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BMW i8 headed to retirement as a future Classic

Six years after it appeared, the BMW i8 Coupe will be retired as its production cycle comes to an end. A success story as a unique symbiosis of futuristic design and pioneering technology, it was the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid model that spurred interest and excitement for electrified drive technology and laid the foundation for the BMW Group’s now broad range of plug-in hybrid models.

At the same time, the i8 developed into the world’s most successful sportscar with an electrified drive system. With more than 20 000 units sold since 2014, it achieved higher sales than all competitors in its segment combined. Its global market share has been more than 50% in the segment of sportscars with electrified drive for years and the i8 will be able to maintain this leading position until the middle of April 2020.

The i8 began as the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, a concept car shown at Frankfurt Motorshow in 2009. The response was very enthusiastic, and BMW said that the central features of its design and technology would be transferred to a production model of the new BMW i brand.

BMW i8 Concept 2011 — *The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept evolved into the i8 concept in 2011. It was used in one of the Mission: Impossible movies.*

Launchpad for electrification strategy
The i8 had its world premiere at the same motorshow 4 years later, together with the i3. The double debut was the starting signal for implementing a comprehensive electrification strategy, with which the BMW Group set the early and consistent course for a model programme geared towards sustainable driving pleasure.

Today. Pure electric and plug-in hybrid models are available in all relevant segments, from the compact and midsize class, through the BMW X models, to sportscars and luxury sedans. The BMW Group plans to expand its range to include 25 electrified models by 2023, more than half of which will run on electric power alone.

Pioneer and flagship
As a pioneer and flagship for driving pleasure with plug-in hybrid technology, the i8 was an ideal car for the job right from the start. New paths were forged with the BMW i specific vehicle architecture and the plug-in hybrid system. The combination of a passenger cell made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) with an aluminium chassis was just as revolutionary as the intelligently controlled interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor.

The control of its plug-in hybrid system was designed both for dynamic power delivery and for the most efficient interaction of the two engines. The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology transfers its power to the rear wheels. The electric motor drives the front wheels. The result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive with a noticeably positive influence on traction, agility and driving stability.

This, and the spontaneous power delivery of the electric motor with a maximum torque of 250 Nm available immediately from standstill, means that the sporting character of the i8 also comes into its own in purely electric and therefore locally emission-free driving. Up to 120 km/h can be reached in pure electric driving mode and the combined drive torque of both powerplants unleashes performance characteristics similar to a high-performance sportscar.

Beyond eDrive technology
Right from the start, the pioneering function of the i8 extended far beyond establishing BMW eDrive technology in an iconic sportscar. The extensive use of CFRP in the body structure and the clearly visible measures to reduce air resistance set new standards in the areas of intelligent lightweight construction and aerodynamics. Together with the i3, the sportscar also paved the way for innovative manufacturing technologies, with which the BMW Group became a pioneer in the use of CFRP in the industrial production of volume-produced automobiles.

Already a milestone in the history of the BMW Group
The Leipzig plant is currently producing the 200 units of the limited Ultimate Sophisto Edition of the i8. One of the edition models was already manufactured in December 2019 as the 20,000th unit of the model. Among the milestones in the history of sportscars, its sales figures are well ahead of classics such as the M1, of which only 399 units were produced for road use, and also ahead of the Z8 roadster, which was built in some 5,000 copies.

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325 km/h street-legal Zenvo TSR-S unveiled, priced from almost RM7 million

Zenvo, the Danish hypercar manufacturer, has today revealed its latest TSR-S alongside further developments. This street-legal variant of the TSR track car has received numerous customised touches and is the first car to receive full fragmented carbonfibre wheels designed.

Following Danish design ideals of innovation and creativity, the geometric pattern carbonfibre visible within the blue tinted central stripe is a further evolution of Zenvo’s carbonfibre technology and personalisation options, such as the bespoke ‘watermark’ carbonfibre graphics featured on previous TSR-S models. This technique has also been used on the exposed carbonfibre side pods, with the Zenvo logo emblazoned within the material in an opposing herringbone pattern.

As for the new fragmented carbonfibre wheels, each minute fragment is hand-cut and expertly layered to create the special finish and weigh some 15 kgs less than the aluminium variants. These components are created in-house using a combination of cutting-edge technology and human craftsmanship with countless personalisation options. Each wheel takes two technicians roughly one week to create. All visible carbonfibre on the car can be colour-tinted, including the wheels, and clients can specify individual sections in differing finishes.

Also unveiled today is the latest drivetrain development from Zenvo, a hybrid variant of the 7-speed sequential gearbox with helical-cut dog gears that has become a trademark of the brand. This gearbox offers the driver two changeable modes, Road and Race, controlled by tactile aluminium switchgear on the steering wheel. In its Road setting, the changes are electronically assisted to remove the usual harshness of a traditional ‘dog-box’ while Race mode allows for exceptionally fast and direct mechanical changes usually only offered in fully fledged race cars.

The latest development of this innovative gearbox is the addition of a hybrid module which yields a power boost, further traction control and even the addition of an eighth forward gear with the electric motor providing reverse drive.

The 4.8-metre long TSR-S is Zenvo’s flagship model, combining the road-going capability of the TS1 GT with the track-derived performance of the TSR and is powered by a 1,177 bhp twin-supercharged flat-plane V8. 0 – 100 km/h is achieved in 2.8 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 325 km/h (electronically limited) aided by a super lightweight carbonfibre construction and exceptional aerodynamics including Zenvo’s patented Centripedal rear wing which reacts to steering inputs to create high levels of downforce while cornering.

The TSR-S is priced from at 1.45 million euros (almost 7 million ringgit) and only 5 cars are planned for each year.

Toyota’s new painting process with highest coating efficiency in the world

Before the 1970s, corrosion in metal car bodies was a problem and one of the reasons was that the protective layer of primer paint was not effectively applied over the metal surfaces. It was manually sprayed on so there would be some little sections that may not have been covered. And like a cut in your skin allowing germs to enter your body and infect you, a small unprotected spot on the metal could allow corrosion to start.

This changed when the electro-deposition (ED) dipping process was introduced where the entire bodyshell was submerged in a giant tank of primer paint. It was covered 100% and even the cavities got properly covered. After the 1970s, corrosion issues reduced significantly. Galvanization of the steel (adding a zinc coating) also made a big contribution to reducing corrosion and enabling vehicles to last longer.

The ASSB plant in Shah Alam, Selangor, started using the ED system in 1979 and corrosion resistance of Toyotas increased significantly, The picture shows a KE70 Corolla being lowered into a tank of primer paint so coverage is complete.

Over the primer goes coloured paint that is sprayed on either manually or in many plants these days, with robotic spraying machines. The quality of application has improved greatly over the years, but coating efficiency has been around 60% to 70%, which you aren’t like to notice but to the quality control people, it is a known issue.

95% coating efficiency
Now Toyota has developed a new type of airless paint atomizer that achieves over 95% coating efficiency (the amount of paint sprayed versus the amount that actually adheres onto the vehicle body), the highest in the world. The machine – the first of its kind in the world – uses static electricity instead of air, to replace the conventional air paint atomizers used in the vehicle body painting process.

By deploying the airless paint atomizer in Toyota Group’s painting process, it is expected that the factories in the Group can reduce CO2 emissions by about 7% as well. In addition, the collection device situated at the bottom of the paint booth (the area where paint is sprayed) can be made more compact. Therefore, painting production lines in the future can be more compact.

Toyota is advancing initiatives to achieve its Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge, one of the targets included in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 announced in 2015. As part of this effort, it developed the airless paint atomizer and deployed it at both Takaoka and Tsutsumi Plants. Gradual deployment at other plants is planned as well as consideration of deployment among other Toyota Group companies and licensing the technology to other companies.

How it works
Conventional air paint atomizer sprayed paint primarily using aerodynamic force, then paint the vehicle body with the atomized particles using an air paint atomizer. For this reason, paint particles are scattered by the air ricocheting off the vehicle body, with up to 40% lost. By comparison, the new airless paint atomizer uses electricity to spray the paint (electrostatic atomization), and the statically charged particles coat in such a way that they gravitate toward the vehicle body (electrostatic painting).

Electrostatic atomization and electrostatic painting technologies greatly reduce the number of atomized particles that scatter, thereby achieving a higher coating efficiency. In a way, it is like the ED process that has been used for applying primer where electrical charges attract the paint to stick onto the metal.

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Mercedes-AMG GT4 Updated and upgraded for 2020, available later this month

Following the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3, Mercedes-AMG has now come out with an updated GT4 model for the tenth anniversary season of its Customer Racing Programme. The new GT4 features new design characteristics and technical optimisations that, among others, enhance the endurance racing performance. Homologation is expected to be completed this month so customers can receive their cars soon.

In the past 2 years, the ‘little brother’ of the GT3 advanced to one of the most successful cars in the booming GT4 segment worldwide. So far, more than 120 units have been delivered to Customer Racing Teams all over the world. With the new edition of the GT4, Mercedes-AMG expects to give the teams even greater competitiveness.

Improved brake and engine cooling
The notable improvements of the new GT4 are in its optimised brake cooling around the front axle as well as enhanced engine cooling. Both the enlarged brake air inlet as well as the dimensionally stable brake air lines with larger diameter prevent the brake components from overheating. As a result, they ensure better driveability as well as considerably reduced wear of the brakes that are under particular load during endurance races.

Thanks to a new carbonfibre brake air duct, adapted heat protection and optimised brake caliper adapters, the airflow through the thermally affected parts has been improved. A newly developed brake disc on the front axle, aimed at reliability and longevity, complements the optimised brake cooling.

The re-arranged oil cooler contributes to an even more effective cooling of the proven AMG 4-litre V8 biturbo engine, just like the new carbon exhaust air duct and the newly shaped edge on the bonnet, made of natural fibre enforced material. As a result, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 can reliably deliver its performance, even in extremely hot conditions.

New light concept
The update of the GT4 also includes optimised front and rear lights, identical to the corresponding GT3’s. Their design is in line with the current Mercedes-AMG GT road cars. Next to the facelifted look, the new light concept also comes with a practical purpose: the new LED high-performance headlights provide considerably better illumination of the track. In darkness or in poor visibility, this can lead to decisive advantages for the drivers in terms of safety and performance.

Optimised handling
Another optimisation are the modified track rods on the rear axle that are also similar to those used on the new GT3 model and that come with a significantly extended longevity. As a result, the that has, among others, already racked up three class wins in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, is even better prepared for endurance races in the toughest conditions. The integration of an enlarged brake fluid tank, optimised with the particular requirements in endurance races in mind, is also one of the changes in the 2020 GT4.

Highest safety standards
Like its road cars, the GT4 has particularly high safety standards relevant to track racing. The roll-cage of high-tensile steel has been bolted to the aluminium spaceframe and a recovery hatch has been integrated into the roof of the car. The carbonfibre driver safety cell with integrated headrest provides a considerably higher level of protection than usual racing seats. A powerful fire extinguishing system complements the comprehensive safety concept.

Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing: “When we entered the GT4 segment two years ago, it was our aim to build a car that was capable of winning right away. Looking at the achievements of the Mercedes-AMG GT4, we have succeeded in doing so in an impressive way. In order to enable our Customer Racing Teams to accomplish such top achievements at the race track in the future as well and to be prepared in the best way for the challenges in newly entered markets like Asia and South America, we have now decided to update the Mercedes-AMG GT4.

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Hyundai Motor is lucky they didn’t plan on using the 2020 New York Auto Show for the world premiere of the new generation of one of their popular models. Due to concerns about the widening COVID-19 epidemic which have led to one area of the city being turned into a ‘containment zone’, the event is being postponed to late August this year. That’s at least better than the Geneva International Motor Show which has been cancelled.

The Korean carmaker is using Hollywood on the west coast of America for its event on March 17 which will see the all-new Hyundai Elantra being unveiled. The model is Hyundai’s bestseller worldwide, with over 13.8 million units (it is also known as the Avante in some markets) sold since its introduction in 1990.

1991 Hyundai Elantra — *First generation of the Elantra, introduced in 1990.*

For the new generation, which will be the seventh, the Elantra returns to its sport sedan roots with an ambitious ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme. It sits on a new platform that places the longer and wider 4-door sedan lower to the road to enhance the sporty looks.

The edgy and aggressive look is based on parametric shapes and textures, which reflects Hyundai’s new design identity. Cutting edge engineering solutions and design innovations actualized the polyhedral appearance.

Essentially, advanced digital design technology brought the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics. This formation is said to be a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, ‘marking Elantra’s disrupter-spirit’.

The ‘Immersive Cocoon’ interior layout creates a driver-focused user experience. Low and wide structures go from the door and connect all the way to the centre console, while the large interface consisting of two harmoniously integrated displays elevates the racing-inspired feel of the car.

More will be known next Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Malaysia) and as some carmakers have done, the launch event will be livestreamed globally.

Renault Used Trucks launches T 01 Racing model

With the inclusion of the 13-litre engine with 480 bhp in its range of used trucks, Renault Trucks (part of the Volvo Group) now offers the T 01 Racing model. The appearance of this used prime mover semi-trailer tractor of the last Euro6 generation was done by the Halle du Design (HDD), Renault’s own design facility.

The designers were inspired by the world of motorsport to create a modern and dynamic design that reflects the technical performance of the vehicle. From the outside, the T 01 Racing is presented in three colours on an EKLA white background: glossy black, bright red and bright yellow.

The inside of the headlight covers is painted in bright red. Reflective retro stickers that are reminiscent of the world of motorsport are affixed to the outside of the vehicle. The painting of the Viscope outer sunvisor, the rims, the radiator grille and rearview mirror housing complete the sporty appearance. Optionally, a customer can order additional parts in carbonfibre, accessories for LED lighting or horns, or even a special paint job.

The spacious cabin has door sills also specially painted in bright red and bright yellow. An anthracite grey interior with carbonfibre elements is provided with red buttons that stand out clearly from the dashboard.

The T 01 Racing is transformed in the Used Trucks Factory, Renault’s own conversion and adaptation facility for used vehicles, using the same assembly procedures as for new vehicles. Only certified original parts are used, and the selling points are low mileage and a manufacturer’s guarantee of 12 months or 120,000 kms.

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Latest News

BMW i8 headed to retirement as a future Classic

325 km/h street-legal Zenvo TSR-S unveiled, priced from almost RM7 million

Toyota’s new painting process with highest coating efficiency in the world

Mercedes-AMG GT4 Updated and upgraded for 2020, available later this month

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Renault Used Trucks launches T 01 Racing model

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