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SsangYong shows sketches of future X200 SUV with new design philosophy

Although SsangYong Motor is still in a difficult financial situation, product development and business activities are still ongoing. Work on new models continues and one of the models that will be in showrooms will be a next-generation SUV presently designated ‘X200’. The Korean carmaker, owned by India’s Mahindra Group, has a newly created design vision and philosophy and this is being adopted for the new model.

New design philosophy
“The design of the new X200 is based on SsangYong’s new design philosophy ‘Powered by Toughness’, and follows on from our recently announced J100 mid-sized electric car. With this new design, the company is showcasing its new product identity to communicate a powerful and modern SUV while drawing on the inherited values its authentic heritage,” a spokesperson for the company said.

‘Powered by Toughness’ is a design philosophy that emphasises the importance that SsangYong places on the value of design. Along with the themes of strength and modernity, it underpins its long standing ‘Korean Can Do’ message which has been central to the Korando product line over 4 generations, dating back to the original from 1983.

The design philosophy is based on four formative concepts: Robust Architecture, Unexpected Delight, Vibrant Contrast, and Communion with Nature. “Of these four elements of sculptural identity, ‘Robust Architecture’ pursues the beauty of tough structural shape and detailed sculptural beauty. ‘Unexpected Delight’ appeals to differing lifestyles, offering amusement and excitement by embodying a design that values more than mere transportation. ‘Vibrant Contrast’ expresses the original characteristics of a tough SUV through the contrast between aesthetic elements of colour, texture and modelling, while ‘Communion with Nature’ is intended to harmonise with the natural world, echoing the sensibilities of our customers,” explained Lee Kang, Head of the SsangYong Design Centre.

*Early generations of the SsangYong Korando (above and Musso (below)*

Korando and Musso heritage
Besides being guided by the design philosophy, SsangYong’s future models, such as the J100 midsize electric model and new X200, will be designed with the heritage of the original Korando and Musso. These two SUV models are of significance in the company’s and Korean automobile industry’s history.

It is expected that the design philosophy will allow consolidation of its position as an authentic SUV brand. Forward-looking elements will include the use of eco-friendly powertrains, responding to the biggest trend in the automotive industry which is now taking place.

J100 well received
Public response to the first design reveal of the J100 (shown below) last month on social media channels is said to be extremely positive and strong. The designers are also encouraged by feedback on the J100 and derivative pick-up model on which has indicated considerable positive interests.

“We have re-interpreted our future design vision and product philosophy by drawing heavily on our unique heritage. With the forthcoming J100 and X200 models, we have drawn a line in the sand in terms of design, and everything from this point forward will follow this new brand design direction. It is a very exciting time for SsangYong and will build on the history and heritage of its unique and distinctively authentic SUV designs to impress its customers of the future,” Mr. Lee Kang promises.

22-inch carbonfibre wheel for Bentley Bentayga from late 2021

The wheels for the first cars were made of wood, carrying over from the wheels of horse carriages. Eventually, metal was used, which provided much durability and complemented the auto industry’s manufacturing processes. Steel wheels were commonplace for many decades but as the need to reduce weight became more important, lightening the wheels led the industry to use aluminium alloy.

As the 1970s began, Michelin introduced in innovation for wheels – carbonfibre construction. The initial application was for a rallycar but before long, they were more widely available but still rare as they cost a great deal of money. It was only in 2013 that Koenigsegg offered monolithic carbonfibre wheels on its cars, with a set said to cost around US$40,000.

Why use carbonfibre?
One of the main advantages of using a composite material like carbonfibre is that it is lighter than steel or aluminium. The nature of the material also means it generates less noise and vibrations, making for a nicer, quieter ride. This makes such wheels desirable for luxury cars but their cost remains high.

After years of development with one of the world’s leading composite suppliers, Bentley now has a new carbonfibre wheel developed specifically for the Bentayga. The 22-inch wheel, engineered with Bucci Composites of Italy, is to be the largest carbonfibre wheel in production in the world. It offers a vast range of benefits beyond the initial 6-kg improvement in unsprung mass per wheel.

Meeting tough TUV standards
The new wheel has been subjected to the exceptionally rigorous TUV standards and is the first carbonfibre wheel ever produced to pass all tests. The newly developed rim has undergone the most rigorous testing for non-metallic wheels according to the new TUV standards including biaxial stress testing, radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tyre overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.

One of the most severe tests of the TUV requirements – the impact test – has shown how the carbonfibre rim is extremely safe in addition to the performance benefits. After a severe impact which would crack or shatter an aluminium wheel, the carbonfibre rim allows a slow tyre deflation, thanks to the intelligent layering of fibre weaves, allowing the vehicle to come to a controlled, safe stop. This would be of great value to a vehicle like the Bentayga which has off-road capabilities.

The new wheel has also been subjected to extremely high speeds. Engineers ran numerous tests around the Nurburgring Nordschleife before final sign-off to go into production.

The technological benefits
Carbonfibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. This leads to increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.

There’s also increased steering agility, thanks to the weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbonfibre which create a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing grip and agility.

The driver will also have improved and more responsive braking due to the decrease in unsprung mass. Reduced tyre wear is also a long-term benefit as the stiffer carbonfibre rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending. It therefore allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch on a larger tyre support surface.

The production processes
One of the main innovations lies in the rim manufacturing process, which involves the application of innovative concepts (covered by patents) combined with the use of high-pressure RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding). The materials and production parameters have been carefully studied to ensure the repeatability of the product without affecting its quality.

The process involves the cutting of carbonfibre cloth into prescribed shapes. The weave segments are then stacked, heated and draped into a mould to create three-dimensional preforms. The preforms are collated and arranged into a larger mould before resin and hardener is injected throughout. After curing time at temperature, the component assembly is removed from the mould, and the final surfaces are machined to the correct finish, before polishing.

Joining Mulliner products in late 2021
The new carbonfibre wheel for the Bentayga will be join Bentley’s existing carbonfibre products, which include the highly sought-after Styling Specification that adds a carbonfibre front splitter, sill extensions and rear diffuser, and the option of high gloss carbonfibre veneer to the interior.

Click here for other news and articles about Bentley.

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Formula E/ Round 13 – Mahindra Racing’s Alex Lynn wins on home ground

It’s always a thrill for the home crowd when the winner is from the same country and British driver Alex Lynn sparked celebrations in the Mahindra Racing garage as he won the Heineken London E-Prix Round 13. Behind him were Mercedes-EQ’s Nyck de Vries and Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing) who joined him on the podium.

Lynn had navigated a frenetic encounter that had it all, and the decisive moment of the race took place with the pack released from a spell under the Safety Car (a MINI Electric Pacesetter) on Lap 13. Down at the double hairpin, Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams) made a move for the lead with a surprise lunge on Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) who had started from pole position.

A bump in the braking zone left the Nissan driver a passenger as he speared into the side of the Belgian’s Mercedes. The pair were left all tangled up, allowing de Vries to pick up the pieces and pinch second – and then first when Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) leapt for ATTACK MODE.

With the track cleared, the Mercedes’ seized the initiative. Vandoorne led Rowland and de Vries away, and the latter was able to jump by the Nissan in the middle of the Silver Arrow sandwich to take second – thanks to that extra lap of ATTACK MODE relative to Rowland.

Another appearance for the Safety Car followed on Lap 11, with da Costa in the wall at Turn 1 after contact with Porsche’s Andre Lotterer. The Mercedes duo at the head of the pack did manage to sneak in their second ATTACK MODE activations just prior, crucially before Rowland this time.

Heading into the final quarter hour, di Grassi had made the most of that 35kW boost to slip by de Vries into Turn 1. On the next circuit, Lynn followed with what would ultimately be the race-winning move – the Mahindra driver also in ATTACK MODE. De Vries’ early dart for his second activation had not paid dividends, and he’d have to settle for second spot, while Evans picked his way through from fifth on the grid to an eventual third at the chequered flag.

Di Grassi had led on track for more than half of the race, and crossed the line first. The Brazilian was ultimately shown the black flag for failing to serve a drive-through penalty – deemed to have illegally taken the race lead by audaciously driving through the pit-lane, and crucially failing to come to a stop in his pit-box, under Safety Car conditions on Lap 12.

De Vries followed Lynn home with Evans 5 seconds back. Frijns crossed the line fourth – having climbed the order from eighth – while Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein and BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Maximilian Guenther completed the top six.

The weekend’s results put de Vries at the top of the Drivers’ World Championship heading into the final race weekend of Season 7 in Berlin in 3 weeks, while Robin Frijns’ points haul with fourth – up from eighth on the grid – proved vital and sees him second in the table, just 6 points behind the Dutchman. Sam Bird (Jaguar Racing) holds third in the standings.

Among the teams, Envision Virgin Racing still heads the way in the Teams’ running by 7 points from Mercedes-EQ, with Jaguar Racing third.

MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW is the new Formula E Safety Car

Lamborghini sets sales record even with a global pandemic, with the Urus as its bestselling model

In spite of the pandemic that affected the whole world last year and this year, Lamborghini has not seen decreased sales. Quite the opposite in fact: for the first 6 months of 2021, the sportscar maker delivered 4,852 cars and SUVs globally, making it the best half-year ever, with a 37% increase over the same period of 2020. In fact, even when compared to 2019 before COVID-19 hit, the growth in the same period is 9.9% in 2021.

Sales continue to rise
And sales of all Lamborghini models are on the rise, with orders taken already covering production until April 2022. The most popular model in 2021 is the Urus SUV with 2.796 units delivered, followed by the Huracan (1,532 units) and Aventador (524 units).

The US market again took the most units (1,502), followed by 602 units exported to China (including Hong Kong and Macau (602). Other major markets included Germany, the UK, Japan, the Middle East and Italy. Globally. Lamborghini’s network consists of 168 dealers in 51 markets.

“This exceptional result is a double confirmation for us. It is proof of the solidity and strength of this brand, which is enjoying growing appeal despite a period of continuous challenges and uncertainty,” said Lamborghini’s President & CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.

“It also endorses the positive reception to our new industrial plan for future electrification of our product range, in which we will invest over 1.5 billion euros by 2024. Lamborghini’s course is set for a period of great transformation, where technological innovation and sustainability will go hand in hand with a focus on maximum product performance and loyalty to the brand’s DNA,” he said.

Urus also sets record
The Urus stands out not only as the most popular model but is also the highest produced model in the company’s history – in the shortest amount of time since its launch. Three years after it was introduced to international markets, the Super SUV has crossed the threshold of 15,000 vehicles produced.

15,000th unit for UK market
The 15,000^th unit is for the British market, configured with the latest Graphite Capsule set of colours and finishes. The exterior has the new shade of Grigio Keres Matt, with Verde Scandal details. The two-tone interior is dedicated to the new collection in Nero Ade/Verde Scandal.

The Urus has significantly contributed to the overall increase in Lamborghini sales since it entered the market in December 2017. The company’s total volumes doubled in 2019, the first year it was fully marketed.

Fastest car on ice
With a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 650 ps/850 Nm, the Urus is one of the fastest Super SUVs currently on the market. It is certainly the fastest car on ice, having set a speed record on the ice of Lake Baikal in Russia in March this year. On that run, it hit a top speed of 298 km/h and an average speed from a standing start of 114 km/h over 1000 metres.

Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini unveiled, priced from RM130,000

First bespoke Pininfarina Battista hypercar revealed

The Pininfarina Battista hypercar is already very exclusive to start with as only 150 units will be built. Each unit of the electric hyper GT has a starting price of US$2.5 million (about RM10.56 million) but customers are likely to pay much more as they will also want their Battista to be personalised. Naturally, Automobili Pininfarina is prepared for this and has an all-encompassing bespoke personalisation programme. It is something which the company would excel in, having its origins as a famous Italian automobile design house (it is now owned by India’s Mahindra Group).

All customers are invited to have discussions with the design team as part of an in-depth collaborative process. At the production facility is a perfect environment to inspire the creative process as it houses an extensive range of colour and material samples close to the car assembly area. Every element of the hypercar can have bespoke treatment, with clients offered a 360-degree consulting service resulting in a truly unique creation.

Creating a unique collector’s piece
“The Pininfarina name has a storied heritage of individual cars, and the Battista continues this legacy as every vehicle will be truly bespoke by design. Our clients have the unique opportunity to join the Automobili Pininfarina family, immersing themselves in the design process with our talented craftspeople to ensure their vehicle authentically reflects their personality and tastes, created with a truly personal touch,” said Sara Campagnolo, Head of Colour and Materials Design of Automobili Pininfarina. “Clients have the opportunity to drive forward the development of sustainable luxury, whilst creating a unique collector’s piece.”

New York City-inspired
The first bespoke commission is inspired by New York City and features a sophisticated red, white and blue colour theme, led by Exposed Signature Carbonfibre bodywork with Iconica Blu thread, the first application of its kind in the automotive industry.

The car also has Performance Stripes and Pinstripe finished in distinctive Bianco Sestriere metallic – meticulously applied by hand due to the complex shapes of the body panels – with a red Exterior Jewellery Pack elegantly completing the exterior design with a Furiosa Carbon Accent Pack finished in Black Exposed Signature Carbon.

Advanced materials, traditional coachbuilding
Mixing advanced composite materials with traditional coachbuilding techniques, the hand-painted finish for this one-off model will take hundreds of hours of expert attention. For this first unit, the Impulso wheels are finished in Dark Matt Grey with brushed aluminium centre-lock ring anodized in black, matching the black Goccia roof, rear diffuser, rear wing and brushed aluminium headlight engraving.

The luxurious interior provides further scope for personalisation, with everything from the choice of leather and Alcantara to the contrast stitching, Interior Jewellery Pack and fine aluminium interior detailing.

A total of 128 million combinations provides opportunities for clients to reflect their individual tastes, with all clients benefitting from Automobili Pininfarina’s commitment to sustainable luxury. This is evident in the methods used to craft the exquisite materials, such as leather interior elements tanned with olive leaves, a process that reduces the need for harmful chemicals in the creation of every Battista.

The Pilota seats are finished in black leather upholstery with Iconica Blu Alcantara that have navy colour inserts. The exterior theme is carried through to the interior with Iconica Blu stitching with unique red and white cross stitch, red headrest logo and unique white seatbelts, with Iconica Blu thread on the back of the carbon seats. Brushed aluminium detailing is finished in red, subtly referencing the red Exterior Jewellery Pack, with darker details provided by the Interior Jewellery Pack finished in brushed aluminium anodized in black.

56 exterior colour choices

In addition to the selection of 56 exterior paint finishes, Battista owners also have the opportunity to choose exposed carbonfibre bodywork, bespoke paint finishes for the ‘Goccia’ roof, exterior jewellery in the form of anodised finishes or bespoke paint, or a contrasting front end in the customer’s choice of colour. Even the engravings on the Battista chassis plate, located between the seats, can be personalised, along with a custom passenger-side door plate engraving.

The Carbon Accent Pack and Furiosa Carbon Accent Pack are available with a selection of bespoke paint colours or exposed carbonfibre finishes, complemented by the precise Furiosa pinstripe around the extremities of the bodywork. In addition, the mirror caps, rear wing, brake calipers, alloy wheels – both Prezioso and Impulso designs – and centre-lock rings can all be fully customised.

Can outrun a Formula 1 car
The Battista is claimed to be the most powerful car ever designed and built in Italy, with the promise of delivering a level of performance that is unachievable today in any road-legal sportscar using internal combustion engine technology. It will be quicker than a current Formula 1 car with a claimed 0 -100 km/h time of less than 2 seconds, and with 1,900 ps/2,300 Nm output from 4 electric motors. Operating with zero emissions, the Battista’s 120 kWh battery pack is expected to provide a range of over 500 kms when fully charged.

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)

The Beetles that never made it to the showrooms

Over the years, the Volkswagen Beetle represented many different things to many different people. It was a classic example of German ingenuity, a symbol of the counterculture movement, and a reminder that the simplest of things can sometimes be the best. It was truly a car for the people, compact, economical, reliable and durable.

The Beetle was a boom car for affordable transportation in Europe and elsewhere and, by 1952, it was sold in 46 countries. Eventually, it would be built in 14 countries, including Malaysia, and more than 21.5 million were sold before the final, modern-generation Beetle left the line at the factory in Mexico in 2019.

*When the original Beetle was produced in the 1940s, who would have imagined that it would remain in the same form until 2003?*

The original Beetle retained its form for many decades, becoming a familiar shape on roads all over the world. Its attributes which kept it in demand were not easily replicated and so it continued n production even after the Golf arrived as a successor in 1974.

Although it may seem that Volkswagen did not consider redesigning the original car, starting in the early 1950s, it had design proposals from time to time. There were more than 70 potential replacements, but none seemed able to match what the Volkswagen represented. Here are some of the proposals that never made it to production.