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Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo – inspired by a legendary sportscar

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo, inspired by the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, the Italian brand’s legendary mid-engine sportscar. Only 33 units of this limited-edition 4C Spider will be produced and only offered in North America. This will also be part of the final production run of the model for North America.

“Since its introduction in 2014, the 4C has been a halo vehicle for Alfa Romeo, exciting enthusiasts around the world and spearheading the relaunch of the brand in North America,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo. “The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo is an instant Alfa Romeo classic that passes the torch to the next generation of iconic Alfa Romeo vehicles, including the upcoming Tonale PHEV crossover that will start production next year.”

*The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo alongside the legendary 1967 33 Stradale.*

Exclusive colour, exclusive plaques
The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo comes exclusively in Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat exterior colour, with grey-gold 5-hole alloy wheels (18-inch front/19-inch rear) and composite sport seats covered in black Dinamica suede and tobacco leather.

Prominently displayed around the cabin are dedicated plaques on the dashboard, side sills and centre console, the last of which is progressively numbered from 1 to 33. Customers also get treated to a matching, numbered book designed by Centro Stile that chronicles the 4C’s design concept, technology, materials and Modena assembly facility, as well as the history of the 33 Stradale.

F1-inspired chassis
The 4C’s racing pedigree is evident in its state-of-the-art Formula 1-inspired carbonfibre monocoque chassis, shown for the first time in a red transparent finish. Much of the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo’s equipment, previously optional, comes standard, including an Akrapovic dual-mode centre-mounted exhaust, race-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, battery charger, car cover, suede/leather seats and carbonfibre halo, rear wing and Italian flag mirror caps.

Completing the refined exterior treatment are new ‘Centro Stile Alfa Romeo’ badges and available piano-black front air intake and rear diffuser.

Under the bonnet is a 6-speed Alfa twin-clutch transmission and all-aluminium 1750 cc turbocharged engine with direct-injection, dual intercoolers and variable-valve timing. With the engine producing 237 bhp/350 Nm and a kerb weight of less than 1,200 kgs, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 4.7 kg/bhp. This makes it possible to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of almost 260 km/h.

1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale — **The 1967 33 Stradale** is an iconic Alfa Romeo that made its public debut at the Monza circuit in Italy on August 31, 1967, on the eve of the 1967 Formula One Italian Grand Prix. Boasting a top speed of 260 km/h, the 33 Stradale was a hand-built Franco Scaglione-penned mid-engine exotic based on the Tipo 33 racing car that won its class at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona. To this day, it represents a singular blend of leading-edge technology, racing mechanics and inspirational design, a fitting forebear to the 4C Spider. Only 18 chassis were ever produced, with most completed cars painted in Alfa’s signature red, with grey-gold wheels and black-and-tobacco interior.

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Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW to power Peugeot hypercar for endurance racing in 2022

After a decade-long absence, Peugeot will return to endurance racing, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, in 2022. By then, it will have completed development of an all-new hypercar defined in the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) regulations.

Development by Peugeot Sport and Total
The hypercar will be known as the Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW and its powertrain is now being developed by Peugeot Sport and Total (and its subsidiary, Saft). Details of the powertrain which have been revealed show a mid-rear, 2.6-litre, 500 kW (680 bhp), twin-turbo, V6 , petrol internal combustion engine combined with a front-mounted 200 kW (272 bhp) motor generator unit, with a high-power density battery. The smart powertrain will have energy flow management, a key to high performance.

Although the 165-kg engine can deliver 500 kW and the motor generator unit has a capacity of 200 kW, the regulations set a maximum power output of just 500 kW during races. The regulations also forbid the use of electrical energy below 120 km/h, so the motor generator unit only engages once this speed has been reached. The car must pull away from standstill under the power of its internal combustion engine alone.

At full power, the power output is limited to 300 kW and adjusted as a function of the power delivered by the motor generator unit at 200 kW which is directly dependent on the battery level. When the motor generator unit comes into use, the car automatically switches to 4-wheel drive, thereby modifying its drivability – through high-speed corners, for example,

When the battery pack is empty, the engine reverts to 500 kW power output and the transmission returns to rear-wheel drive. During races, the battery will be fully charged prior to the start by means of a mains-connected plug-in hybrid charger. Once on the track, the battery will function completely independently and be charged only by the kinetic braking energy recovery system.

The robotised sequential 7-speed (plus reverse) gearbox will be controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and the Peugeot Sport-developed brake-by-wire system will also be managed electronically.

The driver will be able to adjust the level of engine-braking generated by the electric motor under deceleration and the force applied by the pads to the braking discs to achieve the optimum electric regenerative/hydraulic braking split. Optimal energy management, both under acceleration and during energy recovery, will consequently be key to the car’s performance and efficiency.

The architecture of the Peugeot HYBRID4 500KW powertrain is the result of a highly- detailed brief shaped by the new FIA WEC regulations,” noted François Coudrain, Peugeot Sport’s WEC Programme Powertrain Director. “We initially considered a single turbo, but that would have prevented us from achieving our engine’s centre of gravity target. A twin-turbo V6 block offers the best trade-off between technology, weight, packaging of the engine’s ancillaries, reliability and performance.”

Innovative battery concept
The high-density, high-power battery pack has been developed jointly by Peugeot Sport and Saft, a Total subsidiary. As one of the keys to high performance, it will need to be integrated perfectly, physically inside the car and in the powertrain’s energy-management process. Working from a specification written by Peugeot Sport, Saft’s engineers selected the best type of cells for the battery which favours power over energy density, consistent with the needs of endurance racing.

“The main parameter will be to optimise how the energy stored in the battery is used,” explained Kamen Nechev, Saft’s Chief Technical Officer. “To achieve this, you need an extremely short charge-time combined with high-capacity storage cells to form a package that enables maximum power to be delivered as rapidly as possible. The most competitive solution resides in the management of charge optimisation and the amount of power available in real time.”

The new battery will be located in a carbonfibre casing inside the car’s monocoque structure, behind the driver and underneath the fuel tank. It has been designed to combine durability with consistent performance during races of durations of up to 24 hours, and even beyond.

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Second generation of Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia today

As 2020 is nearing the end, the business sector must be looking forward to a new year. Though the pandemic is far from over, we now have a vaccine so there is hope that 2021 can see less worries about infection spreading.

The auto sector must certainly be looking forward to sales growth and is filling showrooms with new models. The latest to launch a new range is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) which today unveiled its eighth model to join the premium SUV line-up, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA. Two variants are available – the GLA 200 and GLA 250 4MATIC – both of which are imported CBU from Germany.

Two variants, two engines
The GLA 200 comes in Progressive Line spec with a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder 163 bhp/250 Nm engine and 7G-DCT automatic transmission. The GLA 250 4MATIC has the AMG Line spec and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. Turbocharging boosts output to 224 bhp/350 Nm which goes through an 8G-DCT automatic transmission to all 4 wheels.

Save money if you buy this month
Depending on when you buy the new cars, the price will differ. Before December 31, 2020, the exemption of half the amount of sales tax means the GLA 200 will be priced (without insurance) from RM244,199.82, and the GLA 250 from RM285,336.66. From January 1, if the exemption is not extended, then the 5% sales tax will be included which will raise the prices to RM252,888.00 and RM295,888.00, respectively.

The new GLA has, for some time, served as the entry-level model to the SUV family, offering the benefits of a compact car as well as a SUV. “The GLA is the key entry point to the brand in the fast-growing compact SUV family. The model enables us to offer a unique lifestyle proposition that is similar to the bigger GLB that we have recently introduced,” said Michael Jopp, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

This new generation is the second one since the model line appeared in 2013. While having a similar styling theme, the body is slightly smaller but the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm as it now sits on the MFA-2 platform. At 4.41 metres in length, it is the shortest vehicle in the current Mercedes-Benz portfolio.

As a crossover SUV, the styling has functionality but also sportiness, with short overhangs front and rear. As before, there are powerful shoulders and the coupe-like lines of the side windows which give a contoured side profile.

Like the other Mercedes-Benz SUV models, the radiator grille features distinctive openings along with a single louvre and a central star, with LED High Performance headlamp. All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasizes the vehicle’s character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.

More compact outside but more spacious inside
Although shorter than its predecessor, the new GLA offers a more spacious interior, particularly for rear legroom and luggage compartment volume. The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than before too, more typical of an SUV.

Utility value was, in general, one of the focuses of development. There is plenty of room for one or two people in the rear and with a 40:20:40 division of the backrests, flexibility in the layout is possible.

The height-adjustable load floor also offers considerable variability. When the rear seat backrests are folded down and the load floor is in the upper position, an almost flat loading area extending to the front seats can be created to take long items.

The instrument panel consists of a basic volume, which features optical ‘cut-outs’ in the driver and front passenger area. The cut-out on the driver’s side is dominated by the free-standing display unit with two 10.25-inch displays.

The round ventilation outlets (5 in all) have a high-quality turbine look with meticulously designed air guidance vanes. The door centre panel flows seamlessly over into the armrest, while the grab handle has a tubular profile and runs horizontally like a railing.

The latest generation of the Mercedes me connect is also standard with the GLA and of course, there is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) in its latest version. MBUX can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options to personalise interaction. Remote Engine Start is also available with the GLA 250.

Helping the driver
The GLA comes with many driving assistance systems, offering the driver cooperative support to avoid accidents. The systems can automatically activate the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver has taken no action to prevent it. In the GLA 250, Blind Spot Assist warns of vehicles, including bicycles, in the blind zone and also signal the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror if a vehicle is driving past if the door is about to be opened.

Click here for other news and articles about Mercedes-Benz.

20 years of crashes to make cars safer

“Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety.” This was laid down by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, the founders of the Swedish company, in 1927 and the principle has been upheld to this day. Whenever Volvo is mentioned, most people will think of ‘safety’ and indeed, its vehicles are among the safest in the world.

The company has pioneered many safety features and on average, it crashes at least one brand new Volvo a day. In earlier years, the facilities were outdoors and fairly basic – vehicles were basically driven against each other or into solid barriers to study the effects of such impacts.

*The two founders of Volvo made safety the guiding principle of the company and that principle is upheld up to today.*

Advanced crash laboratory
Eventually, crash test laboratories were built and allowed more detailed assessments with sophisticated instruments for recording and measuring. Virtually every carmaker had one and in 2000, Volvo opened its brand new Safety Centre which was one of the most advanced crash labs in the world and in many ways it still is today.

This facility helps engineers at Volvo Cars push the envelope in safety and to learn from real-life traffic accidents, as the company aims for a future in which no one is killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.

“Being committed to safety is not about passing a test or getting a safety rating,” said Thomas Broberg, one of Volvo Cars’ leading safety engineers and a two-decade company veteran. “Our commitment to safety is about finding out how and why accidents and injuries occur and then developing the technology to help prevent them. We hope our pioneering work will inspire others to follow, our ambition to reduce road traffic casualties worldwide.”

Testing beyond regulatory requirements
The Volvo Cars Safety Centre crash lab is a multifunctional facility that allows Volvo Cars safety engineers to recreate countless traffic situations and accidents, and perform tests that go beyond regulatory requirements.

The lab contains two test tracks of 108 and 154 metres long. The shorter of the two is moveable and can be positioned at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, allowing for crash test at different angles and speeds, or to simulate a crash between two moving cars. Cars can be crashed at speeds up to 120 km/h.

Outside, there is room for performing tests like roll-over crashes and run-off road scenarios, whereby cars are launched into a ditch at high speeds. Here, Volvo Cars also offers rescue services opportunities to practice and develop their life-saving skills, as it did earlier this year when it dropped new Volvos from a height of 30 metres to simulate the heavy damage found in extreme crash scenarios.

Inside the main hall, an enormous crash barrier is used for testing various frontal, rear and side impacts. Weighing an astonishing 850 tonnes, it can be moved around if needed with the help of air cushions.

Additionally, there are around two dozen other fixed and movable barriers that are used in crash testing, including a moose-like structure to simulate crashes involving these animals.

Recording what happens in an accident
During crashes, the car, the crash test dummies and the barriers are fitted with sensors that allow engineers to register the entire chain of events in detail. Dozens of ultra-high definition and ultra high-speed cameras also film the crash test from every angle.

Before a physical crash test, the new model under development has already gone through thousands of crash tests – in computer simulations. All the data generated by these simulations, along with the physical crash tests, is then used by Volvo’s engineers as they design the cars to the highest levels of safety and protection for the occupants.

“No matter what the scenario, we can recreate it here at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre and analyse it in detail,” said Broberg. “For me, it is very inspiring to realise that for every hour of testing and analysis we put in, we get closer and closer to our ambition that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.”

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Management team of new Peugeot distributor announced

Following the announcement of the appointment of Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) as the sole distributor of new Peugeot vehicles, including aftersales services and parts distribution. the company has announced its management team. The brand portfolio includes Citroen and DS Automobiles, which are also in Groupe PSA along with Peugeot.

The new team at BAASB is headed by Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, presently a director in Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd. Dato’ Wong, as Managing Director of BAASB, will report to the board of BAASB, which consists of representatives from Berjaya Corporation Berhad (BerjayaCorp) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto).

The board is chaired by Dato’ Sri Robin Tan Yeong Ching, CEO of BerjayaCorp and Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of BAuto, as well as Dato Francis Lee, CEO BAuto, amongst others.

Some of the management team members of BAASB: (Top) Board members Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh (left) and Dato’ Francis Lee. (Above) Michael Moh, Head of After Sales;, Dato’ K.F. Wong, Managing Director; and Ian Khong, Head of Marketing.

All the members of the team have long experience in the auto industry and some, like Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, have worked in many different companies, including the distributors of Mazda, Toyota, Proton and Mercedes-Benz. Dato’ Wong was CEO at Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, the company long associated with the Mercedes-Benz business in Malaysia.

Other key members of BAASB include Michael Moh, who is Head of After Sales and, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd and Michael Chen who is Head of Sales.

Mr. Moh has had a 40-year career in the auto industry on the service side, his last position being Vice-President, After-Sales at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Mr. Chen is a seasoned veteran, also with 40 years of automotive experience, having worked with brands such as Datsun/Nissan, Hyundai, Suzuki and Foton. He was also among the pioneers in the national car project with EON Bhd.

Also on the team is Ian Khong as Head of Marketing and though younger, he has had experience working with brands such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Proton. Over his 26-year career, he has gained experience in various aspects of the auto industry… besides having been a rally driver.

BAASB will operate from the group headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, with plans for expansion in the near future.

We’re certainly looking forward to reporting on the activities of BAASB which, with the experienced team, will certainly take the Peugeot brand to a new level. They already have a proven record with Mazda and can now draw on that experience for the French brand.

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F1 (Final Round): Highlights & Provisional Results of the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

♦ The race started and ran without drama for the first 30 minutes, with positions not changing significantly. Then Sergio Perez suddenly had engine failure – even after having an engine change – and had to retire on lap 10. As he pulled over to the side at Turn 19, the Virtual Safety Car was activated, followed by the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car as well.

♦ The Safety Car period saw many cars heading into the pits for tyre changes, and Pirelli was predicting that it would be a one-stop race.

♦ The Safety Car left the track after 4 laps and racing resumed on lap 14 with Max Verstappen zooming ahead, chased by Valtteri Bottas, Lewis Hamilton and Alexander Albon within 10 seconds behind him.

♦ For some reason, Carlos Sainz had been driving cautiously in the pitlane and perhaps too cautiously as he was notified that the Stewards were reviewing the matter of his driving too slowly.

♦ At almost the halfway point of the 55-lap race, Bottas started to drop back, allowing the Red Bull driver to extend the gap beyond 5 seconds, and Hamilton started to close the gap of 2 seconds with his team mate. But the World Champion was also uncertain of his tyres holding on for the rest of the race. Verstappen was equally concerned about the same issue.

♦ 20 laps from the end, Hamilton was his uncharacteristic self – not going after Bottas even though the gaps was 3 seconds and he was safe from having to defend against Albon who was 7 seconds behind. Was the British driver trying to preserve his tyres or was he not as well as he said he was after the COVID-19 episode (which he would admit to after the race ended)?

♦ Although comfortably in the lead and no apparent threat from Bottas, Verstappen was getting tense as the 10 laps remained, worried that something might go wrong with the car.

♦ In the end, it was Verstappen’s day. 55 laps from start to finish in the lead, and virtually no challenge from either of the Mercedes-AMG drivers.

*The 2020 Formula 1 season will be remembered for its facemasks and absence of spectators,*

*Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team are champions again, both for the seventh time.*

After more than 40 years in Formula 1, the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the final race for the Renault team name before it changes to Alpine in 2021. The new team will also have Fernando Alonso, with team mate Esteban Ocon.