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Classic Range Rover gets electrified by Lunaz

The original Range Rover was launched in 1969 and final production took place in 1996. It has come to be known as the Classic Range Rover and can be regarded as the first premium 4×4 (the ‘SUV’ term didn’t exist then). Well-kept units are collectors items and with the engineering having been robust, they remain capable vehicles even today.

Electrifying classic models
For those who want the Classic Range Rover, there is also a new source from Lunaz, a company in England that specialises in making electric classic cars. Lunaz has earlier ‘electrified’ Jaguar, Bentley and Rolls-Royce classics and now intends to also create an initial run of 50 original Range Rovers built in the ‘classic era’ between 1970 and 1994.

*The original Range Rover which as produced between 1969 and 1996.*

Since unveiling its electrified classics, Lunaz has received requests from customers to apply its re-engineering and restoration approach to the Range Rover. In response to this, the company has decided to offer two versions – the ‘Town’ and ‘Country’ specifications – which can be delivered in mid-2021.

The more urban expression of these cars will be presented with increased focus on rear-seat and driver comfort, reflecting their dual use as either self-driven luxury vehicles or chauffeured cars. They will be available in both standard and long wheelbase and either the classic 3-door configuration or the 4-door models.

*Lunaz has been converting these other classic models with electric powertrains. These include the Jaguar XK120 (below).*

Modern engineering, classic looks
The ‘Country’ specification will include a full suite of engineering, technological and design features that augment a full electric classic off-roading experience for the first time. Every vehicle Lunaz produces goes through a full bare metal restoration and re-engineering process ahead of conversion to the company’s proprietary electric powertrain. This approach allows Lunaz to answer the questions of usability and reliability that detract from the experience of owning the most celebrated classic cars in the world.

The electric classic Range Rovers will include a 4-wheel drive system, updated suspension including anti-roll bars and uprated brakes. Within the cabin, the pure utility of the original interior design will be significantly elevated. The Lunaz design philosophy balances the integration of technology and usability within a classic architecture.

Design Director Jen Holloway and her team will work in close consultation with customers to tailor the car to their exact requirements. Material palettes that honour the textile interior that debuted on the original classic Range Rover will be offered as well as more traditional upholstery options with the very finest leathers and woods.

Usability is further enhanced with the inclusion of a full suite of contemporary technologies. Modern conveniences and features will include an infotainment system, air conditioning and entertainment screens integrated into the existing design scheme to ensure the spirit of the original car is maintained.

Electric vehicles have usually been expensive due to the advanced and new technologies but those that have become mainstream models have the benefit of economies of scale to push prices down. Not so with the classic electric Range Rovers by Lunaz which are expected to start at £245,000 (about RM1.33 million), ex-factory. This is the price of exclusivity and being one of 50 owners in the world.

You don’t have to wait 20 years for a fully-electric Rolls-Royce

Sebastien Ogier wins 2020 World Rally Championship title on first time with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

While the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team won the Manufacturers category in the 2020 World Really Championship (WRC), Sebastien Ogier of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT which took the Drivers title this year at the conclusion of the season in Italy

The 36-year old French driver has won titles in 7 WRCs since starting becoming an active participant in 2008. This year, with co-driver Julien Ingrassia, he used a Toyota Yaris WRC for the first time. He has previously driven in the Citroen, M-Ford and Volkswagen teams.

The Frenchman is the fifth different driver in 30 years to win the WRC title driving a Toyota, reclaiming the crown after Ott Tanak won the championship with the team in 2019. Toyota’s Elfyn Evans, also in his first season with Toyota, was on track to take the season’s driving honours until he slid off the road on an incredibly slippery right-hander on Saturday. He finished second in the championship. Ogier made it through to Sunday’s conclusion with a final margin of 13.9 seconds in a demanding rally with winter conditions that made driving treacherous.

“I feel the team would also have deserved to win the Manufacturers’ title; we fought as three drivers against five and came so close. But this seventh title for me is also a big achievement for the team and I couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you to them and I’m looking forward already to this bonus season for my career in 2021,” he said.

The event was the last one that Tommi Makinen, a former WRC champion, will have a role as team principal. Next year, he becomes Motorsport Advisor to Toyota. Team chairman Akio Toyoda congratulated Ogier and Ingrassia on their victory, expressed his consolation to Evans and paid tribute to Makinen who he said would continue supporting Toyota to make ever-better cars.

“Thanks to Tommi, we were also able to develop the GR Yaris,” the Toyota President said. “He led us to change our way of making cars through participating in the WRC.”

*The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team won the WRC Manufacturers title for a second consecutive year. With the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, the team scored 3 victories and 11 individual podiums.*

C&C Bintang’s Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile Service now available in the north

Mercedes-Benz owners in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically Kedah and Perlis, can now enjoyed an enhanced ownership experience with the availability of the Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile Service. With this service offered by C&C Bintang, maintenance of the same high standard as that at authorised Mercedes-Benz service centres will be available at their homes.

“Our customers in the north have been requesting expanded coverage of our maintenance services for their Mercedes-Benz vehicles within the safety and comfort of home. By expanding our Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile Service coverage, we are bringing one of the most sought-after services to our customers and will improve overall customer satisfaction that has been an important focus of our Exceptional Journeys promise,” said the CEO of Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, Wilfrid Foo.

On-site maintenance
First introduced in 2018 within the Klang Valley, the Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile Service has been providing owners with a variety of on-site maintenance by certified technicians fully equipped with the Xentry Diagnosis system. The service had been well-received since its inception, bringing convenience to thousands of customers.

For the northern region tour, the Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile Service will offer on-site maintenance services including battery and wiper change, air and combi filter inspection and dust filter replacement. The service will also include the disinfection of the vehicle at completion of service.

Special offer
Owners who call for the service between now and February 28, 2021, will be entitled to a waiver of the Star Mobile Travel Fee of RM 250.The first 30 owners also receive an exclusive Mercedes-Benz care kit after every service.

The Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile Service is available to all Mercedes-Benz owners, but an appointment has to be made first. Service appointments can be made daily (except on Sunday and public holidays), from Monday – Friday, 8.00 am – 5.00 pm and on Saturday, from 8.00 am – 12.00 noon.

Cycle & Carriage Bintang sends the service centre to your home

Subaru Levorg wins 2020-2021 Japan Car of the Year title

The 2020-2021 Japan Car of the Year is the Subaru Levorg, giving the Japanese carmaker its third overall title in the event which has been on since 1980. The Levorg was chosen this year’s list of nominees numbering 33, of which 13 were from Japanese brands and the remainder from other global manufacturers.

From the 33 nominees, which must be new models introduced and sold in the Japanese market from November 2019 to October 31 of the current year (in this case, 2020), ten models were chosen as the ‘Ten Best Cars’. These were considered the finalists, from which one would become the Japan Car of the Year after the judges had evaluated all of them.

The Levorg impressed the judging panel with its combination of the Subaru Global Platform and the full inner frame structure which provides a high level of both maneuverability and comfort. The newly developed 1.8-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine was also found to emphasize ease of use in everyday life. The judges also found that the interior had evolved significantly, with the finish being a suitable benchmark for this decade. Also praised was the advanced driver assistance system ‘EyeSight X’ that utilizes 3D high-precision map data and other information from GPS.

Among the non-Japanese brands, the highest score went to the Peugeot 208/e-208. Comments from the judges highlighted the high-quality ride that is above class-average and excellent handling. The high quality of the interior and exterior design as well as the good pricing of the e-208 EV also scored points.

*The Mitsubishi eK X Space and eK Space Win also won K-Car of the Year, a new category of the 2020-2021 Car of the Year awards.*

2020 – 2021 Japan Car of the Year
1. Subaru Levorg – 437 points
2. Honda Fit/Jazz – 320 points
3. Toyota Yaris/Yaris Cross/GR Yaris – 300 points
4. Peugeot 208/e-208 – 141 points
5. Land Rover Defender – 105 points
6. Audi e-tron Sportback – 65 points
7. Mazda MX-30 – 63 points
8. Alpina BMW ALPINA B3 – 25 points
9. BMW 2-Series Grand Coupe – 24 points
10. Nissan Kicks – 20 points

PAST WINNERS
1980-1981: Mazda Familia (323)
1981-1982: Toyota Soarer
1982-1983: Mazda Capella (626)
1983-1984: Honda Civic
1984-1985: Toyota MR2
1985-1986: Honda Accord
1986-1987: Nissan Pulsar
1987-1988: Mitsubishi Galant
1988-1989: Nissan Silvia SX
1989-1990: Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS)
1990-1991: Mitsubishi Galant
1991-1992: Honda Civic
1992-1993: Nissan March
1993-1994: Honda Accord
1994-1995: Mitsubishi FTO
1995-1996: Honda Civic
1996-1997: Mitsubishi Galant
1997-1998: Toyota Prius
1998-1999: Toyota Altezza (Lexus IS250)
1999-2000: Toyota Vitz (Yaris)
2000-2001: Honda Civic
2001-2002: Honda Fit (Jazz)
2002-2003: Honda Accord
2003-2004: Subaru Legacy
2004-2005: Honda Legend
2005-2006: Mazda MX-5
2006-2007: Lexus LS460
2007-2008: Honda Fit (Jazz)
2008-2009: Toyota iQ
2009-2010: Toyota Prius
2010-2011: Honda CR-Z
2011-2012: Nissan LEAF
2012-2013: Mazda CX-5
2013-2014: Volkswagen Golf 7
2014-2015: Mazda2/Demio
2015-2016: Mazda MX5
2016-2017: Subaru Impreza
2017-2018: Volvo XC60
2018-2019: Volvo XC40
2019-2020: Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia and PichaEats drive kindness this festive season

A festive season usually includes giving to those less fortunate and this year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and PichaEats teamed up to deliver a total of 280 meals to the less fortunate, in efforts to drive kindness this festive season.

The ‘Driving Kindness’ convoy consisted of employees from VPCM and PichaEats, a catering company that specializes in preparing meals from the homeland of its chefs who come from Syria, Palestine, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Recipients of the Driving Kindness campaign were Hiichiikok Foundation, Trinity Community Children’s Home, Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home, Sunteck Handicap Welfare Home and Charis Sheep Pen Shelter, all located in Klang Valley.

Additionally, as a show of support to frontliners, a total of 100 meals were delivered to the doctors and nurses at the COVID-19 testing station at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

In the spirit of giving, five families and individuals were also presented with a PichaEats Christmas Family set. The respective parties were selected through a Facebook contest held last month which invited netizens to nominate those going through tough times and deserved a special meal as a show of love and appreciation.

“Christmas is the season of giving, and it is a privilege to be able to give back to the community and to the less fortunate. The year has been extremely challenging for everyone, and it is so important to stay connected, be kind and to give back whenever possible,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

“The Volkswagen group has been committed to aiding refugees via numerous social platforms since 2015, and here we are honoured to partner with the charismatic team at PichaEats, who are doing an amazing job creating opportunities for refugees in Malaysia,” he added.

“At PichaEats, we are all about making an impact. For this Christmas and year-end season, we especially wanted to emphasize the idea of bringing joy and spreading kindness to the community at large. It was a pleasure working with Volkswagen Malaysia to realize this, who were all for putting a smile on the faces of those who needed some good cheer,” said Kim Lim, CEO and co-founder of PichaEats.

The meals were delivered by volunteers who used their own Volkswagen vehicles – two Beetles and two Kombi vans – as well as vehicles provided by VPCM.

Click here for other news and articles about Volkswagen.

Goodyear Malaysia adds another Ultra High Performance Tyre to Eagle F1 range

Goodyear Malaysia has strengthened its range of Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tyres with the addition of the Eagle F1 Sport. The new tyre is described as ‘a fun sports tyre option with good handling and braking performance for the aspiring racing enthusiast’.

“The Eagle F1 range is the embodiment of Goodyear’s long history of involvement in the racing arena. With the introduction of the Eagle F1 Sport, we aim to continuously uphold Goodyear’s manufacturing quality and technological capabilities of our research and development team, by providing more high performance tyre options for the day-to-day road user, at competitive prices for Malaysians,” said Alex Ng, MD of Goodyear Malaysia.

The Eagle F1 Sport tyre is said to provide improved handling and braking performance, and would be an option for upsizing. Its strong points are increased steering response, improved dry handling and enhanced cornering abilities. Compared to the Eagle F1 Directional 5, the Eagle F1 Sport has 20% less rolling resistance, with tyre weight reduced by up to 14%.

Precise and responsive handling
The signature Eagle Claw tread design has stronger shoulder blocks and with ActiveControl Technology, the shoulder contact patch of the tyre is maximised. Increased stiffness improves the cornering stability and steering precision when negotiating bends and corners.

The Eagle F1 Sport is also a quiet tyre, thanks to noise barrier strips which are made of rubber. They are positioned between the ply and liner to reduce noise generation. Narrower lateral grooves on the tyre also help to reduce vibrations and road noise for improved comfort.

Superior braking performance
Complementing the handling qualities is good stopping power with Goodyear’s DynamicBraking Technology. The combination of the Eagle Claw tread and high silica loaded tread compound with upgraded polymer matrix enhances braking capabilities on both wet and dry surfaces. Furthermore, an improved cavity shape provides a wider footprint for better contact and pressure distribution.

Wide rim flange protectors on all sizes provide protection to the tyre and rim from accidental curb damages while manoeuvring and parking.

22 sizes, priced from RM294
Retail prices for the Eagle F1 Sport range from RM294 to RM678 per tyre and they are available in 22 sizes ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches. Sizes start from 195/50R16 and go as wide as 255/35R18.