Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Lower-priced childseat now offered by Perodua

If you have a chance to watch a video of what happens to the occupants during a severe frontal collision, you will see how a child at the back who is not retrained will fly through the air, forward into the front seat or up onto the ceiling. They use dummies in crash tests but imagine if it is a real child…serious injuries and even death could occur.

For this reason, authorities in many countries have made use of childseats a mandatory requirement and in Malaysia, the same applies. While carmakers are not in the business of making childseats, some do try to help their customers by offering such items – referred to as Child Restraint Systems (CRS) – as accessories.

Lower-priced models from Perodua
Perodua has been offering childseats for many years now and recently introduced its Care Seat, a lower-priced new childseat suitable for both infants and toddlers. Priced at RM680 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM695 in East Malaysia, the Care Seat is suitable for children of all ages up to 12 (or weighing up to 36 kgs), replacing Perodua’s previous GearUp Infant and Toddler seats, which cost RM785 and RM975, respectively.

Even when restrained in a childseat, the child can be subjected to violent forces during an accident (above) and if unrestrained, can literally fly about the cabin (below). Pictures from crash tests by EuroNCAP.

“The Perodua Care Seat forms part of our continuous drive for higher road safety as a caring, People First company, in line with the government’s aspirations,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“It bears repeating that all children should be properly secured in child seats in moving vehicles for their safety. In encouraging this, Perodua is bringing out a product that is durable, adaptable, comfortable, affordable and meets safety standards,” he added.

Meets international safety standards
The Care Seat complies with ECE R44/04 standards and can be rotated to face forward or backward (backwards is recommended by safety experts). It has 6 recline angles as well as a harness that self-adjusts according to headrest position.

It also has ISOFIX connectors which make it easy to install the seat and ensure it is secure. ISOFIX points are provided in the back seat area of all Perodua models.

*ISOFIX points are usually indicated by a tab or label on the rear seat. All Perodua models have ISOFIX points provided, including the Axia (below).*

“The Perodua Care Seat is more cost-effective as the same seat can be used for the child throughout, without needing to change from an infant to a toddler seat as the child gets older,” said Dato’ Zainal.

“Perodua will continue to spread awareness, educate and advocate the use of child seats amongst our customers. We hope the use of childseats in Malaysia will become commonplace one day – this would go a long way in reducing road injuries and fatalities, especially of our precious young ones,” he added.

Cost can be included H-P loan
Available in grey or blue, the Perodua Care Seat comes with a 1-year warranty which is double the warranty period of the outgoing GearUp Infant and Toddler seats. Parents who buy the Care Seat when purchasing their new Perodua vehicle can include it in the Hire-Purchase loan as it is an official accessory from the manufacturer.

Alternatively, if they wish to buy one separately, it is available at all authorised Perodua outlets nationwide. To locate an outlet near you, visit www.perodua.com.my.

‘Perodua Smart Build’ launched as carmaker’s first sustainable blueprint

Locally-assembled BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport in showrooms from this weekend

For those who still prefer a formal limousine instead of a SAV or SUV, BMW Malaysia offers a new 740Le xDrive M Sport which arrives in Malaysian showrooms this weekend together with the locally-assembled X7 XDrive40i Pure Excellence. Like the X7, the 740Le xDrive M Sport is also assembled in Malaysia at the BMW facility in Kedah, and is priced from RM591,503.05 (without insurance) until June 30, 2021.

The locally-assembled 740Le is differentiated from the CBU version with M Sport treatment. This is largely from the M Sport Aerodynamic Package which includes 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 647 M Bicolour, and M Sport brakes. A new striking rocker panel also underlines the sporty appeal of the BMW flagship.

Customers can choose from 4 classic colours for the exterior finish which has the Individual High-gloss Shadow Line. These colours are Mineral White, Carbon Black Metallic, Donington Grey, and Bernina Grey with Amber effect. Depending on the colour chosen, interior themes have Black or Cognac stitching for the exclusive Nappa leather upholstery.

From EfficientDynamics to Electromobility
BMW Group Malaysia has long been a promoter of electrification, a progression from its EfficientDynamics technology which has pursued sustainable mobility since 2007. It has been a leader of electromobility in the market, putting over 20,000 vehicles with hybrid and full electric powertrains on the road, and these include the 7-Series.

394 bhp/600 Nm… but goes 36 kms/litre
For the 740Le xDrive M Sport, the 3-litre in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine is paired with an electric motor which draws energy from a lithium-ion battery pack. The combustion engine produces 286 bhp/450 Nm while the electric motor can generate up to 83 kW (equivalent to 113 hp) with peak torque at 265 Nm.

The combined system output of 394 bhp/600 Nm gives the car a capability of going from standstill to 100 km/h within a claimed 5.1 seconds. The top speed is beyond 250 km/h, but BMW has decided to limit it to that speed.

Such performance, in the past, would have meant rather high consumption. However, with the hybrid powertrain and 8-speed Steptronic transmission delivering power to all four wheels, the claimed fuel consumption is as much as 36 kms/litre.

Interior appropriate for a flagship
As would be expected of a flagship model, the 740Le xDrive M Sport has an elegant interior which is appointed with ‘Fineline’ Fine Wood Trim in Black with High Gloss Metal Effect and the BMW Individual Alcantara Anthracite headliner. A Sky Lounge panorama glass roof is standard with roller sunblinds for the rear side windows to provide privacy.

While it is likely that the owner will spend travelling time mostly in the back, on the occasions when he does drive the car himself, he will find it has a sporty feel with the M-Sport steering wheel and a host of driver assistance systems to make driving safer and more enjoyable. Besides the comprehensive array of meters, there is also a Head-Up Display on the windscreen glass.

As with many BMW models, the 740Le’s ‘command centre’ is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully-digital 12.3-inch Instrument Display. This is complemented by the BMW Navigation System Professional on a 10.25-inch Control Display. Voice commands and BMW Gesture Control help improve driving safety as the hands need not leave the steering wheel so often.

Standard equipment includes the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional with 10-inch touchscreen monitors mounted on each headrest of the front seat. These monitors can provide personalised entertainment throughout the journey and can also mirror some of the displays from the dashboard panel.

Financing and booking
The 740Le xDrive M Sport can be purchased using one of the financial packages offered by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia and monthly instalment plans start from RM 6,558.00 (terms and conditions apply). Booking can be done with a deposit of RM5,000 via BMW Shop Online (from May 11, 2021, onwards).

Every owner of the 740Le xDrive M Sport is promised a complete premium ownership experience. This includes peace of mind with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline and the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card. BMW Service Online is available and there’s also a Free Scheduled Service Programme.

Locally-assembled BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence launched today, priced from RM673,323

Toyota and Lexus sales continue upwards with 12.7% increase in April

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) reported that it started off the second quarter of 2021 with strong sales of 9,280 vehicle for the Toyota and Lexus brands, a 12.7% increase over the number of vehicles delivered in March. The rising sales volume was largely driven by restored consumer purchasing confidence, with growing demand for the appealing new models such as the Corolla Cross and Harrier.

Furthermore, with the PENJANA sales tax exemption set to expire at the end of June this year, many are also not wasting the chance to save money.

Measures helping restore confidence
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an extremely challenging year for both manufacturers and consumers, but measures put in place by the Government has successfully restored and strengthened consumer purchasing power,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

He also attributed the growth in sales to the timely introduction of numerous new models that have been able to firmly establish new benchmarks in the various vehicle segments by enhanced technological and safety features, styling and driving dynamics.

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross — *Latest Corolla Cross and Harrier (below) helped boost sales in April.*

Network expansion continues
Although business may seem slow for now due to the pandemic, UMWT is not sitting still and preparing for the future with continued commitment for expansion and the enhancement of its sales and aftersales service network. It has opened a new 2S Sales and Service Centre in Cheras (PDC Automobile) and two new 3S Sales, Service and Spare Parts Centres in Johor Bahru and Terengganu.

*New Toyota 3S dealership in Kemaman, Terengganu.*

“Additionally, we have also been paying close attention to customers’ inclinations for online connections as indicated by strong digital preferences and gains that we have received through online enquiries and bookings. We will continue our assertive pursuit on digitally-led avenues and serve our customers better on all platforms, moving forward,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri promotions
With the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period underway, UMWT has a Countless Rewards promotion which offers customers will continue savings that can be enhanced with Toyota Service Savers that lower maintenance cost for their vehicles. New car buyers can also opt to benefit from lower instalments (depending on model) with UMWT’s EZ Beli financing scheme.

Mr. Ravindran added that UMWT’s annual Hari Raya Festive Film titled ‘Umi Pembaris’ will be released this week. “It honours timeless lessons on family values, culture and tradition that we keep ever so closely to our hearts even in this age of change, transformation and modernization,” he said.

For more information on Toyota models available in Malaysia and the locations of showrooms nationwide, visit www.toyota.com.my.

After a difficult 2020, Toyota sales are stronger in 2021 with 62% increase year-on-year

Locally-assembled BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence launched today, priced from RM673,323

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

It used to be that only models that could sell in sufficiently large volumes would be assembled locally, limiting the number of models that could enjoy preferential taxation policies. With BMW Group Malaysia, that meant just the 3-Series and 5-Series, with the 7-Series having been assembled briefly. But it’s different these days as the company keeps widening its BMW and MINI range of models assembled locally each year at its facility in Kedah.

The latest to be added is the X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence, which is the model that the top of the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) range. According to Hans de Visser, BMW Group Malaysia’s new Managing Director, this move to localise the assembly of one of our largest models in the BMW X range further demonstrates the company’s longstanding confidence in Malaysia’s potential as a regional hub for the luxury automobile segment.

“We are proud to be redefining the ‘Story of Progressive Luxury’ with a new addition to our portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles in Malaysia. The new model is also a testament to our commitment in the local market, as we further innovate our fleet of premium Sports Activity Vehicles to complement the most luxurious of lifestyles in Malaysia,” said Mr. de Visser.

Similar looks as CBU model
The locally-assembled X7 has a similar appearance to the model that was introduced two years ago, with the kidney grille creating a strong presence with its massive size. The massiveness is contrasted by slender BMW Laserlight headlights that can give strong illumination up to 600 metres ahead.

With an overall length of 5.1 metres and overall width of 2 metres, the X7 is a really big vehicle with an obviously spacious cabin containing three rows of seats. As a flagship variant, it features the opulent ‘Crafted Clarity’ handmade diamond-cut trim element and a range of standard equipment including a sport leather steering wheel and electrically adjustable comfort seats.

Large instrument panel with HUD
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which runs on the BMW Operating System 7.0, combines the fully digital, user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster with an equally large central Control Display with touchscreen functionality. The most important information the driver would need while in motion is also projected on the windscreen by the Head-Up Display. And to minimise taking the hands away from the steering wheel, there’s the voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Gesture Control.

Other highlights of the X7 include the Welcome Light Carpet feature, 5-zone air conditioning, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 loudspeakers, and electric roller blinds for each window. The Rear Entertainment Professional system is also available while the spaciousness is further enhanced by the large panoramic sunroof complemented by large windows.

While the doors feature a soft-close, the tailgate is powered to open and close on its own without the owner having to even touch the door. When open, there’s easy access to a variable-volume luggage compartment with up to 2,120 litres available with the backrests folded down.

Those who have an iPhone can make use of the BMW Digital Key which not only locks/unlock the doors but can also program certain vehicle functions with limitations, in the event it is driven by someone other than the owner. There’s also wireless charging for compatible mobilephones as well as smartphone connectivity.

3-litre TwinPower Turbo engine
Under the long bonnet is a 3-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine which can produce up to 340 bhp/450 Nm. With an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the 2,320 kg SAV can get from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption at its best is said to be 10.5 kms/litre which means a full 83-litre tank should give a range of almost 900 kms.

The xDrive badge means all four wheels are powered, not just for off-road driving but also to maximise traction, agility and handling stability (especially on slippery surfaces). Additionally, there is Dynamic Stability Control which takes note of the load on board as registered by the air suspension sensors and factors this data into braking modulation for optimum stopping performance. Executive Drive Pro with active roll stabilisation is included as standard.

Assisting the driver
The X7 driver can enjoy the drive while electronic systems help make mundane tasks easier. For example, the Reversing Assistant assists in safely manoeuvring out of a tight parking space, while the Driving Assistant has a comprehensive range of functions to help avoid accidents. The Active Cruise Control varies cruising speed to maintain a safe gap with other vehicles and can operate right down to standstill.

The X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence will be in the showrooms from this weekend and if you already know you want one and it’s just a matter of choosing the colour, here are the exterior/interior choices available: Black Sapphire and Sophisto Grey exterior with Cognac Leather Vernasca upholstery; Phytonic Blue and Manhattan Metallic exteriors with all-Black design-perforated Leather Vernasca interior; and Leather Vernasca in Coffee with Black design perforations exclusively with the Mineral White exterior finish.

Monthly instalments from RM7,468
Priced from RM673,323.61 (excluding insurance), booking can be done via BMW Shop Online with just RM5,000 but due to a scheduled website maintenance at this time, the facility will only be from May 11, 2021 onwards. Those who use BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose from various financing packages with monthly instalment plans starting from RM7,468 (terms and conditions apply).

BMW Group Malaysia was the leader in the premium automotive segment in 2020

Four Chassis Technologies That Give The New Bentley Continental GT Speed Its Superlative Driving Dynamics

Bentley declares the new Continental GT Speed Coupe and Convertible are the most dynamic road-going cars ever made by the company in its 102-year history. The superlative driving dynamics have not been achieved with any compromise to comfort or luxury, thanks to a combination of 4 chassis technologies.

The biggest brakes in the world
The first is the new carbon ceramic braking system with the largest brakes installed in any production car. Measuring 440 mm in diameter for the front discs, this latest generation of carbon-ceramic disc has been specially formulated to provide class-leading braking performance with copper-free brake friction material for reduced environmental impact.

The new ceramic brake system offers weight-saving of 33 kgs compared to the iron braking system, and most importantly, this is unsprung weight which lowers inertia and gives the car more responsive handling.

The ceramic brake has been extensively tested around the world including at the Nurburgring Nordschleife where it set levels of braking performance never before achieved by a Bentley. In objective tests, the ceramic brake has proven itself to be exceptionally fade resistant – after 10 consecutive applications from 80 mph (about 130 km/h), the stopping distance only increased by 1.1 metres, to just 61.1 metres.

Electronic All-Wheel Steering
A new Electronic All-Wheel Steering system enhances the dynamic nature of the car in each of the driving modes. This is even more apparent in SPORT mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and the electronic limited slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car, utilising up to 4° of steering lock on the rear wheels.

At low and medium speeds, the GT Speed’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of nimbleness. The steering feels sharper and with a quicker ratio, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even more driver confidence.

At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability. The system is significantly more active on the GT Speed than it is on the Flying Spur, where its primary purpose is a reduction in turning circle and enhanced high-speed stability.

Electronic Limited-slip Differential
For the first time in a Bentley, the latest generation of the Continental GT Speed introduces the use of an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). Specifically tuned hand-in-hand with the traction control and active chassis systems, the eLSD provides increased lateral capacity, improved longitudinal stability, enhanced on-throttle adjustability and delivers better traction in adverse road conditions.

In all modes, this provides improved traction, creating a greater level of confidence for the driver and makes the car feel more stable at high speeds. Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, maximum performance can be extracted from the available traction for the strongest acceleration and composure from the apex. Torque distribution can vary across the powertrain according to the selected Drive Mode.

Advanced Electronic Stability Control
Finally, there is the advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom before the GT Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies. With the ESC system engaged, the car provides reassuring stability over uneven surfaces, abnormal cambers or in bad weather conditions. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC system allows an experienced driver to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at his discretion.

With the ESC switched off, the mechanical grip and inherent balance of the GT Speed comes to the fore, allowing a driver-focused experience previously only seen in Bentley’s racing machines. After utilising strong turn-in performance, thanks to the All-Wheel Steering and eLSD, the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles.

The Convertible (above), which made its debut last month, is the most driver-focused convertible of the Continental GT range and uses a revised version of renowned 6-litre W12 TSI engine which delivers 659 ps/900 Nm. It is fitted with a tailored, ‘Z-fold’ roof that can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, transforming it from a luxurious coupe to an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.

FEATURE – The German engine that was born on a Japanese bullet-train

BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe becomes ‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’

BMW may be best known for its cars and motorcycles, but the German carmaker is also associated with arts and culture, with numerous initiatives for the past 50 years. With over 100 projects worldwide, BMW Group’s cultural commitment has been an essential part of corporate communications, with the main focus on modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design.

“Social commitment is a major concern of the BMW Group. There is no doubt that cultural engagement is part of the BMW Group,” said Maximilian Schoberl, Head of BMW Group Corporate and Governmental Affairs and Executive Vice President.

Its latest project is ‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’, a unique exploration of art and technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate entirely new works. The virtual art installation debuts in conjunction with Frieze New York 2021, as well as the 50th anniversary of BMW Group Cultural Engagement.

‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’ virtual art installation was created in partnership with creative technologist Nathan Shipley of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, and Gary Yeh, art connoisseur/founder of artDrunk. The duo leveraged the NVIDIA StyleGAN artificial intelligence model to cross-reference over 50,000 images of artwork spanning 900 years of history and a curated set of 50 works from renowned and emerging contemporary artists BMW has worked with over the past 50 years.

Using these inputs as a basis for understanding art, the AI then generates entirely new works of art, merging what it learned classical art and the styles noted from the contemporary artists. These new works have been projection-mapped onto a virtual rendition of BMW’s 8-Series Gran Coupe.

To document the creative process behind the virtual installation, Shipley and Yeh collaborated digitally from different parts of the world – Yeh in Seoul, Shipley in San Francisco – and virtually joined each other for an engaging discussion on the technology behind the artwork created by the AI, as well as BMW’s decades-long support of the arts.

“AI is an emerging medium of creative expression. It’s a fascinating space where art meets algorithm,” said Shipley. “Combining the historical works with the curated modern works and projecting the evolving images onto the 8-Series Gran Coupe serves a direct nod to BMW’s history of uniting automobiles, art, and technology.”

“During an unusually isolated time in history, we took the opportunity to curate and work with artists from around the world as a means to give viewers a true art experience digitally,” Yeh, who is also an art collector, explained. “It was particularly exciting to push the boundaries of art, see how technology may influence the art world in the years to come, and build on 50 years of cultural engagement at BMW.”

Frieze New York begins its tenth edition, taking place for the first time at The Shed in Manhattan, New York, this week. Reimagined for its new location, the fair brings together over 60 major galleries and sees a strong representation from New York, celebrating the creative spirit of the city. A dedicated edition of Frieze Viewing Room will run parallel to the fair, until May 14, and will feature an expanded list of over 160 exhibitors, connecting international galleries and audiences unable to travel.