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Electric powertrains used to have a poor image, considered suitable only for buggies around golf courses. That was when the technology was still in its infancy (though electrically-powered cars were already on roads in the 1930s) and performance as well as range were poor.

But since the beginning of the 21st century, R&D for electric vehicles (EVs) has accelerated, partly prompted by increasingly strict emission regulations that make it very hard for the internal combustion engine (ICE) to meet. Many of today’s EVs operate with performance levels that are comparable to ICE cars and will continue to advance as they enter the mainstream.

As has happened almost since the beginning of the automobile, extending performance is a challenge for the engineers and the same is happening in the EV field. Here’s the latest example: the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 by Ford Performance.

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400

This is a one-off project to create a factory drag racer with all-electric propulsion. It’s projected to cross the quarter-mile (about 400 metres) in the low 8 second range at more than 270 km/h.

The powertrain is a prototype purpose-built and projected to deliver over 1,400 ps, with over 1,491 Nm of instant torque to demonstrate the capabilities of an electric powertrain in one of the most demanding race environments.

“Ford has always used motorsport to demonstrate innovation,” said Dave Pericak, Global Director, Ford Icons. “Electric powertrains give us a completely new kind of performance and the all-electric Cobra Jet 1400 is one example of pushing new technology to the absolute limit. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible in an exciting year when we also have the all-electric Mustang Mach-E joining the Mustang family.”

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400
Uner the bonnet

Following the debut of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV – the first-ever, all-electric Mustang –  the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype represents another opportunity to advance the Mustang’s heritage and performance while simultaneously incorporating some of the most advanced technology coming to Ford’s future powertrains.

The name used for the prototype also honours the original Cobra Jet that first dominated dragstrips in the late 1960s and still is a major force in sportsman drag racing today. Ford Performance continues to test the Cobra Jet 1400 ahead of its world debut later this year at a drag racing event.

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400

“This project was a challenge for all of us at Ford Performance, but a challenge we loved jumping into,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “We saw the Cobra Jet 1400 project as an opportunity to start developing electric powertrains in a race car package that we already had a lot of experience with, so we had performance benchmarks we wanted to match and beat right now. This has been a fantastic project to work on, and we hope the first of many coming from our team at Ford Performance Motorsports.”

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For the first time in Malaysia, BMW has unveiled its latest model online via its new BMW Shop Online portal. The model to have this honour is the latest BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport which is the third generation of the pioneering Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).

As with its predecessor, the new X6 has a bold, expressive design language which gives it a dominant presence on the road. It has grown in overall length (+ 26mm), width (+15 mm) and wheelbase (+42 mm) but the roofline is now 6 mm closer to the road.

2020 BMW X6

A key element of the front design is the large kidney grille with ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination, with both halves framed by a common surround. The characteristic, slim twin BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant and LED foglights underscore the vehicle’s width and road presence. The wheelarches are shaped in a slightly hexagonal shape.

The version officially imported to Malaysia has the stylish BMW Individual Exterieur Line in aluminium satinated and roof rails in aluminium satinated. At the rear, full-LED 3-dimensional taillights are formed in the familiar BMW L-shape, along with Air Breathers as well.

2020 BMW X6

xDrive40i M Sport

The M Sport package consists of a M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brake, Adaptive M Suspension and 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour with mixed and runflat tyres.

The driver of the new X6 has 340 bhp/450 Nm available from the formidable 3-litre 6-cylinder powerplant under the long bonnet. This gives a 0 to 100 km/h time claimed to be 5.5 seconds and if not for a limiter, the top speed can be above 250 km/h. Power delivery to all four wheels starts from an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and flows through the BMW xDrive system.

2020 BMW X6

As a SAC, the X6 possesses superior driving dynamics on and also off-road (if the owner chooses to detour from the highway). The double-wishbone front suspension, and 5-link rear suspension have Dynamic Damper Control as standard, while the Driving Experience Control system provides a choice of a sporty or comfort-focused set-up.

The interior has been reconfigured and represents a modern reinterpretation of the classic, driver-focused BMW cockpit. Superlative workmanship and premium materials are evident throughout with Vernasca leather upholstery included as standard. The M leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard, along with sports front seats. Rear passengers get moulded single-seats with automatic air-conditioning and 4-zone control ensuring that everyone will be comfortable.

2020 BMW X6

2020 BMW X6

The two-part panoramic glass roof, now 83% larger, giving a more spacious ambience. The rear backrest has a 40/20/40-split folding function so there’s flexibility in carrying people or cargo, with the possibility of expanding boot volume from 580 litres to 1,530 litres.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is standard too and, combined with the Head-Up Display, Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver has comprehensive and efficient communication with the car.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch Instrument Display, customisable instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen Control Display. Rear passengers also get two 10-inch touchscreen displays.

2020 BMW X6

Other standard features of the new X6 include the BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

Finally, there’s a choice of 6 exterior colours (Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red), paired with design-perforated BMW Leather ‘Vernasca’ in either Black (for all pairings) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).

2020 BMW X6

Now available at the BMW Shop Online for RM729,800 (without insurance), the new X6 can be booked for RM5,000. Those who take financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose monthly instalment plans starting from RM 8,328.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

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Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.

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Following on from the recent launch of the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier, the carmaker today debuted the Yaris Cross. Originally planned to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show which was cancelled, the Yaris Cross will have its sales launch in Japan during the fourth quarter of this year and in Europe by the middle of 2021.

With ‘Cross’ as part of its name, the image which Toyota wants this Yaris variant to have is clear – a more rugged SUV off-roader (though not for serious stuff, of course). Standing taller the Yaris with the requisite extra ground clearance (+30 mm), it sits on the TNGA platform (GA-B) for compact models. The wheelbase of 2560 mm is the same as the hatchback but is 240 mm longer at 4.18 metres, 20 mm wider and 90 mm higher.

2020 Toyota Yaris Cross

The overall exterior styling follows the Yaris but has influence from the RAV4 too, along with the new Harrier. SUV-type elements like dark cladding on the sides and squared-off wheelarches are given emphasis so the Yaris Cross fits right into the Toyota range of SUVs.

For the exterior colour, designers at Toyota’s European studio (which was involved in the development) wanted to express ‘an active and high-quality image’ that target customers would really appreciate.

Looking at future colour trends, they saw a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but there was also a desire for something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also desaturating the colour to emphasise the metal-like appearance, gave a fresh urban yet active appeal. The final result is a colour called Brass Gold which is seen on the car in all the images.

2020 Toyota Yaris Cross

Two powertrain options
Depending on the market, two powertrain options will be available – a 1.5-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine or a hybrid with a similar engine. Toyota’s hybrid system is already in its fourth generation since being introduced in the late 1990s.

The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota’s latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed.

The engine’s thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Total system output from the hybrid system is 116 ps and special attention has been given to power delivery to deliver responsiveness.

2020 Toyota Yaris Cross

All-wheel drive available
Most manufacturers have been opting for just front-wheel drive for compact SUVs but Toyota offers its intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i) as well, which should give it an extra selling point in the very competitive segment.

AWD-i is said to provide extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Yaris Cross operates with FWD but when low-grip conditions are detected, AWD drive is engaged automatically.

2020 Toyota Yaris Cross

As this is just an unveiling, Toyota has given limited information on the new model. It will be produced in Japan as well as Europe. In terms of positioning, it will take its place below the C-HR as the brand’s first B-segment SUV.

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With the Ministry of International Trade and Industry akkowing companies to  resume their service centre operations in stages since April 20, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today confirmed that all Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) service centres have resumed operations.

As the conditions of allowing resumption require companies to have only a minimal number of service personnel and customers at the service centres (so as to enable social distancing), SDAH service centres are only accepting customers by appointment.

So owners are advised to contact their nearest SDAH outlet to arrange an appointment, bearing in mind that there is a 10-km limit from home stipulated by the Movement Control Order (MCO). SDAH service centres are located at Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor; Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur; Ipoh, Perak; Georgetown and Prai, Penang; as well as at Skudai, Johor.

SDAH Service Centre

They will operate between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays for most SDAH service centres except for outlets in Georgetown and Prai, which will operate from 8 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 2 pm, respectively.

All SDAH service centres will adhere to health and safety guidelines such as social distancing measures, regularly disinfection, temperature checks for staff and customers upon entry, and provide hand sanitisers at all customer touchpoints.

Warranty Extension Programme
HSDM has also launched the Hyundai C A R E Warranty Extension Programme, allowing for the extension of original warranties that expire in March and April 2020. This initiative is in tandem with Hyundai Motor’s launch of its warranty extension policy for Hyundai vehicles worldwide. This will ensure that Hyundai customers will still be eligible for warranty for repairs and other related services even though delayed due to the MCO.

Hyundai

Warranty extensions will be until May 31, 2020. Nevertheless, should the MCO period is further extend, a 30-day extension will be given from the last day of MCO if that occurs later. Vehicles with service overdue due to the MCO restrictions will need to be sent in for service within 30 days from the last day of MCO to ensure the validity of the warranty.

“We understand our customers’ predicament of not having access to our service centres during this period, and they are probably worried about their warranty,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM. “With Hyundai C A R E, we wish to set their minds at ease with regards to their warranty eligibility. Not only do we care about our customers’ health and safety, we care about the ‘health’ and safety of their vehicles as well.”

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Collaborating with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Honda Malaysia is providing 50 units of its City model to frontliners in the War on COVID-19 who are also Honda customers. This programme, on a first come, first served basis, is initiated for frontliners who are unable to use their vehicles during this difficult time, in order to help ease their travel challenges.

Available for one-month duration of usage (Honda Malaysia will bear all rental charges), this collaboration with the car-sharing platform provides mobility aid for the frontliners. The move is Honda Malaysia’s way of showing appreciation to the frontliners who have a brave spirit as well as making self-sacrifices.

Honda City
The latest Honda City which is available for use by frontliners.

The company hopes this initiative with SOCAR can reduce the transportation hassle of frontliners, and thus help them perform their jobs with more peace-of-mind. “Everyone is playing their part in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and frontliners hold an even more important role in these difficult times. Despite having to withstand extra strain that is being put on them by the current situation, their selfless dedication and sacrifice have gained utmost respect from people in Malaysia and earned worldwide recognition,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the frontliners; the battle against COVID-19 would have been tougher without their unwavering perseverance. Inspired by the like-minded challenging spirit, Honda Malaysia would like to assist in any way we can in this unprecedented situation,” he added.

So if you are a frontliner, especially in the healthcare area, do contact Honda Malaysia. You can do at www.honda.com.my where there is also more information about the program.

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