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2020 is the tenth year of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) as the representative of Porsche in Malaysia. As the sole authorized importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles and parts, the company has developed a robust dealer network around the country.

Since 2010, SDAP has launched no less than 36 models and constantly offered more dynamic driving experiences, upgraded its current state-of-the art facilities to match the products sold, and even introduced the Porsche Pre-Owned and Porsche Approved programmes.

“We can’t help but feel a little nostalgic on all the Porsche moments we’ve created with our supporters and enthusiasts throughout the decade. From modest beginnings and only one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie at our inception, we’ve invested substantially to continue to grow our dealer network in major cities across the northern, central and southern region to bring new levels of quality customer and ownership experience. We hope to continue to achieve greater heights of sports car fascination and evolve the brand in the country even more with our iconic sportscars,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP, who has been with the company from its very first day.

“SDAP has remained committed to develop the sportscar dream of enthusiasts across the country, and this is only the beginning. Delivering first-class customer service within all aspects across our dealer networks: this is our promise for the journey in developing the Porsche fascination for the next decade to come. With the upcoming opening of our new flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the debut of the Taycan locally in the near future, the evolution of the brand and our progression into the new era of electromobility is inevitable,” he added.

SDAP Porsche Centres
Sime Darby Auto Performance began with one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor, and over 10 years, it has grown the Porsche network nationwide.
Porsche Experience at Sepang International Circuit
Over 10 years, SDAP has organised 50 driving programmes for owners and customers to enjoy the Porsche Experience.

Offers and activities to celebrate anniversary
To commemorate this milestone, SDAP is having a #10YearsSDAP celebration campaign with various activities. Between now and September 17, 2020, customers who place a booking for new or pre-owned Porsche model, or make a Service Appointment from the dealer webpage, will receive (while stocks last) the 10 years SDAP special edition Porsche Driver’s Selection polo tee shirt.

There will also be a creative contest on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in conjunction with the anniversary. To participate, visit any Porsche Centre in Malaysia and take your most creative selfie with a Porsche vehicle in the showroom, add a creative congratulatory wish to SDAP for its 10th anniversary and you could win a 1:18 911 GT edition diecast model from the Porsche Driver’s Selection.

Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about the products and services available in Malaysia and the locations of Porsche Centres.

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Xiaomi is best known for its smartphones and related products, and is among the leading brands in the industry today. But that company also makes a wide range of other electronic products – televisions, smart home devices and even electric scooters.

For its tenth anniversary this year, the company teamed up with Lamborghini to create an exclusive version of the GoKart Pro marketed by Ninebot, a Chinese personal transport specialist which acquired Segway with funding from Xiaomi in 2015 (it’s complicated…).

Ninebot GoKart Pro Lamborghini Edition 2020

Ninebot GoKart Pro
A standard Ninebot GoKart Pro which can be stowed in the boot of a SUV or batchback

Ninebot GoKart Pro

Enhanced drifting capability
Ninebot’s GoKart Pro is electrically-powered and can hit speeds of almost 40 km/h with its 432Wh battery pack which can give a range of 25 kms (at 40 km/h). For the Lamborghini Edition, which is inspired by the Huracan, LED headlights have been added in ‘Ice Lake Blue’ for visibility while are vents have been incorporated in the distinctively-coloured bodywork. Ninebot’s engineers also came up with custom tyres that are said to enhance drifting.

Ninebot GoKart Pro Lamborghini Edition 2020

Ninebot GoKart Pro Lamborghini Edition 2020

Lamborghini sound!
But what makes the Ninebot’s GoKart Pro special is ‘the Lamborghini sound’. With a sound emulation system, the growl of a Lamborghini is generated which should provide inspiration for the driver!

For now, it is only being sold in China where the price is 9,999 yuan (about RM6,000) or about 11% more expensive than a standard version. However, limited export sales are expected in future and we might even see the gokart in Malaysia as there is a company distributing Ninebot products locally. A standard version of the model costs RM6,888 so the Lamborghini Edition would be higher.

If you have extra cash, you could also get a matching Lamborghini Huracan.

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With the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars, of which there are only 25 units will be available, Aston Martin offers an authentic version of the most memorable car used by Agent 007. It comes with gadgets like machineguns in the headlights, tyre-shredders, revolving numberplate and battering rams. And it’s not a toy model – it’s a full-sized fully engineered car that can be driven around.

If you missed the opportunity to own one of those cars, here’s another chance to own am Aston Martin associated with the movie franchise. Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film – No Time to Die – with two exclusive 007 special editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

Aston Martin 007 Edition

Four iconic Aston Martin models will appear in the movie, to be released around the world in November 2020. Besides the iconic DB5, there will be the classic V8, DBS Superleggera and the Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

The two special editions being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world have been carefully designed and crafted by Aston Martin’s bespoke division known as Q by Aston Martin. ‘Q’ is the character in James Bond movies who has headed the R&D department of the British Secret Service and developed all those fancy gadgets, weapons and cars.

So it seems appropriate that Aston Martin has created its own department with that designation to offer bespoke personalisation services to customers. Besides the personalisation expertise, Q by Aston Martin also produces special editions such the latest 007 editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

Vantage 007 Edition
£161,000/RM882,700
The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also appears in No Time to Die. As in Skyfall, James Bond retrieves the the car from his personal storage lock-up in London.

Aston Martin Vantage 007 Edition

Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets.

The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film. 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox.

Aston Martin Vantage 007 Edition

The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.

The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbonfibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f  holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene.

Aston Martin Vantage 007 Edition

Aston Martin Vantage 007 Edition

Additional association with the movies is in the form of a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Crosshairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.

DBS Superleggera 007 Edition
£279,025/RM1.53 million
The range-topping DBS Superleggera that is the basis of the other 007 Edition will be available in just 25 units. Each car will have the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, including the 715 bhp/900 Nm 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine.

Aston Msrton DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

Aston Msrton DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

The 007 edition will come with special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade IITM in black tinted carbonfibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21-inch wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.

Aston Msrton DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

Aston Msrton DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

Inside, the cockpit is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that identifies it as one of the exclusive 007 Editions.

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GPS – Global Positioning by Satellite – navigation systems are widely used today and provide motorists with easier route guidance to get to destinations. They can be used anywhere on the planet (provided you have the digital map in the system) as the 24 satellites that encircle the earth provide complete coverage. The systems receive signals from the satellites to determine the exact location of the vehicle.

Because the systems get positioning data from the satellites above, their antennas need to be within ‘line of sight’ in the open. That’s why you may sometimes get a message saying ‘SIGNAL LOST’ on your system when you pass through a tunnel and definitely when you are underground in a basement carpark.

Those who drive through the SMART Tunnel in Kuala Lumpur will be aware of this drawback. While on the long road that runs from Sg. Besi to Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Imbi, the GPS system will not work as it cannot receive signals. However, some systems do have compass mode which can still provide some positioning capability.

Waze and the company operating the SMART Tunnel have made it possible to bring the signals into the tunnel with Waze Beacons installed. These are Bluetooth-enabled devices that can be transmit signals to GPS systems in cars as they pass by. There are 240 Waze Beacons over 5.2 kms of the tunnel, installed just before the MCO started over 150 days ago.

Waze Beacon
Waze Beacon Distribution
Waze Beacons are small units installed in the walls and send out signals using Bluetooth connectivity.

While U Mobile is involved in the Waze Beacons project for the SMART Tunnel, motorists with compatible smartphones and navigation apps can also access the service at no charge even if they are registered with other telcos.

Incidentally, Waze Beacons are also being installed by TRX City adjacent to the tunnel. Given the network of roads below the large TRX site, the beacons will help ensure better location services, increased driver safety, and better visibility of real-time traffic events while driving underground.

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Waze Beacons was launched in 2016 and the concept has successfully been introduced in the USA, Brazil, France, Italy, Australia, Norway, and Czech Republic. In total, they are found in roughly 260 kms of tunnels and roadways worldwide.

“The Waze team and I are pleased to bring the Waze Beacons Program to Malaysia, the first Southeast Asian country to adopt the technology,” said Gil Disatnik, Waze engineer and Global Lead of the Waze Beacons programme Head of the Waze Beacons Program. “We are excited to bring the Waze Beacons programme to the SMART Tunnel, the very first double decker tunnel in the world to be fitted with Waze Beacons to provide seamless navigation to commuters in Malaysia.”

“Tunnel safety is a very important topic and with better visibility, as well as traffic flow into, through and out of the tunnel, we can help to ensure safer road conditions for all. We look forward to expanding the Waze Beacons programme to other areas in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia,” he added.

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America has many races of its own and understandably, the American carmakers have focussed more on their domestic events. In as far as the legendary events in Europe are concerned, American cars have not featured strongly though many have been entered.

However, where the classic Le Mans endurance race is concerned, Ford has participated in the past and also present and the Ford GT is America’s only Le Mans-winning car. That was back in 1966 and Ford won another three years in a row.

Ford Performance recalls this achievement in endurance racing with two new enhancements today for the 2021 Ford GT. One is the first ever Heritage Edition inspired by the original model’s first endurance win at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental race, plus an all-new Studio Collection package offers even more exclusivity and design enhancements.

“For this Heritage Edition, the Ford Performance team went deeper into the Ford GT’s race history and crafted a limited-edition model that stylistically honours the 55th anniversary of the Daytona 24 Hour endurance race that would eventually lead to our successes at Le Mans,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “Plus, for customers who want to highlight the carbonfibre body and functional cooling ducts that help deliver Le Mans-winning performance, the Ford GT Studio Collection offers another new way GT fans can personalize their supercars.”

The Daytona-inspired Heritage Edition
The latest Heritage Edition to join the Ford GT supercar family is a tribute to the winner of the 1966 Daytona 24-Hour Continental, where Ford achieved its first 24-hour endurance win, which is captured in the 2019 film ‘Ford v Ferrari’ – or ‘Le Mans ’66’, as it is known in Europe.

Inspired by the bold white, black and red exterior of the 1966 GT40 MK II racing car, the Heritage Edition features Frozen White exterior paint with exposed carbonfibre bonnet adding stark contrast. Asymmetrical Race Red accents on the front fascia and roof edge, driver’s side door and underneath the rear wing add distinct visuals, while exposed carbonfibre shapes the signature 98 roundel graphics and highlight the lightweight body.

Unique Ford graphics on the lower rear-quarter panels plus one-piece Heritage Gold 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels paired with red lacquered Brembo monoblock brake calipers complete this new exterior livery.

Inside, the lightweight driver-centric interior features unique appointments including black Alcantara suede wrapping the instrument panel, headliner and steering wheel rim, while anodized red paddle shifters and red Alcantara suede performance seats add dramatic contrast to the interior.

For customers wanting an even bolder look, an optional Heritage Upgrade Package includes 20-inch exposed carbonfibre wheels with a unique gloss red-painted inner accent barrel, while monoblock brake calipers are lacquered in black and detailed with Brembo lettering in red. Inside, ghosted 98 roundels provide a subtle contrast on both driver and passenger carbonfibre door panels of this this package.

Ford GT Studio Collection
Ford Performance has also created an exclusive series for the supercar line-up known as the Ford GT Studio Collection. This all-new graphics package with customizable colours highlights key styling elements, including the functional cooling ducts that helps the 2021 Ford GT deliver all 660 horsepower during the most strenuous, high-temperature sessions at the track.

The body and graphics can be customized with seven standard colours or further personalized with an extended palette offering endless colour combinations for even greater exclusivity. Only 40 cars are slated to receive the Studio Collection package across the 2021 and 2022 model years.

Ford originally planned to make just 500 units over two years from 2016. But demand was so great (some 6,500 people wanted to buy one when it was announced) that another two years of production were added, raising total output to 1,000 units. Then in 2018, the company again extended the production period that was to have ended in 2020 to 2022, and added another 350 units.

Ford GT40 at Le Mans in 1966.

So for now, production is to end in 2022 with a total of 1,350 units delivered. But with a new President, Jim Farley, coming on board and one who is a car guy – and even goes racing himself – things may change. We might even see more sports-focussed models in coming years…

Visit Sime Darby Auto ConneXion to know more about Ford models available in Malaysia, including the Mustang which comes with full aftersales support.

 

2020 Spanish GP Results

♦ With temperatures already at 30 degrees C. when the race started, managing the tyres was a major part of the race strategy for the Mercedes-AMG drivers. It was evident from the beginning laps as they moderated lap times.

♦ Unlike his advantageous situation at Silverstone in the previous round, Max Verstappen found his tyres (especially the rear ones) to be less than satisfactory at Catalunya.

♦ After 22 laps, the drivers were struggling with the tyres and heading for the pits to get fresh sets. 3 of them held out till over 30 laps.

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Empty stands, as it has been in the other five rounds this year.

♦ At the halfway mark, while Hamilton kept a 5.5-second gap from Verstappen, the action was closer in the midfield between drivers like Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc and Land Norris.

♦ The engine of Leclerc’s Ferrari cut suddenly on lap 40, causing a spin and stall. He managed to get it restarted and limped to the pits, his race over.

♦ It may have been blistering hot but as 20 laps remained, the possibility of rain grew stronger. That was something unexpected since it had not rained at a Spanish GP in 21 years.

♦ With 13 laps left to go, the Ferrari team decided – and Vettel agreed – that he would not change tyres and aim to finish on the very old set he had. But he found it hard to hold off other cars and slipped from fifth to seventh.

♦ With 4 laps remaining, Hamilton had a comfortable 17-second gap from Verstappen, who had to watch out for Valtteri Bottas making a bid to end with a Mercedes-AMG 1-2.

♦ With one lap remaining, Bottas changed his tyres with the aim of going for the fastest lap and managed to pick up an extra point.

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