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Lamborghini Marzal: the car with the most glass surface area
Developed with the intention to create a 4-seater grand tourer, the Marzal, designed by Marcello Gandini for Carrozzeria Bertone, became a worldwide icon of style and design. Among the features that made the Marzal’s design special were the interior, entirely upholstered in silver-coloured leather and the hexagon, the central theme of its entire design which was repeated in as many details as possible. It was echoed in the shape of the dashboard, the rear window and in the console cut-out.

But the most striking feature of all was the extensive glass surface that covered 4.5 square metres in total, from the gull-wing doors to the roof. Though the Marzal was a fully operational showcar, it could claim having the largest glass surface in history.

Lamborghini Miura: designed by the youngest team in Lamborghini’s history
From the very beginning of his entrepreneurial history, Ferruccio Lamborghini wanted to give ample space to brilliant and capable young people, and the Miura project was a prime example of this. With the aim of challenging the competition of that era and getting his company off the ground, he  made use of talented collaborators selected from universities and from among the youngest professionals in the automotive world.

In 1966, with an average age of just 29, the youngest in the history of the brand, designer Marcello Gandini and test driver Bob Wallace, both 28, along with chief engineer Gian Paolo Dallara and assistant engineer Paolo Stanzani, both 30, brought the Miura to life, an extraordinary car that was destined to become a legend.

Lamborghini LM002: the first Super SUV
Starting as a project aimed at developing a high-performance off-road vehicle for military use, the LM002 was first unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1986. At the time of its launch, the LM002  was a completely different car from any other available in the market. It had performance similar to those of Lamborghini’s super sportscars, thanks to a 5167 cc engine delivering 450 bhp.

With a body made of aluminium and fibreglass, all-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer-case with central locking differential, it could also be used off-road on rough terrain. It was undoubtedly the first Super SUV in history, with today’s Urus being the direct descendant. 300 units were produced between 1986 and 1992.

Lamborghini Countach: the first car with ‘scissor doors’
‘Scissor doors’, so called because of the way they opened upwards at an angle, were a unique feature in futuristic cars, usually design concepts. The first car with such doors was the Lamborghini Countach designed by Gandini. In 1971, it was the first production car equipped with vertically opening doors of this type, still today a distinctive feature of the most powerful Lamborghini models.

This feature was not just to wow the public as there was a useful function. The driver could lean out to see the area behind the car when reversing, solving the problem of poor rear visibility as well as that of parking in tight spaces, where a long door could not otherwise be opened.

Lamborghini Miura: lowest production roadcar at 105.5 cm in height
In the 1960s, low height and sinuous, aerodynamic forms were the most important aspects in the minds of designers developing a sportscar. At just 105.5 cm in height, the Miura was the lowest mass-produced car ever, a record that is part of Lamborghini’s DNA and still a styling feature in its cars today.

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The original Datsun 240Z was one of the first Japanese models to show that Japan could also make sportscars and not just econocars. It certainly added another side to the Datsun brand (Nissan was not used as a brand name then) and drew enthusiasts to it. 50 years later, the seventh generation has now been revealed and retains the authenticity of a pure sportscar like the original.

The all-new Nissan Z – no more numbers that relate to engine size – was presented to the world online from New York, the same city where the 240Z made its world debut in October 1969. “When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, Representative Executive Officer and COO of Nissan.

Design shows lineage
As with the previous six generations, the new Z retains the same long-nose/short rear deck profile that was inspired by the classic British sportscars and also housed an in-line six. With the design theme for the exterior being ‘tradition with modern technology’, the designers looked to past generations to develop the fresh, sleek exterior design with an appearance that communicates respect to its lineage. “Ultimately, we created a Z that travels between the decades while being completely modern,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Global Head of Design at Nissan.

2022 Nissan Z

1971 Datsun 240Z

While maintaining the silhouette that pays homage to the first generation, the designers utilized the latest technologies to streamline the design, and incorporated LED lighting to give dimension without unnecessary elements. The LED headlights have two half-circles that take their inspiration from the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 1970s. Incidentally, for the original 240Z sold in America, the plastic covers for the headlights were not permitted due to regulations at that time.

2022 Nissan Z

The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the new Z from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create the distinctive familiar profile , whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.

2022 Nissan Z

The door handles are a flush-mounted design, and the rear hatch design is ultra-thin, yet with increased rigidity over the previous 370Z design. In the rear, the blister fenders smoothly direct flow air past the horizontal rear panel. The rear combination lamps incorporate modern technology into the design reminiscent of the Z32 300ZX (sold between 1990 and 1996), including new 3D signature LED taillights. The Z Performance grade also comes with a rear spoiler.

2022 Nissan Z

Only one engine choice
The early Z cars had straight six engines but V6 engines were used from 1984 when the 300ZX was launched, and the model has continued to use such engines to this day. The new Z gets the latest version of the V6 twin turbo engine (VR30DDT) but now with a 3-litre displacement instead of the 3.7 litres of the generation it replaces. There is, however, a significant boost in power output over the previous engine as this one produced up to 405 ps at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,600 rpm.

2022 Nissan Z

To increase output and to deliver sharp response, small-diameter turbochargers are used, as well as a turbo speed sensor to ensure the capabilities of the turbos are fully utilized (maximum spooling speed). The twin turbos balance power output and response time, while the use of an electronic variable valve timing (e-VVT) intake valve system ensures optimum response, constantly adjusting the intake valve timing to achieve excellent response and fuel efficiency in a variety of driving scenes.

6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
Many of those who bought a 280ZX, introduced in the late 1970s, probably got it with a 5-speed manual transmission. For those who were lazy to shift, Nissan offered a 3-speed automatic transmission (yes… 3 speeds!). Transmission technologies have advanced over 4 decades and with the new Z, the driver gets a standard, 6-speed manual transmission. The close-ratio transmission includes an EXEDY high-performance clutch. In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, Z Performance versions equipped with a manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position. There is also a carbonfibre composite driveshaft, with SynchroRev Match added to Performance versions.

You can also get an automatic transmission and this also has the launch control system. It’s a 9-speeder with a wide spread of gear ratios. Aluminium paddle shifters are standard, with unique paddle shifters, the same design as found on the GT-R (for Performance versions).

2022 Nissan Z

The engineering team tuned the chassis, cooling, suspension and steering to give the driver predictable and responsive handling. This required a multi-prong approach, especially for high-speed driving and cornering. Enhanced body rigidity, an electronic power steering with rack assist and a strong mechanical feel, and wider front tyres help increase maximum cornering g-forces up to 13%. The dampers use a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter than the 370Z, resulting in an approximately 20% reduction in damping force to help minimize impact shock over uneven surfaces, enhance road-following performance and improve handling stability.

The front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, improving straight line stability. A 2-point front strut tower brace is standard and the rear independent multi-link aluminium suspension has also been reconfigured with new settings.

2022 Nissan Z

Needless to say, disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels and all have ventilated rotors. Larger sport brakes with red-painted calipers are standard on Performance versions, while the Z Sport version rides on dark-painted 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance tyres. The Z Performance version has 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminium alloy wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.

Modern tech with a vintage touch
Sportscars like the Z have always had cabins designed to fit the occupants like a glove. The new Z will be no exception, and seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches. The centre stack takes inspiration from other generations before it, with three analogue pod gauges over the middle section to give that classic appearance. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen audio display to function as a command centre with numerous functions and interfacing with smartphones.

2022 Nissan Z

Ideal sportscar cabin
The interior design team also sought advice from professional motorsports racers to give the Z an ideal sportscar cabin. This can be seen in the instrumentation, with all vital information found in the 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance. One example: the redline shift point is set at the 12 o’clock position.

The meter display is customizable in three modes. NORMAL mode offers a sporty feel with the centre area for navigation, audio and vehicle information. ENHANCED mode positions the tachometer and speedometer at the edges of the display, giving more space in the centre for a larger navigation map and information to be displayed. SPORT mode prioritizes the tachometer in the centre with a shift-up light at the top in the driver’s field of view. This mode also shows a boost gauge or g- meter, depending on what the driver prefers.

2022 Nissan Z

The design of the seats utilizes know-how from the GT-R’s development to enhance body support and grip. An expanded use of suede on the seatback suppresses initial lateral shake on the body, creating more comfortable drives, as well as reducing body movement when the vehicle is being cornered with ‘great enthusiasm’.

The early Z cars were pretty bare by today’s standards but then again, drivers probably didn’t care much about convenience features too. For today’s Z, times have changed and a wide range of convenience features comes as standard equipment. These include a Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, intelligent cruise control, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview Monitor, 12V power sockets, USB points (Type-C as well) and front and rear sonar sensors for parking guidance. Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement enhances listening pleasure from the audio system.

2022 Nissan Z

Proto Spec special edition
Nissan will offer a special edition which celebrates the distinctive Z Proto introduced in 2020. To be known as  the Proto Spec, this will be limited to 240 units in the USA. It will have yellow-coloured brake calipers with the Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch RAYS wheels, exclusive shift lever knob (manual transmission only), exclusive Proto Spec leather-covered seats with yellow accents, exclusive Proto Spec suede + cloth door trim with yellow stitching and special Proto Spec interior stitching.

Pricing for the new sportscar is not announced yet but is expected to be around US$40,000 (about RM170,000) and the first units will be delivered to customers during the first quarter of 2022. You can expect that NISMO is already hard at work preparing high-performance versions.

Visit www.nissan.com.my to know more about Nissan vehicles in Malaysia

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Electronic music has been around for some 50 years and with the arrival of the computer age, digital music began to spread widely. Now Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, has teamed up with a robotics engineer and musician, Moritz Simon Geist, to create a whole new type of music for the digital age.

Challenging conventions
“The car industry is traditionally a closed one. We believe in looking outside of the sector and are intrigued by people and companies that go their own way,” said Head of Brand and Marketing at Polestar, Asa Borg. “Polestar aims to challenge the conventions of the automotive industry; Moritz aims to challenge the way we perceive sound and make music – a like mind with a different and interesting perspective.”

Polestar

Moritz has made a name for himself by building robots that create music from unlikely sources, and now the Polestar 2 is such a source. Robots made from parts of the car, as well as samples of both audible car sounds and the electrical systems inside the car are used.

Robots collect sound samples
Moritz first built robots from parts of the car. Each robot extracted a sound sample using the various elements inside that component, either from a physical noise or from the system’s changing electromagnetic field.

The samples were used to create beats which Moritz wove into an original composition, playing the car like an instrument. The package of sound samples has also been made available on Polestar.com so that anyone can play with the beats online and create their own soundtrack from the sounds of Polestar 2, allowing fans to explore the car in a new, creative way.

Polestar

Available for listening online
Many of the sounds that created the song are specific to the nature of electric cars. With a premium Harman Kardon audio system and significantly lower levels of noise and vibration compared to traditional cars, the Polestar 2 is a perfect audio listening booth. But you don’t need a Polestar 2 to listen as the composition has been released online. It is available for streaming here at no charge.

“In my work, I am genuinely interested in finding new ways to combine state-of-the-art technological tools with art and music. For me, art is a sand-box experiment for testing out and bringing new perspectives to technological novelties, before they are adapted by a broader audience. This can be AI-algorithms, robotics – or electric vehicles, which are playing an increasing role in our transition to a more sustainable future,” said Moritz.

Polestar enjoys the explorative concept of unexpected collaborations with kindred spirits in different fields. Polestar seeks groundbreakers, culture-changers and challengers – people who are reshaping society and pushing boundaries within art, tech and innovation. Moritz added an emotional element to an otherwise sterile area of the car.

“We’re used to listening to music in cars. Thanks to Moritz and his squad of robots, we can now listen to cars in music,” concluded Borg.

Porsche has been one of the regular names at the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans, with outright victories from as far back as 1970. And even though the top-level involvement ceased after 2017, Porsche cars have still been strong contenders in the event. It will be no different when the 2021 event is run this weekend and with two 911 RSRs, Porsche hopes to lay the foundation for yet another title win in France. This marks the second time that the latest generation 911 RSR tackles the world’s greatest endurance race.

So far in this season’s World Endurance Championship (WEC), the factory squad has secured two class wins from three races. A total of twelve 911 RSRs will tackle the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes at the 89th edition of the world’s fastest endurance race. With 19 overall victories and 108 class wins to its credit, Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer at Le Mans.

Porsche at 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours

“We contested Le Mans for the first time last year with the Porsche 911 RSR-19 and we struggled a bit against the fierce competition in the GTE-Pro class,” recalled Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “I’m positive we’ll be significantly more competitive this year. We’ve gathered a huge amount of data and experience with our works team and our customer squads, who get the chance this year to field the latest version of the nine-eleven in the WEC. These insights help us find the perfect setup. We also performed strongly on the high-speed track at Monza. Our success there gave us an extra boost for Le Mans.”

The legendary 24-hour race
The event on the 13.626-km circuit is extremely popular with motor racing fans and is the highlight on the WEC calendar. Located to the south of the city of 150,000 inhabitants, it consists mainly of public roads. Normally, hundreds of trucks and cars drive over the legendary Mulsanne straight every day on their way from Le Mans to Tours. Treacherous ruts present special challenges, especially in the rain.

Porsche at 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours

Contrary to the original plan, which included a mid-June date for the long-distance classic, the 89th running of the Le Mans 24-hour race is being run in August this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike last year, up to 50,000 fans can watch the action live alongside the racetrack.

“I’m convinced that we’ll be much more competitive this year,” says Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “In the meantime, we’ve gathered considerably more experience with the car, and the successes at Spa and Monza have been hugely encouraging. There’s no better incentive for us than a win on the high-speed circuit in Italy. What’s important at the 24-hour race is to maintain contact with the leading pack at all times so that we’re in a position at the end to fight for victory. This means that we have to attack right from the start. I think this a promising recipe for success.”

Porsche at 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours

Due to the length of the Le Mans race, double the usual points are awarded compared to a conventional 6-hour WEC race. As such, the race has often proven to be decisive in terms of the WEC Manufacturer and Driver standings. Moreover, the highlight of the year also features a special qualifying modality: in the Pro class, only the 6 fastest cars from the 1-hour qualification session are permitted to take part in the so-called Hyperpole which determines the best grid positions for the race.

Porsche GT Team drivers
The regular WEC drivers Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and Richard Lietz from Austria join forces with Frenchman Frederic Makowiecki in the cockpit of the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR. The Frenchman, who contested this year’s 8hour race in Portugal, brings a wealth of experience with him. Makowiecki has contested the Le Mans no less than 10 times – for the last 4 years sharing driving duties in the factory-run vehicle with Bruni and Lietz. In the No. 92 sister car, Frenchman Kevin Estre and Neel Jani from Switzerland will be supported by Michael Christensen. The trio used the WEC race in Portimao in June to get in sync with each other. Estre and Jani currently lead the Drivers’ championship after scoring 2 class wins from three races. In the Manufacturers’ classification, Porsche ranks second just seven points behind the leader, Ferrari.

Porsche at 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours

The customer teams
A total of 8 of the latest generation 911 RSRs contest the GTE-Am category, in which amateur drivers with a Bronze or Silver FIA status share a car with professionals.

Porsche’s two customer teams will also tackle the race with the 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro class – a category that is usually the domain of factory teams. WeatherTech Racing puts its trust in Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium, Earl Bamber from New Zealand and the American amateur driver Cooper MacNeil. Sharing the cockpit of the identical vehicle campaigned by HubAuto Racing from Taiwan are Maxime Martin from Belgium, Alvaro Parente from Portugal and Dries Vanthoor. The Belgian is the younger brother of Porsche works driver Laurens Vanthoor.

Porsche at 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

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Fighting COVID-19 requires everyone’s support and efforts, in whatever way possible. The private sector, which has many different resources available, can provide much-needed support in various ways and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has provided essential items needed by our hardworking frontliners.

Financial contributions
The company has donated RM20,000 to Mercy Malaysia to purchase 400 units of Tyvek Protective Personal Equipment for frontliners. Additionally, it purchased RM43,000 worth of items needed for a COVID-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) in Hulu Langat. Financial contributions will assist the health workers further in conducting extensive screening on possible virus carriers, contract tracing, isolating the infected, and dispensing care to those who need it.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

Other initiatives include contributing essential items such as tents, tables, and chairs, portable air-conditioning units, queue barriers, and heavy-duty wires. At the CAC, COVID-19 patients are assessed before they are sent to hospitals, quarantine at treatment centres, or ordered to undergo quarantine at home. The CAC which MMM is assisting can accommodate up to 400 patients a day.

Three vehicles for public outreach vaccination program.
MMM has also loaned 3 Mitsubishi vehicles which were distributed to CACs in Stadium Melawati, Stadium Jugra, and Klinik Kesihatan Gombak Setia in the Klang Valley. The vehicles – one  Triton pick-up truck and two Outlander 7-seater SUVs – be used by frontliners to commute to vaccination centres for the public outreach vaccination program.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

“Although our core business is producing cars, we are committed to doing our part in ensuring the country and our customers are kept safe. The recent increase in cases and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant emotional stress among the country’s frontliners, particularly healthcare workers in Malaysia,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“We will continue to communicate closely with key NGOs and public institutions to see how Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia can continue to contribute. This pandemic is one of the most challenging times we have faced as a nation and thus we must step up and breach the support needed especially now where COVID-19 infections are at their highest. We thank our brave frontliners who worked tirelessly for us all,” he added.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about the Triton and Outlander.

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