The SF90 Stradale, Ferrari’s hybrid plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), has been joined by a topless version – the new SF90 Spider. Just as the SF90 Stradale was the brand’s first PHEV, the SF90 spider is its first production PHEV spider.
Though it loses its roof (when desired), the SF90 Spider’s performance is not compromised and it has the same extreme supercar specification. The retractable hard top (RHT) is the latest version of Ferrari’s signature retractable hardtop architecture.
14-second operation
The RHT is so simple that it can open or close within 14 seconds, with operation possible even when the car is on the move. The use of aluminium in its construction also means that it is around 40 kgs lighter than a conventional retractable hardtop. Its compactness requires just 100 litres of space, rather than the 150 – 200 litres required by a traditional system.
Ferrari guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when the RHT is raised and it will not deform at high speeds. An adjustable electric rear window also enhances occupant comfort, even when the RHT is lowered at higher speeds.
The hybrid architecture proved a challenge in terms of weight management. While the extra 270 kgs of the hybrid system was amply compensated for by the extra power delivered, extensive optimisation and weight reduction work was also required on the rest of the car to keep overall weight down to 1,670 kgs.
Just as the SF90 Stradale redefined the aerodynamic performance levels of the Ferrari range, the SF90 Spider is pushing the limits of the results delivered still further. The goals that drove the aerodynamic development of the car from the very earliest stages were maintaining the SF90 Stradale’s performance levels with the RHT deployed, minimising aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, and optimising power flows.
Unmatched downforce and aerodynamic efficiency
The downforce and efficiency figures are said to be unmatched by any other car in the category. The main features in the SF90 Spider’s aero design include the shut-off Gurney at the rear, an active control system that varies downforce over the rear axle, the front underbody with vortex generator strakes, and forged wheels with wing profiles. The results: a massive 390 kgs of downforce generated in cornering at 250 km/h (with the special Assetto Fiorano specification).
In a first for a Ferrari production spider, the SF90 Spider has plug-in hybrid architecture in which the internal combustion engine is integrated with two electric motors at the front and one at the rear derived from and named after the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) used in Ferrari’s F1 cars.
Most powerful Ferrari production V8
The synergy between the turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the electric motors generates a maximum of 1,000 ps/900 Nm, with 60 ps more than any other V8 turbo engine ever built by Ferrari. The 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch gearbox used in the SF90 Stradale has been redesigned for the spider version.
Much attention was given to sound quality when redesigning the exhaust system as the soundtrack is one of the pivotal factors in the exhilarating pleasure of driving a Ferrari. The introduction of a ‘hot tube system’, which transfers sound more directly to the cockpit, has produced fuller, richer harmonics across the entire frequency range, improving both in-car sound quality and intensity as revs rise compared to previous Ferrari V8s.
To make full use of the powertrain’s output, the engineers improved the vehicle dynamics systems to allow the driver to enjoy the maximum potential, and not just in terms of pure performance and lap times. The new hybrid architecture required extensive integration work on the car’s many different control logics, which led to the development of the new eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control) vehicle dynamics control system.
Digital instrumentation with HUD
The look and feel of the cabin was driven in large part by the complete redesign of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface). The instrumentation is now predominantly digital with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running. The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16-inch HD screen, complemented by a head-up display.
The steering wheel completes that transfer process from the competition world and also ushers in a new era by introducing a series of touch commands that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car without ever taking the hands off the wheel.
The F1 bridge, a signature on the previous models, has now disappeared from the central tunnel and been replaced by a modern take on the gearshift gate, an iconic feature of Ferrari’s manual gearboxes. In the new gate, however, the gearshift grille is digital as befits an automatic transmission.
Going to the limits
As is the case with the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider is also available with an option for owners who want to go right to the edge of the performance envelope. They can specify the Assetto Fiorano pack with upgrades such as Multimatic shock absorbers. Others include the adoption of high-performance materials (such as carbonfibre and titanium), a carbonfibre rear spoiler and road-homologated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres designed to improve track performance in the dry.
The first customers of the SF90 Spider can expect to get their cars during the second quarter of 2021. Each of them will pay prices that start from €473,000 (around RM2.3 million) in Italy.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale PHEV starts new era for The Prancing Horse, priced from RM1.91 million
It’s hard to imagine that a pick-up truck – especially one as big and heavy as the Ford F-150 – can win the Green Truck of the Year Award. However, the version that won the award from Green Car Journal is the latest one with a 3.5-litre PowerBoost full hybrid powertrain. Green Car Journal, in given it the award, also noted the F-150’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy bodywork which continues as a differentiator in the pick-up segment.
Hybrid an important differentiator
“The Ford F-150 earns its well-deserved 2021 Green Truck of the Year honour for an array of important reasons that distinguish it from the crowd,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. “The 2021 F-150’s redesign keeps things fresh. The addition of a full hybrid engine option is an important differentiator, as is this pick-up’s available Pro Power Onboard output system with 120-volt and 240-volt outlets for tradesmen and construction sites.”
EcoBoost, 10-speed transmission + electric motor
The PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain (described above) is said to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup in America. The powertrain combines Ford’s proven EcoBoost engine and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a 35-kW (equivalent to 47 horsepower) electric motor integrated into the transmission. A range of 1,120 kms is claimed for a full tank of fuel.
Most significant electric vehicle effort
Ford also won the Green Car Journal’s 2021 Green Car of the Year for its Mustang Mach-E, the fully electric variant of the bestselling sportscar in the world. The Journal recognised the Mustang Mach-E as being Ford’s most significant electric vehicle effort to date, calling it a truly special entry in today’s electric vehicle market. It also praised the decision to expand the Mustang stable for instant name recognition, while keeping aligned with Mustang’s well-established heritage and lineage.
“With the all-new Mustang Mach-E and F-150 with PowerBoost hybrid and Pro Power Onboard, we’re electrifying two of our most popular nameplates to give customers new capabilities and choices not possible without electrification,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer. “We’re honoured that earning the Green Car and Green Truck of the Year awards affirm Ford is on the right path working to meet our sustainability commitments while innovating to give our customers more.”
The F-150 is not available in Malaysia but Sime Darby Auto ConneXion offers the Ford Ranger, also Built Ford Tough, with a choice of powertrains. To locate a showroom to view or test-drive one, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Proton now has a used car website, providing car-buyers a convenient way to shop for used Proton vehicles. The Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) website provides a listing of current stocks available at 36 dealers nationwide.
PCPO is a further extension of Proton’s used car business which began with the establishment of established a Used Car Management (UCM) division in 2019. Its task was to grow a network of dealers to sell used cars alongside new ones.
Dealers must meet qualifying criteria
From an initial pilot project comprising just 8 Proton outlets, there are now 36 in the PCPO programme. All of them have met several qualifying criteria, both financial and physical, and agree to perform the necessary steps to prepare their trade-in stock for sale. For instance, each car undergoes a comprehensive 201-point inspection and is given a new battery, fresh engine oil and an oil filter.
Other requirements for PCPO vehicles include being less than 7 years old with less than 130,000 kms covered at the time of trade-in. They must also not have any flood or major accident damage that may affect their structural integrity.
“Proton’s PCPO is the next step for the company to build a holistic ecosystem. As we continue to offer new and improved products, we also want to attract those interested in purchasing a used car and offer a quick and easy way for customers to trade-in their current vehicles. All our PCPO cars get an extended one-year warranty for the engine and transmission as well as a free service, redeemable up to 6 months after the date of registration,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
Cars of other brands too
Proton will also sell cars from other brands that have been traded-in via its PCPO website. In this instance, the vehicles do not receive an extended warranty from the company but will still be thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary prior to being put up for sale.
“Aside from helping to drive new car sales, the aim of Proton’s UCM division is to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles. By offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car,” added Encik Roslan.
1.5-litre Powertrain in Proton X50 TGDi Flagship wins China auto industry’s ‘Nobel Prize’.
Although driving may be reduced now with the CMCO limiting our activities, those who do fuel up at Shell, Petron and Caltex stations can get something extra with their purchases.
SHELL
At Shell stations nationwide, the ‘Ekstra Ganjaran Setiap Hari’ campaign to reward loyal customers will give those with Bonuslink cards up to 4x points. The campaign begins on November 16, 2020 and will end on April 30, 2021.
“At a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, we’ve had to rethink our loyalty programme offerings to ensure we continue to stand behind all our customers and provide them the best value. We hope customers will take this opportunity to get rewarded at Shell so they can go well on their journeys,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.
During this campaign, customers can accumulate BonusLink Points faster than before, based on the principle of tiered rewards where the more purchases one makes in a month, the higher the points tier they move up into – up to 4x BonusLink Points!
To participate and be upgraded to a higher points tier, customers simply need to swipe their BonusLink card at Shell and pump a minimum of RM50 of Shell petrol products in a single receipt. They will then earn extra BonusLink Points for each Qualifying Transaction according to the points multiplier at each points tier. With the points collected, customers can redeem special treats in-store for as low as 100 BonusLink Points.
PETRON
Petron customers will be rewarded with a RM3 cashback just by shopping at Watsons and vice-versa using the e-wallet app, Boost. A total of 80,000 cashbacks amounting to RM240,000 via the Boost are available during the promotion duration which is currently running and will end on December 31, 2020.
They must spend a minimum of RM30 on a single purchase using Boost at participating Watsons stores to earn a RM3 cashback for fuel products from Petron. Customers are allowed a maximum of up to 4 cashbacks from both Petron and Watsons using the Boost app.
“This collaboration with Boost and Watsons is meant to further reward our customers with more exciting offers when they fuel up with Petron,” said Choong Kum Choy, Head of Retail and Commercial Business of Petron Malaysia. “In addition to these, they continue to be awarded two PMiles points for every litre of fuel they purchase through our loyalty program. We invite everyone to enjoy this ‘fuel happy’ experience with Petron.
CALTEX
Caltex has tied up with the online e-commerce company Shopee to make payments for purchases easier. Customers can now use Shopee’s e-wallet known as ShopeePay to purchases petrol as well as other items at a Caltex station.
Those who make a minimum purchase of RM40 and pay using ShopeePay at a Caltex station will be rewarded with RM4 cashback from now until the end of 2020. Each ShopeePay user is entitled to receive up to 3 cashbacks throughout the campaign period, or until it is fully redeemed, whichever comes first.
“We are excited to introduce a new contactless payment option as we continuously look for ways to bring a hassle-free fuelling experience to our customers in their Caltex journey. Working together with ShopeePay allows us to provide fast, easy and secure transactions at our stations, more so now with the growing adoption of contactless payments in the country,” said Jay Gomez, Country Chairman for Chevron Malaysia, which markets Caltex fuel and lubricants.
Using ShopeePay does, however, require the motorist to go to the station store to make the transaction as it cannot be done at the pump. This would mean that, in accordance with the clarified SOP, it will be necessary to register manually or using the MySejahtera app on a mobilephone.
With the exception of the LM 002 and Urus SUVs, all Lamborghini cars today have their engines mid-mounted, behind the passenger compartment. The last model to have its engine in front was the Jarama, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
The Jarama GT made its debut at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show and was a 2+2 grand touring sedan. It was technically based on the 400GT and Islero, maintaining the same mechanical layout but with a revised chassis.
Styled by Bertone’s Gandini
Marcello Gandini at Bertone styled the new bodywork, adopting a silhouette which followed the design trends of the 1970s with taut and angular lines. The bodywork of the pre-series units was assembled by Carrozzeria Marazzi, which had just finished production of the Islero, while the actual production car would be produced in Carrozzeria Bertone’s plant in Turin.
The engine, powered by 6 double-body Weber 40 DCOE carburettors, was the well-proven Lamborghini V12, with double overhead camshafts per bank, capable of delivering 350 hp for a top speed of 260 km/h.
The improved chassis had a brake system with 4 large discs, of which the front ones were ventilated – high-performance features back then! The track width was widened by 10 cm to 1490 mm and 15-inch Campagnolo wheels of magnesium were installed at each corner.
Luxurious,. spacious cabin
The interior was very luxurious, with leather upholstery, air-conditioning, and a comfortable passenger compartment for a sportscar. The was generous space allocated for the boot area for the four occupants’ luggage.
The Jarama was further evolved and a GTS version was displayed at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show. This had 365 bhp and was distinguished by a transverse air intake on the bonnet and two air outlets behind the front wheel arches.
The dashboard was redesigned with new instruments and aluminium trim, and restructured front seats improved the roominess in the back. Also different on the Jarama S version were the alloy wheels – less elaborate and without the single central nut.
One of the special Jarama models was the Rally, a project by Lamborghini’s test driver, Bob Wallace. It had a modified 3.9-litre V12 engine with an output of 380 bhp and a top speed of 270 km/h. The Jarama Rally was never entered in any competition and was later sold off.
Ferrucio Lamborghini’s favourite model
Production of the Jarama spanned 6 years, during which time 328 units were produced. Ferruccio Lamborghini personally owned a Jarama S which he said was his favourite model and his car is among those displayed at the Lamborghini museum next to the factory.
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