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Honda e starts Honda’s electrification strategy in Europe

The automotive industry is changing faster than at any time in its history, with a convergence of trends and developments shaping the face of the sector beyond all recognition. Honda predicts that by 2030, the development of automobiles will be centred around electrification, automation and services. Environmental issues, such as climate change, are driving demand for cleaner mobility and accelerating the electrification of automobiles.

The new fully-electric Honda e is inspired by this 2030 prediction, engineered from the ground up to deliver a package perfect for the modern urban environment. It first appeared in concept form in 2017 as the ‘Urban EV’, followed by an almost production-ready prototype at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Finally having its global debut in Frankfurt last year, the compact EV features cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners in sync with everyday life. The Honda e sets new technology benchmarks in the compact EV segment, with intuitive infotainment services and connected apps that seamlessly integrate with the owner’s modern lifestyle, accessed via the dual touchscreen displays, Honda Personal Assistant artificial intelligence or via the My Honda+ smartphone app.

Design-wise, the Honda e has a simple and clean modern appearance which somehow also brings to mind the original Civic. That Civic was a model of innovation in its time and the Honda e reimagines the identity of a small Honda for the next era of urban mobility.

Exemplifying such design philosophy is the Side Camera Mirror System (SCMS) that replaces conventional side view mirrors, with compact cameras that provide live images to two 6-inch screens inside the vehicle. The camera technology, a first in the compact segment, brings significant benefits for safety, aerodynamics and packaging.

The interior uses subtle, contemporary materials to create a relaxing lounge-like. The generous wheelbase allows passenger space comparable with that of cars in the segment above, with step-through access contributing to the spacious interior environment.

The Honda e also offers Single Pedal Control System to improve driving efficiency in urban environments. When activated, the system enables the driver to seamlessly accelerate, slow and stop the car using only the accelerator pedal. The Single Pedal Control System provides linear deceleration control that gives the car a more agile response. By decreasing in frequency the need to use both accelerator and brake pedals, it helps the driver feel more comfortable in stop/start congested city traffic.

The wide rear bench seat provides sofa-like seating, adding further to the ambience of a modern living space. Ceiling spot lamps above the occupants’ heads and out of direct eyesight contribute further to the comfortable and sophisticated feel, like you are switching on your living room light, and are activated by a button on the B-pillar.

The Honda e provides the most comprehensive range of driver aids in its class, addressing the demand for more safety provisions that is topping consumer expectations today. An enhanced suite of safety features sees the addition of three new safety technologies. These are Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, preventing sudden acceleration in either reverse or drive upon starting the car when there is an obstacle in the way; Low Speed Brake Function which applies emergency braking while driving at low speed, and Lead Car Departure Notification System which notifies the driver when the car in front has started moving.

Providing additional support to drivers is the Honda Parking Pilot, which continues the theme of user-focused technology. The system assists the driver in locating an appropriate space and then manoeuvring the car efficiently into it. It does this through the use of 4 cameras and 12 sonar sensors. A multi-view camera detects the white line of a parking spot, while the sensors recognise the actual parking space. The system can execute up to 5 parking patterns which covers virtually all parking scenarios.

The all-new EV-specific platform (with rear-wheel drive) has been engineered to deliver fun and effortless electric performance (154 ps/315 Nm) with exceptional driving characteristics in urban environments. The claimed acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 8.3 seconds, with a 136 ps variant doing it in 9 seconds.

The 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a claimed range of 222 kms, and 80% of charge can be ‘refuelled’ within 30 minutes in rapid charging mode. Reinforcing the function-led design approach, the car’s advanced charging port is integrated centrally in the bonnet for ease of use from either side of the car. The lid is made of high-strength glass and operated via the key fob or My Honda+ app. LED lighting visible through the sleek cover welcomes the driver upon approach to the car, and communicates by illuminating blue when charging, or red if the charging system detects an error.

In the UK market, the Honda E with the more powerful powertrain will cost £28,660 (about RM152,000) while the lowered powered on will be around 9% cheaper. The prices are after a rebate is given as an incentive for purchases of EVs. The Nissan LEAF, which is the world’s most widely sold EV, costs around £32,500 (RM173,000) even with a rebate but it has a higher-capacity 62-kWh battery pack.

The Honda e is the start of the carmaker’s electrification offensive in Europe. Over the next 36 months, there will be all-new hybrid-only Jazz, a SUV and an additional battery electric vehicle. Honda’s new ‘e: Technology’ branding will unify all its electrified products under the same global name. Ahead of its European 2022 electrification goal, Honda will expand the application of its e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system to the entire line-up of Honda vehicles in Europe, starting with the next-generation Jazz, available from the middle of 2020.

Honda e previews connectivity features you could get tomorrow

Lamborghini and LEGO Technic form a new partnership

Automobili Lamborghini and The LEGO Group have announced a new partnership that will introduce the first ever Lamborghini super sportscar in the LEGO Technic range. This new partnership will see Lamborghini and LEGO Technic joining forces to deliver the engineering excellence and design flair that both companies have become famous for.

While having the same building system concept using small ‘bricks‘ since 1958, the Technic models are for older kids (and also adults) as they are more advanced and complex. With the possibility of constructing transmissions, differentials and gearing systems, LEGO Technic is an advanced building experience that many fans find challenging yet rewarding.

The new 1:8 scale set will be in LEGO Brand Retail shops and its Online Store from June 2020 and will be the third model in the LEGO Technic Ultimate series, following on from its hugely popular predecessors.

LEGO Lamborghini — *Currently, the Lamborghini Urus ST-X and Huracán Super Trofeo EVO are available in the LEGO Speed Champions range.*

“The LEGO group has amazed entire generations with beautifully simple or extremely complex constructions. In the digital age, where entertainment is often via a screen, our collaboration with The LEGO Group allows enthusiasts to live a real experience, reproducing a Lamborghini super sportscar in every detail to create an outstanding model, just like the real car,” said Katia Bassi, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Marketing & Communication Officer.

For Niels Henrik Horsted, LEGO Technic Marketing Director, partnering with a company like Automobili Lamborghini is an ideal choice: “Following the success of the former Ultimate models, it was crucial for us to find a new partner with an iconic vehicle, an unmistakable design DNA and ground-breaking use of technology.”

This Lego Nissan GT-R Nismo is what you’ll want in 2020

eTurbo by BorgWarner to debut in passenger vehicle in 2022

Within 2 years, a major European carmaker will offer an innovative eTurbo which is said to have reduced turbo lag; better low rpm engine torque and faster time-to-torque. BorgWarner, which developed and will produce the eTurbo, said it recently secured the supply contract for the high-performance turbocharger. While the carmaker’s name cannot be revealed at this time, it is confirmed that its passenger vehicle model will be the first mass-market eTurbo Application when it appears in 2022.

The eTurbo consists of a mechanical turbocharger with an electric motor directly coupled to the shaft which can serve as either a motor or a generator. The integrated solution delivers the traditional benefits of a standard turbocharger with the added advantage of electrified boost assistance for superior response.

Additional benefits include reduced emissions through after-treatment management and precise air/fuel ratio control. The electrical function can be deactivated to return it to normal turbocharger function, and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) can be driven on demand due to intentional back pressuring of the engine.

The eTurbo is claimed to deliver a more than 200% improvement in transient boost response along with steady state torque improvement. This enables further engine downsizing – an ongoing trend in the industry – resulting in better fuel economy and reduced emissions with no loss of performance.

BorgWarner says it is especially suited for Miller Cycle engines and can also improve performance for new combustion concepts due to electrical assist over complete engine speed range.

3-cylinder engine — *The industry is downsizing engines to improve fuel efficiency and using turbochargers to boost performance at the same time. Ford’s EcoBoost engine (pictured) in the Fiesta is one example.*

Beyond the vehicle performance aspects, the eTurbo can harvest excess exhaust energy and directly convert it to electrical energy to be used for accessory power or charging the battery. This has implications on the battery pack, which can be reduced in size and therefore have less weight.

While the eTurbo will be used first on a passenger vehicle, BorgWarner anticipates opportunities for future adoption in the commercial vehicle sector as well. The company has a range of eTurbo offerings, including full-performance 48-volt and high voltage compliant architectures. Additionally, customers have the choice of integrated or semi-integrated power electronics.

“BorgWarner’s eTurbo is a powerful and efficient solution, capable of delivering crucial benefits for our customers, including improved performance, better fuel economy, reduced emissions and more efficient energy usage,” said Joe Fadool, President & General Manager BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal and Turbo Systems. “We believe this is the largest industry award to date for this type of technology and is an important milestone for our company.”

Modernism-inspired camouflage used to disguise new SEAT model

The origin of the camouflage comes from a military tactic used on ships during World War I, known as the ‘Dazzle Camouflage’. It consisted of painting ships with black and white geometric patterns to blur their shapes and confuse the enemy. “The story goes that the artists who designed these camouflage patterns drew inspiration from Cubist paintings,” explained Edgar Aneas, an expert in vehicle camouflage.

Since the 1980s, carmakers have also used the same principle to camouflage their prototypes, especially when the vehicles need to be driven on public roads. Initially, the camouflage was simple – just black film taped onto the vehicle to conceal special styling elements. Sometimes, extra panels might be added to alter the shape and mislead competitors as to the actual design of the new model.

Over time, there was a need to make the camouflage more effective because computer software was becoming sophisticated and the design under the simple camouflage could be made more visible. This led to the patchy type of camouflage, not unlike that used for military clothing to reduce visibility of a soldier in the jungle or desert. Each brand uses its own camouflage and some even patent the design.

Inspired by Modernism and Barcelona
SEAT, the Spanish carmaker in the Volkswagen Group, has been using a unique camouflage for its all-new Leon model which will have its global premiere today. Official and unofficial pictures have shown the car wrapped in a broken tile vinyl inspired by Modernism and the city of Barcelona, the home of SEAT.

“The new SEAT Leon has a lot of personality and is very difficult to camouflage because it’s a sculpture on wheels that expresses SEAT’s emotional nature. The Leon was born here and because of the special relationship we have with Barcelona, we looked to the city for inspiration,” explained Jordi Font, head of SEAT’s Colour & Trim Development.

Developing a new design – the challenge
“This is the first time we didn’t use conventional camouflage. It was a challenge, because the main goal is to distort the shapes of the car. We worked on several versions to blur the lines but send a clear message – that we are Barcelona, that we are Mediterranean, and that we are colourful. We want to give meaning to our sculpture,” he said.

Not only does the camouflage have an aesthetic function but it must also withstand extreme weather and driving conditions. The material used is a special cast vinyl that resists these conditions.

“The cars are camouflaged so that they can be tested in different weather situations, sub-zero temperatures, long exposure to the elements, rain and desert heat. This vinyl is made with a very durable material and has special characteristics that prevent it from peeling off or deteriorating,” noted Aneas, the camouflage expert.

Lexus Malaysia invites you to its Open House this weekend

Chinese New Year is a time when many homes have an Open House, welcoming visitors to celebrate the beginning of a new year together. This forms an important fabric of Malaysia’s multi-racial culture which is enjoyed by everyone.

At Lexus Malaysia too, there will be an Open House this weekend (February 1 & 2) with all Lexus Centres nationwide welcoming visitors to their showrooms from 10 am to 4 pm. Omotenashi (hospitality) is a dominant element in Lexus culture and visitors will experience it as they are invited to partake in the merriment, fun and festive activities prepared exclusively for them.

All visitors to Lexus CNY Open House celebrations will also receive an exclusive door gift and be treated to a Lion Dance performance.

While at the Lexus Centre, it would be a good opportunity to also find out more about the Lexus models available and even experience them on a test-drive. The Lexus range today offers premium sedans, SUVs and sports coupes, all engineered to the superlative standards that have defined the brand for 30 years.

Those who take test drives will receive a gift as a token of appreciation from Lexus Malaysia. Should they be convinced that they want to own a Lexus, there are exclusive deals throughout the duration of the event.

All the new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive warranty 5 years with no limit on mileage travelled after registration. Complete aftersales support is available at authorised Lexus dealerships across Malaysia with professional technicians having received extensive training by Lexus at the service centres.

For more information and to locate a Lexus Centre in Malaysia, visit www.lexus.com.my.

Lexus goes fully electric with the UX300e

Using standard tyres, KAMAZ wins the Truck Class of the Dakar Rally again

Reports of the Dakar Rally usually highlight the achievements of the competing teams in cars and motorcycles but there is also a category for big trucks which weigh more than 3,500 kgs. In this category, the trucks can be entered to compete or as support vehicles for the teams. Like the competing cars, the huge trucks are also prepared for extreme conditions and terrain which this year, was in Saudi Arabia.

An optimum set-up of the truck is vital and over the past years, the Dakar has been seen teams finishing less than one hour apart after 12 full days of close racing. KAMAZ, a Russian manufacturer, holds the greatest number of wins in the Dakar – 17. Over the years, the team has built up a lot of technical know-how which was not totally advantageous this year as the environment was entirely new. Nevertheless, they quickly got familiar with the conditions and could hit full throttle up to 140 km/h on the straights.

While the trucks can be modified in many ways, the rules require the use of only standard tyres developed for normal daily operations and available commercially. The Goodyear OFFROAD ORD tyres selected by the winning KAMAZ-master team are normally used by trucks in tough off-road operations such as mining at quarries. Their tread pattern with massive blocks, along with the optimized compound, provides high resistance to tearing and cutting, keeping uptime at an optimum.

From the start in Jeddah and at each stage of the rally-raid, the trucks encountered a large variety of challenges from tricky desert tracks with hidden stones to rocky canyons and riverbeds with sharp objects. In these conditions, it was crucial to monitor the heat in the tyres. The cabin crews made smart choices to keep up the speed and managed to keep the tyres intact in order to finish. The tyre pressure needed to give a good balance between grip/traction, speed and durability.

“On the outside, the scenery was magnificent, however inside the truck we had to stay focused every second and work hard,” recalled Andrey Karginov, driver of the winning truck. “This year’s race included hazardous sandy dune stages and misleading labyrinths covered with sharp stones. We encountered many risky situations, but the Goodyear tyres kept us going and were extremely robust.”

Goodyear tyres are also used by competitors in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. This is enabling the company to take its development process to the next level. Extreme testing conditions stress the carcass to cope with deformation and extreme forces on the tyre caused by jumps like in the Dakar as well as cornering at high speeds. The result is the advanced Goodyear carcass technology offering enhanced durability and robustness, ultimately having a positive effect on fuel efficiency across the full portfolio including on-road long-haul and regional haul, mixed-services, off-road as well as bus and coach tyres.