Home - Piston.my

Headlights on Future Ford vehicles will be able to predict conditions ahead for greater effectiveness (w/VIDEO)

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

The built-in headlights in every car today have been around for about 100 years and over the decades, the lighting systems have evolved to make the illumination stronger, giving a better view of the road or ground ahead. From making headlights more powerful, the engineers have also been making them operate ‘intelligently so that optimum illumination is achieved with changing conditions.

Driving in the dark can be stressful, especially on unfamiliar, winding roads. Ford is therefore working on a new technology to increase comfort and safety when driving after sunset. The company has already done pioneering work in the camera-based recognition of traffic signs and lane markings to optimize headlights in order to better illuminate streets in the dark, especially at intersections.

Now, engineers from Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Europe are testing technology that uses real-time location data to effectively show the car the way to go. The predictive ‘smart’ headlight system directs beams into upcoming corners – even before drivers may have seen them, illuminating hazards and other road-users more quickly and effectively.

How it works
The prototype advanced lighting system uses GPS location data, advanced technologies and highly accurate street geometry information to accurately identify turns in the road ahead. An algorithm calculates the trajectory and speed of the vehicle to proactively adjust the direction of its headlights, providing optimal light coverage of bends, junctions – and even hazards lurking around the corner.

If the vehicle encounters a stretch of road where location data is not available, the system will work alongside camera and steering‑based dynamic headlight-bending technologies to continue to intelligently light the road until the location data improves.

Researchers have made extensive use of ‘digital twin’ simulation that recreates the physical world in a virtual environment. The simulator accurately calculates how light falls and reflects in the real world, enabling researchers to better visualise and optimise the technology for drivers. The Ford researchers used a simulation that reproduces the real world in a virtual environment. The simulation environment calculates the correct reflection of the headlights as in the real world, so that the researchers can visualize the lighting technology realistically and optimize it in terms of traffic safety.

“The predictive lighting technology we are now developing could one day make driving in the dark so easy that the driver basically just has to follow his headlights,” said Michael Koherr, Lighting Research Engineer, Ford of Europe. “This new map and location-based system is the next step in our search for how we can make driving at night as easy as it is during the day.”

Road Edge Detection – available today
The advanced lighting technology will complement another new technology that Ford has developed which can be especially useful on rural roads at night – Road Edge Detection. Roads in rural areas can be tricky as they may not only lack proper lane markings but also give way to open land, muddy ditches and sheer drops.

Ford’s new technology can help make rural driving easier as Road Edge Detection scans the road ahead and can gently steer the vehicle back on track when needed. Designed for use at speeds of 70 – 110 km/h, Road Edge Detection relies on a camera located below the rearview mirror to monitor road edges 50 metres in front of the vehicle and 7 metres to the side.

How it works
Where a paved road becomes a soft side, gravel hard shoulder or grass, the system provides gentle steering support as required to prevent the vehicle from drifting off the carriageway. The system features an advanced algorithm that determines when there are clear structural changes from the road to the area beside the road. It can also provide steering support on marked roads when the lane marking is obscured or hidden by snow, leaves or rain.

If the driver is still close to the edge following initial steering support, the system vibrates the steering wheel, to prompt the driver to steer. At night, the system uses the illumination from the headlights and functions as effectively as during the day.

While predictive lighting technology is still under development, Road Edge Detection is already available in Europe on certain models and will be offered in more models in future the way advanced safety systems like Pre-Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking have been progressively included in almost all models.

To experience Ford’s safety technologies, ask any authorised Ford dealer for a test-drive. To locate a dealership in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

New Ford Ranger Raptor X Special Edition Redefines The Pick-Up Truck

Upgraded Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Johor Bahru enhances retail experience for C&C customers

Cycle & Carriage was the company that brought Mercedes-Benz to Malaysia 70 years ago; in fact, it was one of the first official importers of the German cars in Asia. While it is no longer the distributor in Malaysia, it continues to have a strong and dominant presence in the retail and aftersales side and has continued to upgrade the facilities in its Autohaus network.

Largest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in the south
The latest example of its investments is in Johor Bahru where its outlet has been upgraded to become the largest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in the southern region. The built-up area covers 142,000 square feet on a site that is over 224,000 square feet located along Jalan Skudai in the Tampoi area.

As with every Autohaus, the environment offers the luxurious automotive retail experience that would be expected from the brand. State-of-the-art technology and systems are incorporated to presents a retail experience that addresses the customer’s individual needs. Designed with a large open space and supplemented with custom daylight-emitting spotlights allows the customer to experience the true colours of the cars, all intentionally arranged in an arc to maximise visibility of every model displayed. Customers are invited to explore freely and fully immerse themselves in a journey across various touchpoints supported by digital tools and the latest in multimedia.

More than just ‘a point of sales’
The new retail experience allows for more face-time interactions between customers and the service team, making it more than just ‘a point of sales’ and instead, a point of experience. Even beginning the journey of owning a Mercedes-Benz is an experience of its own. Designed as a “black box” concept, the vehicle delivery room enables an experience-oriented journey of the hand-over process that is personal and memorable.

Mercedes-Benz Certified Body & Paint Centre
Besides the enhanced showroom, the Autohaus also has the only accredited and authorised Mercedes-Benz Certified Body & Paint Centre in the southern region. It is equipped with the latest automotive innovation and technologies as well as expertise to conduct structural repairs while upholding global safety standards specified by the manufacturer. With 35 work bays, up to 850 vehicles can be serviced each month, with owners enjoying the convenience of ‘Drop & Go’ and ‘Door-to-Door’ services as well.

“For more than 26 years, Cycle & Carriage has brought the Mercedes-Benz brand and experience to the southern region through our Johor Bahru Autohaus. Today, we unveil the latest manifestation of the Mercedes-Benz’s definition of luxury and all its accoutrements. This milestone could not have happened without the outstanding support from our partner, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and our remarkable team here. We are honoured to continue being entrusted to complement every vehicle bearing the world-renowned 3-pointed star with our Cycle & Carriage brand of exceptional service to our customers,” said Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage Bintang, at the recent opening of the facility.

“The future of automotive retail represented here is a concept that weaves the key elements of our design philosophy – sensual purity and spaciousness; it is more than just architecture. It creates an experience that seamlessly blends simplicity and craftsmanship that are unique to the brand,” said Dr. Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Cycle & Carriage Bintang sends the service centre to your home

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

FIA announces details of new electric GT category for motorsports

With electrification in the auto industry accelerating, it’s only a matter of time before motorsports sees an increased presence of electrically-powered cars. In fact, the first all-electric championships are already running, the longest to date being Formula E for single-seaters which began in 2014. This year, Extreme E has started as an electric version of the Dakar Rally.

However, Formula E and Extreme E are like Formula 1 in that the racing cars are very different from road-legal cars. Now, the FIA has announced the creation of all-new technical regulations for electric-powered GT cars, featuring several technical innovations, including fast charging.

*Formula E and Extreme E are already creating interest in electrically-powered motorsports.*

“The market for high-performance electric road supercars is on a constant rise, hence a platform to allow manufacturers to develop and showcase their technology was much needed. Creating these technical regulations has been a key project for the FIA GT Commission over the last 18 months. We’ve held regular discussions with GT manufacturers through our Technical Working Groups and there’s keen interest in this new category. It also widens the FIA’s GT portfolio, coexisting alongside with GT3 which will remain the focus of the customer racing market worldwide for the time being,” said Leena Gade, FIA GT Commission President.

This pioneering concept embodies a unique combination of innovations never before seen in motorsport to date and is intended to serve manufacturers as a platform to develop technology relevant to their high-performance roadcars. The cars built to this set of technical regulations will compete at full-length permanent circuits and will set new standards for electric vehicles in motorsport in terms of performance and range.

This new breed of racing cars will operate in a similar performance window to the current generation of GT3 cars but will exceed their combustion engine-powered counterparts in areas such as acceleration and qualifying pace.

Cutting edge tech with cost control
The new class is based on direct manufacturer involvement, with the technical regulations prepared to achieve the right balance between permitting the carmakers and constructors to express themselves in terms of creativity and developing cutting-edge technology while, at the same time, preventing cost escalation.

The category will be open to both specialists in electric vehicle construction without previous combustion engine motorsport experience as well as manufacturers already committed to the GT3 class, who will be able to utilise the architecture and certain design elements of their existing cars and convert them to electric power.

Depending on the base model, the minimum weight of the cars will vary from 1,490 to 1,530 kgs, with maximum power reaching 430kW (equivalent to 585 bhp). Setting the weight threshold higher than it is for the GT3 class will limit the use of expensive materials.

Fast charging
The new class will be the first in electric-powered motorsport not to rely on standardised batteries. It will accommodate cars of vastly different architectures with different spaces available to install key components.

Through partnership with industry-leading firm Saft, a subsidiary of Total, the category will allow the manufacturers to build their own bespoke battery layouts based on Saft-supplied cells. Relying on Saft’s 100 years of experience in areas such as aeronautics, space programmes, defence and motor sport, Saft has developed bespoke lithium-ion pouch cells optimised for the needs of the new class.

The cells are designed to allow for 700 kW peak regen and 700 kW fast recharging that will enable them to replenish to 60% of their capacity within a few minutes during a mid-race pit stop. The charging network will be developed to meet the fast charging requirements and, depending on the venue, will include elements of permanent and temporary infrastructure.

Road relevance
In addition to fast charging, the category will feature several other innovations relevant from a technology transfer standpoint. All of the manufacturers will have the freedom of choosing their own powertrain set-ups – either two or four electric motors – with both 2 and 4-wheel-drive configurations allowed.

The cars will also feature dynamic vehicle control that will automatically adjust the torque of each wheel independently based on speed, acceleration, traction and steering angle, thus ensuring that can have supreme handling characteristics.

Sustainable long-term vision
The introduction of this new concept is in line with the FIA’s long-term vision for the implementation of sustainable energy sources across its portfolio of motorsport disciplines, thus setting an example in the approach to the reduction of CO₂ emission while, at the same time, reflecting the latest trends in the automotive industry and responding to the demands of the market.

“The role of electric propulsion in automotive industry is ever-increasing; as we want motorsport to be relevant to our industry, more and more competitions are going in this direction. The main technical challenges are battery development, battery integration in the cars and fast charging technology. This is crucial to the manufacturers who want to develop road-relevant technology rather than relying on standard components. Also, being able to utilise and adapt GT3 platform ensures that costs are under control,” said Xavier Mestelan Pinon, FIA Technical Director.

After Formula E, Extreme E will take electric cars into off-road competition

First pictures and details of new limited edition Ferrari V12

While its name remains a secret (until May 5), Ferrari has released the first official images of its latest limited-edition special series, described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’. It encapsulates and epitomises the company’s 70+ years of experience on racetracks around the world as well as draws on thoroughbred sportscar DNA to offer numerous uncompromising engineering solutions and innovations.

As is the case with all of Ferrari’s cars, the most striking feature lies at its very heart: the latest evolution of the legendary 65° V12 engine. It will produce the highest output of any Ferrari road-car engine – 830 cv (181.3 bhp) – and spin up to 9,500 rpm, also the highest of any Ferrari combustion engine.

Redesign of key components
The use of state-of-the-art materials, redesign of many of the engine’s key components, a new valve timing mechanism, and a new exhaust system are some of the technical solutions that contribute to delivering performance levels that are said to be unprecedented in the V12 segment.

The powertrain is paired with class-leading vehicle dynamics control systems to allow the driver to fully exploit the performance and have maximum driving pleasure. The adoption of independent steering on all four wheels enhances the feeling of agility and precision when cornering as well as providing greater responsiveness to steering inputs.

Lower overall weight
Another noteworthy engineering achievement is the development work undertaken to reduce the car’s overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. This was achieved in particular by extensive use of carbonfibre, both on the exterior and in the cockpit. Lastly, the new model premieres version 7.0 of the renowned Side Slip Control vehicle dynamics system.

In-depth aerodynamic research
One of the most striking aspects of this new model is how in-depth aerodynamic research has altered the car’s lines. Working in close synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the aerodynamicists have adopted solutions that are extreme in form and featuring profiles that are unprecedented for a road-legal car. The aerodynamic redesign of the whole car was aimed at maximising downforce levels – from the new front air intakes, rear diffuser and exhaust configuration to the patented design of the rear screen which now hosts vortex generators.

From a design point of view, this new special series has a strong personality that differentiates it significantly from the 812 Superfast on which it is based. This was achieved by choosing styling themes that further enhance the architectural design and dynamism of the 812 Superfast.

Vortex generators instead of glass screen
One example of this is the decision to replace the glass rear screen with a single-piece aluminium structure. The vortex generators incorporated improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency but the design solution chosen, which is fully integrated with the roof, simultaneously creates a backbone effect that underscores the car’s sculptural forms.

Together with the carbonfibre blade that traverses the bonnet, this motif changes the overall perception of the car’s volumes. The bonnet seems shorter, emphasising the width of the car, and the tail now has a more powerful, fastback look, thus making it appear more compact and competition-like despite it sharing the 812 Superfast’s silhouette, proportions and formal balance. Even the rear spoiler now looks more imposing: it is higher but the specific design treatment used also makes the tail look very wide, almost horizontal.

The interior architecture very much reflects that of the 812 Superfast, retaining the main dashboard and door panel interfaces and volumes, including the signature motif. Along with other elements of the interior, the door panel has been redesigned to reduce weight and, combined with the introduction of the H-gate theme on the tunnel, this lends the cockpit a sportier, more modern edge that reflects the car’s racing spirit.

2021 Ferrari 488 GT Modificata (w/VIDEO)

2021 Tokyo Motorshow cancelled, next one may be in 2022 or 2023

The 2020 Geneva Motorshow was the first motorshow ‘casualty’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just days before it was due to open, the organizers were forced to cancel it when the Swiss government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people. Thereafter, other similar events had to be cancelled as the pandemic swept the globe, forcing manufacturers with new models to launch to use online channels.

The pandemic continues and though vaccines are now available, the numbers still grow in some countries. Organizers of motorshows have been hopeful that they can run their events again this year and some, like those in Thailand and China, have actually done so. However, the changed circumstances have also forced manufacturers and exhibitors to review their activities and with tighter budgets, the high cost of participating at a motorshow may no longer be acceptable.

First cancellation since 1954
For the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), organizers of the Tokyo Motorshow which has been run since 1954, the seriousness of the pandemic in Japan has led them to make a decision that they should not run the event this year. It will be the first time in the history of the Tokyo Motorshow that it has not been run, with the last one being in 2019. Even in the late 2000s, when participation dropped, the motorshow was still held although its venue changed to a smaller one closer to Tokyo.

“The Tokyo Motor Show is being canceled, not delayed. It’s difficult to hold the event in a way in which many people will be able to experience the appeal of mobility in a safe and secure environment,” said Akio Toyoda, Chairman of JAMA, at a JAMA news briefing.

*The next Tokyo Motorshow may have an expanded scope to showcase not only new vehicles but also mobility solutions and issues.*

Broader scope in future
Mr. Toyoda suggested that the event could be run again in 2022 or 2023 but it would likely have a different scope, showcasing not just new vehicles and future designs but also mobility solutions. Mr. Toyoda, who is also President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said that it might even be called the ‘Tokyo Mobility Show’.

He ruled out the possibility of an online motorshow, explaining that ‘we would like to prioritize having visitors experience these vehicles in the real world, and we would rather hold the event in the real world, not virtually.’

*A display at one of the Tokyo Motorshows in the 1950s.*

The Tokyo Motorshow has been one of the global motorshows held annual in its first 20 years, and then every two years from 1973 onwards. Its floor area grew from 15,000 square metres in its first year to over 211,000 square metres when it was at the Makuhari Messe complex near Tokyo Disneyland.

Even in its first year, there were over 250 vehicles displayed, with the highest number being around 1,000 vehicles in 1985. In 1995, it had the highest number of companies participating (361) but in the years that followed, the number began to fall. By the 2011 event, in view of the reduced number of exhibitors, the organizers made the decision to move to a smaller site at Tokyo Big Sight along Tokyo Bay. As for visitor numbers, the highest was about 2 million in 1991. The 2019 show seemed to show interest renewing in the event as 1.3 million people attended, 69% more than the 2017 event.

The other motorshows
Due to the financial consequences of the cancellation of Geneva Motorshow in 2020, the organizers decided not to have an event in 2021. It was pointless anyway as a majority of exhibitors expressed unwillingness to participate and indicated they would prefer to do so in 2022.

*Frankfurt Motorshow has been one of the major motorshows which is on every two years, alternating with the Paris Motorshow.*

In America, the 2021 North American International Auto Show was not held at its traditional time at the beginning of the year. Instead, the organisers now say that the ‘reimagined indoor and outdoor show’, originally planned for mid-2021, will be held at the end of September. The new month is to become permanent, moving forward.

Earlier in the year, the Frankfurt motorshow organizers said there will be no motorshow this year, at least in Frankfurt. Like the Tokyo Motorshow, Frankfurt has been run every two years and alternates with the motorshow in Paris (which was cancelled last year). There are hopes that a motorshow in Germany could be held in another city but given the uncertainty of the pandemic, nothing is being decided.

Volkswagen Polo gets updates for 2021, on sale in Europe at the end of this year

The current generation of the Volkswagen Polo still has a few more years to go but with the pace of technology nowadays, the model has been given a comprehensive update in design, technologies and specification matrix. The styling changes are evolutionary, and bring the model’s appearance in line with the latest look as seen in the Golf 8.

Some of the technologies for the new Polo are trickled down from models further up in the Volkswagen range. IQ.DRIVE (an optional feature) will be available for the first time in the Polo class and, together with the new predictive Travel Assist Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist (first seen in the Passat), will give the driver partial automated driving.

IQ Drive with Travel Assist
IQ Drive is Volkswagen’s name for its collection of advanced driver assistance systems and the ID.4 EV is the first model with it. The systems support the driver in everyday situations such as parking, leaving a parking space (Park Assist) or lane changing (Lane Assist) and help prevent accidents (Front Assist with City Emergency Brake function). It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance.

Another area of advancement in the Polo is the lighting system which will be upgraded to new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. These use an interactive lighting system which was first offered in the Touareg. LEDs are also used for the tail light units, providing quicker illumination and longer service life as well as low electricity consumption.

Wider range of standard equipment
There will be various versions available and in Europe, these will consist of the standard, Life, Style and R-Line. Even the entry-level version will have a significantly wider range of standard equipment. In addition, Volkswagen has now incorporated the Digital Cockpit (digital instruments with an 8.0-inch display) into the basic equipment.

Premium features available will include a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro (including image of caller, Coverflow, map view and Slide Show), background lighting and the 8-inch Infotainment system Ready2Discover, which includes App-Connect Wireless. With Ready2Discover, customers have the option of retrofitting the navigation system as a feature on demand.

Polo R-Line
The sporty Polo R-Line will have a highly individual exterior with exclusive bumpers. The front bumper has high-gloss black cross and longitudinal bars of the air intakes and their surround. A diffuser – also in high-gloss black – with chrome-look integrated exhaust panels is fitted to the lower part of the car’s rear.

In the safety area, a new addition is the centre airbag. Located on the driver’s side on the side of the rear seat backrest, this airbag opens toward the centre in the event of an accident. The purpose is to provide cushioning to protect the driver and front passenger during side impacts when the forces may cause them to collide.

No mention is made of powertrains so it can be assumed that Volkswagen will maintain the current choices which have displacement of 1 litre (3-cylinder), 1.4 litres, 1.5 litres, 1.6 litres (petrol and diesel) and, in certain markets, a 2-litre unit. Depending on the market, there should be manual and DSG automatic transmissions.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

Buy a Volkswagen Passat and enjoy a free stay at Pangkor Laut Resort

Piston.my

Latest News

Headlights on Future Ford vehicles will be able to predict conditions ahead for greater effectiveness (w/VIDEO)

Upgraded Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Johor Bahru enhances retail experience for C&C customers

FIA announces details of new electric GT category for motorsports

First pictures and details of new limited edition Ferrari V12

2021 Tokyo Motorshow cancelled, next one may be in 2022 or 2023

Volkswagen Polo gets updates for 2021, on sale in Europe at the end of this year

Ferrari Monza SP1 wins Red Dot: Best of the Best award

Volkswagen ID. R breaks Nürburgring electric record – by 40 seconds!

Hyundai offers special ‘N Homecoming’ at Nürburgring 24 Hours

110 units of Perodua Aruz delivered daily to meet demands

Hyundai develops world’s first performance control for commercial EV

10,500 Perodua staff commit to safer driving this Raya

2020 Lexus RX luxury SUV make global debut

BMW Malaysia wants you to use child car seat ‘From Day One’

Hyundai has an electric double-decker bus?

Archive

Proton’s Strong Start to 2024: Best January Sales Since 2013

Ford Ranger Getaways Returns With More Thrills and Adventures!

smart Malaysia Extends 30% Savings on Over 1,000 Public Chargers Nationwide

Volvo Car Malaysia Hosts Inaugural Safety Driving Experience

MOTUL Announces its Strengthened Presence in Malaysia

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show