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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

55 years after the last new Aston Martin DB5 left the production line in England, a brand new unit of the same car has done the same thing. It is the first of only 25 cars that the carmaker is making as part of its Continuation programme. Each car will take around 4,500 hours to complete.

It’s not just a standard DB5 that is being made either; it’s the model which James Bond drove in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and comes with an array of gadgets that amazed audiences around the world. Many of the gadgets are functioning too although the machine guns that pop out of the headlights do not fire bullets, for obvious reasons.

Interestingly, though the DB5 is properly engineered like the original, Aston Martin mentions that it is not legal for use on public roads and that the fitment of gadgets is subject to country-specific regulations. Things like the revolving number plates would certainly not be legal. So most of the units will probably for display with occasional drives at special events.

The James Bond DB5 is regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’. Fewer than 900 examples were built between 1963 and 1965 and are today among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models.

Each of the 25 new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen in the movie, taking 4,500 hours to complete. Some modifications and enhancements have been necessary to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability comparable to today’s Aston Martins. All the Goldfinger edition cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
The ‘half sunroof’ is actually an opening with a detachable panel removed. In the movie, the car had an ejection seat on the passenger side – which was used to get rid on an unwanted person.

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels cloaking an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine with three SU carburettors and oil cooler. It produces around 290 bhp which goes through a 5-speed ZF manual transmission and mechanical limited slip differential to the rear wheels.

http://www.bhpetrol.com.my/products-services/bhpetrol-fuel/infiniti-ron95-ron-97-(2020)

Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage. The steering system is not power-assisted but Mr. Bond would not have required it, of course.

And now, let look at the list of gadgets the owner gets in the car:

Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
If mat rempits chase you, there’s a smokescreen generator or oil can also be sprayed onto the road behind.
Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
Someone in front going at 50 km/h in the fast lane? Extend the rams and just push him out of the way!
Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
This would be usegul when you’re in a hurry and there’s an AES camera. That’s why Aston Martin emphasises that the car is not road-legal if you have the gadgets.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
Classic dashboard of a 1960s sportscar with a wood-rimmed steering wheel and no airbag.
Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
No GPS and no digital road maps in 1964 so 007 had this tracking device to follow another car using a topographical map.
Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
Remember it was 1964… 19 years before the first Motorola mobilephone was available.
Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition
Today, 007 would be using an iPhone and Apple CarPlay to activate all the gadgets.

Back in August last year, the original James Bond car was sold at an auction for US$6.4 million (about RM27.37 million) which was the highest price ever paid for a DB5. Each of the 25 modern units are said to cost £3.3 million, equivalent to RM17.66 million.

Click here for other news and articles about Aston Martin.

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

A Mercedes-Benz is a valuable asset which an owner would want to protect ub the best possible way  from damage or loss. To give owners peace of mind, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) now offers Mercedes-Benz Protection with two new insurance and takaful solutions. The Star Protect and Star Protect Plus insurance and takaful solutions, as the packages are known, are available at all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

Repair
A temporary replacement vehicle will be provided if the car has to be at the authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre for repairs for many days.

Replacement vehicle for up to 20 days
The solutions are said to be first-of-its-kind in the premium motor insurance and takaful category, and amongst other things, offer a temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement vehicle benefit for up to 20 days per period of insurance if the insured vehicle is in an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop for accident repair.

There are also new benefits for Star Protect and Star Protect Plus. These  include a nationwide limitless towing distance and reimbursement of car key replacement costs (today’s sophisticated key fobs are not cheap!). Coverage is also for all authorised drivers and does not require a prior driver name submission to the insurer.

MERCEDES-BENZ KEY
Losing this key is bad enough but at least if you have Star Protect insurance, the replacement cost is covered.

“The entire automotive industry is transforming and motor insurance is preparing for changes as the connected vehicle ecosystem comes into being and as consumer ownership preferences shift. Through our customer-centric approach, not only have we widened our insurance partner base, we deep dived into our current offerings in order to develop a more comprehensive motor insurance coverage for Mercedes-Benz owners,” said Mike Ponnaz, MD of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia.

“Our aim is to increase the number of insured and satisfied customers under Mercedes-Benz Protection by offering products which provide owners with greater peace of mind,” he added.

Under the enhanced packages, vehicles will be covered for basic loss or damage such as damage resulting from accidental collision, burglary, housebreaking, theft and attempted theft, or any malicious acts, and liability to third parties, with additional protection for impact damage caused by falling trees due to acts of nature.

No mileage limit for towing assistance
The towing assistance, which includes unlimited towing distance for breakdown and accident, includes one-way toll charges of up to RM30. Under the towing plan, customer can utilize the flood towing for up to six occurrences, 24-hour minor roadside repairs and free assistance in arranging value-added benefits that offer accommodation, taxi transportation, and cross-border towing services. Customers will only have to pay for the value-added benefits if used.

The packages also offer owners compensation for loss of possessions as a result of window snatch theft, flood relief allowance for damage due to flood, and personal accident coverage for the driver and up to 4 passengers.

Mercedes-AMG wheel
Compensation will be given for accidental damage to any of the four rims or tyres on the car.

Those who opt for Star Protect Plus will also have coverage for 4 tyres and 4 rims. The coverage is for accidental damage caused by road debris or curbing which can adversely impact the resale value of a car, as well as optimum vehicle performance.

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BHPetrol Euro5 Diesel

The BMW dealership in Tebrau, Johor, which was taken over by Auto Bavaria, will commence operations from July 15, 2020. As a 4S centre, it will offer the full range of services and systems for the BMW, BMW Motorrad, and MINI brands, as well as and BMW Premium Selection (pre-owned vehicles).

The Auto Bavaria Tebrau dealership (formerly managed by a unit of Wearnes) has a large built-up space of 63,000 square feet, capable of displaying up to 10 units of BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles, six MINI cars as well as 8 vehicles from the BMW Premium Selection portfolio.

Auto Bavaria Tebrau Johor

Auto Bavaria Tebrau Johor
The car showroom was the first one in Malaysia to have an escalator. It takes visitors upstairs to the motorcycle and MINI sections.

Auto Bavaria Tebrau Johor

It will start off with a dedicated staff count of over 80 to serve customers of the various brands. As with other dealerships, there will be a Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories, Handover Area and RATC (reception at the car) Service.

The Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Tebrau, Andy Tian, said: “A new  journey is ahead of us in the southern region to deliver the premium ownership experience to more customers here. We continue to stay true to our promise of providing not only the best in customer service, but to exceed expectations in delivering what BMW has always stood for – providing Sheer Driving Pleasure.”

Auto Bavaria Tebrau Johor

Auto Bavaria, a unit of Sime Darby Motors, was previously the importer and distributor for BMW vehicles, having taken over from BMW Concessionaires in 1988. It steadily developed the brand in the years that followed until BMW Group Malaysia was established in 2003 to manage assembly, marketing and distribution activities for the various brands. Nevertheless, Auto Bavaria, part of the Sime Darby Motors group, has continued to be the leading dealer chain representing BMW and Mini.

Auto Bavaria
An Auto Bavaria advertisement in the late 1980s after it took over distribution of the BMW brand..

Visit www.bmw.com.my or mini.my for more information on products and services of the respective brands.

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Updated results and points after adjustment for penalties.
  • Prior to the start, most drivers ‘took a knee’ (bending down on one knee) to show support for anti-racism and discrimination. The F1 community will this year have a campaign #WeRaceAsOne to spread the message.
  •  2020 Austrian GP
  • Athough the Stewards had earlier taken no action against Lewis Hamilton for not slowing down for yellow flags, a review (requested by Red Bull Racing) saw them reverse their decision – just 85 minutes before the race started –  and he was demoted from second position on the starting grid to fifth.
  • Hamilton’s demotion to fifth slot meant that Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen got alongside Valtteri Bottas on the front row. However, even before he could complete the first lap, his car lost power and ended his chance to win at the event again.2020 Austrian GP
  • Sebastian Vettel came in contact with Carlos Sainz’ car on lap 30 and sustained damage which dropped his way down the field.
  • Sensor problems and then gearbox issues appeared in both Mercedes-AMG cars, leading the engineers to urge the drivers to preserve the cars.
  • As Kimi Raikkonen sprinted forward after a restart on lap 55, wheel came off his Alfa Romeo but fortunately, it rolled towards the pitlane and he managed to get his car off the track. But it brought out the Safety Car, slowing the race again, as track personnel rushed to remove the racing car. 2020 Austrian GP
  • 10 laps before the end, Alexander Albon came in contact with Hamilton, and the Thai-British Red Bull Racing lost his strong position to win the race. If the Stewards do not penalise Hamilton, Red Bull Racing will most likely protest against the British driver again.
  • Sergio Perez was running in fifth but perhaps got anxious and went to fast in the pits, so he got a penalty which will affect his final position.
  • 2 laps from the end, Albon’s car shut down and Daniil Kvyat’s car had a puncture.
  • 9 cars didn’t cross the finish line, almost half the field. 2020 Austrian GPValtteri Bottas
  • Hamilton crossed the finish line 5.7 seconds behind Bottas, the winner (above). However, he gets a penalty which drops him from second to fourth place. His place was taken by Charles Leclerc, which at least gave Ferrari something to take home from the first race of the season.
2020 Austrian GP
It must have been strange to be racing around with no spectators in the stands, unlike last year (left).

2020 Austrian GP

2020 Austrian GP
With the next race also at the same track next weekend, the teams would have brought double the number of tyres to the Red Bull Ring. They also don’t have to pack up after today’s race to move on to the next venue.

2020 Austrian GP

Updated points and positions.
Next race
 2020 Pirelli F1 Styrian Grand Prix
 July 12, Red Bull Ring, Austria

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ADVERTORIAL

21 years ago, BMW introduced a new type of vehicle to the world. It was the BMW X5 which very quickly established itself as the best in the ever-expanding segment of dual-purpose vehicles. It introduced high performance in a segment that had up till then focused on ruggedness and off-road capability with compromises in on-road performance.

To be a true BMW, the X5 had to be the best in driving dynamics in all conditions, no compromises. The xDrive system gave this capability. Because it was superior to any other all-wheel drive (AWD) system, BMW designated the X5 as a Sport Activity Vehicle or SAV, rather than the utilitarian-sounding SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

The xDrive system of the BMW X5 adapts to all types of surfaces and terrain. On the hard and smooth highway, it maximizes grip and stability when cornering at high velocities. When the road ends and the surface changes, the system intelligently manages torque flows to each wheel as required – almost instantaneously – to maximise grip on uneven ground, mud, sand and whatever else the X5 encounters.

Over four generations, the BMW X5 has held its commanding position as The Boss in its segment. Each generation has introduced new technologies, extending its capabilities. Powerful, yet nimble, the SAV term has been constantly justified.

Following on from the introduction of the latest G05 BMW X5 generation in Malaysia a year ago, the SAV range is now joined by the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid (or PHEV, for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Like the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series PHEV models, the new BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid has the latest electrification technologies developed by BMW.

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

Its advanced hybrid powertrain, a major element in BMW’s electrification strategy, provides high performance while also promoting the eco-friendliness and sustainability. This is what today’s generation of customers expect to see in a product from a responsible and forward-thinking manufacturer.

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

The 3-litre straight six-cylinder petrol powerplant develops maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 450 Nm available between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Battery technology, an area of constant advancement, is one which BMW has leadership in. More energy is packed into the lithium-ion battery pack to give the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid a generous range of travel. It can also run on emission-free electric propulsion for extended periods.

The versatility of the SAV concept has endeared the BMW X5 to a broad spectrum of customers, most of whom are in positions of leadership and influence, just like The Boss. No longer is there a need for a formal image in the choice of transport for such leaders; with the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid, the credentials endowed on the owner confirm leadership qualities that are essential to be The Boss.

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

Meet The Boss

The new BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid is at BMW showrooms nationwide, ready for a test-drive. Or immerse yourself in the X5 Plug-in Hybrid experience with Augmented Reality (AR) in the comfort and safety of your home. Log on with your mobile device at this link: https://app.bmw.com.my/AR/X5/

BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid

Buy like A Boss

– Enjoy added peace of mind with 8 Years/160,000 kms of Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Battery Warranty for any BMW Plug-in Hybrid model.

– Stand a chance to win a BMW i8 Coupe when you book a new BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid online on BMW Shop Online.

Don’t keep The Boss waiting.

 BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

With the lifting of restrictions, especially the prohibition on inter-state travel, Malaysians are motoring again. As always, the vehicles should be in good condition to avoid being inconvenienced by breakdowns or worse, a system failure that could cause an accident.

As part of its VW Cares initiative, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering a 5-Star Service Check to all Volkswagen owners to ensure their vehicles are in good running condition. This is especially important if the vehicle was stationary in the past few months.

Volkswagen Service

The 5-Star Service Check, available at all authorised Volkswagen service centres nationwide, is a comprehensive visual check conducted by the service advisor together with the customer to review and highlight potential wear and tear and identify any severe issue.

It’s free!
The areas inspected include the body and paint condition of the vehicle, lighting, brakes, windscreen and windows, wheels and tyres. The checks do not take long and owners do not have to pay anything.

Money-saving offers
Should any parts need to be changed, owners can enjoy savings while being assured of them being genuine Volkswagen parts or parts approved by Volkswagen. Some examples are batteries (20% off), tyres (up to 20% off), windscreen (5% discount), wiper blades (RM20 less per set),  brake pads (discount of RM50 a set), and brake discs (discount of RM50 a disc). These offers are available until December 31, 2020.

Volkswagen Passat
Whether you’re going on a short journey or a longer one, be sure your car is in good condition to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown.

While at the service centre, owners can also get an approved fuel additive at RM40 than that the usual price. For a more thorough cleaning job inside the engine, VPCM recommends Walnut Granulate Blasting, a method that is approved by Volkswagen AG. The process removes carbon deposits quickly, safely and without weakening the metal parts.

Service appointments can be booked online (click here) and for more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service.

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