2026. The company will also further develop its autonomous vehicle technologies, aiming to incorporate next generation LIDAR systems on virtually every new model by fiscal year 2030.
Besides the three models, a more advanced concept model is the Chill-Out (above), which shows some of the design language that we might see in future Nissan vehicles. It sits on the modular CMF-EV platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Designed specifically for electric vehicles, the CMF-EV platform is exceptional in its modularity. For example, it allows for the installation of batteries of different heights which means it can be used for low sedans as well as SUVs which have more ground clearance. The platform is variable in its length, making it applicable for more different types of vehicles.
Brake Assist (BA) is a feature which is listed among the active safety systems of many cars today but how it works and why it enhances stopping may not be known by most motorists. BA, which appeared in the second half of the 1990s, is a supplementary brake system which can also be considered a driver assistance system.
A simple explanation of BA would be that it boosts braking pressure to the maximum available as this can have a positive effect on the stopping distance, especially with anti-lock braking systems, better known as ABS.
Helping older people brake better
When Toyota first introduced it in 1997 in the Raum model, it said that one of the reasons for developing BA was to help older drivers. These drivers might not apply full pressure on the brake pedal in an emergency, or may not have sufficient strength. Thus, the system will detect when there is emergency braking, eg sudden pressure on the pedal, and boost the pressure to maximum.
Brake Assist was introduced by Toyota in 1997 with the Raum model (below).
Emergency braking can save lives. However, many drivers then step on the brake pedal quickly but not forcefully enough – this is what Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered in the early 1990s during tests in the company’s own driving simulator. Their answer was BAS, considered one of the key links in the chain of important Mercedes-Benz safety developments.
BAS evolved from ESP
Mercedes-Benz introduced their version of Brake Assist, which they referred to as BAS, in late 1996. It was standard initially in the S-Class (W 140) and SL (R 129) and built upon the functions of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), or vehicle stability control as it is also known.
These advanced systems not only use the sensors installed in the car but also state-of-the-art radar technology in order to capture the scene in front of the car and to identify a situation in which an accident is imminent. Mercedes-Benz offers very similar systems for its commercial vehicles known as Active Brake Assist (in the Actros heavy-duty truck).
BAS was introduced as standard in the 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W 140 (above) and SL (below).
How well does BAS work?
BAS interprets a certain speed at which the brake pedal is depressed as an emergency situation and builds up maximum brake boost within fractions of a second. This significantly shortens the braking distance – at 100 km/h on dry roads, for example, by up to 45%. Mercedes-Benz investigated its effect in the driving simulator and found that BA was able to mitigate or even prevent rear-end collisions.
It also made an effective contribution to pedestrian protection. In a series of experiments, 55 car drivers drove through a town at 50 km/h when suddenly a child ran onto the carriageway. Only full braking prevented the accident.
BAS can make the difference between hitting a pedestrian and stopping in time with reduced braking distance due to maximum braking pressure being applied.
Additional functions with BAS PLUS
The next evolutionary stage by the German carmaker was Brake Assist PLUS which made its debut in the S-Class from the W 221 series in late 2005. Besides warning the driver of an imminent head-to-tail crash by means of visual and acoustic signals, it automatically computes the brake pressure required to prevent the accident.
BAS and BAS Plus are integrated in the PRE-SAFE brake system that is today available in every Mercedes-Benz car. PRE-SAFE can automatically brake the car if a collision is predicted, and the PRE-SAFE brake works together with the BAS PLUS, the latter making its brake boosting effect available as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal. If the driver does not react to the warning signals emitted by BAS PLUS, the PRE-SAFE brake initiates automatic partial braking to decelerate the car with some 40% of the maximum brake power.
Radar technology made the advanced capability of BAS PLUS possible. It detected the distance to cars ahead, warned the driver of insufficient distance and calculated the necessary braking assistance in the event of an imminent collision. If traffic came to a standstill and the driver actually had to step on the brake pedal, BAS PLUS built up the brake pressure calculated for the respective situation instantly.
BAS PLUS uses two radar systems: a 24-gigahertz short-range radar scanning the surroundings in front of the vehicle with an aperture angle of 80 degrees and a range of 30 metres. In addition, the 77-gigahertz radar of DISTRONIC scans 3 lanes of a motorway up to a distance of 150 metres with an aperture angle of 9 degrees. Tested in the driving simulator, the results were impressive: while the accident rate in tests with conventional braking technology was 44% on average, it dropped by three quarters with the help of BA PLUS.
Brake Assist is also available for heavy-duty trucks like the Mercedes-Benz Actros… certainly crucial for preventing such a big and heavy vehicle from colliding with a vehicle ahead.
Braking systems remain essential for road safety. In addition, emergency braking systems triggered on the basis of detecting potential accidents are an important foundation for the highly automated vehicles to come, and thus an essential part of the vision of accident-free driving.
Ever since Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms of the 1980s transformed China’s and opened it to the world, the country’s presence in the auto industry has kept growing, to the extent that it is now the world’s largest motor vehicle market. And even in motorsports, the country has steadily become more involved, initially providing world-class racing circuits.
Where drivers have been concerned, this has been slower as racing was non-existent before, let alone private ownership and use of cars. The only people who were able to drive back then were mostly drivers in the military and commercial vehicle drivers. In fact, even as the auto industry modernised and opened up in the 1990s, only a small number of people could qualify as motoring journalists as most had no experience of driving. In one instance, one global carmaker assisted a group of Chinese reporters with a short driving course before they attended a media event for a new model outside China.
Of course, there have been racing drivers in Hong Kong and Macau for decades as these two regions had developed independently from mainland China. They operated with western-style economies and so there were some drivers who could purchase racing cars and go overseas to participate in races or rallies (many coming to events in Malaysia).
But as with many things, China has been progressing rapidly and next year will see the first Formula 1 driver from the country. Guanyu Zhou is one of the new drivers who will replace Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi when their contracts end with Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN at the end of the 2021 season.
Started in karting
Zhou is by no means a rookie in racing, especially since you can’t get to F1 without making progress through the various stages of the sport. Like many F1 drivers, he started in karting (in 2007) and was Karting China Champion from 2008 to 2010. He finished second in Italian F4 in 2015, before collecting victories in Euro F3 and F2 events, Formula 1’s feeder series. The Chinese youngster has been a multiple race winner in the FIA F2 Championship with success at all levels of racing in his career. He made his F2 debut in the 2019 season and finished seventh with one pole position and five podiums, winning an award for highest-placed rookie. His Race win in Sochi also made him the first mainland Chinese driver to win an international single-seater race.
As an official the driver for the Renault F1 Team, which became the Alpine F1 team, Zhou had a chance to drive Fernando Alonso’s A512 racing car in FP1 of the Austrian GP this year. He says that Alonso (below) inspired him to pursue a career in racing when he was young.
2021 in particular has been a breakthrough year for the driver, who is currently in second place in the standings in F2 and is ready to mount a challenge for the title in the final two events of the season in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. He is racing with the British UNI-Virtuosi team this year.
On the radar of F1 teams
Zhou, 22, has been on the radar of most F1 teams for some time. He was an official test driver for the Renault F1 team in 2020 and this year, he took over Fernando Alonso’s A521 for FP1 in Spielberg, making him just the second driver from mainland China to take part in an official F1 session, and the first in 8 years.
“From a young age, I dreamt of climbing as high as I could in this sport that I am so passionate about. Now the dream has come true. It is a privilege for me to start my Formula 1 career with such an iconic team, a team that has introduced so much young talent into Formula 1 in the past. I feel well-prepared for the immense challenge of Formula 1, the pinnacle of my sport, alongside a proven, world-class talent in Valtteri Bottas,” said Zhou, who is called ‘Joey’ by his team mates at UNI-Virtuosi.
Zhou has been racing with the British UNI-Virtuosi team for the past 3 years.
“Next year, the target will be to learn as much as possible and as quickly as possible. To be the first ever Chinese driver in Formula 1 is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history. I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more,” he said.
Zhou will have Valtteri Bottas (above left), who is 10 years older, as his team mate, taking over from Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi (right).
Zhou will join a team with extensive heritage and tradition, completing a highly competitive line-up alongside Valtteri Bottas, who comes from the successful Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Racing Team. Thus there will be a combination of youth and experience for Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN to move forward, at a time when the sport embraces a completely new set of regulations, and all teams start from scratch in their quest for glory.
Guanyu Zhou will be the 28th driver from Asia to race in Formula 1 since the championship series began in 1950. The first driver from Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh from Thailand, who was among the racers in the first ever F1 race and would continue until 1954. 65 years later, Alexander Albon, another Thai, would enter F1 with the Toro Rosso Team.
Of the 28 drivers from Asia, Japan is the one with the most – 21, with Hiroshi Fukuda being the first to take part in 1975. Albon (above right) and Yuki Tsunoda (above left) have been the most recent Asian drivers, with Tsunoda currently racing with Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Drivers from three other Asian countries have also taken part in F1 – 2 from India, 1 from Indonesia and of course, Alex Yoong from Malaysia.
With a Chinese driver racing in F1 next year, we should see an increase in attention by motorsport fans in China.
Alfa Romeo’s global branding
“Alfa Romeo is delighted to welcome Guanyu Zhou into its family as the first Chinese driver in Formula 1. The decision to recruit Zhou has been made in complete agreement with the Alfa Romeo Racing team and is the result of a specific objective and a clear strategy; for Alfa Romeo to become a global premium brand,” said Jean Philippe Imparato, CEO Alfa Romeo.
“Guanyu Zhou represents a key opportunity to take full advantage of the potential offered by the global F1 platform and serves as a privileged entry point into the Chinese market that plays a notable role in Alfa Romeo’s future. Welcoming Zhou to the team speaks of the inclusive power of a brand that inspires visceral and universal emotions, shared the whole world over,” he added.
You’re probably heard of the BMW Art Cars, a series of classic models which were turned into works of art by renowned artists. They have been displayed all over the world (including Malaysia) since the first one was created in 1975.
Perhaps less well known is the fact that there are also art cars which are from another German brand – Porsche. Over the years, innovative artists have made Porsche models their ‘canvas’ and also made them works of art. Following the recent release of the 968 L’ART, here are some of the best examples of Porsche art cars, from Taycans to a 356 to a colourful array of 911 models.
968 L’ART by Arthur Kar
Embodying the connection between vehicles and fashion, this outstanding redesigned car – the brainchild of L’Art de L’Automobile’s founder Arthur Kar – transports a retro look to the modern era. Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week this year alongside a matching capsule collection, attendees saw the worlds of fashion, art and cars collide to mark the 30th anniversary of the 968. The 968 L’ART comes alive in Green Pearl, with the added mystique of appearing to be three other hues, depending on which angle you view it from. TAG Heuer created a matching chronograph to accompany this one-off car, while the roof was removed and Recaro seats were added, incorporating graphic leather in the centre panel that matches the exterior colour. A custom-designed audio system by BOSE was also installed and the headlights were elevated with chrome.
996 Swan by Chris Labrooy
Porsche offered Scottish digital artist Chris Labrooy the opportunity to transport one of his digital artworks into the real world for the first time. The result is the 996 Swan, which was designed for the anniversary ‘20 years of Porsche in China’. The 911 Type 996 was the first car sold in China two decades ago. The choice of ‘swan’ is because, in China, the swan stands for happiness.
911 Carrera by Nelson Makamo
Famed South African artist Nelson Makamo always knew he would own a Porsche, but what he didn’t expect was the manner in how it happened. Having fantasised since childhood about what it would feel like to hold the keys to one, it was an unexpected meeting with a modern-day example during a residency in Western Cape that reignited his Porsche dream and he would eventually own a Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera. The painter ordered his first ever Porsche with the view to putting his mark on his most unusual canvas yet. Makamo’s Porsche art car saw him hand-paint a number of elements, from the rear bumper to the seat mouldings, door panel inserts and side mirror covers. Look closely enough and you’ll find three letters – ‘Mma’ – in the left door panel insert, which mean ‘mother’ in his native tongue. For Makamo, the art car in its entirety is a reflection of his success, the important people he’s met along the way and his hope that his work will spark the imagination of children all over the continent of Africa.
Taycan Art Car by Richard Phillips
This is the kind of artwork that makes watching paint dry a legitimately fun pastime, thanks to American artist Richard Phillips. His vision has applied an artful second skin for the all-electric sportscar which bloomed to life in Zurich. There, it was created live at a pop-up restaurant in December 2020. To create the final masterpiece, Phillips applied his 2010 painting, Queen of the Night, onto the body of a Porsche Taycan 4S, with the lush piece spreading its leafy and floral arrangement from the front bonnet to the rear. Earlier this year it was auctioned off for charity, with all proceeds being donated to a non-profit organisation which supports artists hit hard by the pandemic.
Taycan with Artwork by Dale Chihuly
Another electrifying artwork also sparked to life in 2021. The horticultural oasis of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay not only plays host to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants but became the temporary home for this floral Taycan. With Porsche as the official automotive partner for American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s ‘Glass in Bloom’ exhibition, audiences were exposed to the idea of sportscars beyond the simple need for speed. Wrapped in an unmissable livery from Chihuly’s Persians series – comprising ultra-bright flowers in a diverse palette – the car was more than a match for its foliage-laced surroundings. Sitting pretty on a pedestal, set against the futuristic backdrop of the SG50 Lattice – it provided a harmonious reflection of the future-forward DNA of the sustainable Taycan, all amid an organic green oasis.
Taycan Artcar by SUMO!
On the occasion of the opening of the Porsche Centre Roost, Porsche of Losch Luxembourg decided to create a unique artwork on the theme of ‘Future’ in collaboration with the renowned Luxembourg artist SUMO!. In close cooperation with the Porsche Centre team, the car was first completely disassembled. Then the individual parts were transported to an unknown location where SUMO! could begin its work over the next 5 months. The interior, the inside of the doors, the rims and the keys of the car were also painted.
Janis Joplin’s 356 C
Rock legend Janis Joplin sung ‘my friends all drive Porsches’, and she actually owned a number herself. She bought this car in 1968 in Dolphin Grey using it as an everyday car that fans would soon come to recognise as one of her closest companions. Describing the 1964 356 SC as having a colourful paint job is somewhat of an understatement. Janis paid her roadie, David Richards, $500 to portray ‘The History of the Universe’ on the car in almost every hue possible. It was a history that included images of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Californian landscapes, the eye of God, Capricorn, skulls, mushrooms and much more. It became so synonymous with its owner that fans would leave notes to her under the windscreen wipers. When it was stolen in 1969, the thief tried to hide his crime by spray painting over the giveaway mural, only to be caught by police.
Tragically, Joplin died in 1970, just 2 years after purchasing the car. Her beloved Porsche eventually found its way into the hands of her siblings, with her brother restoring it to its original Dolphin Grey condition, as it had deteriorated. Then, in the 1990s, it was decided to return it to psychedelic glory, with her family commissioning artists Jana Mitchell and Amber Owen to replicate the original mural. After doing the rounds at museums for decades, it was finally put up for auction to support charities in their sister’s name. The price? An astonishing $1.76 million – breaking all records for the sale of any Porsche 356 at public auction.
911 RSR Le Mans by Richard Phillips
This 911 RSR is more than just a work of art. It also became the first Porsche art car to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when it took victory in the GTE Am class in 2019. Its existence is the result of a firm friendship between the artist, Richard Phillips, and the Porsche factory driver, Jorg Bergmeister – a relationship that had already resulted in Phillips designing a helmet for Bergmeister in 2013. It proved to be a stepping stone, 6 years later, to designing this Porsche art car, when the artist used some of his existing work to project an intricate 2D livery onto the car. The oversized details and bold contrasting colours meant there was no need to have a grandstand view to take in the full design – spectators could more than follow it from afar.
911 Fat Car NFT by Erwin Wurm
Austrian sculpture and painter Erwin Wurm is known for his larger-than-life artworks – his collection of Fat Sculptures has spanned the subject areas of houses and cars for 2 decades. On the 20th anniversary of his iconic Fat Car, in 2021, Wurm’s quirkiness came to the fore once more to breathe life into – literally his first NFT, entitled ‘Breathe in, breathe out’. The video showcases his interpretation of what it would look like if a 911 inhaled in and breathed out. Already well-known for his eccentric depictions of day-to-day life, and with a signature nudge and a wink as he takes a sideways look at consumer society, the disfigured style on show here is an example of Wurm’s inimitable style.
With more and more vehicles – including those from entry-level brands like Perodua and also pick-up trucks – having advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Euro NCAP has started to assess some of the systems which assist driving. The independent organisation tests not only the car’s ability to assist and promote safer driving, but also evaluates how such Assisted Driving systems engage the driver and, if the unexpected happens, what safety back-up is offered by the vehicle.
The present focus is on Highway Assist systems, which help the driver to maintain a steady speed, to keep a safe distance from the car in front and to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane by combining (intelligent) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Centering (LC). Highway Assist systems are designed to assist the driver, not to take control, and the driver is expected to keep his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road at all times.
Adaptive Cruise Control, using camera or radar (or both), maintains a safe gap with vehicles ahead, regardless of the cruising speed set.
The technology, first offered on more expensive premium vehicles over the past 10 years, has gone mainstream in recent years and is now available on cars in all categories, butt with varying degrees of sophistication and at different price points.
Lane Centering systems, using a camera to monitor road markings, help prevent the vehicle from departing from its lane and endanger vehicles in other lanes or go off the road.
In its previous rounds of Assisted Driving tests in 2018 and 2020, Euro NCAP found some vehicles promised more than they could deliver, implying, through their naming and interaction with the driver that they provide more automation than they were capable of doing. All the cars tested in this round, however, offer a balance between Assistance Competence – the degree to which the system can help the driver – and Driver Engagement – the extent to which the driver feels they must remain in control and not disengage from the driving task.
“This balance between assistance and engagement is crucial. Cars are not yet capable of fully automated driving and drivers should not be misled into thinking that they are. Reports from America have highlighted the very serious problems that can happen when people have an unrealistically high expectation of what such systems can offer, and when the car in which they are driving does not actively try to get them back in the loop. We are pleased that the manufacturers represented in this round of tests make clear the level of support that they can provide,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary-General of Euro NCAP.
BMW iX3 – rated ‘Very Good’ in Assisted Driving assessment.
Euro NCAP’s first Assisted Driving gradings of 7 models equipped with Highway Assist show the overall best performer as the BMW iX3, which was graded as ‘Very Good’. Two others – the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the CUPRA Formentor – achieved ‘Good’ gradings. The assist systems of the Polestar 2 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 were graded as ‘Moderate’, while the Toyota Yaris and Opel Mokka-e were considered to offer ‘Entry’ level systems.
The BMW iX3, although a variant of the X3 range, has a new sensor set, not yet available on its combustion-engined stablemates and the grading of its automated driving system applies only to the all-electric version. The Polestar 2 achieved a Moderate grading, limited by its performance in Vehicle Assistance. Polestar will perform an over-the-air (OTA) update of the car’s software very soon and Euro NCAP will again assess the car.
Even entry-level models like the Toyota Yaris (European model shown) have systems that can provide the driver with a useful level of support, enhancing safety.
The range of cars tested demonstrated the growing prevalence of Assisted Driving across the spectrum of vehicle categories. Entry-level systems, while offering less functionality than more sophisticated ones, nevertheless provide the driver with a useful level of support, and that fact that they are offered on volume-selling cars shows the direction of travel for automated driving.
Euro NCAP’s tests are set against a rapidly changing legislative background. Technology is developing very quickly and the degree of automation that is allowed and what action the car must take when, for example, it tries to hand control back to an unresponsive driver, is being reviewed. The organisation says its future tests will take these regulatory changes into account.
Even before the excitement of the last round of Season 4 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge has faded away, GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Vios racing cars are going into battle again. This time, it is not a one-make races and the team will be up against other models in the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race (S1K) this weekend.
The annual race will also see the running of the inaugural Vios Enduro Cup for privateers and dealer teams competing in the SP2 Production Class.
GAZOO Racing Malaysia will field a two-car entry in the MTC Production Class and SP2 production class. Fighting for outright victory in the MTC Production class will be the trio of 3-time Vios Challenge Super Sporting Class champion and also GAZOO Racing Malaysia Ambassador, Tengku Djan Ley. He will be teamed up with newly-crowned Vios Challenge Rookie Class champion, 20-year old Naquib Azlan, and GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama.
The S1K race will be the first for Naquib who, up until last year, had only been racing online behind the wheel of a simulator. He was one of six drivers recruited into the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program and later provided with the opportunity to compete in the Rookie Class for young drivers.
20-year old Naquib Azlan has shown that simulator racing provides some skills that can be used in real racing, and in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program, those skills were developed further.
The SP2 Production Class, meanwhile, will see the combination of Vios Challenge Rookie Class drivers Mika Hakimi and Jwan Hii partnering Promotional Class driver, actor and Season 4’s first runner-up Zizan Razak. Zizan proved to be a worthy contender in this year’s Vios Challenge Promotional Class races by clinching podium finishes in all races. Being the most experienced racer amongst the SP2 Production Class team, Zizan is expected to bring his A-game and winning attitude as well as flair into the race.
The recent finale round of Season 4 of the Vios Challenge/TGR Festival was run at night, a first for the series.
Mika and Jwan finished had third and fourth overall respectively in the recently concluded Vios Challenge, and will also be making their debut in the S1K. Like Naquib, both drivers are also graduates of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program. Mika, 17, also has a background of simulator racing while 18-year-old Jwan’s racing experience had been karting before having a chance at cars.
“The two entries in S1K are to fulfill several objectives if you look closely at the driver line-up. Yes, we will be gunning for both outright and class victories; it is also the start of expanding GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s presence in Malaysian motorsports, but the participation is also to provide a platform for new, talented and especially young drivers to race in an even more competitive environment beyond the Vios Challenge,” said Mr. Takeyama, who has also been racing in the Vio Challenge for all 4 seasons.
The Vios Enduro Cup will run concurrently with the S1K and is designed to bring the Vios Challenge race cars and its drivers beyond their traditional hunting grounds. The Cup will offer a first prize of RM10,000.00, while the second and third place winners stand to win RM8,000.00 and RM6,000.00 respectively. A cash prize of RM4,000.00 and RM2,000.00 is also up for grabs for the fourth and fifth place finishers in the race.
Unlike the short races of the Vios Challenge, the S1K is a 1,000-km race which can cover up to 181 laps and take around 9 hours. It is also held at the Sepang International Circuit. In the 11 years that the race has been held (2009 to 2019), Toyota cars have won the race twice with private entries behind the wheel of an AE86 in 2010 and a Corolla Altis in 2011.
