Akio Takeyama, the Chief Motorsports Officer of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), will be among the participants in this weekend’s Sepang 1,000-km race (S1K). Mr. Takeyama, who is also Deputy Chairman of UMWT, will be a member of Team Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia in his maiden endurance race.
Regular in Vios Challenge
Racing is not new to Mr. Takeyama as he has already competed in the Promotional class for two full seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race as well the third season which is ongoing. He will be using one of the two Toyota Vios racing cars prepared by Wing Hin Motorsports for the team. The cars will compete in the premier MTC class for modified production cars below 1600 cc using TRD race-prepared engines prepared at Wing Hin’s own facility in Balakong, Selangor.
Mr. Takeyama in his first season of racing in the Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival. It’s clear that the ‘racing bug’ must have bitten him as he has been a regular in the series which is now into its third season.
“Having only raced in the Vios Challenge for two and a half seasons, going into the S1K will be a totally new and exciting experience for me. I look upon it as a challenge and an opportunity for me to push my own boundaries. I also hope to pick up some valuable insights from my team who have a wealth of circuit racing experience,” said Mr. Takeyama.
His team mates will be former Toyota GAZOO Racing development driver Akira Iida and William Ho. The second Vios racing under Team Wing Hin Motorsports banner will feature Boy Wong and Dannies Ng who have also been taking part in the Vios Challenge.
Mr. Takeyama with his Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia team mates, Akira Iida (right) and William Ho (left).
Le Mans racer in the team
With six Le Mans 24-hour race finishes under his belt, Iida has been instrumental in developing Toyota GAZOO Racing’s competitive edge, particularly in the Japan Super GT series. He was also a key member of the ROOKIE Racing team that developed the Toyota 86 for Toyota Motor Corporation’s President Akio Toyoda and his son Daisuke Toyoda to race in the Super Endurance 24-hour Race in Fuji Speedway earlier this year.
Buoyed by the team’s impressive performance in the 2018 event where a Vios driven by the pairing of Boy Wong and William Ho scored a remarkable podium finish, Wing Hin Motorsports Principal Simon Loh is confident that the cars will be among the front-runners again in this year’s event.
Wing Hin Motorsports has been active in the local racing scene and in the 2018 S1K, a Vios prepared by the team and driven by the duo of Boy Wong and William Ho scored a remarkable podium finish.
“With the valuable data collected from last year’s event, the new parts we have secured through our collaboration with TRD and the immense experience of former Toyota GAZOO Racing development driver Akira Iida who will drive for us this year, I believe that we have the package to be competitive once again this year,” said Mr. Loh.
“The S1K is not just about outright pace but working in synergy as a team, getting your strategies in place and running a good pace throughout the event. With good partners such as Toyota, TRD, Moty’s lubricants and Motec behind us, both cars should be in top-running positions barring any on-track incident,” he added.
Race flags off this Saturday
The Sepang 1,000-km race is the highlight of the Malaysian circuit racing calendar each year with a starting grid of some 70 cars based on production models available in Malaysia. The race on the 5.45-km circuit will take over 8 hours to complete with the faster cars expected to clock over 180 laps.
The race will be flagged off with a rolling start around noon this Saturday November 23, with the chequered flag expected to fall at around 9 pm in the evening of the same day.
Aston Martin officially joins the SUV bandwagon today with the all-new DBX – the first SUV model in its 106-year history. It’s the culmination of a development programme that began when Dr. Andy Palmer joined Aston Martin Lagonda from Nissan as President & Group CEO in 2014 and made a SUV project one of the company’s priorities.
When you think back 5 years ago, there were no true benchmarks for the Aston Martin SUV to observe. It was a segment previously unexplored and bringing both the versatility and indulgence expected of a luxury SUV with sportscar levels was a bold new challenge for the company.
“DBX also marks a key moment in the delivery of the third and final phase of our Second Century Plan, not only representing the promised expansion of our portfolio but also signalling the start of production at Aston Martin’s second manufacturing plant,” said Dr. Palmer. “We have both delivered this model through our expertise, but also by garnering invaluable experience and knowledge from external counsel, including our Female Advisory Board. This is a real landmark for this great British brand, and I promise that DBX will reward all who experience it in their everyday lives.”
“DBX is a car that will give many people their first experience of Aston Martin ownership. As such, it needed to be true to the core values established in our sportscars, while also providing the lifestyle versatility expected of a luxury SUV.”
Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO
All-new platform, sportscar structure
The foundation of the DBX is a new dedicated SUV platform, something rarely seen across the sector. By taking such an approach, all departments within Aston Martin could innovate and push the boundaries of what British design and engineering can create, resulting in a truly remarkable product that has ‘British-ness’.
Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sportscars, the body structure is both very light and incredibly stiff, with an overall kerb weight of 2,245 kgs. The exceptional stiffness inherent in the design of the new platform has also enabled the DBX to achieve exceptional dynamics both on and off-road.
Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48V electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a huge breadth of ability. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45 mm or lower it by 50 mm, the air suspension gives the capability to tackle a wide range of terrain.
The eARC can limit the SUV’s body roll for handling that is much more akin to that of a sportscar than an SUV. This sophisticated system of adaptive air suspension, dampers and eARC allows for maximum ride comfort when transporting up to 5 occupants and their luggage, while maintaining a highly responsive and engaging dynamic capability.
Powered by a new version of the 550 ps/770 Nm 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine also used in DB11 and Vantage, the DBX has a sound character that is unquestionably Aston Martin. The active exhaust system ensures this is a luxury SUV that can sound refined one moment and exhilarating the next. But the soundtrack is not everything and to enhance fuel economy, the engine has cylinder deactivation. Yet it can also propel the DBX from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 290 km/h.
Transmitting this power and torque to the ground is a 9-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox, allied to an all-wheel drive system with active differentials. The drivetrain features an active central differential and an electronic rear limited slip differential (eDiff). This allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle.
First 5-seater Aston Martin
Aston Martin’s first ever full-size 5-seat model has been designed to be extremely adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyle needs and owners. It can accommodate the world’s 99th percentile male and 5th percentile female, which covers a broad range of heights. The use of sportscar seat packaging in the front not only provides the driver with exceptional support and long-distance driving comfort, but also provides knee and footwell clearance for those sitting behind.
Small touches throughout, including separate central armrests, glovebox design and the ergonomic positioning of the car’s key control systems, have been guided carefully by the input of the brand’s Female Advisory Board, dealership feedback and a variety of private focus groups held worldwide. Not limited to this area, the guidance provided has been key to the success of DBX’s overall design.
With 632 litres of boot space and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, the DBX possesses all the flexible load capacity expected of an SUV with class-leading interior space. The load space offers a practical and cleanly designed space. A narrow load sill and broad aperture maximises the practicality for a variety of luggage, such as suitcases, golf bags and ski equipment.
An industry first, both the headlining and electric roof blind are available in a luxurious Alcantara finish, providing a harmonious design, light obscuration and solar attenuation without compromising headroom. Throughout the cabin, DBX maintains an authenticity of materials, with judicious use of metal, glass and wood throughout the cabin.
Another design highlight includes the elegantly crafted bridged centre console allowing for both flexible storage below and a beautiful, architectural centrepiece. This feature keeps valuables close to hand while not occupying the passenger seat and away from dirt on the car’s floor mats. As part of ‘Q by Aston Martin’ – Aston Martin’s personalisation service – optional features of this centre console can be machined from a solid piece of wood, such as Walnut, for added tactility.
Framed by these materials is an abundance of technology. A 10.25-inch TFT screen sits elegantly flush in the centre console, while a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver. Apple CarPlay comes as standard (will DBX owners used only iPhones?), as does a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colours in two zones.
Sportscar style with SUV functionality
The DBX’s exterior combines the elegance of Aston Martin’s sportscars with the functional style of SUVs. However, the big story is about the aerodynamics which were an important consideration within the design process.
At the car’s front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof, through the rear wing, over the rear window and on to the rear flip. This unique approach and design detail allows the rear screen to self-clear on the move. Aerodynamic design has also played a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin’s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed.
Further adding to the desirability of DBX, the first 500 owners of this landmark model will benefit from an exclusive ‘1913 Package’. Fitted with a unique fender badge, sill plaques and an inspection plaque detailing its limited build-run; each of these first examples will be personally endorsed and inspected by Dr. Palmer. In addition, each customer will also receive a unique build-book signed by both Aston Martin’s CEO & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and an invitation to a regionally hosted Waldorf Astoria celebration cocktail party, hosted by a member of the Aston Martin Lagonda executive team.
As for the Malaysian market, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur is ready to accept bookings. The DBX will be priced from RM798,000.00 (excluding duties). For more information or to find out where to send your deposit cheque, call 03 2163 1196.
Audi’s future of electric is now further expanded with the launch of their second e-tron model line-up in the form of the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback. Combining a dynamic SUV coupe with Audi’s signature electrification, the new Audi e-tron Sportback promises great clean range together with state-of-the-art features. (more…)
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has launched the updated 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage and Attrage models with updated stylings and features for the Thailand market. The facelifted compact models are said to be launched in other markets in stages where they offer a much sharper and dynamic design cue with a touch of elegance for the interiors. (more…)
Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has announced that there will be no summonses issued for the first six months of 2020 for those who fail to apply the use of child car seats when travelling with children.
The ruling has been directed to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to ensure that fellow road users have ample time to adapt to the new ruling which will begin in January 2020. Authorities will, however, issue warnings and reminders to install the child car seats for their safety. (more…)
With positive response to the concept model of a convertible version of the Lexus LC 500 shown at the North American International Auto Show in January this year, Lexus decided to go ahead and make a production version. 10 months later, the new LC 500 Convertible has its global debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales will commence in selected markets from mid-2020.
Unveiled in stunning Morphic Blue – to be produced as a 300-unit limited-edition from launch – the LC 500 convertible artfully harnesses the coupe’s sleek contours and sleek proportions while further leveraging the LC design. Incidentally, this is only the third production convertible in the 30-year history of the brand.
The compact roof design allows the bootlid of the convertible to be lifted and widened to further emphasise the low and broad stance, while retaining the coupe’s flowing roofline and strong aerodynamic performance.
High-quality fabric roof design
Excellent packaging ensures the LC 500 convertible body is just 10 mm longer (4.76 metres) and 5 mm taller than the coupe, with a retained 4-seat capacity and near-identical luggage space. Carefully selected roof fabric ensures optimal tension and no wrinkling, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric.
The roof design is enhanced by Lexus’ signature attention to detail, confirming excellent thermal properties, superb refinement and effortless retraction in just 15 seconds while travelling at up to 50 km/h. The automatic folding mechanism stores the roof under an integrated tonneau cover when lowered, melding elegantly with the LC’s beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors to provide a tight and clean wrap-around appearance.
The beautifully crafted and indulgently specified interior is enhanced by exclusive door handles and ‘L’ embossed headrests with neck heaters inside the LC 500 convertible – supporting the leading comfort and luxury that is the Lexus DNA.
Focus on aerodynamics and quietness
A focus on aerodynamics around the beltline and rear mold design creates a space to feel the excitement of open-air driving without hindering conversation in the car. In combination with a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and impressive quietness achieved, it is claimed. Likewise, the audio system can adapt its performance to deliver the best sound quality depending on whether the roof is open or closed.
In colder climates, the Lexus Climate Concierge will maintain a comfortable environment within the seating area, taking into consideration whether the top is up or down. The appropriate adjustments will be made to the air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters and even steering wheel heater.
Active Noise Control (ANC), combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, supresses unwanted noises and unpleasant frequencies while emphasising the soundtrack of the 477 ps/540 Nm Lexus 5-litre V8 petrol engine (with a DirectShift-10 automatic transmission). A sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sound through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve further enhances the sound of the high output.
With the fabric roof and open top, additional safety provisions must be incorporated to protect the occupants in the event of a roll-over. Besides the strong structure around the windscreen and taller side airbags, there are also struts which will extend if the car turns upside down.
Rigidity level equal to coupe
A newly designed body structure also achieves a rigidity level equal to the coupe. For maximum strength and reduced weight, the front bow structure of the roof frame is produced in magnesium alloy. A strategically placed and shaped rear suspension tower brace is composed of lightweight die-cast aluminium to minimise added weight, and a Performance Damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort.
Exploiting the advantages of the GA-L front-and-rear multi-link rear-wheel drive platform, the LC 500 convertible features new Active Cornering Assist and active roll-bar technologies to further enhance the driving experience. A 52:48 weight distribution also shifts slightly rearward compared with the coupe.
