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The New Land Rover Defender can fly too! (w/VIDEO)

The age of flying cars for the masses has yet to start but it must be coming, going by what the new Land Rover Defenders are shown doing in a movie. The 4×4 brand’s products have always been known and admired for their off-road capability on any terrain, wading ability across rivers and extreme durability. Now it appears that they will soon develop some sort of flying capability too!

That they can fly and mimic motocross bikes that swoop 30 metres over ground made them the natural choice for use in ‘No Time To Die’, the James Bond movie that will be in cinemas this April.

It’s not the first time that the Defender has starred in a Bond movie, but it is the first movie for the all-new Defender that was launched last September.

Ten Defenders were acquired for the movie for use in an exciting chase scene, and one of the SUVs has the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 007 which indicates it was the seventh vehicle to be produced. Customers who have ordered their Defenders will soon be getting them but demand has been very great so Land Rover expects it to exceed supply.

The dramatic scenes are used in Land Rover’s television commercial for the new Defender and demonstrate its various capabilities on tough terrain. The commercial also give an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how those flying scenes were done so you can see it wasn’t CGI. The rehearsal footage includes further extreme tests as the vehicle is driven at top speed through swamps and rivers.

The chase sequence in ‘No Time To Die’ was led by stunt coordinator Lee Morrison, working alongside Oscar-winner Chris Corbould, the special effects and action vehicles supervisor. “We pushed the Defender further than we believed possible to generate the maximum excitement, and to give fans an insight into the uncompromising challenge of producing an incredible chase sequence which you can look forward to seeing in ‘No Time To Die’,” said Morrison.

“We developed a new test standard for Defender, the most challenging we’ve ever had and unique to this vehicle. Physical strength and durability is measured by a number of different tests including a bridge jump test which gave us confidence to deliver what the stunt team needed to create for ‘No Time To Die’, with no modifications to the body structure except the installation of a roll cage,” revealed Nick Collins, Vehicle Line Director for the Defender at the factory.

Putting these vehicles through their paces was Jessica Hawkins, whom Morrison handpicked from the Formula 3 W Series after spotting her potential. He wasted no time in giving her the opportunity to feature in what will be her first ever motion picture.

All-new Land Rover Defender makes global debut in Frankfurt

Save almost RM48,000 with the Nissan Subscription Plan

This has been a decade of change in the motoring landscape, for the carmakers, the industry as a whole and also motorists. Concerns about the environment and safety have forced the manufacturers to be serious about ‘electrification’ of their products to drastically reduce emissions, and add more safety systems. At the same time, pressures from an increasingly competitive market mean that costs have to keep going down to stay competitive.

For motorists, competition in the market is good, of course, as it means that they have more choices, better deals and more affordable prices. However, times have changed too and priorities are different because of uncertainties of the future. Saving to buy a home is still important to many but the second most expensive purchase – a car – is no longer that important.

Nevertheless, while the public transport system continues to improve, having a car is still a necessity for many people but they don’t necessarily need outright ownership of it. In fact, a recent study has found that to be the case, with 51% of Malaysians (who participated in the survey) saying that they did not need outright car ownership and would be fine with long-term ‘rental’ of vehicles for personal transport.

A new mobility solution
Renting vehicles in its traditional form is expensive but what if there is some way where a company can offer a ‘subscription’ to use the car over a long period. It’s a different approach to car ‘ownership’ and now it’s available to Malaysian consumers as a new mobility solution.

Known as the Nissan Subscription Program (NSP) and offered by Edaran Tan Chong Motor, this new approach can prove to be more advantageous than the traditional hire-purchase (H-P) way of buying and owning a new car. It removes the long-term commitments (up to 7 years these days) of having to pay instalments and being stuck with the same old car over a long period. With new models coming out all the time, having the flexibility to change more frequently would be more desirable for today’s consumers.

Beyond just removing the commitment, the NSP also has other advantages, one of them being no requirement to provide a hefty downpayment at the start. There is the full factory warranty, of course, and all maintenance costs are also covered by the NSP. Sounds great, doesn’t it? And when you work out the costs between a conventional H-P loan and the NSP, there are meaningful savings so your hard-earned money can be used for more important things in life.

Savings of almost RM48,000
Taking the latest Nissan X-Trail HYBRID as an example, the savings can be almost RM48,000 when compared to all the costs involved in a 5-year H-P loan and a 3-year Nissan Subscription Plan (the chart below shows the detailed costing). More importantly, for those who have had concerns about replacement of the battery pack, this too is covered under the maintenance provision, so it won’t be a cost to worry about at any time.

The NSP is also available for the all-electric Nissan LEAF and just as with the X-Trail HYBRID, all maintenance costs are covered over the entire 3-year period of the subscription. Besides saving RM6,800 over 3 years, compared to the costs for a 5-year H-P loan, there’s also no worry about the costs relating to the battery pack.

There are some terms and conditions to the NSP but generally, the main thing is that consumers now have an easier way to maintain personal mobility. At the end of the subscription period, the car can be returned to ETCM or purchased at an agreed price. For those who dislike the hassle of having to sell off their car, the NSP takes that hassle away.

Change every three years
And for those who like to have the latest cars in their driveway or porch, this approach allows them to change their car every 3 years… certainly more frequent than most Malaysians! That’s usually the interval when manufacturers will introduce either the next generation of a model or an updated version.

The NSP is available for periods of 2 or 3 years, with monthly rates starting from RM1,800 for a Nissan X-Trail HYBRID. There are also plans customized for non-Malaysian citizens who may be working in the country and require a car. The NSP can be a more convenient way for them and when they are ready to leave, ETCM can offer them a hassle-free and quick process.

Interested in using the Nissan Subscription Plan for your next car purchase? All you need to do is visit any authorized Nissan dealership and make an application. Within 7 days, when the status of the application is known, payment of the security deposit (refundable), first month’s subscription and insurance premium can be made. Thereafter, depending on vehicle availability and the necessary registration processes, delivery should be within 2 weeks.

For more information on the Nissan Subscription Plan or to locate an authorized Nissan dealership, visit www.nissan.com.my.

No more 50 sen charge for TnG reloads at Shell Stations along PLUS Expressways (NKVE and ELITE) and East-Coast Expressways

The day when you no longer have to ‘lose’ 50 sen for every reload of the Touch ‘n Go (TnG) card is fast nearing with more and more places waiving the charge. The latest is Shell Malaysia which has announced that all its stations along the PLUS Expressways (NKVE and ELITE) and the East-Coast Expressway (ECE) will no longer charge the 50 sen.

The broader expansion to all stations along these expressways is an addition to Shell’s recent initiative in waiving the TnG top-up fee at all stations along the North-South Expressway (NSE) earlier in January. As part of Shell’s effort, the expansion to the number of stations from the earlier initiative also includes 25 other Shell stations at various locations nationwide.

“Shell understands the challenge Malaysians face against the rising cost of living. We know it can be difficult to save when there are increasing necessary expenses like food, transportation, utilities and education, which form a huge part of one’s expenditure. This drives us to help Malaysians save more and ultimately, get more out of their journeys. Hopefully, forgoing the Touch ‘n Go top-up charges at all stations along NSE, NKVE, ELITE, ECE, and other Shell stations will give our customers one less worry when travelling or fuelling up at Shell during long journeys,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

10% surcharge for use of Touch ‘n Go cards at carparks to be removed

Details of the all-new Kia Sorento’s platform and powertrain revealed!

Following the release of the first official pictures of the all-new Kia Sorento that will have its global debut next month, the Korean carmaker has now revealed details of its new platform and powertrains. The latest Sorento will be the first SUV to use Kia’s new platform when production commences later this year.

The overall length of new Sorento is 10 mm more than its predecessor while the wheelbase is lengthened 35 mm to 2815 mm. The cabin is now claimed to provide more room than in many other midsize SUVs with intelligent packaging offering class-leading cargo space.

When the first-generation Sorento was launched in 2002, it sat on a robust body-on-frame chassis, a typical approach for most SUVs at that time. The shift to a monocoque structure – similar to passenger cars – for the second generation Sorento in 2009 marked a major change on-road character and behaviour.

Kia’s new midsize SUV platform represents a similarly important leap forward for the next-generation Sorento, allowing new standards to be set in its segment for space, practicality, efficiency and quality. The new platform positions the battery pack beneath the passenger cell so there is no impact on cabin or luggage space.

For Korea, Europe and North America, the structure and layout of the platform accommodates the new Smartstream turbocharged hybrid powertrain. Representing the first application of electrified power in the Sorento line-up, the new powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, and a 44.2 kW electric motor which draws energy from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The electrified powertrain produces a combined total output of 230 ps power and 350 Nm torque, with high levels of performance but low exhaust emissions.

There is also a new 4-cylinder 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine producing 202 ps/440 Nm. This is paired with Kia’s new 8-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT), developed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic while enhancing efficiency over dry clutch DCTs.

Another powertrain option is the Smartstream 2.5-litre T-GDi engine (281 ps/421 Nm) which is also paired with the new 8DCT. This turbocharged petrol engine combines direct injection and multi-point injection technology, enabling it to subtly adapt its combustion cycle at different engine speeds to enhance performance and efficiency in everyday use.

Additional powertrains will be announced in future, including petrol engines and a powerful new plug-in hybrid variant.

In addition to its new platform and powertrains, the new Sorento introduced a range of high-tech safety and convenience features said to differentiate it further from other midsize SUVs. It will have Kia’s first Multi-collision Brake system which can mitigate the severity of secondary collisions. This system automatically applies vehicle brakes when the airbags (up to 8 available) have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary frontal or side impacts.

In some markets, the Sorento will also have a remote smartphone Surround View Monitor option. This allows users to check the vehicle’s surroundings with their smartphone in conjunction with the in-vehicle Surround View Monitor to maximize parking convenience.

4th generation Kia Sorento will be its most high-tech model to date

Max Verstappen and Alex Albon test-drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar

Aston Martin has unleashed the power of three of its Valkyrie models, with Max Verstappen and Alex Albon – the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing drivers – getting their first taste of the revolutionary hypercar.

While each Formula 1 driver drove the first verification prototype (VP) that made its public debut at last year’s British Grand Prix (Aston Martin Valkyrie VP1), both VP2 and VP3 were taken round by the company’s high-performance test driver Chris Goodwin and Aston Martin Racing WEC drivers Darren Turner and Alex Lynn.

Each verification prototype, of which there will be 8 built in total, is subjected to a variety of intense testing programmes designed to develop and validate specific attributes that contribute to achieving the performance of the world’s fastest ever road-going hypercar. These programmes are focussed on supporting first customer deliveries starting in the second half of this year.

“This event has been an incredibly important step in Aston Martin Valkyrie’s story. To have three cars now running will see the rate of physical development for this exceptional hypercar increase exponentially. Both Max and Alex were really positive of the direction that we’re currently taking and could see that the ingredients for an exceptionally high-performing car are already there ready to be untapped. To have that second opinion and validation doesn’t mean the hard work is done already, but this is a great step on our journey,” said Goodwin.

8-time Grand Prix winner Verstappen came away elated by his first laps in the Valkyrie. He said: “I was here at Silverstone to watch the first runs of the Aston Martin Valkyrie at the British Grand Prix last year but of course it’s always better to be behind the wheel yourself! To be one of the first guys to drive an insane car like this was really exciting… it was amazing to get a first taste of it.”

“Of course, it’s still in the development phase but you can already feel the pace, which compared to a normal car is… pretty different! The Aston Martin Valkyrie and its levels of downforce are incredible, and it looks super aggressive. It was a lot of fun out there,” he added.

Albon was equally pleased with his drive. “It was incredibly exciting to have this opportunity to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the first thing that struck me was the visual aspect – it looks awesome! It also really feels like a racing car,” said the Thai driver.

“Obviously there’s still some development to do, but already it feels very good, especially the balance between the corners. It’s light; it feels sharp. Sure, compared to an F1 car, you’re missing the outright downforce, but you still feel the g-forces in the corners and it definitely reacts closer to an F1 car than a normal roadcar. It’s pretty special. I just need to get my hands on one!” he said.

Aston Martin Valkyrie will compete in Le Mans 2021

The world’s most exclusive tail light (w/VIDEO)

Ever since LEDs started to be used for lighting units on cars, designers have had greater freedom to create more striking and unique visual signatures with the front and rear lights. The lighting units from Glohh, a British company specialising in the design of specialist lighting for luxury automobiles, have stood out and drawn attention from owners wanting more exclusivity and individuality.

Following the 2018 introduction of their GL-5i taillight which quickly became a favourite amongst Land Rover Range Rover Sport owners and automotive tuning companies, the Glohh design team has now come out with GL-5x taillight that is the flagship product.

Direct fit for Range Rover Sport
The GL-5x is a direct replacement for the Range Rover Sport’s original tail lights. Alongside introducing features never seen on the luxury SUV, it is a straightforward upgrade; no additional components are needed to complete the installation. It complies with all stringent European ECE and US Department of Transportation regulations. Pricing starts from US$1,449 (about RM6,000) for markets outside Europe.

The GL-5x features a dark-polish lens, a world-first interchangeable aerodynamic fin, an enhanced ambient light value for reduced glare, better human eye sensation and a safer road presence. Inheriting the fundamental design characteristics of the GL-5i, the GL-5x utilises shades of grey fused with a transparent lens to add mystery and intensity to the original design. This formula allows the refined internal details, previously concealed by its predecessor, to become a core part of the GL-5x identity while emphasising the Range Rover Sport’s strong stance.

“Our continued evolution is driven by a devotion to fulfil our clients demand for unique, we achieve this feat by delivering the GL-5x, the most exquisite taillight in our line-up” said Lead Designer Dr. Faheem Rafiq. “As with all Glohh products, the new GL-5x rear light combines first-class craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and fine design. This time, we went a step further with the introduction of a world-first interchangeable aero-fin, available in Platinum Satin and High-Gloss Black finishes, designed to appeal to the most discerning clientele.”

Uniquely tailored aerodynamic fin
The world’s first interchangeable aerodynamic fin is available in two tailored profiles – AF+ and AF-Elite – both designed to channel airflow, reducing drag and increasing stability.

AF+ features exquisite lines for a clean and elegant integration of style while AF-Elite is a highly advanced aerofoil. It further streamlines the taillights wind-cheating functionality with the introduction of sharply styled strakes. Aesthetically, it delivers powerful lines for a bold and sporty appearance, fusing form and function.

Individuality and safety
To allow owners to further individualise the identity of their taillight, both aerodynamic fins are available in exclusive colour variants High-Gloss Black or Platinum Satin, a feature unseen on an automotive taillight.

With the GL-5x, safety remains a top priority, including the introduction of an enhanced dynamic indicator. Utilising 15 eco-low energy LEDs, the turn signal spans a wide 450 mm band and has been fine-tuned to deliver a signal that is 47% brighter. Output is further sharpened by a polycarbonate diffuser, designed to distribute highly homogenous light spanning a 125-degree range, making turn indications safer for all road users.