The Toyota GR Supra’s fundamental appeal is being a sportscar in its purest form, and a sportscar is at home on a racetrack. Thus it’s only appropriate that the company has developed an exclusive version which it calls the Jarama Racetrack Edition.
Only for Europe
Only 90 units of this version will be available, all for sale only in Europe. The ‘90’ is s subtle reference to the coupe’s model code which is ‘A90’ and the name is, of course, that of a well known racing circuit in Spain. In fact, that is where many of the world’s media had their first experience of the GR Supra two years ago.
The Jarama Racetrack Edition is visually distinguished by its unique Horizon Blue paintwork, contrasting with a matt black finish for its 19-inch forged alloy wheels and visible red-painted brake calipers.
Tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Under the long bonnet is the original, 340 bhp/500 Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six unit, tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the company’s high-performance unit. The engine output flows through a rapid-shift 8-speed sports automatic transmission. When using the car’s launch control system, 0 -100 km/h acceleration times is claimed to be 4.3 seconds.
‘Golden ratio’
The sports performance and handling are said to be every bit as rewarding as the regular GR Supra, founded on the car’s finely balanced chassis and the ideal ‘golden ratio’ between the wide track and short wheelbase.
A low centre of gravity, a lightweight and highly rigid body and aerodynamically efficient add to the car’s agility and stability. These qualities are optimised by performance-enhancing features including adaptive variable suspension (with NORMAL and SPORT settings), active differential, sports-tuned steering and powerful Brembo sports brakes with four-pot aluminium front callipers and 348 mm vented front discs.
Exclusive interior fittings
In the cabin the car’s special status is signified by a carbonfibre dashboard insert specifying its number in the production run and featuring an outline map of the Jarama circuit, plus the Toyota GR Supra logo. The interior is upholstered in black Alcantara with blue stitching and the seats are power-adjustable and have a memory setting and integrated heating.
Standard equipment which customers will get includes satellite navigation with 3D-mapping, smartphone integration (via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Supra Connect access to connected services and a 10-speaker audio system. Multimedia functions are controlled using an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, or (for certain functions) voice recognition.
The Supra Safety + Package provides a comprehensive range of active safety features, including a Pre-Collision System with a pedestrian detection function and the ability to recognise cyclists during daytime driving; Lane Departure Alert with steering assist; Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function; Adaptive High-beam System; Adaptive Front-light System, which adjust the headlight illumination in line with the car’s steering angle; and Road Sign Assist.
In Malaysia, the GR Supra is available through dealerships with the GR Garage (currently 5 outlets in Peninsular Malaysia). Prices start from RM589,987 (without insurance) and each unit comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
BMW’s iDrive interface has been around for some 20 years now and with each version, users – primarily the driver although it is also designed for passenger use – have gained better interaction and ‘intelligence’ with the system. Soon iDrive8 will make its debut in the new iX and i4 models with a new generation of displays, controls, software, and extremely powerful connectivity and data processing.
The new iDrive 8 can constantly process large amounts of not only self-generated data but also data collected from the BMW Group vehicle fleet to implement the driver’s wishes in a context-related way. Paving the way for greater personalization is BMW ID, a system which recognizes repetitive situations, learns from them and provides suggestions on how functions can be activated accordingly. Remote Software Upgrade allows the new iDrive to benefit from regular over-the-air improvements, integrate additional functions and stay up to date – without the owner having to bring the car to the service centre.
The integration of third-party apps is more comprehensive than ever too. The most important applications in each individual market around the world can be imported seamlessly into the vehicle’s operating system. The display and operation of these apps will be familiar to customers from their smartphones, expanding the functionality of in-car systems.
Simplifying management of systems
BMW’s iDrive appeared in 2001 with the 7-Series of that model year. It ushered in a new era of in-car operating technology with the aim of getting a grip on the constantly expanding array of functions. As more and more electronic systems could be incorporated for safety, comfort or convenience, it was important that the driver manage them easily and intuitively.
The original iDrive Controller in the 2001 7-Series.
A second Controller was also provided for rear occupants to manage the iDrive, with a screen between the seats,
BMW’s paradigm shift with the iDrive minimized the buttons and controls throughout the cockpit and in their place was a colour screen in the centre of the instrument panel (the control display) and a rotary dial on the centre console (the iDrive Controller). This multifunctional system allowed drivers to control a large number of vehicle settings, entertainment, navigation and telecommunications functions with a single operating tool. Within the space of a few years, iDrive effectively became the new industry standard and proved to be extremely future proof.
20 years later, the developers and designers focusing on user interaction and on the user experience have faced a new set of challenges – a constant stream of new functions is joining the fray, functions are gaining in complexity all the time, and operating them needs to become easier and more natural.
The BMW cars of today are intelligent and able to build a detailed picture of their surroundings and make sense of it using modern sensors and data processing. They are permanently connected to the BMW Cloud and therefore benefit from the combined computing power, long-term and real-time data, machine learning, and swarm intelligence generated by the 14 million connected BMW vehicles out on the roads.
The developers of the new iDrive have carried over the car’s expanded technical abilities into an all-embracing user experience distinguished by its intelligent symbiosis of hardware and software. Looking ahead, the car will become an increasingly smart and automated device which maintains a natural dialogue with the user. This interaction will involve the user simply making iDrive aware of their wishes and requests, while the system learns how its user behaves, comes up with suggestions in real time (based on an extensive pool of detailed knowledge) and actively proposes them to the driver – who then only needs to confirm.
What began with the introduction of a rotary dial and a digital display is now an all-encompassing, intelligent, multi-sensory experience tailored to the user. It brings about another paradigm shift – this time to a natural dialogue between the user and their vehicle: more intuitive, personal, but also engaging.
The new iDrive 8
The first BMW vehicle to receive the new iDrive 8 system will be the iX all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). In order to provide an improved interactive experience with this more technologically sophisticated and complex product, voice control and touch functions of the BMW Curved Display are prioritized. The number of buttons and switches has been reduced by almost half compared to current vehicles. At the same time, control clusters for relevant and frequently used basic functions are retained where customers expect to find them.
The control panels on the center console and instrument panel have an all-new minimalist design. The familiar iDrive Controller is the central control element. The Touch Controller is designed in an extremely smart glass-effect finish while the colour and materials used for the centre console give it a very sophisticated appearance.
The Controller is enclosed by a panel with a High-gloss Black frame, a glass-effect surface and white backlit buttons. On the centre console, the control surface with active haptic inputs subdivided by feeler bars is used to select the iDrive menus, My Modes and other functions. The Controller, the rocker switch for gear selection, the audio roller control and the seat adjustment buttons can also be specified in an optional polished crystal finish.
The new generation of iDrive brings with it a new design language with eye-catching graphics, modern colors, futuristic textures and forms and expanded use of light to create an immersive visual experience. At the same time, the user interface has been optimized to present just the right amount of information in an easy-to-understand way.
The extensive individualization options available for the screens in the instrument display can be accessed quickly via the function keys on the steering wheel. The two-axis operating system enables user-friendly vertical list navigation of on-screen content with the rotating key, as well as toggling between menus by tilting the key horizontally.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
The new generation of iDrive also brings additional abilities for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. For a more personal interaction, users can still give the system a name of their choice, which they then use as a prompt. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has an important role to play in creating a natural dialogue between the user and their vehicle. The personal assistant is the central interaction interface with the user – the ‘face’ of the in-car intelligence.
To also enable non-verbal communication with the vehicle occupants in the future, the user experience designers gave the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant a visual form that also allows it to display gestures. This was based on studies with test persons who were asked to answer selected questions non-verbally. Their movements were recorded, and patterns were established in how certain moods and activities were expressed. These patterns were carried over to the new geometry of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s visual image with the help of insights from art, as used in the making of animated films.
The personal assistant follows the shy tech principle of design in terms of how and where it is visible. When it is spoken to, it appears in a fluid animation on the relevant screen (information or center control) area and spreads out over the displays. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can distinguish who is talking to it. If the driver is actively engaged, the Intelligent Personal Assistant’s visual image appears in the right-hand area of the information display or in the BMW Head-Up Display and signals its readiness to accept spoken instructions. If prompted by the front passenger, the assistant’s image appears in the right-hand area of the BMW Curved Display
When interacting with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and using the new iDrive 8, drivers benefit from increased personalization of the user experience based on the BMW ID. Current BMW ConnectedDrive customers are able to use their existing credentials to access their BMW ID. In future, it will be possible to securely store more personalized settings in the BMW ID and transfer them between vehicles. Once the BMW ID has been loaded, the driver will receive a personal greeting which will include the customized profile image that can be uploaded in the My BMW App.
Technology and connectivity
The iDrive 8 is the most powerful and encompassing technology ever created by BMW. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the software scopes for the iDrive system. Today, BMW’s iDrive handles a wide array of tasks that extend far beyond a conventional display and operating concept. These range from integrating telematics and connected services to data processing and preparation, connecting to devices and deep integration of third-party apps or projected modes, as well as seamless integration of cloud-based services like BMW Maps.
The BMW Group has been developing the central control unit and software integration platform in-house, entirely on Linux since 2013. Having complete control over software is crucial for creating a stable, upgradeable, high-quality system that distinguishes the brand. In the past, the BMW display and iDrive system has been overhauled on average every 3 years, a cycle that is roughly half as long as the complete product development cycle for a vehicle.
In the era of fast-paced digital development, it is no longer enough to completely update a model’s digital features every three years, and this resulted in a fundamental change of approach in 2018. The arrival of Remote Software Upgrade means owners have been able to keep their vehicle up to date with the latest software at all times. New functions can be imported quickly and easily over the air, either using the car’s built-in SIM card or via the My BMW App. Remote Software Upgrade has a crucial role to play in the new iDrive 8 by offering the possibility of performing extremely complex and large software updates in areas such as driving assistance and partial automation.
5G mobile technology
The iX will be the first premium model available worldwide that is compatible with 5G mobile technology. 5G offers extremely high data bandwidth and low latency – meaning fast data transmission – and also expands the possibilities for connectivity between the vehicle and its environment. It forms the basis for real-time reception and transmission of large volumes of data and sensor system information to the BMW Cloud. Together with the quality of service offered by the 5G network, this will bring about significant enhancements and innovations in the areas of entertainment, infotainment, automated driving and road safety. The iDrive 8 has been prepared for making optimum use of the data speeds offered by 5G.
BMW iX, an all-electric SAV, will be the first model to have the new iDrive 8 system.
Castrol is bringing back its annual Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia for 2021 and as in 2019, the event honours mechanics throughout Malaysia, being the only one of its kind in the country. Castrol is honouring mechanics’ dedication to the automotive service profession throughout March 2021 through a fully virtual experience with social media activations, giveaways and advertising.
These experiences aim to increase awareness for mechanics’ importance to Malaysian society and how they keep the economy moving though trying times of the pandemic. The campaign features a social media contest and is themed ‘Beat of Mechanics’.
Social media users who participate will be required to demonstrate their talent for dance moves by making a short video of their own, based on the #beatofmechanics music and predefined choreography displayed in the video coupled with their own creativity. The short video must also feature a vehicle, as a tribute to mechanics.
Through this celebratory contest, Castrol aims to promote appreciation of the work and contribution of mechanics behind the scenes, as well as highlight the brand’s continuous commitment to bringing new and engaging experiences for the community.
Over the past 12 months, vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, logistic trucks and delivery vehicles have been heavily depended on by essential services to support Malaysians staying at home – contributing to the country’s recovery from the pandemic. Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia aims to recognise mechanics across the country who continue to perform vehicle maintenance and repairs as equal contributors to our nation.
“We are immensely pleased to be able to celebrate so many inspiring Malaysian mechanics that have gone the extra mile through these challenging times. We at Castrol believe that mechanics display the unwavering spirit of Malaysians. Their unyielding passion, commitment and dedication they continue to demonstrate is evident in how patients, goods, and workers continue to arrive at their destination safely.” said Castrol Malaysia & Singapore Marketing Director, Keow Mei-Shan.
“We know people are turning to social media more than ever to stay in touch with family and friends, and the fully virtual campaign will make it easy for them to share their support and appreciation for our mechanics” she added.
Among the seven Special Edition models that Honda Malaysia has prepared to celebrate passing the 1 million vehicle milestone for locally-assembled vehicles from its plant in Melaka, the Accord is one of the older model lines. In fact, like the Civic, the model has been assembled in Malaysia since the first generation, and it has contributed significantly to enhancing the brand image as well as volume growth over the years.
Just one lucky customer will be the owner of the money-cannot-buy Accord Special Edition offered in the ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign that is now on. It ends on March 24, 2021 and there are 6 ways which the public can obtain entries for submission to be in the running for one of the seven exclusive models.
Like the other Special Edition models, the Accord Special Edition comes with exclusive features on the exterior – a Dual-Tone finish (with black roof), red highlight line on the black grille, red highlight line on the door mirrors, red highlights on the 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish and of course, the ‘1 Million Dreams’ emblem.
Inside the executive sedan, the leather upholstered front seats have an embossed ‘1 Million Dreams’ signature as well as a plaque on the dashboard. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and has sporty red stitching as well as a red mark at the 12 o’clock position, a visual indicator often found on sportscars to keep the driver aware of where the wheels are pointing.
The Accord Special Edition has the trim and equipment level of the flagship variant, the Accord 1.5 TC-P which has a retail price of around RM188,000. Although earlier generations had larger engines – up to 3.5 litres – today’s Accord uses an a small powerplant which has been developed in line with the industry’s downsizing trends. With Earth Dreams technology and turbocharging, the 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine can produce up to 201 ps of power, with 268 Nm of torque coming in from as low as 1,600 rpm. While the top speed is at 190 km/h, fuel consumption can be up to almost 16 kms per litre (factory testing) with a CVT.
Besides having all the features that make it suitable as an executive sedan, the Accord Special Edition also has many safety systems to protect the occupants. Top of the list is Honda SENSING, an integrated suite of active safety systems that help the driver to avoid accidents. In some cases, the systems may act autonomously, activating Automatic Emergency Braking to prevent a collision, if the driver does not take appropriate action in time.
There are also systems that provide monitoring, eg the Driver Attention Monitor which will detect if the driver is drowsy by the way the car is being controlled. There is also a monitor for tyre pressures and the driver will be alerted if there is sudden deflation.
A small camera on the left door mirror provided a real-time view along that side of the car, acting as a blindspot monitor called Honda LaneWatch. The view is displayed on the screen on the dashboard, appearing whenever the left signal is activated. In all lighting condition, the driver will be able to spot other vehicles nearby, avoiding a potential accident.
The Accord Special Edition also comes with a Multi-View Camera System which provides 360-degree coverage. The driver is able to see the ground situation on all sides of the car, a great help when parking in a tight spot.
Each owner of a Special Edition model will also receive this exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.
The lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.
Visit any authorized Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.
The Accord was the second global model to be assembled in Malaysia, initially at Oriental Assemblers in Johor. The first generation, available in hatchback and sedan bodystyles, was assembled from the late 1970s. Like the Civic, the hatchback was eventually discontinued as sales were low. The seventh generation was the first one to be assembled at Honda Malaysia’s own plant in Melaka from 2004. In its time, the Accord has had a leadership position among executive sedans, contributing to Honda’s strong presence in the market.
Car interiors have changed a lot from when drivers really did store gloves in the glove compartment, as the metal and wooden steering wheels of early vehicles got ice cold in winter. Believe it or not, house windows were used in cars initially – and only offered as an extra. And while windscreens could be opened in the early years, they became sealed when air-conditioning appeared.
As motoring became a leisure activity, cupholders became popular, especially in America. And automatic cigarette lighters were added at some point to provide convenience to the occupants, instead of having to strike a match.
Then came things like radios for entertainment on the road. Post-war dashboards were influenced by the space race, with more dials, switches and gauges, as technology became increasingly a key part of people’s lives. The advent of video games and the use of hand-held gaming controls influenced steering wheel design, with buttons placed within easy reach of the driver’s thumbs.
The evolution of the interior is ongoing as times change and usage requirements have changed as this video shows.
More but ‘less’
While the trend in recent decades was towards ‘more’ in the car interior to provide more ‘convenience’ – more buttons, more gadgets, more features, more elements – Ford is taking a reductive approach, using human-centric design to declutter the interior and create a holistic space.
Reductive design is intended to provide drivers with a more comfortable and simpler environment. In the case of the Mustang Mach-E, this includes a large, centralised touchscreen that consolidates many of the in-car controls in one place.
“When we think about how cars have changed, we think of what they look like from the outside, but it is from the inside that drivers and passengers see them most of the time,” said Amko Leenarts, Director, Design, Ford of Europe. “It’s been an incredible journey to the dynamic, holistic interior of the Mustang Mach-E, which does more with less while putting all the important controls within easy reach. And we will continue to take this approach with future vehicles, by listening to our customers and designing interiors that best suit their needs.”
Entirely new approach
To step inside the Mustang Mach-E is to encounter an interior unlike any Ford vehicle that came before it. The all-new design is the culmination of refining the things that customers want – spaciousness, technology and a perception of ‘warmth’. It is claimed to be a benchmark on the road towards electrification.
The smooth dashboard with integrated speaker is the latest iteration in an ongoing sear ch to make driving and travelling as enjoyable an experience as possible. For example, wireless charging pads and a digital owner’s manual do away with the need for cables and paper
The driver’s ‘cockpit’ continues to evolve, as shown by these two pictures of the Ford Ranger’s interior in 2003 (above) and in 2021 (below).
“New electrified vehicles with flat floors from front to back provide more spaciousness and offer designers a blank canvas on which to create interiors that place people at the centre of the design,” Leenarts said.
Understanding future needs
To better understand the younger generation of digital natives and anticipate future trends, Ford embarked last year on a unique project: co-creating a virtual gaming race car in collaboration with gamers. Almost a quarter-of-a-million esports fans took part in online polls to help determine the appearance of our extreme Team Fordzilla P1 race car – inside and out.
With greater connectivity and telematics, dashboards will have less physical switchgear and controls, and more touchscreens to manage every function, along with voice command and control.
“The P1 race car was all about streamlining the features down to the gaming essentials, such as speed, race position and lap time. Together with the toned down colour palette, this reduces distraction so the driver can focus on the race. We can also apply a minimalist approach to designing the interiors of the future, where what goes in is what customers want the most,” said Robert Engelmann, interior designer, Ford of Europe.
Visit www.sdacford.com.my to find out more about the advanced interior design of the Ford Ranger.
Since its establishment in 2000, Honda Malaysia’s position in Malaysia has constantly grown, with volumes and market share increasing year after year. In 2003, it began assembly operations at its own plant in Melaka, with the firm commitment to use as much local content to meet the government’s expectations of the local industry.
New models were added each year and today, Malaysians have a wide variety of models, all assembled locally, enabling their pricing to be attractive. The popularity of Honda vehicles has never been higher with the brand maintaining its leading position in the non-national category.
This year, the cumulative volume of vehicles assembled at the Melaka plant and sold throughout the country passed the 1 million mark, 18 years after the first vehicle rolled rolled out. To commemorate this significant milestone, Honda Malaysia is having the ‘1 Million Dreams Campaign’ this month to show its appreciation to customers for their support in this achievement.
During the campaign period, which will run until March 24, 2021, the company will be having various activities and will also be giving away 7 vehicles to lucky customers. These are Special Editions with very exclusive features – money cannot buy – on each of them. The Special Editions are of each of the current locally assembled models – the BR-V, Jazz, City, HR-V, Civic, Accord and CR-V.
The exclusive features on the exterior are a Dual-Tone finish (with black roof), red highlight line on the black grille, red highlight line on the door mirrors, red highlights on wheels with a black finish and of course, the ‘1 Million Dreams’ emblem.
Inside, the leather upholstered front seats have an embossed ‘1 Million Dreams’ signature as well as a plaque on the dashboard. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and has sporty red stitching as well as a red mark at the 12 o’clock position, a visual indicator often found on sportscars to keep the driver aware of where the wheels are pointing.
Each owner of a Special Edition model will also receive this exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.
Other than the cosmetic exclusive features, the technical aspects of the cars are similar to the top variants of each model. In the case of the Civic Special Edition, this would be the 1.5 TC-P with a turbocharged 4-cylinder VTEC engine. This 1.5-litre engine, developed with Earth Dreams Technology, produces 173 ps with 220 Nm of torque, more than the 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine available in another Civic variant.
With a CVT delivering power smoothly and efficiently to the front wheels, the Civic is capable of a top speed of 200 km/h after getting to 100 km/h within 8.2 seconds from taking off. Stopping power from high speeds is assured with disc brakes on all four wheels, the front ones being ventilated for fade-free performance.
The Civic comes with an extensive list of convenience features that include keyless entry with pushstart button for starting/stopping the engine, paddle shifters, cruise control, and 8-way adjustment for the driver’s seat. The engine can also be started from a distance, allowing the air-conditioner to be activated to cool down the interior before getting in.
Advanced engineering is used to protect the passengers in the event of an accident. Besides the G-CON collision safety body technology designed to withstand collisions with vehicles of other sizes, the Civic also has Honda SENSING to help the driver avoid accidents. Honda SENSING has been introduced in recent years, bringing an integrated suite of active systems for drive assistance. These include Automatic Emergency Braking which activates if the driver doesn’t take the appropriate action if a collision might occur.
Besides the rearview camera which shows different angles, the Civic also comes with Honda LaneWatch, an innovative feature which functions as a Blind Spot monitor for the left side of the car. Instead of just a sensor and warning light or icon, the system gives the driver a real-time image of the area along the side of the car (when the left signal is activated). The image, captured by a small camera on the door mirror, is displayed on the monitor in the middle of the dashboard. This reduces the amount of turning that the driver’s head must make and the image also gives a better idea of what sort of hazard might be in the blind spot.
While the Civic Special Edition cannot be purchased, there are three variants of the Civic available for those who want to own this model. Priced from around RM114,000 – RM140,000, they come with a choice of two engines.
As for the Civic Special Edition, there are 6 ways (shown on the chart below) for you to become the owner of the exclusive model. Basically, you get a number of entries for certain Honda-related activities and obviously, the more entries you can get and submit, the greater your chances of winning. If you are Honda Touch (a smartphone app) user, you get 5x bonus entries so it’s worthwhile to download the app.
The lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.
Visit any authorised Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.
Although Honda began assembly in Malaysia in the early 1970s with the N360 model, it was the Civic that was the first global model assembled locally towards the end of the same decade, initially at the Oriental Assemblers plant in Johor. The Civic Sedan which joined the hatchback in the 1980s, quickly became a popular model and eventually, Honda Malaysia ceased producing the hatchback locally. When Honda Malaysia set up its own plant, the Civic Sedan was added to the line and in 2007, it had the honour of being the 100,000th vehicle (below) to roll out from the plant in Melaka.
