Nissan’s GT-R has been around since 2007 and in that time, it has gone through many changes, evolving with updates and improved performance. This October will see another new version of the flagship GT-R NISMO, along with a special edition, being launched in Japan.
Both cars will be offered in the new, NISMO-exclusive NISMO Stealth Gray body colour, which was inspired by the tarmac of tracks that GT-Rs have set records and competed on.
Unpainted carbonfibre bonnet
The special edition will have a NISMO-exclusive clear-coated carbonfibre bonnet which is installed in place of a painted panel. This not only exposes the intricate carbonfibre weave but also takes 100 grams of weight away.
New logo used
The new GT-R NISMO will also have the new Nissan logo which has so far been used on the Ariya EV model. The logo will be set on the bootlid as well as the centre caps of each wheel, and also on top of the engine. The edition-exclusive 20-inch Rays aluminium forged wheels sport a red accent that matches existing accents around the body.
Continuing from the current GT-R NISMO, the large Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic rotors are the biggest ever fitted to a Japanese performance car – 410 mm in the front and 390 mm at the rear.
Race-proven technology
As Nissan’s ultimate performance car, the GT-R NISMO has continued to receive the best race-proven technology, drawing not just on NISMO’s expertise but also the experience of many cars competing in extreme racing conditions. The VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 with GT3 racecar-supplied turbochargers remains the heart of the GT-R’s drivetrain, rated at 600 ps.
The built-to-order GT-R NISMO special edition (pictured above) utilizes new high-precision, weight-balanced parts including the piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances, delivering snappier revs and quicker turbo spooling. Each engine is handcrafted by its own takumi technician who places a takumi certification plate on the engine which is in an exclusive colour.
“The GT-R NISMO has always been an ongoing pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure,” said Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R. “We take a holistic approach, seeking precision performance through a meticulous balance of engine components and shaving weight, and incrementally evolving the GT-R’s appearance to deliver the ultimate balance of power, performance and excitement to our customers.”
Tomica Happy Set : In collaboration with McDonald’s in Japan, a miniature Nissan GT-R NISMO will be available in the ‘Tomica Happy Set’, a popular McDonald’s meal for children. While adults have to wait for the actual car, the little ones can get their GT-R NISMO from the end of this month (for a limited time only).
Vehicles travelling on PLUS highways (as well as the highways of other concessionaires round the country) are required to pay toll charges. But it appears that there are some drivers of commercial vehicles who have somehow managed to get away with not paying the charges, and PLUS has taken their employer to court to claim unpaid charges.
Logistic company liable for employees/drivers
PLUS had filed a suit against a logistic company named Berjasa Logistics Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Sin Kung Logistics (KL) Sdn Bhd) to recover unpaid toll fares involving 19 vehicles found to be registered to the company and driven by its employees over the past few years.
File image of a commercial vehicle using a PLUS highway.
Unpaid amounts totalled over RM518,000
The unpaid amounts totalled RM518,369.27 and in July 2017, the logistic company was considered by the High Court as well as Court of Appeal to be liable for its employees’ failure to pay toll charges. An additional RM100,000 in costs was also included in the judgement.
The Federal Court has unanimously upheld the decision by the High Court and Court of Appeal, ruling that the logistic company is vicariously liable whenever their drivers and/or employees failed to pay the required toll charges.
PLUS takes the deliberate act of evasion from paying toll seriously and seeks full cooperation from all logistic companies and heavy vehicle owners to continuously monitor and take appropriate actions against their drivers and/or employees.
In addition, PLUS has identified several toll fraud tactics by the heavy vehicle drivers and is taking the necessary preventive measures including initiating legal actions. At the same time, PLUS continues to collaborate and work closely with the relevant authorities to curb toll fraud activities along the highway.
The launch of a model that costs a million ringgit (actually more) usually means it is from one of the premium luxury brands, typically a flagship model and usually a limousine unless it’s a super sportscar. But the million ringgit model (RM1.148 million without insurance) launched today is not a limousine – it’s a MPV… the Lexus LM350. While there are already some SUVs that cost over a million ringgit, a MPV at the price level would raise eyebrows although there are probably customized units that cost that much with a lot of additional equipment.
Only for a few Asian markets
However, the LM350 is not a customized Alphard – which Lexus does not deny is a similar model sold under the Toyota brand – and is a fully engineered model with super luxurious equipment. While the LX SUV model, which is a Lexus version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, is sold in quite a number of markets, the LM350 was conceived for customers in just a few Asian markets, Malaysia included. Interestingly, the MPV is not offered in the Japanese market where they probably have very luxurious versions of the Alphard anyway.
The other thing about the LM350 which may also have some saying the price is ‘outrageous’ is that it is a 4-seater. Yes, a giant vehicle with just two seats in the passenger area that occupies three-quarters of the 5040 mm overall length. Having two large seats at the back is not unusual since the LS also has such configurations although in a MPV, that gives a whole new meaning to spaciousness and comfort.
First Class experience on wheels
The way the cabin is set up has led Lexus Malaysia to liken it to the experience of being in a one of those First Class suites in an Airbus A380. And instead of oval windows along the side, there are large glass panels (suitably tinted, of course) which provide a panoramic view of the world passing by. The ambience can be enhanced at night with a large glass Twin Moonroof overhead.
Besides this, the cabin lighting is subtly recessed around the moonroof in the ceiling and can be illuminated in 16 colours and four brightness levels. This enables occupants to personalize the ambience of their private space to match their mood, from working to a power nap, at the touch of a switch.
Access to the cabin can be from either side through doors that quietly slide open or close. The crafted interior, installed by the takumi craftsmen of Lexus, reflects the ‘omonetashi’ spirit of Japan which refers to utmost hospitality.
The most comfortable MPV seats?
The 2-seats have semi-aniline leather upholstery and feature AdaptiPedic rate-sensitive response foam, its use in the LM350 said to be a world-first. This is an innovative seating foam which conforms to each passenger’s physique, promoting correct lumbar posture and a snug fit while mitigating pressure points to provide exceptional comfort and support. It also has excellent vibration absorption characteristics.
While the seats cannot fold flat into a bed, they can be stretched out and reclined in an Ottoman configuration which would provide exceptional comfort. An example of the Lexus attention to detail is the height of each seat – this has been carefully determined so that the position of the occupant’s face relative to the window is at a comfortable level.
The seats are also ventilated for enhanced comfort and they don’t just have fans blowing but also a suction system to draw cabin air cooled by the air-conditioning system through the seat surface. This more effectively reduces heat and moisture, giving a direct refreshing feel. A standard 3-mode cabin partition with a glass dimmer provides additional privacy when desired.
The standard sound system is from Mark Levinson, a leading brand in audio systems which has worked with Lexus for decades. As with every Lexus model, Mark Levinson specialists studied the cabin extensively to identify the best locations for each of the 19 speakers of the QLI Reference Surround Sound System.
Besides the Mark Levinson system, the rear occupants also have a 26-inch Full High Definition 720p display panel mounted on the partition. Various connectivity options allow playing from other media and devices for entertainment or to do a presentation while on the move.
If a deal has been discussed and concluded positively, the two occupants can celebrate with drinks from a 14-litre refrigerator. The rest of the cabin air is kept comfortably cool and clean at all times with the automatic air-conditioning system that incorporates a Pollen Filter and Nanoe Negative Ion Generator. The ion generator is able to deactivate viruses so they do not cause infection, a good thing to have these days.
While the focus has been on passenger comfort, the front occupants haven’t been forgotten although, with the partition, seat adjustment backwards is limited. The driver has everything to maintain full command of the LM350, with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), a sophisticated system that integrates a number of advanced active safety systems. The rearview mirror is a high-tech type – a Digital Inner Mirror which is a Lexus First. It shows a real-time image from a rearview camera and apart from being clear in all conditions, the visibility is also not blocked by the rear headrests.
The LM350 is powered by a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine (the proven 2GR-FKS unit also used for other models) which generates 296 ps/361 Nm – more than enough to move four persons around speedily and comfortably. A Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power smoothly and efficiently to the front wheels.
Differentiating the LM350
Although the Lexus designers had a MPV design from which to start, they nevertheless ensured that in every aspect, the design of the LM 350 would conform to the design language of the brand. This, of course, meant incorporating the spindle grille that is found on every Lexus model. It’s huge but the proportions are properly matched to the size of the vehicle, with slim LED headlamps that have the distinctive arrowhead shape of Lexus Daytime Running Lamps. At the rear, LED lamps extend across the entire width of the rear door, also a visual signature of the brand.
The signature Lexus spindle grille provides clear differentiation from the Toyota Alphard (below).
There may be some who will say that they can customize a RM465,000 Alphard to be similar to a LM350 and save a lot of money. True, but Lexus engineers often point out that while some of their models have equivalents in the Toyota range, there is still much ‘under the skin’ that is different. This can be in the materials used (higher-grade insulation, for example), engineering enhancements in certain areas to push NVH even lower, and even the way the engine is tuned. So while there is the notion that a Lexus just ‘a more expensive Toyota’, it is not really the case.
For those wondering if anyone would buy the LM350, we’re told that demand for it has been strong in all the markets where it is sold and there are more than 12 Malaysian customers who are waiting for delivery of their MPV.
Even the wealthiest people will enjoy a drive into the countryside where they can have a picnic and enjoy the fresh air and natural environment. For Rolls-Royce owners, until recent times, this would have meant using a vehicle other than their Rolls-Royce (perhaps a Range Rover) which could comfortably go off-road. With the addition of the Cullinan to the range in 2018, they no longer need to use another brand as they can now enjoy ‘Effortless, Everywhere’ motoring with the SUV.
In addition to conveying its occupants to their destination with the same comfort and serenity as, say a Ghost or Phantom, the Cullinan offers two unique Bespoke features to ensure that, on arrival, they are equipped with everything required for their outing.
Designed as an original feature
The first is the Recreation Module, a motorised drawer cassette designed to fit securely and invisibly into the luggage compartment floor of the Cullinan. The idea for such a feature was originally included in the development of the model, the first SUV in Rolls-Royce history. While the Recreation Module adds to the Cullinan’s versatility and individuality, it does so without compromising the car’s spacious 2245 mm loading length and boot capacity of up to 1930 litres.
At the touch of a button, the Recreation Module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories and other items which can be personally selected by the owner. Whatever shape and size, the Bespoke department will create an individually tailored container for the item. The Recreation Module can be trimmed to match or contrast with the car’s interior and exterior colourway according to the owner’s preference.
Modular approach for different purposes
The Recreation Module provides up to 48 litres of space and the entire assembly can be removed and stored separately. The modular approach means that the owner can have different modules for specific hobbies and applications. For example, one Recreation Modules could accommodate guns for shooting, while another could be filled with equipment to fly a drone. A third could be all the necessary gear for a weekend of fishing.
One example was a personalised Urban Photography Recreation Module for use by photographer Mark Riccioni who, in 2019, was commissioned by the company to create a series of innovative and subversive images featuring Black Badge Cullinan, under the cover of darkness, among the distinctive automotive subcultures of Greater Los Angeles.
To support the project, a module was developed incorporating specialist equipment including a DJI drone, 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro and 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro for image capture and editing on location. The Bespoke Collective of Designers, Engineers and Craftspeople also found room for his noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses and outerwear.
Hosting Service for picnics
The second feature is a permanent Bespoke feature for the Cullinan named the Hosting Service. This marries design, craftsmanship and engineering to offer a range of accessories to create the perfect beverage while enjoying beautiful vistas. Suited to hosting up to 8 adults, the Hosting Service comes complete with glassware and the utensils for creating a fresh cocktail or gin and tonic.
Elegant highball glasses are adorned with discreet Rolls-Royce monograms whilst wooden chopping boards are made of the highest quality American walnut. Additionally, space is provisioned for a light snack service.
A Viewing Suite
As well as the Recreation Module, the rear compartment can accommodate another Bespoke feature which is unique to the Cullinan. It offers seating looking rearwards which, in other SUVs, would be on the fold-down tailgate or boot floor. Rolls-Royce, however, provides a Viewing Suite with two seats. With the tailgate open, a touch of a button deploys the rear-facing seats sociably arranged on either side of a retractable cocktail table.
The price of a Cullinan, which has a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, starts from RM1.5 million (excluding taxes) but it is unlikely that anyone pays that amount. Virtually every owner would specify some degree of personalisation and items like the Recreation Module and Viewing Suite would add to the final price.
The modern pick-up truck is a different vehicle from what it used to be. Before the Ford Ranger appeared in the late 1990s, pick-ups were pretty much workhorses and comfort was not a strong point. They were intended for use in rough conditions and mainly for business purposes.
Ford changed that image and usage norm when it introduced the Ranger which offered more comfort, a passenger car-like interior and even stylish looks – without losing that rugged ‘Ford Built Tough’ capability.
Many people found it easy to use a Ranger, and decided that it could serve as their daily drive instead of a passenger car. It was ideal as a multi-role lifestyle vehicle, just as useful for sending the kids to school as well as going off-road to explore the countryside on weekends.
If you’re keen on making the switch too, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has special offers this month that will save you money. They’re offering up to RM7,000 savings for the Ranger Wildtrak, and up to RM8,000 savings for the more performance-oriented Ranger Raptor. These are for the 2020 models imported from Thailand and between 2020 and 2021, no major changes have been made so they are just as good and up to date.
Besides the comfort, the Rangers come with a high level of protection. The Ranger WildTrak has an extensive array of smart safety technologies including first in-class features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning.
It also comes with the first and only in-class Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking system – definitely a useful feature considering the length of the vehicle. Not only does the system help to find the right size parking space but it also automatically steers itself into the bay. All the driver has to do is control the power and there’s even a rearview camera to show what’s behind.
The Ranger Raptor remains as the first and only factory-built high-speed performance pick-up truck in Malaysia. It has been developed by Ford Performance and all the extra items on the vehicle are factory-fitted, not aftermarket installations.
Its race-bred suspension uses Fox Racing Shox that have extra-long travel for those who want to try ‘flying’ (literally) over the ground. The advanced Terrain Management System is like a ‘computerised co-driver’ which has various modes to suit different surface conditions and optimise stability and traction.
There’s even a Baja Mode, the name referring to a region in California where desert races are run. Ford engineers have taken experience from engineering vehicles for such races and in this mode, the Raptor can rocket over rough terrain at high speeds with stability and more linear power delivery.
The Ranger Raptor is powered by a 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with 213 ps/500 Nm (compatible with B7 and B10 diesel grades) Power flows to four wheels through Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and a robust transfer case which provides a second set of ratios that are very low for tougher conditions.
“As models at the top of their class, the Ranger Raptor and Ranger WildTrak are the epitome of lifestyle pick-up trucks that are gaining in appeal to discerning customers and pick-up enthusiasts in Malaysia. With these special deals, we hope to offer customers more savings this festive season,” said Turse Zuhair, Head of Sales at Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Find out more about the Ranger models by visiting www.sdacford.com.my where you can also check the locations of authorised Ford dealerships. You can also send a WhatsApp message to the Ford Digital Salesperson at +60 19-204 1200 to get information and immediate answers to queries.
