Carmakers often collaborate with companies in other industries for special promotions of their models, usually taking inspiration from their products to create special editions. These are usually for a limited number of units so whoever gets to buy them is lucky to have a rare model.
With a name like Kicks for its crossover SUV, it seemed only a matter of time before Nissan came up with a collaboration with a footwear brand, in this case New Balance. But there’s a twist to this collaboration: instead of New Balance having a Nissan Kicks-inspired shoe, it is Nissan that has a New Balance shoe-inspired Kicks!
Various carmakers have been laying claim to offering the ‘fastest SUV’ and certainly they are all very fast machines. But once a tuner like BRABUS decides to also join in the quest for bragging rights, all best can be off. As an independent tuner without the demands of having to produce large volumes, BRABUS can push the envelope further and it has done this with another 900 ROCKET EDITION, this one derived from the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe. An earlier 900 ROCKET EDITION was based on the Mercedes-AMG G63.
Unveiled today at the Monaco Yacht Show, this is the world’s fastest street-legal SUV with a top speed of 330 km/h. Only 25 units will be available, each priced from 381,243 euros (ex-factory from Germany) which converts to almost RM1.875 million.
The super SUV’s V8 engine having increased displacement to 4407 cc (from 3982 cc). This has been achieved by enlarging the piston bores. With the addition of an efficient high-performance forced induction system, this engine produces a peak output of up to 888 bhp and can generate 1,250 Nm of torque but is limited to 1,050 Nm.
The higher output enables the 900 ROCKET EDITION to get to 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 3.2 seconds. The real top speed is not known as BRABUS has put in an electronic speed-limiter that doesn’t allow the car to go beyond 330 km/h.
The 900 ROCKET EDITION will definitely not be mistaken for the car it is derived from with exposed-carbonfibre aerodynamic-enhancement components and the custom BRABUS wheels (24-inch Monoblock Z PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels) with carbonfibre aero-discs.
The engine modification also includes larger downpipes with a diameter of 75 mm as well as metal catalysts and special particulate filters. The stainless sport exhaust system with integrated exhaust flaps and two BRABUS titanium/carbonfibre tailpipes protrude on either side of the vehicle. The system offers an active sound management with a throaty V8 sound when the system is open or a subtle whisper in ‘Coming Home’ mode so you don’t wake the neighbours.
The BRABUS control module for the air suspension, which lowers the ride height by about 25 mm, additionally contributes to the outstandingly agile handling for an SUV. It not only gives the all-wheel car a more thrilling visual stance, but also further enhances the driving dynamics thanks to lowering the centre of gravity.
Inside the 4×4 fastback SUV, there are the usual signature fine leather appointments with many personalisation options available for customers. In the first unit shown in the pictures, there is grey leather upholstery matching the outer skin. The seat centre sections and the inner sections of the door panels feature square quilting applied with pinpoint precision and additional perforations.
To match the red brake calipers and the two likewise red signature stripes in the radiator grille, the leather features red contrasting highlights. In addition, all trim pieces in the cockpit sport red glazing. The same colour is also used for the pedals, door pins and the RACE paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Being the specialist that it is, with a history of almost 45 years, BRABUS has the engineering expertise to upgrade performance reliably and safely. They are confident in what they do and give a 3 years/100,000 kms Tuning Warranty for the ROCKET 900 EDITION.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected but you may not show symptoms or feel sick – but you can spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Mention Cadillac and most people outside the USA will have an image of a big, heavy, fuel-guzzling limousine. That’s what the cars of the 118-year old company looked like for decades, with the ultimate being ‘The Beast’ which is the nickname of the car used by the US President.
Like the other American carmakers, Cadillac was aware of the need to be indifferent to the issue of fuel consumption, especially after the energy crises of the 1970s. But it still had big engines that traditional customers liked, although new technologies helped make them fuel-efficient and new materials and engineering reduced weight.
But there’s a limit to how much an internal combustion engine can be improved, and manufacturers are now switching to electric motors that require no fossil fuel at all. Cadillac is readying for the transition. It has revealed its first all-electric vehicle (EV) as a concept model with the production version expected to go on sale in late 2022,
To use GM’s Ultium EV platform
Known as the LYRIQ, this is a crossover SUV based on GM’s next-generation, modular EV platform and driven by the Ultium propulsion system. With range being one of the biggest factors when it comes to selecting an EV, the target is 480 kms or more of range on a full charge. Charging options that fit a variety of preferences include DC fast-charging rates over 150 kW and Level 2 charging rates up to 19 kW.
The Ultium’s NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium) chemistry uses aluminium in the cathode to help reduce the need for rare-earth materials such as cobalt. In fact, GM engineers reduced the cobalt content by more than 70%, compared to current GM batteries.
GM Ultium battery pack and platform.
The advanced battery chemistry is packed in large, flat pouch cells that enable smart module construction to reduce complexity and simplify cooling needs. Additionally, the battery electronics are incorporated directly into the modules, eliminating nearly 90% of the battery pack wiring, compared to GM’s current electric vehicles.
Within the LYRIQ, the Ultium battery system is a structural element of the architecture, integrated in ways that contribute to ride and handling, as well as safety. In fact, the lower centre of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution enabled by the placement of the battery pack provides benefits to handling.
Additionally, the LYRIQ is driven primarily by the rear wheels, with a performance all-wheel drive option available. The placement of the drive motor at the rear gives an even greater feeling of balance and agility. It also enables the system to channel more torque to the pavement without wheelspin for exhilarating acceleration and greater cornering capability.
Vehicles equipped with performance all-wheel drive go a step further, with a second drive unit placed at the front which allows for a significant amount of tuning flexibility, enhancing vehicle dynamics and performance.
New architecture, new possibilities
Inside, the LYRIQ’s new architecture opens up possibilities in spaciousness and design, encouraging the designers to rethink how to use the space and where to locate various interior elements. The more airy, minimalistic design does more to involve the driver and passengers in the driving experience while offering exceptional functionality when it comes to storage solutions.
The LYRIQ is said to offer Cadillac’s highest level of driver information, infotainment and connectivity integration. A 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display integrates a single, large screen that spans the viewing area for the driver and incorporates driver information details, infotainment controls and camera views.
This new display has the highest pixel density currently available in the automotive industry and can display over one billion colours. That’s 64 times more than any other vehicle in the industry.
A new dual-plane augmented reality-enhanced head-up display employs two planes: a near plane indicating speed, direction and more, and a far plane displaying transparent navigation signals and other important alerts.
Active noise cancellation technology
For the first time, Cadillac will introduce a new road noise cancellation technology, which takes active noise cancellation to the next level by introducing more microphones and accelerometers. With this new system, Cadillac’s performance and audio engineers can target the frequency range of tyre cavity noise, reducing the noise level in the vehicle and allowing for a quieter in-cabin experience.
The LYRIQ builds on the brand’s exclusive partnership with AKG. The objective was to deliver a sound experience that would transport the driver into a recording studio. The result is a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system that delivers exceptionally crisp and precise sound reproduction.
“Led by LYRIQ, Cadillac will redefine American luxury over the next decade with a new portfolio of transformative EVs,” said Steve Carlisle, Executive Vice-President & President, GM North America. “We will deliver experiences that engage the senses, anticipate desires and enable our customers to go on extraordinary journeys.”
Ever since Bermaz Motor (in collaboration with Prima Merdu, the importer) began marketing Mazda vehicles in Malaysia in 2008, the range of products has been the widest ever. Impressed by the performance of Bermaz, Mazda has been willing to provide a variety of models which have helped boost the brand image and position in the market. The encouraging growth in numbers also persuaded the Japanese carmaker to resume assembly of its vehicles in Malaysia as well as use its manufacturing facility here as a production hub in ASEAN, complementing its factory in Thailand.
Besides the wide range, Bermaz has also made it a point to have the latest models in its showrooms as soon as they are available. This has again been shown with today’s launch of the new CX-30, a brand new crossover SUV model which had its global debut in Geneva last March. Deliveries in some global markets only began at the end of 2019 (that’s just last month) and the model is now in Malaysia. Global production hubs for the CX-30 are in Japan, Mexico and Thailand, and the ones we get come from Japan.
A new generation for a new decade
The CX-30 is positioned between the smaller CX-3 and the bigger CX-5. The question that is often asked is why not CX-4? Actually, there is already a CX-4 sold in China and because the platform for the CX-30 is new (adapted from the Mazda3), Mazda wanted to make sure the difference was emphasised.
The CX-30 is the second model of a new generation following the Mazda3 and while Mazda officials have not said how the designations will be in coming years, perhaps the zero would signify this new generation (CX-50, CX-80, etc) as the decade progresses.
Three variants are available; two have the 2-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine (163 bhp/213 Nm) and one has the 1.8-litre SKYACTIV-D turbodiesel engine (114 bhp/270 Nm). The SKYACTIV-G variants have two equipment levels – the CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 High Line. All variants have the SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission but for now, only front-wheel drive is offered (there are AWD variants in some markets).
The SKYACTIV name is usually associated with the all-aluminium engine family but it is actually the name for various Mazda technologies that came into use in 2011. Of note among the engine’s innovations is the compression ratio of 13:1 which is higher than average for a petrol engine.
Price-wise, the CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 is RM143,059 (without insurance) while the much better equipped High Line is RM164,059. The turbodiesel is the most expensive at RM172,943.60 although this is not surprising because the SKYACTIV-D engine is a very advanced powerplant which has been able to meet tough emission control standards.
First impressions
For the media to get first impressions of the new Mazda, EUROSCALE, the event organisers, plotted a route from the Palm Garden Golf Club near Putrajaya to The Acres Resort in the Bukit Tinggi hills just off the Karak Highway to the East Coast. The 140-km route (to and fro) provided a good mix of conditions – including some rough tracks – that demonstrated the versatility of the CX-30. Although the petrol and diesel variants were in the test fleet, we remained with the CX-30 2.0 High Line.
Mazda prides itself with being able to unite the driver with the car through its Jinba-Ittai philosophy of rider and horse being in unity. This can be felt when you are in the driver’s seat and the orientation of the pedals is just right, with all switchgear within easy reach. There’s also a head-up display (speed and cruise control setting) projected on the windscreen which is sharp and clear even in bright sunshine.
More importantly, for me at least, is that operation of controls must be intuitive because we usually never get to read the manual before driving! The CX-30 gets high marks for this and the Mazda Connect system with a large rotary controller is easy to use.
The CX-3 is deemed by many to be rather cramped because of its compact dimensions but the CX-30 is larger with more space to offer inside. The rear seating was comfortable enough although it seemed that there were minimal provisions for the rear occupants. There’s no USB port so if you don’t have a powerbank, a long cable has to be run from the recharging port inside the console box. But coolness is assured with vents bringing cold air to the back.
Safety, driving dynamics and comfort
The CX-30 comes with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology (GVC+) which is an enhancement over the original GVC. It’s not easy to explain GVC+ but basically, it helps to smoothen cornering movements by moderating engine torque during certain steering movements. It’s very subtle but makes for a more ‘fluid’ experience that will make the drive just that bit more enjoyable.
There are other safety systems too which help the driver avoid collisions – like the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. If the car wanders out of its lane, there will be a warning and assistance to get the car back in its lane. The systems in the CX-30 seem more intelligent these days as the occasions when warnings sounded were infrequent. I remember how the early systems were too ‘sensitive’ and would sound too often that they got irritating.
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control reduces the cruising speed if the radar (located behind the grille) detects a vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe gap. The gap can be set to be nearer or further, depending on conditions.
Much of the route was on highway with varying volumes of traffic. When there were a lot of cars ahead, it was a good opportunity to try the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) which is an adaptive cruise control system. Unlike the typical cruise control system where you set the speed and it stays at that speed (deactivating when you press the brake), MRCC adjusts the speed to keep a safe distance from a vehicle in front. It does so by radar sensing and even if you set 110 km/h, the system will slow the CX-30 to 80 km/h if that is the speed the vehicle directly ahead is travelling at. When there is no vehicle ahead, the speed increases to what was set. Some adaptive systems tend to make the speed adjustment abruptly but the Mazda’s autonomous braking was smooth and progressive.
Not being a downsized engine, the SKYACTIV-G engine doesn’t have a turbocharger nor need one. It has pretty good flexibility in mid-range to accelerate past other traffic confidently. The SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission has always been a pleasant unit with its direct drive feel, thanks to the full range lock-up.
The CX-30 handling is not as agile as the Mazda3, which is to be expected since it’s taller. Nevertheless, if driven sensibly, it can still be enjoyable on a twisty stretch and body roll is minimised. The suspension is supple enough so that even if the corners get uneven, the CX-30 doesn’t deviate from the chosen track.
Naohito Saga, the CX-30’s program engineer, said that quietness was an area which his team worked hard on in pursuit of the premium image that Mazda wants to achieve. They carried out sophisticated studies on all the sounds that impact the occupants and came up with a wide range of solutions that were not only confined to insulation. The result is a fairly quiet cabin and even under hard acceleration, you don’t feel (or perceive) any vibrations in the floor or from the engine bay.
Worth the money?
Some feel the price of the CX-30 is rather expensive but bear in mind that it is a CBU import and for now, the government still wants to impose heavy duties on imported vehicles. However, Bermaz has made sure that even though the price is on the high side, the equipment levels also provide justification. And like all Mazdas, build quality is above average too. Also worth mentioning is a 5-year warranty with 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms) of free scheduled maintenance, the latter certainly representing savings in motoring costs over the long term.
For most people, the CX-30 has all the technology and engineering competence that will be needed. It would work well for a small family with its practicality just as it would for a single who has what marketing people call an ‘active lifestyle’. If you have it on your shopping list, visit www.mazda.com.my to locate a showroom where you can test one yourself.
Acura, Honda’s North American luxury sub-brand will be unveiling the new 2019 RDX prototype at the upcoming 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The vehicle incorporates key design elements from the Acura Precision Concept and Acura Precision Cockpit.
Unlike its predecessor, the new RDX is designed and developed in the USA using the new Acura-exclusive platform. It’s angular contours, wide haunches and commanding presence make for an extremely appealing crossover SUV. The menacing front fascia and large LED headlamps are a welcomed edition to the 2019 model year.
This third-generation RDX gets an all-new interior design, user interface and operating system built and designed from scratch. Though the exact details have yet to be revealed, we are guessing that it should feature the automaker’s suite of cutting edge tech featured in the rest of its premium vehicles.
Acura’s RDX is one of the best selling vehicles in the premium-entry SUV segment for the US market. This particular segment has been steadily growing with each passing year, and is on a path to unseat the dominance and desirability of premium sedans.
Kia’s answer to the compact crossover segment leaders, is the Stonic, which is said to be an important model for the Korean manufacturer in Europe. That’s because this particular crossover segment accounts for 1.1 million vehicle sales in Europe alone, each year and that figure is predicted to balloon to more than double that by 2020.
The Stonic features relatively sharp styling and contours that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The signature Tiger nose grille is present but less prominent than those found on other model and features a minimalist look that adds detail to the entire assembly. The long swept LED headlights are a decent addition and lend a touch of class to the entire look of the front end.
The side profile blends the width of an SUV with the compact lines of a modern day hatchback, giving the Stonic a sleek sporty look that’s almost car-like. At the rear, it features a design reminiscent of the Hyundai i30. The curvature of the tail lamps and tailgate provide the vehicle with a broad and masculine look.
The Stonic’s design is a collaborative effort between Kia’s design houses in Europe and Korea, which the company says, allowed the body to incorporate sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces. Built on a strong and lightweight platform, the Stonic is made from advanced high strength steel, which accounts for 51 percent of the body’s total material.
Speaking of the latest addition to the family, Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, said, “The Kia Stonic will be one of the most compelling new cars in this rapidly-expanding class, backed by Kia’s unique warranty, and the brand’s reputation for reliability, quality and contemporary design. As the segment expands, the Stonic looks set to become one of our best-selling cars.”
Typical of a modern day Kia, the interior is well laid out and features an infotainment system that is said to be user-friendly and convenient to operate on top of being compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Powering the new crossover will be a range of lightweight, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that will be paired to a manual transmission. The lack of an automatic option is rather surprising but Kia believes this combination will offer maximum driver engagement and efficiency. The engine options are a turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDI, 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre naturally aspirated MPI petrol engines as well as a 1.6-litre diesel one to complete the range.
Kia has tuned the steering and suspension setup to match the taste of European buyers and comes with a slew of safety tech, which include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Specific functions of VSM include Torque Vectoring by Braking, Straight Line Stability, and Cornering Brake Control.
Buyers can choose from a selection of Kia’s DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition and Forward Collision Alert, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning System. Thanks to a new fusion camera system, Stonic also offers High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.
Apart from that, the Stonic’s ‘Targa’-style roof and two tonne paint scheme will provide potential buyers with several different colour combinations to choose from, 20 to be exact with a choice of five distinctive colours for the roof. Buyers in Europe can expect it to go on sale sometime in the next few months with Kia’s unbelievable 161,000km warranty package.
