hybrid Archives

Racing in F1 helped Honda develop advanced hybrid technology

Carmakers may spend a lot of money on racing activities but in many cases, such activities also support R&D for the company to develop new technologies for future models. Honda has been on such company and even in the 1960s, before it was established as a serious carmaker, it was already in Formula 1, the first Japanese company to do so.

Honda’s founder believed that the experience of working in a racing team was invaluable for the engineers. They had to find solutions to problems very quickly and in the high-pressured environment of motorsports. The benefits were understood, and Honda made sure that it remained active in motorsports, with many technologies flowing to production models.

Honda in F1 — *In the 1960s, Honda was the first Japanese manufacturer to race in F1 and its engineers benefitted from the experience of working in the high-pressured environment.*

The latest Jazz is an example of advanced Honda hybrid innovation transferring from the racetrack to the road. Using engineering expertise from its motorsport team, Honda is drawing knowledge from its Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit (PU) programme to improve the energy efficiency of the brand’s e:HEV hybrid system.

The latest Honda Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit, named RA620H, uses a highly efficient 1600 cc 6-cylinder internal combustion engine, combined with an Energy Recovery System. The advanced hybrid electrical systems ingeniously recycle energy produced by the brakes and exhaust gases to generate extra boost power for acceleration and to reduce turbo lag.

Last season, Honda’s Hybrid Power Unit helped its partner teams, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso (now known as Scuderia AlphaTauri), achieve a total of 3 race wins and 6 podium places.

Honda e-HEV Hybrid — *Honda’s partner teams in F1 are Scuderia AlphaTauri (formerly Scuderia Toro Rosso) and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.*

During races, Honda Formula 1 engineers are constantly assessing and changing the ratio of energy recovered and deployed by the hybrid system to deliver optimum performance. The expertise they have developed in running hybrid power units at optimum efficiency and power output inspires Honda’s range of advanced e:HEV powertrains in its passenger cars.

The beneficiary of this technology is the Jazz. Its e:HEV hybrid system recycles energy and harnesses it to charge the battery and support engine output, for strong performance, seamless switching between drive modes and maximum efficiency.

“During a Formula 1 race weekend, teams have to manage very carefully how much fuel they use to comply with the sport’s regulations. In a race, we can divide the total fuel allowance over the number of laps, but there are going to be situations where a team might wish to use more fuel in order to get higher performance and in other parts of the race they will want to save fuel for later, while behind a safety car for example,” explained Yasuaki Asaki, Head of PU Development.

“In a race, the communication between the race engineer and the driver is key to achieving that best balance. However, in our road-going e:HEV hybrids, we apply our expertise to ensure the Powertrain control units deliver the best possible power to efficiency ratio for the driver, in any required driving mode,” he said.

The e:HEV system (shown above) is newly developed for Jazz consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine; a lithium-ion battery; and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit.

To deliver a rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency, the e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:

EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly.

Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.

Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and drive force is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels.

In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive. At highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration. In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor. EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Rather than using a conventional transmission, the Jazz is equipped with a newly-developed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components. This transfers torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes.

Nissan Kicks with e-POWER technology makes global debut in Thailand (w/VIDEO)

Although the Nissan Kicks, inspired by the streets of Brazil, has been around since 2016, it has not been available in ASEAN. To make up for that, the carmaker has launched the e-POWER version and it’s actually a world debut which took place in Thailand. The model is built at the Nissan factory in the country as well.

The Kicks e-POWER, as the ‘e’ suggests, uses an electrified powertrain. The technology used in e-POWER has been proven in Japan where it has been available for the past few years. The compact hybrid powertrain uses an EM57 electric motor, generator and inverter that generates electricity from its 1.2 litre DOHC 12-valve 3-cylinder petrol engine. Electricity is stored in a 1.57 kWh lithium-ion battery pack

The e-POWER system can generate a maximum power output of 95 kW/129 ps, with up to 250 Nm of torque. Unique to e-POWER technology, when extra acceleration is required or when climbing a steep hill, the electric motor receives power from both the battery and the engine to enhance its performance. During deceleration, the engine stops running, and regenerative power is used to charge the battery until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, wasting no energy generated from deceleration.

The driving experience is also enhanced by intelligent accelerator technology. Its one-pedal technology (also found in the latest LEAF EV) allows drivers to launch, accelerate, decelerate, or stop the car by using only the accelerator pedal. By using only one pedal, tasks such as judging the distance between cars, decelerating, and stopping when going downhill or stopping for traffic lights are greatly simplified.

The driver can choose from 4 driving modes: Normal, S, Eco and EV. In Normal, the car produces strong acceleration off the line and stopping power (lifting off the acceleration pedal) that is claimed to be on par with the braking of its conventional petrol-powered counterparts. In S, the car accelerates quicker with enhanced stopping power. Eco is the fuel-saving mode which is regulated by battery power. EV mode uses stored battery electric power only, allowing a quiet drive experience without the petrol engine operating.

The Kick features 14 best-in-class Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. These include Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Rear View Mirror.

Inside the Kicks
Inside, the passenger cabin features high-quality design and refinement, including the modern and simple ‘Gliding Wing’ instrument panel design that is dominated by a centrally-mounted 7-inch full-colour display housing a comprehensive infotainment system.

Intelligent Integration elements are powered by Nissan Connect, a multi-infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen Colour Display Audio. It keeps customers ahead of the curve by bringing infotainment, navigation, safety and security under a single platform with a seamless connection via smartphone (Apple CarPlay for iOS).

“The launch of the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER in Thailand represents the disruptive and innovative DNA of Nissan that we continue to bring to the region,” said Yutaka Sanada, MC Chairman and Regional Senior Vice-President, Nissan Asia & Oceania. “This is an exciting day for Nissan and Thailand, as a key global production and export hub for Nissan and regional leader driving the company’s vision for electrification of mobility.”

In Thailand, the price range for the four versions start from 889,000 baht and goes up to 1,049,000 baht (RM120,650 – RM142,360). The battery pack is designed to last for up to 10 years and the electric system for up to 5 years. This is complemented by a factory warranty of 3 years or maximum of 100,000 kms.

Coming to Malaysia?
Last year, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) did some promotion of EVs and also launched the second-generation LEAF EV as well as the X-Trail Hybrid. With the Almera already long in the market, it would seem like a good idea to replace it with the Kicks. However, whether the e-POWER variant will be offered or just with a conventional powertrain remains to be seen. Typically, ETCM is tight-lipped about new models although it has mentioned that this new model will be offered in future.

Visit www.nissan.com.my to know more about the LEAF and X-Trail Hybrid.

Toyota commemorates 20th anniversary of Prius hybrid model with special edition

Twenty years ago, with the Y2K computer glitch reduced to the punchline of the year, technology in another corner took a big leap as a small sedan appeared in the automotive landscape in America. It was the Toyota Prius, the world’s first production car with a hybrid powerplant consisting of a small internal combustion engine which worked with an electric motor.

First Generation Toyota Prius — *The original Prius*

The Prius would profoundly change the trajectory of automotive propulsion evolution and prepare motorists for the transition to electric vehicles. Over the next two decades, Toyota would go on to sell more than 6 million Prius hybrids worldwide, with more than 3.6 million total hybrid models (including Lexus) sold in the USA alone.

And so, on its 20^th anniversary in America, Toyota has come out with 2,020 units of a special anniversary version. The cars will be offered in Supersonic Red or Wind Chill Pearl and feature striking black exterior trim and unique features, including a colour-keyed rear spoiler.

There are also black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, black-out headlight components and trim, B-pillars and mirror housings. Also unique to the Prius 2020 Edition, as it is known, are a ‘2020’ insignia key glove/fob and floormats, as well as black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked air vents.

For the latest Prius, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS) is now available, providing the driver with more assistance that can help avoid accidents. The Pre-Collision System is now enhanced with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection while the forward sensors can detect bicyclists.

The foundation of Prius efficiency is the Toyota Hybrid System II (shown above). It operates much in the same fashion as the original hybrid system but is more compact, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient. Today’s system uses a high-efficiency 1.8-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine working with two motor-generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The advanced Power Control Unit is the key to extracting the greatest efficiency from the powertrain. In most situations, the Prius launches on battery power alone and then seamlessly starts the petrol engine and blends its output once underway, turning it off when its power is not needed.

After 20 years, the Prius has reached its fourth generation which sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K platform (TNGA-K). It is the most efficient and quietest Prius ever offered and is available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well as an AWD-e variant with all-wheel drive.

More than 15 million Toyota hybrid vehicles have been sold worldwide

During the 1990s, Toyota launched two models that created new market segments almost overnight. The first was the RAV4, which started the small passenger-car based SUV trend but the second was of great significance. It was the Prius, the pioneer of mass-produced hybrid vehicles.

Today, many carmakers have models with hybrid powertrains too and of the many millions on the roads all over the world, over 15 million have been made by Toyota.

Toyota’s decision to develop hybrid electric vehicles started over 25 years ago when Takeshi Uchiyamada (the company’s Chairman today) led a team to develop a car for the 21st century. Concern for the environment was growing, with momentum coming from the Kyoto Protocol to address climate change, which many nations committed to.

“When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was but thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream,” said Mr. Uchiyamada.

Toyota Prius Gen 1 — *First generation of the Prius*

Toyota focussed on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (specifically carbon dioxide) and other harmful pollutants. With more than 15 million hybrids already in use, Toyota believes that it has made a significant contribution to the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 120 million tonnes worldwide to date (compared to sales of equivalent vehicles with internal combustion petrol engines alone).

The first generation of the Prius was launched in 1997 and in the years that followed, more Toyota (as well as Lexus) models gained hybrid powertrains. There are at least 44 models available globally today.

More than a numerical milestone, the continued and increasing use of hybrid powertrains demonstrates the staying power of the technology. It is a mainstream solution to reduce environmental pollution and also consumption of fossil fuel. This achievement builds on the belief that widespread adoption of more environmentally-friendly vehicles can make a significant positive impact worldwide.

Toyota Hybrid — *Some of the Toyota hybrid models available today.*

Hybrid leads to BEV and FCEV
While Toyota believes that hybrid vehicles are an essential part of the future overall mix of electrified vehicles, two decades of electrification experience also feed into the company’s multi-powertrain strategy. The company does not see a ‘one winner takes all’ scenario but a future where the different electrified technologies – hybrids and plug-in hybrids, fuel cell (FCEV) and battery electric (BEV) vehicles – all play a part.

*Hybrid technology is the core technology which can be used in the development of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV) fuel cell vehicles. (FCVs)*

As a result of its long hybrid electric vehicle experience, the company has deep transferable expertise in the core electrification technologies which are common across all form of electrified powertrains. Over two decades of continuous development of electric motors, batteries and power control units has taught Toyota how to manage and reuse energy efficiently, providing a range of electrified options for customers.

Toyota hybrid models in Malaysia
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) began selling the Prius when it started its third generation in 2009. Due to the heave taxes on CBU (completely built-up) vehicles, the earlier generations were unable to be attractively priced. However, in 2009, the government provided full import and excise duty exemption of hybrid and electric vehicles which made them more affordable.

The move was to demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint as well as to help the carmakers introduce hybrid technology to motorists in the country. It was hoped that some companies would then assemble their hybrid models locally.

Toyota Prius — *Third generation of the Prius and Prius c (below) were sold in Malaysia.*

A 4-year period of duty-exemption was given, during which time sales of such vehicles was quite high as their prices were attractive. Besides the Prius, UMWT also imported the smaller Prius c.

Following the withdrawal of the duty-free exemption, the price of the Prius jumped from RM139,900 to RM216,400 while the Prius c which entered the market at RM97,000 rose to around RM153,000. Not surprisingly, sales declined very quickly and imports of the Prius and Prius c ceased. However, Lexus Malaysia continued to offer hybrid variants for its CT, RX and LS models for customers who appreciated the advanced technology.

Honda aims to find a ‘second life’ for hybrid/EV battery packs

The lead-acid batteries in motor vehicles have been around for many decades and because they are made from elements that can be recycled, there is an established ‘business’ in collecting and recycling batteries. Even the guy who collects old newspapers will take them as the lead, plastics and even the sulphuric acid can also be recycled.

Lead-acid batteries are therefore considered as ‘closed-loop’ products which means that when their ‘first life’ is over, they can be recycled into other products. It is estimated that globally, 98% of such batteries are being recycled.

With the advent of hybrid and electric vehicles since the late 1990s, more powerful battery packs have appeared. These are needed to store electricity in large amounts and to power the electric motors. These have not continued with the lead-acid approach which would make the battery packs very heavy as they would have to be very big to store sufficient electricity.

Instead, the battery packs for battery-powered electric and hybrid vehicles use nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel–metal hydride (Ni-Mh), and more recently, lithium-ion or lithium-ion polymer. The technology is constantly advancing, and the battery packs are getting more compact while their storage capacity keeps growing, making possible longer travel ranges.

Honda Accord Hybrid battery pack — *Battery pack used in an Accord Hybrid.*

End-of-life disposal
The manufacturers have been mindful of the fact that the battery packs have an end-of-life and unlike lead-acid batteries, their disposal is not so straightforward. Various solutions have been explored to keep them in service and Honda Motor Europe, together with SNAM (Societe Nouvelle d’Affinage des Metaux), is investigating the possibility of using batteries in a ’second life’ for the storage of renewable energy in industrial applications.

SNAM is a battery recycling company and is increasing its role in partnership with the carmaker to advance the sustainable usability of its end-of-life battery packs. The pan-European arrangement will see SNAM collect and recycle batteries from Honda’s increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles and either potentially prepare them for ‘second-life’ renewable energy storage uses or extract valuable materials for recycling if they are not suitable for that purpose.

Honda battery pack recycling — *End-of-life battery packs can be divided in two types – those that can be reconditioned and continue to function as energy storage units or broken apart and their materials recycled (below).*

Honda and SNAM have worked together since 2013 to ensure the traceability of end-of-life batterie packs and dispose of them in accordance with European Union environmental standards. The expansion of this agreement will see SNAM collect lithium-ion and NiMH batteries from Honda’s dealer network and Authorised Treatment Facilities in 22 countries, before analysing how suitable they are for recycling and processing them accordingly.

Second life applications
“As demand for Honda’s expanding range of hybrid and electric cars continues to grow, so does the requirement to manage batteries in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. Recent market developments may allow us to make use of these batteries in a second life application for powering businesses or by using recent improved recycling techniques to recover useful raw materials which can be used as feedstock into the production of new batteries,” said Tom Gardner, Senior Vice-President at Honda Motor Europe.

Safe and low carbon transport is utilised for the collection of used batterie packs. On arrival, SNAM assesses which battery packs are valid for inclusion in a new energy storage device. These are then repurposed and made available by SNAM for domestic and industrial applications.

When battery cells are damaged and unsuitable for ‘second life’ applications, materials such as cobalt and lithium can be extracted using hydrometallurgy techniques involving the use of aqueous chemistry. These can be reused in the production of new batteries, colour pigments or as useful additives for mortar. Other commonly used materials including copper, metal and plastics are recycled and offered to the market for use in the production of a variety of applications.

First new Aston Martin engine in over 50 years starts test runs (w/VIDEO)

Aston Martin has revealed further details of its in-house designed V6 engine, created initially for deployment in a new range of mid-engined sportscars, starting with the Valhalla from 2022. Codenamed TM01 – celebrating Aston Martin’s illustrious engineer of the 1950s and 1960s, Tadek Marek – the engine has already undergone a series of extensive testing sessions on the dyno, as the team make progress towards creating the luxury British brand’s first in-house designed engine since 1968.

Confirmed today as a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the full powertrain will be electrified – an aspect that has been key to the engine’s development from day one. In parallel to the tests shown today, Aston Martin is developing a new range of hybrid systems that will ensure that the complete unit will become the most powerful in the Aston Martin range when on sale. The final power and torque figures for each application of this powertrain will be determined by the desired characteristics of each product it serves and confirmed at the time of launch.

Following the Valkyrie – the brand’s first mid-engined hypercar – many key learnings have been directly applied to this project. As a result, the decision to develop the engine with a ‘hot V’ structure was clear from the start, with the configuration allowing for this compact engine to weigh less than 200 kgs.

Higher engine speeds, in combination with the benefits of electrification, will offer the performance characteristics of a mid-engined sportscar on an extreme level. Naturally, the engine will be positioned directly behind the driver’s cabin and equipped with a dry sump system to guarantee the lowest possible centre of gravity. The system will also deliver exceptional lubrication performance during on-limit, high-speed cornering. Despite the overt nature of this powertrain, the engine is designed to meet all future emission requirements for Euro7.

“This project has been a great challenge from the start. Putting a team together to deliver what is going to be the future power of Aston Martin has been an honour. From the very beginning, we have had the freedom to explore and innovate in a way that we have not been able to do so in a very long time. Most importantly, we wanted to create something that is befitting of the TM01 nameplate and create something that would have impressed our predecessor and pioneering engineer, Tadek Marek,” said Joerg Ross, Powertrain Chief Engineer.

7th Generation Hyundai Elantra makes its global debut online from Hollywood

The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted the auto industry in many ways but some activities have been planned months in advance and cannot be cancelled unless forced to. In the case of the all-new Hyundai Elantra, the carmaker used The Lot Studios in West Hollywood, California for its global debut online and broadcast worldwide. Given the current situation in America, this approach was probably the best.

This is the seventh generation of the Elantra and the 4-door sedan as the pictures show, the new Elantra has a sportier coupe look. It is longer, lower, and wider compared to the sixth-generation model with the front cowl point moved back around 50 mm. These minor changes dramatically changed the shape of the car but had limited impact on cabin space. In fact, most key interior dimensions increased.

Parametric Dynamics Design
‘Parametric Dynamics’ is the phrase Hyundai designers use to describe the dramatic look of the new Elantra. Like the first generation, the seventh-generation Elantra/Avante has a bold character,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President and Chief Design Officer, Hyundai Motor Group. “The fresh aesthetic was completed through unconventional lines and a face that broke a taboo in automotive design. The new Elantra is highlighted by its stance that looks like geometric crystals and divided body surfaces to get a strong emotional response from the customers.”

The new Elantra sit on Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform and besides weighing less, this new platform also allowed the engineers to lower car’s centre of gravity for more agile handling. The multi-load path structure also improves occupant safety during a collision.

‘Immersive cocoon’ cabin
The cabin has been packaged like an ‘immersive cocoon’ which envelopes the driver like an airplane cockpit. Low, wide structures go from the door all the way to the centre console. The low, wide structure also provides ample interior room. A large interface consisting of two connected expansive 10.25-inch touchscreen displays enhances the futuristic feeling.

A coupe-like profile typically compromises headroom but not so with this new model. With 1031 mm of front headroom and 947 mm of rear headroom, the latest Elantra actually has more front headroom and no less rear headroom than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase also provides best-in-class rear legroom and the wider track width means improved shoulder room in the front and rear.

Besides having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to put smartphone apps on the dashboard, dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time – one for phone calls and one for streaming audio.

Digital Key and Voice Recognition System
Depending on the market, customers can also include an optional smartphone-based Hyundai Digital Key. This uses a dedicated mobile app, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to allow the car to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via applicable Android smartphones.

The enhanced natural language voice recognition system has more and better feature control. This system includes Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies, delivering speed and accuracy in voice recognition and responses, and an ability to understand context, such as the user’s location to support natural interactions.

Hybrid powertrain for the first time
A hybrid powertrain is now available in the Elantra line-up. This powertrain uses a 1.6-litre GDI Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder petrol engine that works with a 32-kW electric motor. Total system output is 139 bhp with up to 264 Nm of torque. Powered by a 1.32 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the high-efficiency electric motor has an electric-only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds.

The powertrain is mated to Hyundai’s quick-shifting, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission, said to be a differentiating point between the Elantra Hybrid from its key competitors. Hyundai claims that the estimated fuel economy will be over 21 kms/litre.

As for the petrol version, this uses a 2-litre MPI unit that produces147 bhp/179 Nm. Hyundai says that a best-in-class consumption figure will be achieved, due in part to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This transmission, developed in-house, has superior efficiency and replicates gearshifts like those in the automatic transmissions that customers are used to.

The transmission performs continuous shifts by the modulating pressure of the transmission’s pulley, depending on driving conditions and driver inputs. It uses a wide-ratio pulley system, which provides a broader ratio of operation compared with its competitors. This allows for improved fuel economy at higher gear ratios and improved performance at lower ratios.

Hyundai’s new Shift Control Strategy used by the IVT improves linearity between driver inputs, vehicle behaviour and acceleration. Shift response closely replicates automatic transmission step shifts.

SmartSense Safety
Hyundai’s safety suite is known as ‘SmartSense’ and comprises a new array of standard advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist; High Beam Assist; and Drive Attention Warning.

A more advanced package (at extra cost) Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; Smart Cruise Control; Highway Driving Assist; Safe Exit Warning; and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.

Production of the new Elantra begins in Korea and America in the second half of the year with shipments starting in the fourth quarter. It’s not known when the new model will be available in Malaysia though it would almost certainly be in 2021 if it continues to be assembled locally at the plant in Kedah.

Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar – 1,233 bhp and 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds! (w/VIDEOS)

Hypercars are the supercars of the 21^st century and breaking away from the traditional big internal combustion engines of the 20^th century, they are propelled by electric motors or hybrid powertrains. And where it was only car manufacturers that had the resources to develop powerful cars, the availability of modern technologies like 3D printing has made it possible for anyone with enough money to start a small company to develop and make a few.

Kevin Czinger (pronounced ‘zinger’) is one such entrepreneur who has developed and built a hypercar with proprietary hybrid powertrain and additively manufactured chassis that is claimed to be an evolutionary leap in performance vehicle creation.

Though he went to law school, Czinger has been involved in advanced car development for more than 10 years, employing advanced production technologies. The Czinger 21C hypercar is designed, manufactured and assembled at his base in Los Angeles, California. It incorporates vehicle architecture that is centered around driver-focused, 2-person in-line seating configuration within what would almost certainly be a carbonfibre shell.

Details of the powertrain are not revealed at this time, but it is said to have been tested and generated 1,233 bhp. This can get the 21C from standstill to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds, it is claimed.

The brand launch and 21C’s debut will be at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. In the meantime, Czinger has released two videos which show the car moving very fast across a naval base in San Francisco and on the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

BMW Group Malaysia continues to contribute to electromobility in the country

Of the 11,567 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad (motorcycle) vehicles that BMW Group Malaysia delivered last year, 3,148 were electrified models with all-electric or hybrid powertrains. These joined the total of over 17,000 electrified vehicles delivered by the company since 2015.

On a global scale, a total of 145,815 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered worldwide in 2019, contributing to half a million such vehicle vehicles delivered to date.

2019 also marked the third consecutive year BMW Group Malaysia expanded the infrastructure for electromobility in the country, having introduced 18 new BMW i Charging Facilities across Malaysia. This brings the number to over 30, set up within 3 years.

Sales by brand
The BMW brand saw 9,300 new owners in Malaysia last year, with more than a quarter (2,514 units) having chosen the 3-Series. Another key contributor in 2019 was the 5-Series, with over 2,000 units delivered nationwide.

The X Family recorded total sales of 3,985 units and the X3 sold in the largest volume (1,354 unit), followed closely by the X1 (1,331 units). The electrified X5 xDrive40e accounted for 24% (975) of total deliveries, making it the third bestselling BMW X model in 2019.

MINI delivered 1,142 vehicles last year, with the Countryman version accounting for more than half the number (685 units). Worldwide, MINI brand deliveries totalled 346,639 units in 2019.

Exports from Malaysia
Having made big investments in its production facilities at the Inokom plant in Kedah, BMW has also exported some of the production. Including engines, to other ASEAN markets. It has been exporting the 5-Series to the Philippines and is also preparing to export other models in future, including the 7-Series. Vehicles imported to other ASEAN markets can enjoy duty-exemption under the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, enabling distributors to sell them at more attractive price levels.

BMW 5-Series — *The 5-Series assembled at the BMW facility in Kedah, as well as engines also produced there, are exported to neighbouring countries and enjoy duty-free importation under the AFTA agreement.*

Financial services
With a range of flexible financing plans, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia also achieved a strong business portfolio, having financed half of the new BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year. Its Easy Drive financing solution provides flexibility as well as affordability to customers.

Piston.my

hybrid

Racing in F1 helped Honda develop advanced hybrid technology

Nissan Kicks with e-POWER technology makes global debut in Thailand (w/VIDEO)

Toyota commemorates 20th anniversary of Prius hybrid model with special edition

More than 15 million Toyota hybrid vehicles have been sold worldwide

Honda aims to find a ‘second life’ for hybrid/EV battery packs

First new Aston Martin engine in over 50 years starts test runs (w/VIDEO)

7th Generation Hyundai Elantra makes its global debut online from Hollywood

Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar – 1,233 bhp and 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds! (w/VIDEOS)

BMW Group Malaysia continues to contribute to electromobility in the country

Global debut of all-new Kia Sorento next month with first hybrid in the model range

Honda Unveils Revolutionary S+ Shift Technology for Next-Generation Hybrids

Volkswagen Faces Challenges Amid Revamp of EV Lineup and Strategy Shift

Meet the Ferrari F80: The Ultimate V6 Hybrid Hypercar with Groundbreaking Performance

McLaren W1: McLaren’s Most Powerful Road Car – 1,258hp, 1,339Nm of Torque

Used Car Dealer Ordered to Cover Full Cost of Compressor Replacement

Volvo XC90: The Flagship SUV Enters a New Era

Hyundai N Vision 74 Disahkan untuk Pengeluaran – 670hp, 900Nm Tork

Hyundai N Vision 74 Confirmed for Production – 670hp, 900Nm of Torque

Ferrari Discontinues SF90 Stradale and 812 GTS

Fourth-Gen Porsche Cayenne to Feature Electric, Hybrid, and Combustion Engines

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