global debut Archives

Second generation of Honda BR-V has global debut from Indonesia

It was no secret that the N7X Concept shown earlier in the year was a sneak preview of the new Honda BR-V (although the carmaker didn’t say so). Now Honda has finally unveiled the production model online from Indonesia where its global production hub is located. This is the second time that Indonesia is the location for the global debut of the model which was launched in August 2015. However, it was only in May 2017 that it was finally launched in Malaysia.

The second generation of the crossover SUV not only has fresh new looks but, just like the first City and the second one, it appears that Honda took in a lot of feedback from owners to make improvements to the model. Features which may have taken another generation before being available in the BR-V are included as well as the Honda SENSING driver assistance system.

Honda has not provided dimensions but from the pictures, it seems the new BR-V has grown very slightly, or it could be just the body lines giving that impression. The frontal appearance has gained a bolder look with a distinctive grille flanked by LED headlamps with LEF day running lights. The rear end has new combination lights with LED Light Bars designed to blend in with the body line.

Like the first generation, the second generation of the BR-V also has generous ground clearance. This is something which carmakers who understand the Indonesian market know is an important point. Besides rough roads in the rural areas, there are also floods and being able to cross deep water is appreciated.

*Global debut of the first generation in 2015.*

*Honda N7X Concept shown earlier this year as a preview of the new BR-V.*

The original concept of the BR-V was to combine the design and toughness of an SUV and within, offer the cabin comfort and functionality of an MPV. This concept is retained for the second generation with increased comfort levels and more functionality. There are three rows of seats for up to 7 persons. The use of leather lining has also been added in the cabin for a more premium feel. Storage areas have been increased too, with more power outlets. The driver is provided all the necessary information on a 4.2-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) display, supplemented by a 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.

Owners of the new BR-V will enjoy more convenience with features such as Remote Engine Start, Walk-Away Auto Lock function, Smart Entry System and auto-folding door mirrors. With the auto-lock function, the doors will lock automatically when the driver has walked at least 2 metres or more from the car.

In safety too, the new BR-V makes a big leap with the inclusion of Honda SENSING. This is a suite of assistance systems to help the driver avoid an accident or act automatically to prevent the accident. These systems, already available in the other models, include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking and automatic headlight high beam control. Also included now are Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist and side airbags (besides the front ones).

Also of note is the addition of Honda LaneWatch, a blindspot monitoring system that makes use of a camera on the left side of the car. The mirror is mounted on the door mirror and captures real-time imagery of the area along the side of the car, displaying it on the screen on the dashboard. It is only active when the left turn signal is on, and the imagery is clear even at night.

The new BR-V continues to use a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine (improved, of course) with maximum output of 121 ps/145 Nm. Customers can choose a manual transmission or a new CVT which delivers power to the front wheels.

Over 255,000 units have been sold since the model was launched in Indonesia, of which around 30% were delivered in the Indonesian market. While the City is Honda Malaysia’s strongest seller, the BR-V has also had its own following among families with its 7-person cabin and entry-level pricing. Until July this year, over 35,000 units have been assembled in Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia has mentioned that a new model will be launched before the year ends and this new one could be it. Given the need to pump up interest for people to shop for cars again, Honda Malaysia is unlikely to wait two years to launch the new BR-V, as was the case with the first generation.

To know more about Honda models in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

World premiere of Honda N7X Concept in Indonesia previews next BR-V 7-seater

Ford to unveil all-electric F-150 Lightning pick-up truck next week

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

The Ford F-Series pick-up truck has been America’s best-selling vehicle since the 1970s, and though it is hardly seen outside North America, it has also been among the bestselling vehicles in the world due to the sheer numbers with over 1 million sold in 2018.

The success of the F-Series can be attributed to many decades of experience in making such vehicles. As far back as 1917, Henry Ford produced the Model TT which would be the first pick-up truck although it was essentially a Model T with a truck bed attached behind.

*1917 Model TT was the granddaddy of today’s Ford pick-up trucks like the F-Series and Ranger.*

‘Serious capable, purpose-built tool’
Just over a hundred years later, as the electric era dawns, Ford will offer a fully-electric F-Series model which it says ‘will be a seriously capable, purpose-built tool for serious truck customers. Besides new technology, the electric F-150 Lightning (as it will be known) will also be able to serve as a mobile power generator. It will be able to supply electricity at campsites or construction sites, or even disaster-struck areas.

Prototypes have been undergoing tens of thousands of hours of torture testing and targeting millions of kilometres of driving – simulated, laboratory and real-world. The dual electric motor powertrain will deliver more horsepower and torque than any F-150 available today, which means faster acceleration than what F-Series owners have been used to.

Lower operating and running costs
F-Series truck powertrains typically have large displacements – even the smallest has been 2.7 litres – and that has obviously meant high fuel consumption. With the F-150 Lighting which offers higher performance, including strong towing capability, there will be no such consumption penalty at all. Furthermore, Ford claims that it will have the lowest expected lifetime total cost of operation among F-Series trucks with less maintenance than a typical petrol engine.

“Every so often, a new vehicle comes along that disrupts the status quo and changes the game… Model T, Mustang, Prius, Model 3. Now comes the F-150 Lightning,” said Ford President & CEO, Jim Farley. “America’s favourite vehicle for nearly half a century is going digital and fully electric. F-150 Lightning can power your home during an outage; it’s even quicker than the original F-150 Lightning performance truck; and it will constantly improve through over-the-air updates.”

The new F-150 Lightning will be unveiled at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn on the night of May 19 (morning of May 20 in Malaysia) and the event will be broadcast live online.

An earlier Ford pick-up EV
While the F-150 Lightning is a significant new development, it is not Ford’s first electric pick-up. Back in the late 1990s, when the company had brief burst of EV activity, it engineered a Ranger to be powered by electric motors. The battery packs were initially heavy lead-acid types and then switched to nickel-metal hydride, and factory testing showed that a range of up to 132 kms was possible.

*Between 1998 and 2002, Ford produced a Ranger EV which was leased for fleet customers.*

The Ranger EV was produced between 1998 and 2002 and was leased instead of sold. As interest in EVs faded, Ford didn’t make plans to follow up on the Ranger EV and instead focussed on developing EcoBoost technology for combustion engines.

To know more about today’s Ranger, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Ford wins both 2021 Green Car of the Year and Green Truck of the Year Awards

All-new Land Rover Defender makes global debut in Frankfurt

When you have been selling a vehicle that is engineered to be as durable and reliable as possible to be driven anywhere on the planet, it’s probably unnecessary to change it frequently. Especially for many of the customers who buy it, the fundamental design and construction remains good enough for their needs. But there still comes a point in time when the original design is just ‘too old’ and the world has changed too much, so it’s time to retire. That’s probably what happened with Land Rover’s Defender, which was produced for 67 years up till 2016 (although the Defender name only came into prominence in 1990).

Over 67 years, the vehicle evolved and met changing demands while remaining true to its ‘Best4x4ByFar’ promise. Armed forces loved it and so did adventurers, wealthy farmers and celebrities. Like the Mini, it was the sort of vehicle that was acceptable at every strata of society, though in different forms.

Now, 3 years after the last Defender was given its farewell at the Solihull factory, where the vehicles have always been built, Land Rover has revealed an all-new successor at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new 4×4 made its first appearance by descending an extreme 42-degree incline at the show – a feat broadcasted live to a global audience of eager fans.

The unstoppable New Defender is the most capable and durable Land Rover vehicle ever made, it is claimed, and its debut in Frankfurt marked the end of its first adventure, to the Valley of the Castles in the Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan – one of the most land-locked places on earth.

An icon reimagined
A distinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognizable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles. Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover and ‘Guardian of Land Rover DNA’ said: “The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. This is a new Defender for a new age.”

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover

The range will have 5 variants – Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and top-of-the-range Defender X. Depending on market, customers will be able to personalize their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover vehicle, with 4 Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packs each give the Defender a distinct character to help owners to make the most of their world. Exclusive First Edition models featuring unique specification will be available throughout the first year of production.

The New Defender completes the Land Rover dynasty and will be available in 90 and 110 bodystyles, with up to 6 seats in the 90 and the option of 5, 6 or 5+2 seating in the 110.

Switch to monocoque construction
Departing from past construction, Land Rover’s new purpose-engineered D7x (for extreme) architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction to create the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced. Three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, it has been engineered to withstand Land Rover’s Extreme Event Test procedures and provides the perfect foundations for the fully independent air or coil-sprung suspension while supporting the latest electrified powertrains.

Although hybrids will grow in importance, Land Rover will continue to offer a choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines in markets where conventional internal combustion engines continue to be needed. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year providing the prospect of EV-only progress.

Permanent 4×4 will still be standard, of course, with a twin-speed automatic gearbox. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before. A new Wade program optimizes the vehicle for fording – giving customers even more confidence when tackling flooded roads and tracks with a world-class maximum wading depth of up to 900 mm.

21^st century technologies
Inside, the highly functional cabin design is marked out by exposed structural elements and 21st century technologies, including the state-of-the-art new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The next-generation touchscreen is more intuitive and user-friendly, requiring fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks, while its always-on design guarantees almost instant responses. In addition, Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures Defender customers always benefit from the latest software, wherever they are in the world.

“We’ve embraced the Defender’s stunning capability and minimalistic, functional interior to reinvent the icon for the 21st century. The New Defender gives us the licence to do things differently, to push the boundaries and do the unthinkable, without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original. From the start, we had an absolute obsession with functionality beneath the skin, from choosing the right materials through to state of the art connectivity. The result is not only the most capable Land Rover ever made, but also a truly comfortable, modern vehicle that people will love to drive,” said Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover.

Depending on specifications, the New Defender will have prices starting from around £40,000 (about RM206,000) when sales start in the fourth quarter of this year. While Land Rovers were once assembled in Malaysia, sufficient numbers are needed to justify the investment for local assembly and it is unlikely that the numbers will be right. So, as with the rest of the Land Rover range, the vehicles will have to be imported from the UK in CBU form, which means higher duties imposed.

Click here for other news and articles about Land Rover in PISTON.MY

8th generation of Volkswagen Golf nearing launch

The next generation of Volkswagen’s Golf – among the top ten bestselling cars of all time – is nearing launch. This will be the 8^th generation of the model which appeared in 1974 to take over from the Beetle as the modern ‘people’s car’. To date, over 35 million units have been sold worldwide.

7 generations of VW Golf — *7 generations of the Golf have been launched to date, with the current one having had its debut in 2013.*

Designed for the 21^st century
The new Golf will be a product for the 21^st century, with design and digital innovations for the new era of electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services.

The camouflage lets onlookers identify that the black and white lines are disguising a 5-door hatchback. The DNA of the Golf, evolved over 45 years, is still evident but the camouflage still masks the finer details of the new design.

First VW Golf — *The design of the original Golf has evolved over the years but its DNA continues in the new generation.*

Commenting on the all-new model, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, says: “At this time, we will not disclose all details of the new Golf, but you can already perceive its elegant proportions.” The next generation will be a genuine eye-catcher!”

The countdown to the global debut of ‘No. 8’ has already begun and Volkswagen says its world premiere will be in autumn 2019. That would almost certainly be at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

Click here for other news and articles about Volkswagen in PISTON.MY

Acura Type S Concept sets the stage for return of Type S performance variants [w/VIDEO]

Acura, Honda’s premium luxury brand, will unveil a brand new concept car that sets the stage for re-introducing Type S performance variants to the brand’s line-up after a decade. The Type S Concept which will debut this Friday in California represents a fundamental step toward fulfilling Acura’s return to Precision Crafted Performance, which started with the debut of the second-generation NSX.

Building on the foundational beauty and style of the Acura Precision Concept, the Type S Concept’s powerful form is characterized by a wide track and low stance, with an expansive bonnet that stretches forward from the A-pillars.

Conceived at Acura’s design studio in California, the Type S Concept showcases new elements of the brand’s design including next-generation, four-lamp Jewel Eye LED headlights, an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, and ‘Chicane’ daytime running lights and taillights, both drawing inspiration from the Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype racing car.

Refined style, raw emotion
Building off its powerful stance, the Type S Concept’s front end reflects both form and function. Large centre and side intakes are capable of supplying required airflow to a high-performance engine and brake package, with detailing evolved from the NSX and Acura Precision Concept.

The headlights are underscored, literally, by translucent white ‘Chicane’ LEDs that serve double duty as running lights and turn signals. The front section transitions to a side profile that communicates both power and elegance.

Sheer surfaces and continually shifting angles are balanced by sharp, intersecting lines that create the impression that every surface is changing shape as it flows front to rear. Sheer side surfaces gradually open-up to muscular rear wheel arches, emphasizing the concept car’s wide track.

A sharp and distinctive tail features an upswept decklid with a sharply creased centerline (drawn from the bonnet) and integrated forged carbon spoiler. There are also ‘Chicane’ LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.

Forged carbonfibre
In addition to the rear decklid spoiler, forged carbonfibre – created by bonding layers of carbon on top of one another to exceed the strength of traditional interwoven carbon – is applied to the front and rear splitters, side sills, rear decklid spoiler and multi-spoke 21-inch wheels.

A ‘square’ 285-series tyre set-up ensures high levels of grip in the most dynamic of driving situations. All four corners feature drilled Brembo high-performance brakes with 4-piston calipers, providing ample stopping power and an aggressive appearance.

The Concept’s bespoke Double Apex Blue Pearl paint reflects a liquid and electric hue that pays homage to blue Type S heritage models. This unique finish employs nano pigments and a colour-infused clear coat that impart a sense of fluidity and motion and enhance the paint’s lustre and brilliance.

All-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray unveiled – and it’s finally a mid-engine sportscar!

Along with the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Corvette is undoubtedly the other iconic American sportscar. Over 7 generations and 60 years, the engineers have dreamed of the sportscar with a mid-engine layout and finally, for the 8th generation, they get their wish.

“Corvette has always represented the pinnacle of innovation and boundary-pushing at GM. The traditional front-engine vehicle reached its limits of performance, necessitating the new layout,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “In terms of comfort and fun, it still looks and feels like a Corvette, but drives better than any vehicle in Corvette history. Customers are going to be thrilled with our focus on details and performance across the board.”

“As America’s most iconic performance nameplate, redesigning the Corvette Stingray from the ground up presented the team a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet designers have desired for over 60 years,” said Michael Simcoe, Vice-President of Global Design, General Motors.

A note about the Stingray suffix – this has not always been present in the nameplate. It has been used for concept cars over the years and on production models, only three generations used to. These were the second and third generation, and the seventh generation which was introduced in 2014. According to the GM Heritage Centre, the use of ‘Stingray’ or ’Sting Ray’ for the sportscar evokes an immediate connection to predatory fish of the ocean.

Showing off the engine
The new location of the V8 engine is truly the focal point for the car’s design. It sits like a jewel in a showcase, visible through the large rear hatch window. The benefits are obvious: better weight distribution, with the rear weight bias enhancing performance in a straight line and on the track. And better responsiveness and better sense of control due to driver positioning closer to the front axle, almost on top of the front wheels.

Chevy’s next-generation 6.2-litre Small Block V-8 LT2 engine is the only naturally aspirated V-8 in the segment. It will produce 495 bhp/637 Nm of torque when equipped with performance exhaust — the most horsepower and torque for any entry-level Corvette. The 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) is claimed to be under 3 seconds when equipped with Z51 Performance Package.

Perhaps the biggest update is found in the lubrication and ventilation system. For the first time ever, the base Stingray will use an engine-mounted dry sump oil system and three scavenge pumps for improved track performance. During serious track driving, oil volume remains high to avoid diminished performance. The new Stingray’s lateral capability is greatly improved, so the LT2’s dry sump lubrication system had to be redesigned to provide exceptional engine performance even at lateral acceleration levels exceeding 1g in all directions.

Every part, including the exhaust system’s wires, tubes, routing fasteners, coolant hoses, exhaust manifold and even the bolts and fasteners, is built with appearance in mind. All engine components were given careful consideration just like the exterior, and even the heat shields are textured.

8-speed DCT a first for Chevy
The next-generation LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This transmission, designed with TREMEC, has a double-paddle de-clutch feature that even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.

The DCT is mated to a new Electronic Transmission Range Selector. With this electric shifter, there’s no mechanical interface between the shift lever and the transmission. The Corvette’s electric shifter incorporates two pull toggles for Reverse and Drive and push buttons for Park, Neutral and Low/Manual.

The new Stingray benefits from GM’s new digital vehicle platform, an all-new electronic architecture that enables the adoption of the company’s next generation of technologies. The architecture minimizes wiring while allowing for faster signal transmission between different vehicle systems and the higher resolution screens. The platform enables continuous vehicle improvements through over-the-air updates and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

Design inspired by racing and aeronautics
The new exterior design has a bold, futuristic expression with mid-engine exotic proportions but it is still unmistakably Corvette. The door, bonnet and hatch releases are all hidden, keeping surfaces smooth.

True to its aeronautical and racing roots, the Stingray’s canopy-forward stance was inspired by the F22, F35 and other modern fighter jets as well as Formula 1 racing. Other classic Corvette signatures adapted to the Stingray include a distinctive face that communicates the purpose of the vehicle’s mission, a classic horizontal crease, aggressive front fenders and familiar positioning of the dual-element headlamps.

Personalisation like never before
The interior is further enhanced by a cockpit that envelopes the driver, conveying the high performance and aeronautic theme. Vertical climate controls and ultra-thin vents minimize the height of the instrument panel, creating a low, spacious interior.

There’s a choice of either real aluminium or real carbonfibre for console and door trim plates. Personalisation is like never before and customers can even choose from 6 seatbelt colours and 2 stitch packages.

And, like the Mustang, this will be the first time in the Corvette’s history that a righthand drive variant will be available from the factory as well.

Carbonfibre trim for seats
Besides the GT1 seats, there are GT2 seats which are first for the model. These seats have a racing-inspired look with comfort for long trips courtesy of dual density foam. They include carbonfibre trim, a Napa leather insert, Mulan leather bolsters, a jet black-painted seat back, two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment, plus heating and ventilation.

Competition Sport seats can be ordered for the serious track-focused driver. These have aggressive bolsters, full Napa seating surfaces and carbonfibre trim on the headrest, heating and ventilation, along with an all-new durable performance textile inspired by Kevlar vests.

The centre tunnel ‘backbone’
The car’s structure is built around its backbone: the centre tunnel. This enables a light, stiff structure to serve as the foundation for the suspension system to perform in an optimized manner. By removing unwanted body compliance, Corvette customers will experience the ultimate in ride performance with outstanding lateral grip capabilities.

The new Stingray features coil-over dampers that create entirely new ride and handling characteristics. The mid-engine architecture allows for a short, straight and stiff steering system, coupled with an updated electronic steering system, making the driver’s chassis input instantaneous.

The front suspension lift raises ground clearance by approximately 40 mm at the front bumper in 2.8 seconds, protecting against bumps, potholes, steep driveways and other road disturbances. It can operate at speeds up to about 40 km/h and be programmed to work automatically through GPS to remember up to 1,000 locations.

The optional Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 reads the road better, providing more precise data through suspension-mounted accelerometers. Its improved electronics are said to respond faster and more smoothly to driver inputs and contribute to class-leading ride quality.

Production of the new Corvette Stingray starts later this year and its starting price is to be below US$60,000 (equivalent to about RM247,000). This has amazed American enthusiasts who see it as a bargain price for a mid-engine sportscar although the more capable variants would cost more.

Piston.my

global debut

Second generation of Honda BR-V has global debut from Indonesia

Ford to unveil all-electric F-150 Lightning pick-up truck next week

All-new Land Rover Defender makes global debut in Frankfurt

8th generation of Volkswagen Golf nearing launch

Acura Type S Concept sets the stage for return of Type S performance variants [w/VIDEO]

All-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray unveiled – and it’s finally a mid-engine sportscar!

Second generation of Honda BR-V has global debut from Indonesia

Ford to unveil all-electric F-150 Lightning pick-up truck next week

All-new Land Rover Defender makes global debut in Frankfurt

8th generation of Volkswagen Golf nearing launch

Acura Type S Concept sets the stage for return of Type S performance variants [w/VIDEO]

All-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray unveiled – and it’s finally a mid-engine sportscar!

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