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Proton launches Four Special Edition models

Last year, Proton created a special edition of the Saga to commemorate the 35th anniversary Malaysia’s first national car. Only 1,100 units of the Saga Anniversary Edition were available – and every single one was taken up within just 5 days.

Now, the Malaysian carmaker is offering more choices with its latest Special Editions, all of which follow the black theme of the Saga Anniversary Edition. The models are the Persona and Exora as well as the Iriz and Saga. The Persona and Exora are Black Editions while the Iriz and Saga are R3 Limited Editions. R3 (Race, Rally & Research) is the performance arm of Proton which has been developing competition models and participated in international rallies as well as circuit events with many successes.

The prices of the Special Editions and units available are as follow:
Proton Saga R3 Limited Edition (2,000 units): RM42,300
Proton Iriz R3 Limited Edition (500 units): RM52,900
Proton Persona Black Edition (500 units): RM54,700
Proton Exora Black Edition (500 units): RM67,800

These prices are for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia and do not include insurance. Sales tax is also not included but will be added if the purchase is made after June 30, 2021 when the exemption is set to expire. However, it is likely that all units will be sold out by then as there will be many who will certainly want to own one of these limited production editions that can be collectors’ items in future.

“By launching four Special Edition models today, Proton is giving its customers more choices. These are products manufactured in Malaysia targeted to Malaysian car buyers and are reminders that Proton is and always will be a ‘full-service’ car manufacturer with the ability to design, develop and build our own cars from a clean sheet of paper,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.*

PROTON SAGA R3 LIMITED EDITION
The Saga R3 Limited Edition has similarities to the earlier Anniversary Edition with its overall black finish and black elements with yellow striping for highlights. The door mirror covers are in yellow, which seems rather jarring and some might prefer if they were also black.

Unlike the Anniversary edition, this R3 Limited Edition has a strong association with R3 through the decals around the bodywork. The alloy wheels have an ‘open’ design and are 15 inches in diameter, wrapped with tyres of 185/55 size.

In the cabin, the black theme is to be expected as well with seat upholstery in leatherette that has ‘R3 Limited Edition’ stitched on the upper section of the front seat backrests. Like the exterior, yellow striping is used on various styling elements on the dashboard and other trim panels, as well as the carpets.

This being a Special Edition, Proton has made sure it is also equipped to the highest level and owners get items like switches on the steering wheel, a touchscreen display for the infotainment system which also shows the imagery from the reverse camera.

Though it has R3 in its name, the car does not have any special performance enhancements to add speed or give stronger acceleration. The engine is the same 1.3-litre unit as other Sagas and the good thing is that it uses a 4-speed torque converter unit that gives more pleasurable motoring than the CVT used before.

PROTON IRIZ R3 LIMITED EDITION
The Iriz R3 Limited Edition takes the same approach as the Saga R3 Limited Edition with the dominant black bodywork and certain elements highlighted in yellow. It does get an injection of sportiness – visually – with the R3 bodykit as standard, 16-inch wheels and of course, the requisite R3 decals.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre engine while inside, the cabin too has the same black and yellow theme. It’s what you would expect of a Special Edition where the manufacturer gives cosmetic enhancements but skirts anything which would require engineering time and money. That would be necessary to raise the performance levels but given the volume, it won’t be justified. Better to just let R3 do some business selling performance parts and providing their tuning expertise to owners.

PROTON PERSONA BLACK EDITION
The Persona is a pretty popular sedan in the B-segment so there are many on the road. For those who want their Persona to stand out, Proton offers the Black Edition to just 500 people. The bold black appearance will already draw attention and to highlight styling elements, gold striping is applied. It’s an approach that strengthens the car’s presence in a subtle way.

Inside too, areas like the centre console between the seats, trim panels, vents and certain knobs gets the gold treatment. The front seats have leather-like upholstery but do not have any special stitching. Still, the all-black ambience is something which has its own appeal.

The Persona infotainment system has ‘intelligence’ and responds to the ‘Hi Proton’ command. It’s not as sophisticated as what you get in the X70 (where you can have the windows opened just by asking) and is limited to managing music and navigation, and getting weather forecasts.

The powertrain is the proven 1.6 litre unit with VVT and a CVT to get the 107 ps/150 Nm to the front wheels.

PROTON EXORA BLACK EDITION
The Exora MPV is now 11 years old and is still popular among those who need a people-mover. While it is somewhat old, it is also a proven MPV and whatever bugs there were would have been ironed out already.

The Black Edition gets the same sort of treatment as the other models with the Quartz Black finish being the body colour, and gold accent lines flowing around. Already big, the black effect gives the MPV a stronger image like a SWAT vehicle. The black treatment is also used throughout the cabin and gold striping added in certain areas. Incidentally, Proton did offer black as a colour choice in the years prior to 2017.

The Exora is powered by a 1.6-litre CAMPRO CFE engine with turbocharging which boosts output to 140 ps/205 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a CVT.

Like the Persona, the Exora was also upgraded with the GKUI developed by Geely when the Chinese carmaker came into the picture. This is an intelligent interface which is activated by the words ‘Hi Proton’, allowing the driver to manage certain functions without having to reach for knobs or switches or touch the screen (though there is also a touchscreen).

As with all new Protons sold today, the Special Editions come with a Basic Warranty of 5 years or the first 150,000 kms. Bookings are accepted at all authorised Proton outlets from today and to locate one, visit www.proton.com.

Bacalar Car Zero in final phases of testing by Bentley Mulliner

The first member of the Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt portfolio – the Bacalar – is now undergoing final test, development and durability work ahead of the start of build next year of 12 pre-sold customer cars. The on-car validation programmes have been condensed into an extremely busy schedule covering 20 weeks, which started this month.

So far, the car – designated Bacalar Car Zero – has completed wind tunnel-based aerodynamic assessment, high speed stability and top speed testing, handling and dynamics evaluations, appraisal of noise and vibration, and careful thermal measurements. It now enters a period of ongoing customer-focused mileage accumulation and durability work, before a phase of climate cycle testing up to 80°C and an intensive electrical system validation.

The purpose-built engineering prototype and the first barchetta-style Bentley of the modern era is already accumulating mileage and passing crucial quality tests at a variety of locations around Europe.

All of this work is vital to sign-off the new and bespoke nature of the Bacalar. It incorporates a total of more than 750 new components, all of which have to pass Bentley’s exceptionally stringent quality, functionality and durability standards. More than 40 of those parts are crafted in carbonfibre, while a complement of nearly 100 are produced using rapid additive manufacture techniques.

“Very much like Blower Car Zero that we unveiled earlier, Bacalar Car Zero is the crucial prototype that we’re using to sign-off the design, engineering and craftsmanship of this ground-breaking part of Bentley Mulliner’s future. The Bacalar is a thoroughly modern iteration of the coachbuilt Bentleys of the past – extremely rare, entirely handcrafted, totally bespoke to each customer and exquisite in its details. The whole team behind the car is thrilled to see the prototype shrugging off every test we throw at it, and we’re really looking forward to starting the build of the 12 customer cars,” said Bentley’s Director of Mulliner, Paul Williams.

2021 Bentley Mulliner Bacalar — *Each of the 12 cars (already sold) will be uniquely personalised to the requirements of the customer.*

Just 12 examples of this striking, limited edition model are being created, guaranteeing rarity and exclusivity. The Bacalar looks to the future of bespoke luxury motoring as each model will be handcrafted according to the individual customer’s personal tastes.

This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.

*Bentley Mulliner will personalise a car in any way specified by the customer… even with this rainbow finish.*

The Bacalar brought to life by Bentley Mulliner is a roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork. Embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar will be truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and the individual customer.

The Bacalar features an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6-litre, W12 TSI engine. Claimed to be the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 ps/900 Nm, delivered to the wheels through an advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System. The system allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance.

The Bacalar shares no body panel with any other car in the Bentley model line-up and derives inspiration from the dramatic EXP 100 GT concept car conceived to mark the company’s centenary last year. Indeed, it only shares one exterior component with a Continental GT – the door handle, simply because it contains the keyless entry system.

The rear clamshell, wings and top deck of the Bacalar are crafted from carbonfibre, while the doors are lightweight aluminium. Combined with the use of three-dimensional printing, it has allowed designers to create an even more distinctive car.

The exterior look of each model is completed in collaboration with individual customers, who have been able to further personalise their car, choosing from rare paint options, exterior treatments and design themes. The Bacalar represents a return to the exciting early years of Bentley, allowing owners to help shape the car of their dreams.

Only 12 people will get to own this super exclusive Bentley Bacalar (w/VIDEO)

2021 BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition – only 36 units available

The BMW 5-Series is the best-selling executive sedan in the world, so there are obviously many on the road. For those who want their 5-Series to be a bit more exclusive, BMW Malaysia has prepared 36 units of a Dark Shadow Edition of the latest 530i M Sport.

RM10,000 more than standard version
Priced at RM392,800 (excluding insurance) – RM10,000 more than the 530i M Sport – the limited edition has a Carbon Black exterior colour with Shadow Line Part and M Performance Wheelset. The signature kidney grille is also finished in high-gloss black, and the window finishers are also in black. Also fitted are 20-inch M Performance light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 669 M Orbitgrey.

Customers can choose either Black Dakota leather with blue stitching, or Cognac Dakota leather with contrast stitching.

Assembled locally at the BMW facility in Kedah, the 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition has a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol with an output of 252 bhp/350 Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

For online purchase only
While you can view the car at selected dealerships in the Klang Valley, you can only purchase the 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition via BMW Shop Online from January 4, 2021. The booking fee is just RM1,000.

Customers requiring financing for their purchase can consider the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. This plan has monthly instalments starting from RM4,488 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure), subjected to terms and conditions.

Click here for other news and articles about BMW.

Rolls-Royce provides a clue to decode messages in Wraith Kryptos cars

In July 2020, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the Wraith Kryptos Collection of 50 cars. As clients around the world begin to receive this highly limited model, they will also embark on decoding the mysterious messages found within the Bespoke elements of the motor car’s interior and exterior.

It’s a unique challenge created by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer, Katrin Lehmann, and only two people know what the secret code is – the designer and the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Muller-Otvos. The answer remains in a sealed envelope in the CEO’s safe.

“Wraith Kryptos is a Rolls-Royce Collection like no other. It is embedded with a cryptographic cipher and filled with mystery and intrigue. The first client to decrypt this code will receive a unique gift from Rolls-Royce in recognition of their extraordinary talent!” he explained.

The subtle clue
Designer Lehmann said that finding the ‘key’ is the first step in uncovering the mysterious code. It has now been revealed that the Spirit of Ecstasy, the figurine that graces the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce limousine, holds the key to uncovering this code. The word KRYPTOS is engraved in Rolls-Royce cipher around the base of the figurine, and with this information, clients will be able to embark on their cryptographic journey.

Mysterious messages inside and outside
With that subtle clue provided, the owners can embark on decoding the mysterious messages found within the Bespoke elements of the motor car’s interior and exterior. The seven deciphered characters around the figurine will aid clients on their journey of discovery as they begin to identify these letters on Wraith Kryptos’ complex fascia.

Similarly, the embroidery on the headrests translates as the double-R monogram, rendered in the cipher. The Bespoke team hopes that, together, these clues may provide a ‘way in’ that enables owners to attempt the puzzle.

Owner are invited to submit their efforts at cracking the code via the marque’s Whispers application for owners, from February 2021. The first to complete the puzzle will be awarded a unique and prestigious prize.

50 Rolls-Royce owners will have a special challenge with their cars

McLaren Sabre – developed by customers for themselves

People who can afford to buy a McLaren will often want to have a degree of personalisation, especially in place like Beverly Hills where neighbours might also own McLarens. So what the dealer there did was to offer 15 customers not only an exclusive version specially commissioned from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) but also invite them to participate in the development process.

Known as the McLaren Sabre, the hypercar is designed and homologated exclusively for the US market, stretching design, engineering and aerodynamic conventions to new limits. It has the most powerful non-hybrid McLaren twin-turbo V8 engine to date, generating 824 bhp/800 Nm. With a claimed maximum speed capability of 350 km/h, it is the fastest-ever two-seater McLaren.

Only 15 units produced
The Sabre by MSO is the co-creation of its customers and McLaren Special Operations designers and engineers. There are just 15 examples, each personalized and featuring ideas and innovations that global homologation would not necessarily permit. The first customers have received their cars this week, just in time for Christmas.

The Bespoke Commission customer experience includes a close working relationship with the MSO development team of designers, engineers and test drivers to ensure that the finished car would exactly match their desired and personalized concept.

Extensive level of access
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been involved with a number of very special cars and I’ve never seen a manufacturer give clients the level of access that McLaren Special Operations has provided for the Sabre,” said Parris Mullins, Motorsport Director for a racing team. “Everything from visiting the ‘skunkworks’ style design studio in the UK to flying out the actual development test mule for clients to get behind the wheel of and drive at a private track –these just aren’t things you typically get access to.”

The build process culminated with a highly exclusive and secret track day for customers. Each owner was allowed to drive a development car multiple times throughout the day, while being coached from the right seat. After returning from the drive, owners met in a private room to give direct feedback via video chat to the design and engineering team back in England.

Exclusive McLaren Senna XP cars pay tribute to one of the greatest F1 drivers

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo – inspired by a legendary sportscar

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo, inspired by the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, the Italian brand’s legendary mid-engine sportscar. Only 33 units of this limited-edition 4C Spider will be produced and only offered in North America. This will also be part of the final production run of the model for North America.

“Since its introduction in 2014, the 4C has been a halo vehicle for Alfa Romeo, exciting enthusiasts around the world and spearheading the relaunch of the brand in North America,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo. “The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo is an instant Alfa Romeo classic that passes the torch to the next generation of iconic Alfa Romeo vehicles, including the upcoming Tonale PHEV crossover that will start production next year.”

*The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo alongside the legendary 1967 33 Stradale.*

Exclusive colour, exclusive plaques
The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo comes exclusively in Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat exterior colour, with grey-gold 5-hole alloy wheels (18-inch front/19-inch rear) and composite sport seats covered in black Dinamica suede and tobacco leather.

Prominently displayed around the cabin are dedicated plaques on the dashboard, side sills and centre console, the last of which is progressively numbered from 1 to 33. Customers also get treated to a matching, numbered book designed by Centro Stile that chronicles the 4C’s design concept, technology, materials and Modena assembly facility, as well as the history of the 33 Stradale.

F1-inspired chassis
The 4C’s racing pedigree is evident in its state-of-the-art Formula 1-inspired carbonfibre monocoque chassis, shown for the first time in a red transparent finish. Much of the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo’s equipment, previously optional, comes standard, including an Akrapovic dual-mode centre-mounted exhaust, race-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, battery charger, car cover, suede/leather seats and carbonfibre halo, rear wing and Italian flag mirror caps.

Completing the refined exterior treatment are new ‘Centro Stile Alfa Romeo’ badges and available piano-black front air intake and rear diffuser.

Under the bonnet is a 6-speed Alfa twin-clutch transmission and all-aluminium 1750 cc turbocharged engine with direct-injection, dual intercoolers and variable-valve timing. With the engine producing 237 bhp/350 Nm and a kerb weight of less than 1,200 kgs, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 4.7 kg/bhp. This makes it possible to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of almost 260 km/h.

1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale — **The 1967 33 Stradale** is an iconic Alfa Romeo that made its public debut at the Monza circuit in Italy on August 31, 1967, on the eve of the 1967 Formula One Italian Grand Prix. Boasting a top speed of 260 km/h, the 33 Stradale was a hand-built Franco Scaglione-penned mid-engine exotic based on the Tipo 33 racing car that won its class at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona. To this day, it represents a singular blend of leading-edge technology, racing mechanics and inspirational design, a fitting forebear to the 4C Spider. Only 18 chassis were ever produced, with most completed cars painted in Alfa’s signature red, with grey-gold wheels and black-and-tobacco interior.

Click here for other articles about Alfa Romeo.

Limited-edition Jaguar F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition to celebrate E-Type’s 60th anniversary

Next March, Jaguar will celebrate the diamond anniversary of its legendary E-type by offering a limited edition of the F-TYPE. Only 60 units will be available for sale worldwide, each priced from £122,500 (about RM662,000).

The limited-edition F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition, as it will be known, will be hand-finished by the personalisation experts at the SV Bespoke division. It will be available in both Coupe and Convertible bodystyles with exclusive Diamond-Turned Gloss Black 20-inch forged alloy wheels, Gloss Black and Chrome exterior accents and black brake calipers.

A specially curated commemorative specification includes solid Sherwood Green paintwork, an original E-type colour that hasn’t been offered on a new Jaguar since the 1960s, and extended duo-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather interior trim (normally not available for the F-TYPE).

The exclusive cars will also feature a unique aluminium console finisher inspired by the E-type’s rearview mirror casing, the E-type 60th anniversary logo embossed on the headrests of the lightweight Performance seats and E-type 60 badging shared with the limited-edition E-type 60 Collection vehicles announced by Jaguar Classic earlier this year. Commemorative treadplates, an SV Bespoke commissioning plaque and Caraway-edged carpet mats provide finishing touches.

Marrying E-type inspired detailing with the F-TYPE
“The F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition is a fantastic example of what the SV Bespoke team is capable of. Marrying E-type inspired detailing with new F-TYPE gave us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the heritage of Jaguar’s legendary sports cars. With unrivalled access to original drawings, paint codes and reference materials, working hand-in-hand with our colleagues at Jaguar Classic, we’ve created a distinctive and highly collectible interpretation of the definitive Jaguar sports car,” said Clare Hansen, Director of Vehicle Personalisation at Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations.

The technical specifications will be similar to the F-TYPE R (launched in December 2019) with a 575 ps/700 Nm supercharged V8, all-wheel drive, plus revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear suspension knuckles. The claimed time for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is 3.7 seconds with maximum speed electronically-limited to 300 km/h.

“Celebrating 60 years of the iconic Jaguar E-type is the perfect moment to create our first-ever SV Bespoke limited edition – and the rarest F-TYPE, with just 60 cars available globally. We’ve worked closely with Jaguar Design to develop a theme for the F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition that pays homage to the E-type in a contemporary way. It’s testament to Jaguar’s sportscar design lineage that the 1960s Sherwood Green colour looks as though it was designed for today’s F-TYPE,” said Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Jaguar SV Bespoke.

6 classic E-Types to be restored
Besides the F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition, Jaguar also has another 60th anniversary project related to its iconic sportscar. Jaguar Classic is creating 6 limited-edition matched pairs of restored 3.8-litre 1960s E-types, paying tribute to two of the most famous examples – the ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’.

Click here for other news and articles about Jaguar.

Hispano Suiza adds a second, more exclusive, hypercar to its Carmen range

Hispano Suiza, the Spanish manufacturer with a history going back to 1904, has launched a second model as a follow-up to its Carmen all-electric hypercar which debuted last year. The new model is the Carmen Boulogne, a sportier evolution of the Carmen, and it also fully electric.

The current plan is to build only 5 units for sale, each priced from 1.65 million euros (about RM8.2 million) and take approximately 12 months to complete. 14 units of the Carmen will be available, with the first unit to be delivered in 2022.

A name from 1921
The ‘Boulogne’ name dates back to 1921, when Hispano Suiza made a racing version of its high-performance H6 Coupe and entered it in the George Boillot Cup, an endurance race lasting more than 3½ hours around the French city of Boulogne. There, Hispano Suiza achieved three consecutive victories with its H6. The Carmen Boulogne pays tribute to these historic motorsport victories

Its powertrain produces 1,114 ps – 95 ps more than the Carmen – and it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.6 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 290 km/h. Its weight of 1,630 kgs is 60kgs less than the Carmen, achieved by optimisation of structural elements such as the suspension and carbonfibre subframe. There are also new CNC parts and a carbonfibre roof, among other things.

Visible carbonfibre bodyshell
The entire carbonfibre bodyshell of the Carmen Boulogne is visible under a clear varnish that emphasizes its sportiness and preserves the timeless elegance of this model. It sports the same semi-circular headlights and aggressive ‘scowl’ as the Carmen, with the difference of an imposing copper-coloured grille.

The five customers can fully customize the model with the assistance of the brand’s ‘Unique Tailormade’ department. The sleek interior features suede or black Alcantara on the bulkhead and door panels.

The Carmen Boulogne is powered by four permanent-magnet synchronous motors, two on each rear wheel. The torque of each engine is controlled through sophisticated vectoring systems developed in-house with the expertise gained in Formula E.

1,600 Nm of torque from standstill
From 0 to 6,500 rpm, the engines are capable of generating up to 1,600 Nm of torque, allowing for the sizzling acceleration. The lithium-ion polymer battery pack that provides ‘fuel’ has a capacity of 80 kWh and is claimed to enable driving range of up to 400 kms.

The batteries are designed and produced in-house, including a complete temperature control system to ensure that the cells can operate optimally. The fast-charging capability at more than 80 kW DC is said to require 30 minutes to charge 30 – 80%.

*The 2021 Carmen hypercar gets its name from the founder’s daughter, with design inspiration from Hispano Suiza’s iconic 1930s design called the Dubonnet Xenia (top car).*

*Hispano Suiza has a long history going back to the early 1900s and was a well known name in motor racing.*

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)

After all the computer simulations, wind tunnel studies and laboratory testing, the Pininfarina Battista all-electric hypercar is now starting its real-world testing. The first exercise has been a high-speed test run at the 12.6-km long track of the Nardo Technical Centre in Italy. Laps were also done on the laps of the twisting 6.2-km handling track.

This is a landmark moment and the successful test marks the beginning of the next chapter in the development programme of the most powerful Italian sports car ever produced. After this, there will be 9 test and validation versions driven on public roads and in private test facilities to fine-tune, validate and homologate its bespoke chassis settings, advanced torque vectoring system and unique sound experience.

*The Nardo Technical Centre track in Italy where very high speed testing can be conducted.*

“We have undertaken extensive development using advanced simulation technology, and we can now fine-tune the calibration of Battista’s bespoke chassis and pioneering four-motor torque vectoring system on road and track,” said Automobili Pininfarina’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer, Paolo Dellacha.

The Battista’s 120-kWh battery pack provides electrical power to 4 electric motors – one at each wheel – for a combined power output of 1,900 ps and maximum torque of 2,300 Nm. Its advanced powertrain is able to intelligently distribute power between all four wheels for optimised traction in all conditions. Five unique driving modes (Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere) allow customisation of characteristics to driver preference or conditions.

“The phenomenal performance potential of the Battista is clear. Our clients will never have experienced acceleration like this before, yet giving them the opportunity to tailor their experience using a range of drive modes means this hypercar offers much more than just speed thrills,” aid the company’s Test Driver and Vehicle Dynamics Manager, Georgios Syropoulos.

The prototype Battista tested at Nardo Technical Centre was not a stripped-down development mule. Within its carbonfibre bodyshell, it had a fully finished interior complete with luxuriously executed detailing so the engineers could assess every element of the car.

Tailored driving experience
During the testing, the engineers carried out tuning of the advanced racing-inspired Brembo CCMR carbon-ceramic brake technology. Work will focus on blending its operation with the high-speed aerobrake and energy recuperation system for optimum performance.

The 4-motor torque vectoring will be uniquely tuned to suit the characteristics of the Battista in all conditions. Energy-neutral torque vectoring will be optimised to recuperate and shift electrical energy seamlessly for enhanced range and efficiency.

After around 1,000 of hours of virtual dynamic testing; double-wishbone suspension components, forged aluminium wheels, torsion bars and elastokinematics will be evaluated and fine-tuned, taking maximum advantage of the Battista’s ultra-stiff carbonfibre monocoque.

Customers will have a choice of 20-inch forged aluminium front and rear ‘Prezioso’ wheels and 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminium ‘Impulso’ wheels, with a saving of 8.9 kgs in unsprung mass across all wheels. High-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R or Pirelli P Zero will be available on request.

Quicker acceleration than F1 cars
Customers who receive the first hypercars and put them to the test should be able to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in under 2 seconds. That promised performance is quicker than a current Formula 1 car. For those who can find a place to get up to 300 km/h, the time claimed from 0 to 300 km/h is less than 12 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h.

The fully electric hyper GT is the realisation of the company founder’s dream to see a car produced wearing the Pininfarina name. No more than 150 examples will be available, each priced from US$2.5 million (about RM10.2 million) at the time the prototype Battista was unveiled in April 2019.

2020 Pininfarina Battista Anniversario — **Click here** to read more about The World’s First Globally-Connected Hypercar

2021 Ferrari 488 GT Modificata (w/VIDEO)

Taking the technology developed for the 488 GT3 and 488 GTE, Ferrari has developed the new 488 GT Modificata which does not necessarily meet international motorsport regulations to exploit its full potential. It can therefore only be raced at Ferrari’s own Club Competizioni GT events.

If you are an especially valued customer of Ferrari, perhaps you will be able to also buy one but the 488 GT Modificata is intended only for drivers who, in recent years, have participated in Competizioni GT with Ferrari or Club Competizioni GT.

Greater power for the legendary V8
‘Modificata’, in Ferrari terminology, means designs that have been evolved for better performance. Possessing the already impressive performance of the 488 GT3 and the 488 GTE, the 488 GT Modificata gets new technologies linked mainly to a powertrain no longer limited by the FIA Balance of Performance.

The legendary twin-turbo V8 has received specific components and materials from the racing engine, with more extreme and high-performance mapping. Maximum power delivered is now around 700 ps, flowing through a gearbox available with different transmission ratios and a carbonfibre clutch which copes with the increased power and torque.

The bodywork has completely revamped high-downforce aerodynamics, shifting the pressure centre forward. This generates higher downforce at the front without increasing overall drag, making for better efficiency and sensitivity to changes in rear wing angle.

Apart from the aluminium roof and uprights, the bodywork is entirely in carbonfibre like the 488 GTE. This contributes to a downforce of over 1,000 kgs at 230 km/h.

Enhanced driving dynamics
The engineers opted to use the 488 GTE’s suspension, with the braking system developed in partnership with Brembo. It features the low residual torque calipers that are fitted to world championship cars, coupled with an ABS system borrowed from the 488 GT3 Evo 2020, with settings customised. This synergy is said to provide drivers with formidable handling and powerful, stable braking with limited fading.

Although not meeting motorsport regulations, the car is nevertheless engineered to high safety standards, and fitted with the relevant safety equipment like a roll-cage, safety harnesses, etc.

The extensive standard equipment of the 488 GT Modificata includes a V-Box acquisition system, which is combined with Bosch’s telemetry data acquisition system. The expandable system allows data to be downloaded directly onto a USB stick. The high-resolution rearview camera, second seat and TPMS system for measuring tyre temperature and pressure also come as standard. Interestingly, even though the car is intended only for track use, there is air-conditioning installed.

Full personalisation available
Only a limited number will be built, and each car can be extensively customized on exterior and interior. The 488 GT Modificata will be admitted to Club Competizioni GT events which aims to bring back to the track the most significant and successful cars in the recent history of Ferrari closed-wheel racing.

In 2021, customers will have the chance to participate in 5events on tracks such as the Virginia International Raceway, Monza, Watkins Glen, Suzuka and Nürburgring, as well as the Finali Mondiali.

Ferrari Omologata – very unique and very exclusive

Piston.my

limited edition

Proton launches Four Special Edition models

Bacalar Car Zero in final phases of testing by Bentley Mulliner

2021 BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition – only 36 units available

Rolls-Royce provides a clue to decode messages in Wraith Kryptos cars

McLaren Sabre – developed by customers for themselves

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo – inspired by a legendary sportscar

Limited-edition Jaguar F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition to celebrate E-Type’s 60th anniversary

Hispano Suiza adds a second, more exclusive, hypercar to its Carmen range

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)

2021 Ferrari 488 GT Modificata (w/VIDEO)

The Last Dance: 631hp Lamborghini Huracan STJ

Nissan GT-R Gears Up for Its Final Act: A Limited-Edition Swan Song

Mini Malaysia Farewells Countryman with Exclusive John Cooper Works Trim

Mercedes-AMG Unveils A 45 S 4MATIC+ “Limited Edition”

Limited-Edition Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport Unveiled for Japanese Market

Lexus Unveils Limited Edition RZ 450e F Sport Performance

Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano: A Tribute To The F2004

Subaru Teases Limited-Edition WRX S4 STI Sport For Japan

Malaysian Man Sells His Rare Nissan Laurel C35 For Palestinian Charity

Bugatti and Adidas Unveil Limited-Edition Football Boots

Archive

SDAC-Ford Dominates Malaysian Pickup Market with Record Sales and Expansion

Locally Assembled 2024 Kia Carnival Open For Bookings

Transport Experts Advocate Vehicle Repair Services at Inspection Centres

BYD YangWang U8 To Make Debut At The Geneva Motor Show – 1,184hp!

Man Dies After 4×4 Struck by Falling Rock

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