The American market was always a strong market for the Toyota Supra, to the extent that some generations were born at Calty, its advanced design centre in California. When it made its return after an absence of 17 years, it was the North American International Auto Show that was chosen for its global debut.
So the American market is special to Toyota, especially where the Supra is concerned, and to recognise that, Toyota USA has developed a limited edition of the GR Supra just for the market. It’s the most exclusive 5th generation Supra to date and only 600 units will be available.
Carbonfibre treatment
The highlight of the GR Supra A91-CF Edition, as it is known, is a carbonfibre front splitter and larger canards, with carbonfibre side rockers define the lower edge along the sides. The carbonfibre treatment (hence ‘CF Edition’) continues at the rear end, with a duckbill spoiler catching the air up top and lower canards doing so down below.
Wind tunnel-tested
The aerodynamic features are not just for looks. Extensive testing has been done in a wind tunnel to shape them to improve downforce and stability, especially when on the racetrack. The performance should be almost similar to the other GR Supra as it uses the same 3-litre 6-cylinder engine.
Additionally, unique 19-inch wheels sport a matte-black texture that complements A91-CF Edition’s available matte-gray Phantom paint colour. The other technical specs are the same too, with an 8-speed Z-F8 transmission, Adaptive Variable Sport suspension and active rear sport differential. The front brakes are from Brembo, with red calipers.
Exclusive interior trim
The interior, with a red-and-black theme, also has some exclusive features that include carbonfibre interior trim. The Alcantara-and-leather-trimmed cabin includes red stitching details with a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and sport pedals.
In Malaysia, the model is officially available through selected authorised dealers with the GR Garage. It is priced from RM589,987 (with sales tax exemption, without insurance). Visit toyota.com.my for more information or to locate a GR Garage showroom in Malaysia.
After a year’s absence, Formula One cars will once again speed around the Baku City Circuit for the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This will be the fifth time in 6 years that the event has been run at the same venue along the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Demanding on brakes
It is the second street circuit to be used so far, after Monaco two weeks ago. Being a street circuit with narrow roads and tight turns, the track is classified as one of the most demanding tracks for brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, Brembo engineers give it a 4 on the difficulty index, the same as the Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain.
The layout includes four 90° corners at the start which are highly demanding on the brakes, followed by other turns where the angle changes continuously and, consequently, so does the use of the brakes. The track has several technical corners like Turn 8 near the old town fortifications where there is no room for error.
Carbonfibre + aluminium
In addition to aluminium-lithium calipers and carbonfibre discs, Brembo also supplies F1 teams with brake pads, also made from carbonfibre. There are 5 different types for the front and 2 variations for the rear. They vary according to the specifications of the material used, the internal ventilation and the geometry.
The length of each pad ranges from 160 to 190 mm and the surface area from 50 to 90 sq. cm. while the weight varies from 150 to 300 grams. The pads have a friction coefficient of 0.5 and the operating temperature is the same as the discs. Both have very high thermal conductivity since they are in direct contact and made from similar materials.
20 seconds of braking per lap
Over the 6 kms of circuit with 11 braking zones, the brakes are used for just under 20 seconds per lap. This is twice as much as on the Imola track and 1.2 seconds more than Monaco. Despite this, at Baku, the load on the brake pedal from start to finish is lower, 53.5 metric tons.
In 5 of the 11 braking sections, the load does not even reach 90 kgs; deceleration is just 3.8g and braking lasts for 1.86 seconds. In 4 braking sections, on the other hand, the brake system is in use for over 2.13 seconds even if the load on the brake pedal reaches a peak of 166 kgs and does not exceed 140 kgs in the other cases.
5.5g right after the starting line
Of the 11 braking sections of the Baku City Circuit, 4 are classified as very demanding on the brakes, another 4 are of medium difficulty, and the remaining 3 are light. The most challenging one for the brake system is the first corner where the cars arrive at 334 km/h and then have to slow down to 125 km/h within just 1.85 seconds. To do this, drivers apply a load of 131 kgs on the brake pedal and as the car decelerates, there will be a force of 5.5g as they cover a distance of 107 metres.
2021 for the auto industry started low but as the first quarter progressed, sales volumes rose. However, with the second quarter, it appears that the market is going into a downturn. By Proton’s estimate, the May Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicles registered fell by around 20%. While the Movement Control Order (MCO) may have had some effect, but shortages of chips – vital components for the many electronic systems in modern cars – have been slowing down output from the assembly plants.
For Proton, after seeing strengthening sales with each month, it reports that its May volume was down 37.1% from April. The Malaysian carmaker sold 9,440 units (some of which were exported) and with this volume, its estimated market share would be 20.3%.
Up to the end of May, the cumulative volume reached 57,283 units which translates to a market share estimated at 23.5% and an increase of 2.4% over the same period in the previous year.
As with the previous month, the X50 and X70 continued to lead their segments by a considerable margin. 1,899 units of the smaller SUV model were delivered in May while the X70 had 1,523 new owners. This brings the cumulative total of 3,422 units for the domestic as well as export markets.
Exports reach new 98-month high
Meanwhile, Proton’s overseas sales continue to gain momentum despite international markets going through varying degrees of lockdown. With 669 units comprising the Saga, X50 and X70 exported in May, the company’s international sales division recorded its best month since March 2013. As a result, total export sales for 2021 are now less than 100 units behind the total for the whole of last year.
“Car sales in Malaysia dipped in May due to factors such as chip shortages and the implementation of MCO in the middle of the month. Despite most industry players having healthy order books, most brands struggled to meet demand. For Proton, the numbers were high enough to retain second overall in the sales table and we also received a welcome boost from our export division who set a 98-month high despite restrictions on international shipping,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
Focusing on the future
With the full lockdown in effect (tentatively until June 14), all Proton sales outlets have to be closed. However, its authorised service centres are allowed to operate. Proton owners are requested to make a prior appointment before going to the service centre (which should be within 10 kms of their home address).
The company will also be considering utilising the enforced break to retool its sales plan for the remainder of 2021. It aims to future-proof its business against regulatory changes and external factors such as the coronavirus.
“2020 proved to the world that business as usual can be disrupted without warning. To remain competitive in an unpredictable environment, Proton, along with its vendors and dealers, need to have the flexibility to pivot quickly to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. As such, we will intensify our efforts to implement a framework to meet upcoming regulations locally and internationally which is vital for future growth,” Encik Roslan said.
“We are also finalising our model launch plans for the rest of this year. The current MCO will push some of these dates back, but Proton remains committed to meeting our launch targets and creating some excitement for our customers in 2021,” he added.
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.
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.
One of the longest running environmental program for Malaysian youth has reached its 20th 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.
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.
