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New Bentayga Speed now available in Malaysia

Building on a long tradition of Speed models that was born with the Continental GT in 2007, the Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proven by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.

The latest Bentayga Speed – the fastest SUV in the world – is now available in Malaysia, joining the other Bentley models offered by Bentley Kuala Lumpur. The handbuilt SUV has the vaunted W12 powertrain and many of the model’s luxurious features are standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.

Power, performance and agility
The new Bentayga Speed utilises the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 ps/900 Nm, the full amount of torque generated from 1500 rpm and available to 5000 rpm. It gives the SUV a claimed maximum speed of 306 km/h, while the 0 – 100 km/h sprint can be done in 3.9 seconds.

2021 Bentayga Speed — *The 6-litre W12 engine accounts for 10% of the time taken to build a Bentayga Speed.*

While pursuing high performance, Bentley’s engineers have not forgotten the need to use fuel efficiently and also keep exhaust emissions down. To achieve this, the engine control unit can deactivate one complete bank of six cylinders as required. Switching between A and B Bank using information from the inlet and exhaust sensor, minimises cylinder and catalytic convertor cool-down and avoids spikes in exhaust emissions. This not only benefits CO2 emissions but also enables significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions.

Four Drive Dynamics modes are available for the driver to use according to personal preference or conditions. Uniquely in the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride.

The Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive.

The Bentayga Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight saving of more than 20 kgs over iron brakes.

Purposeful exterior
To complement the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts, unique front and rear bumpers and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the performance credentials. At the rear, the exhaust finishers are now the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain.

Customers can choose from 17 standard paint colours, supplemented by a further 47 hues in the Extended and Mulliner ranges… with an additional 24 duo-tone options. If the customer still cannot find something appealing from these 88 choices, Bentley can have the bodywork colour-matched to any sample they provide. This exceptional range is complemented by a palette of 15 hide colours, 6 colour splits and 8 veneers with 2 technical finishes.

Dramatic design theme within
Inside, the Bentayga Speed has a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance. The unique Speed colour split is achieved through the use of dark colours enhanced by primary hide accents running throughout the seats and interior trim. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console.

‘Speed’ seat embroidery on the backrest of all the seats is included as standard, and as a no-cost option, customers can choose to replace the ‘Speed’ embroidery with that of the Bentley logo.

A new contrast stitching design through the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification (included as standard) is unique to Speed, with each of the stitch lines running through the quilting being split – one to match the leather, the other in the contrast colour.

There is also the option of the Black Specification, a striking package that replaces all exterior chrome work, bright detailing and some elements of the body with gloss black or carbonfibre versions. With this package, the standard roof spoiler is replaced with a curved carbonfibre version.

50% of sales tax exempted
The Bentayga Speed is priced from RM1,062,000 (excluding all taxes and insurance). With the recent announcement that the exemption of sales tax will continue till the end of 2021, there will be considerable savings with half of the applicable sales tax removed.

For now, viewing the Bentley Speed won’t be possible as the Bentley Kuala Lumpur showroom is closed during the FMCO period from June 1 – June 14, 2021.

How Bentley ensures the highest quality for its cars

Winners of 20th Toyota Eco Youth program announced

One of the longest running environmental program for Malaysian youth has reached its 20^th edition this year. It’s the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program organised by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The 20th edition recently came to a satisfying and exciting conclusion with the announcement of the Top 5 winning teams from secondary schools around Malaysia. A total of 16 teams participated in the program which had a revised format and presentation due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome the new challenges and limitations brought on by the Movement Control Order (MCO), the activities were moved online with interactive e-learning lessons and workshops. In all previous years, TEY activities involved face-to-face interactions but the need for social distancing and to protect each other meant that this approach could no longer be used.

During the online sessions, the participants were trained on project management skills that incorporate Toyota’s Problem-Solving Methodology. This new e-learning approach, conceived within a few months, proved so successful that it will be adopted for future programs.

This year’s program had the theme of ‘Reimagining Mobility’, with the spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas as the foundation to this theme which depicts the creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility.

The winning teams
Following the final judging phase after each of the 10 finalists made their respective ‘pitches’ with live presentations on May 29, 2021, the winning teams were chosen. They are, in first place, Maktab Tentera Diraja, Kuala Lumpur (We-Sea-It Smart Tool); second place, SMAP Labu, Negeri Sembilan (UCOnverter Smart Tool); third place, SMK Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (Recybin App); fourth place, SMK Chung Hua, Sarawak (Recyclo Smart Tools), and in fifth place, SMJK Katholik, Selangor (MOSS AFV Smart Tools).

*The winning team from Maktab Tentera Diraja with their project that developed the ‘We-Sea-It Smart Tool’ that can help to address microplastics pollution in water sources.*

SMK Saujana Utama, Selangor won recognition for the ‘Best Community Engagement’, with Noor Liyana Shamsudin from Maktab Tentera Diraja nominated as the ‘Most Supportive Teacher’. Three students were selected as the Top ‘Agent M’ – Hani Nabila from SMAP Labu, Negeri Sembilan; Lim Bo Jing from SMJK Katholik, Selangor and Muhammad Uwais Darwis from SMK Majakir, Sabah.

Increased prize money
For 2021, the total prize money has been doubled to RM64,000 to further reward ingenuity amongst the youth. This year, the winning team received RM20,000 in cash, followed by RM15,000 for second place; RM 10,000 for third place; RM7,000 for fourth place and RM5,000 for fifth place. The Most Supportive Teacher was rewarded with RM3,000 and RM1,000 each was offered for Best Community Engagement and Top Agent M.

The Closing Ceremony was conducted live via a virtual platform with Dato’ Haji Adzman bin Talib, Deputy Director-General of Education Malaysia (School Operational Sector), Ministry of Education, as the Guest of Honour. Also present for the virtual gathering was Mohd. Shamsor Mohd. Zain, Director of Marketing, UMW Toyota Motor, as well as other senior representatives from the Ministry of Education and UMWT.

Holistic learning experience
“This year’s Toyota Eco Youth program reflected the adaptability of the new generation to embrace technological advancements and take on an innovative approach in solving the environmental problems. The fundamental training which is the Toyota Problem-Solving methodology was done virtually and I’m proud to say that all students were extremely receptive towards it,” said Encik Mohd Shamsor.

“Throughout the program, with the guidance of teachers and mentors, the participants would have learnt team spirit, confidence, communication, presentation skills, all of which encompass a more holistic learning experience,” he added.

The well-thought proposals of the 16 teams were posted on social media channels for the public to view. Additionally, each team developed a podcast episode presented on the TEY Channel in two platforms – Agency on Leaderonomics FM and On TEY Channel.

Winners continue involvement
For the winners, the program does not end, as it did in previous years. The duration of the program will now be for 3 years and the winners from the 2020/2021 edition will continue as facilitators for the following year’s batch. They will thus be able to contribute their experience to the next batch. At the same time, digitalization of TEY is taken up a notch by setting up a TEY Apprentice online club.

About the Toyota Eco Youth program
Over the course of two decades, participants in the TEY have included 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers. Each year, challenging and interesting themes have been provided, and participants have come up with interesting, innovative solutions and proposals applicable to their school or community. Over RM7 million has been spent by UMWT to run the program annually.

“Toyota Eco Youth is a unique event in the Toyota world. Toyota Motor Corporation and UMW Toyota Motor are proud to be playing a part in cultivating environmental consciousness and innovative thinking for the young generation. It is assuring to know that the next generation will be ready to face new challenges that arise as we all strive to make our planet a better place for everyone,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

Toyota to build a prototype city of the future in Japan! (w/VIDEO)

Czinger 21C hypercar ready to go into production with final spec confirmed

Czinger (actually pronounced ‘zinger’), the company that uses an in-house invented Human-AI (Artificial Intelligence) production system to build its vehicles, has unveiled the final production spec of its 21C hypercar. This is the first model in a series of exclusive performance vehicles – only 80 units – created in part using additive manufacturing technologies. Each component manufactured using this technology is computationally engineered using AI, optimized for weight and performance, and is beautifully finished by hand.

1:1 power-to-weight ratio
The latest version has significant updates since its first public introduction in March 2020 just before the cancelled Geneva International Motor Show. The changes include a revised width of 2050 mm. With 1,250 bhp and a dry weight under 1240 kgs, the 21C is said to achieve a true 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. All the power generated by the hybrid powertrain goes to the road via an all-wheel drive system and ultra-light, sequential 7-speed automated manual gearbox.

The hybrid powertrain, developed in-house, incorporates a 2.88-litre V8 petrol engine with twin turbochargers positioned mid-vehicle. It is supplemented by 2 high-output electric motors, each powering a front wheel with torque vectoring. The redline is at 11,000 rpm, and customers can also opt for an upgrade which will add another 100 bhp.

The 21C V8 is designed to use a range of fuels, including carbon-recycled methanol and other e-fuels. This will enable it to be run as a zero-emission vehicle.

Top speed of 450 km/h
The hypercar has a top speed claimed to be up to 450 km/h in optional low-drag vmax configuration. Putting the driver and passenger in the centre position for ultimate weight distribution, aero and driver engagement, its claimed 0 to 100 km/h is 1.9 seconds, with 0 to 400 km/h in 21.3 seconds. At 160 km/h, its aerodynamic features and design can generate 615 kgs of downforce, increasing to 2,500 kgs at 320 km/h.

Patented production system
The hypercar is designed, built, and manufactured in Los Angeles using advanced technology tools that are integrated into a patented production system. This system includes automated AI-based design and optimization software, patented additive manufacturing driven processes, high accuracy automated assembly and novel performance materials. This revolutionary technology enables Czinger’s design and engineering team to unlock performance and styling not before seen in the automotive industry.

Computationally engineered, printed and assembled, each component is at the frontier of theoretical performance. For example, the front upper control arm is hollow with internal structures allowing it to achieve significant mass savings compared to a traditional tooled variant, thereby greatly reducing unsprung mass and further driving the 21C’s dominating performance.

Both of the fully homologated specifications of the 21C can be highly customized, and it is unlikely that anyone will pay the base price of US$1.7 million (about RM7.01 million) for a standard model. When the prototype was unveiled over a year ago, the plan was to deliver the first cars in early 2021. However, the pandemic would have upset the development and production timetable and Czinger is not giving saying when it can complete the cars.

Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar – 1,233 bhp and 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds! (w/VIDEOS)

Fuel Price Updates For June 3 – June 9, 2021

Sime Darby Motors/SpareXHub offer up to 90% discount for selected genuine Ford and Hyundai spare parts

Sime Darby Motors and e-Commerce partner SpareXHub is having a 10-day long clearance sale with discounts up to 90% on selected aged genuine Ford and Hyundai vehicle spare parts. The virtual sale is taking place online at www.sparexhub.com until June 10, 2021.

“Our partnership with SpareXHub acts as a vehicle for Sime Darby Motors to provide our loyal customers access to over 3,000 Hyundai and 4,000 Ford genuine aged spare parts, ranging from service items such as filters and sensors, to body parts, such as bumpers and windscreens,” said Alan Scott Gascoyne, Head of Aftersales, Malaysia Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.

“Sime Darby Motors has embarked on the digital transformation journey in many aspects of our business and is integrating digital retail options into our existing operations. This hybrid initiative with SpareXHub helps us meet the needs of online customers and aftermarket players to purchase selected genuine aged spare parts,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution for Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors.

Mr. Gan added that aftersales is an important part of the company’s business, and this initiative will allow customers to continue to maintain their vehicles with the manufacturer’s recommended genuine spare parts even after the warranty period has expired. “Additionally, customers can continue to enjoy the performance, comfort and safety aspects of their vehicle without compromise due to parts pricing,” Mr. Gan said.

*Get genuine rear suspension parts for less money.*

About SpareX Hub
SpareXHub is a trusted e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts. With more than 100+ years of combined experience, the team can curate and pick the right spare parts for customers seamlessly. Using the B2B2C approach, SpareXHub is ready to cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and even individual vehicle owners. There is no compromise on quality as all the parts are 100% genuine and original, ideal for those vehicles that have finished their warranty period.

For more information on product and pricing and to take advantage of this grand clearance sale, visit www.sparexhub.com or leave a message on SpareXHub’s website or Facebook page.

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

McLaren Elva joins LEGO Speed Champions series

The Elva is a very exclusive model from McLaren – only 149 units are being built and the first customers will receive their cars towards the end of this year. You too can have one in your home – and 6 months earlier than the first owner – as the newest collaboration between the supercar maker and LEGO sees the launch of the Speed Champions McLaren Elva this month. You’ll also pay a lot less as the car is priced at £17.99 (about RM105) on LEGO.com, LEGO stores, and other retailers globally.

“As a forward-thinking luxury brand, it is important to us at McLaren Automotive that who we work with reflects and echoes our passion for innovation and technology and also the value that we place around inspiring future generations through great design. This is why the collaboration between McLaren and the LEGO Group is such a natural fit, with both brands using creativity and learning to inspire and develop the builders and engineers of tomorrow,” said Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Automotive.

*The LEGO version of the Elva and the full-sized model (below).*

Close cooperation from conception stage
The LEGO team worked closely with McLaren to create the model right from conception of the idea when the real Elva was still in early development, all the way through the design process. They received initial sketches and early digital renders of the car, which is why it is already in the market before the real car.

Inspired by the lightest and most innovative McLaren supercar yet, this latest model offers those who build it a different from of enjoyment from the driver engagement and ultimate driving enjoyment the full-size Elva will give its owner. The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Elva measures over 4 cm high, 16 cm long and 7 cm wide.

Authentic detailing
The Elva has no roof, windscreen or windows (although there will be a variant with a windscreen), making for an unforgettable driving experience like that of being on a motorcycle. Its Active Air Management System (AAMS) uses aerodynamics to control the airflow, creating a ‘bubble’ around the occupants and sheltering them from the blast of the oncoming wind.

Just like the real thing, the 263-piece LEGO set comes with a wide chassis, incorporating the 2-seat open cockpit, and authentic detailing including the AAMS vents that make the Elva so innovative and unique.

Also included in the kit is a McLaren driver minifigure, complete with racing suit, helmet and wrench, inspired by McLaren Automotive’s Principal Development Engineer for the Ultimate Series, Rachel Brown. Rachel has worked on incredible vehicle projects like the McLaren Senna GTR, and also supported the design and creation of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR released in January this year.

Her role follows McLaren Ultimate Series models, including the Elva, all the way from concept to production and managing elements such as track and aerodynamic wind tunnel testing.

“It is amazing to have witnessed the Elva go from a boundary-pushing concept drawing all the way to final vehicle production. It feels even more special now to see all of that hard work transformed into the LEGO Speed Champions Elva model for us to share with children and fans across the world,” she said.