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In a significant collaborative effort, twelve leading companies from the automotive, electrical component, and semiconductor sectors joined hands to establish the “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA) on December 1st. The primary goal of ASRA is to conduct research and development for high-performance digital semiconductors, specifically System on Chip (SoC), intended for use in automobiles.

Participating Companies:

  • Automotive Manufacturers: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Corporation, SUBARU Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation
  • Electrical Component Manufacturers: Denso Corporation, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
  • Semiconductor Companies: Cadence Design Systems, Japan, MIRISE Technologies Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Socionext Inc., Synopsys Japan

Given that modern automobiles utilise approximately 1,000 semiconductors, with varied applications, SoCs are particularly crucial for autonomous driving technology and multimedia systems. These applications demand cutting-edge semiconductor technology to achieve advanced computing power.

ASRA, with a focus on achieving high levels of safety and reliability required for automotive applications, will be spearheaded by automakers. The collaboration aims to leverage the combined technological and experiential knowledge of electrical components and semiconductor companies. The consortium plans to explore chiplet technology for SoCs, combining different semiconductor types.

Advantages of Chiplet Technology Include:

  1. Higher performance and multifunctionality
  2. Higher yield chips
  3. Timely commercialisation of SoCs tailored to end-user (automotive companies) requirements

 

ASRA has set ambitious goals, aiming to establish in-vehicle chiplet technology by 2028 and intends to install SoCs in mass-produced vehicles from 2030 onward. By capitalising on Japan’s technological capabilities and extensive experience in automotive, electrical components, and semiconductors, ASRA plans to collaborate with industry, government, and academia to position itself as a world-leading technology research group.

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Toyota hendak menghidupkan semula kereta sport klasik MR2 dengan model generasi keempat yang dijadualkan akan dilancarkan pada 2025.

MR2, yang terkenal sebagai kereta sport padat berenjin tengah, terakhir kali dikeluarkan dari barisan pengeluaran pada tahun 2007. Toyota kemungkinan akan bekerjasama dengan syarikat lain untuk pembaharuan ini, mengikuti strategi kereta sportnya.

MR2 baharu ini mungkin akan menggunakan kuasa elektrik, sebagaimana yang diisyaratkan oleh konsep terkini Toyota, FT-Se Concept, sebuah kenderaan elektrik. Walau bagaimanapun, butiran drivetrain masih belum disahkan. Sebagai alternatif, MR2 boleh berdasarkan platform GR Yaris, menampilkan enjin turbo yang berprestasi tinggi.

Peminat sedang menanti-nanti MR2 baharu ini kerana prestasinya dan pengeluaran yang terhad, menyerupai eksklusiviti yang dilihat pada GRMN Yaris. Pelancaran rasmi dijangkakan pada tahun 2025, menambah satu bab baru kepada warisan kereta sport Jepun.

Toyota, renowned for its iconic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) offerings, is gearing up to revive one of its classics—the MR2. The compact, mid-engine sports car, often dubbed the “poor man’s Ferrari,” last rolled off the production line in 2007 after three generations. Now, after nearly 20 years, Toyota is set to bring back the MR2 with the fourth-generation model scheduled to debut in 2025.

Toyota’s strategy for sports cars typically involves collaborations, and the upcoming MR2 is no exception. The Japanese automaker is expected to team up with another company to deliver an eagerly anticipated mid-engine model. While details on the partnership remain undisclosed, enthusiasts are bracing for some epic fan service in the tradition of JDM icons.

Interestingly, Toyota’s recent FT-Se Concept, an electric vehicle, appears well-suited in size and packaging for a mid-engine sports car. While the drivetrain type for the production version is yet to be confirmed, the FT-Se Concept raises speculation about the new MR2 potentially embracing electric power.

Another potential platform for the new MR2 could be based on the GR Yaris, known for its sporty prowess. Reports suggest that the prototype currently undergoing testing borrows heavily from the GRMN Yaris, featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. This hints at a high-performance, limited-production model with an estimated price tag of around 10 million yen (RM317,974).

Despite the expected high cost, the allure of the revived MR2 lies not only in its performance but also in its limited production, reminiscent of the exclusivity seen in the GRMN Yaris. As Toyota enthusiasts eagerly await the official debut in 2025, the revival of the MR2 promises to add another chapter to the legacy of Japanese sports cars.

The Japanese version of the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS, which had its North American premiere in July, made its debut and has a new name.

Introducing the STI Sport, a brand-new trim level with nearly identical features to its American counterpart available in Japan. It has 18-inch black metallic wheels covered in 215/40 R18 high-performance tyres, and 17-inch Brembo brakes with front and rear vented discs.

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During the launch of the new facelifted Honda City, Honda Malaysia CEO Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura delivered the heart-wrenching news that the Honda Accord would no longer be available for sale in Malaysia. This announcement left many enthusiasts and customers heartbroken, marking the end of an era for the Honda Accord in the Malaysian market.

So for Malaysians, the 10th-generation Honda Accord, currently available in Malaysia, represents the final model that will be accessible in the country. However, in November 2022, the 11th-generation Honda Accord made its North American debut before going on sale in China. It hasn’t, however, been made available in its native Japan until recently.

Honda has revealed the details and availability of the Accord’s JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) hybrid-only model, which is scheduled to hit dealerships in the first quarter of 2024.

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Images of a new and turbocharged engine from Honda leaks online. (more…)

Bermaz launches all-new Mazda CX-3 compact crossover in Malaysia at RM135,082.99 (OTR with insurance). (more…)

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