Ferrari and Naza have been associated for the past 15 years but the association will come to an end after this month. The Italian sportscar maker will end its business relationship with Naza Italia Sdn Bhd – aka Ferrari Malaysia – on April 8, 2023 and a new company will take over as official distributor for Malaysia.
Confirming the termination, a statement from the Naza Automotive Group today explained that the company has been reviewing the brand mix of its automotive business to find the right fit for its business strategy. “We have agreed to conclude our relationship with Ferrari S.p.A due to the non-alignment of their expectations to our strategy,” the statement said, giving assurance of support to Ferrari for a smooth transition of business.
Ferrari had prototypes of hybrid powertrains over 10 years ago and last year finally put a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) into production as the SF90 Stradale – the Italian carmaker’s first hybrid supercar. Together with the Stradale came the SF90 Spider, its first hybrid supercar with a retractable hard top (RHT) and this new model is now available in Malaysia from RM2,088,000 (excluding duties, taxes and insurance).
Simple and light RHT
The RHT is simple in design and can open or close within 14 seconds, with operation possible even when the car is on the move. The use of aluminium in its construction also means that it is around 40 kgs lighter than a conventional retractable hardtop while taking up less storage space. Its compactness requires just 100 litres of space, rather than the 150 – 200 litres required by a traditional system.
Ferrari guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when the RHT is raised, and it will not deform at high speeds. An adjustable electric rear window also enhances occupant comfort, even when the RHT is lowered at higher speeds.
Hybrid architecture
In a first for a Ferrari production spider, the SF90 Spider has plug-in hybrid architecture in which the internal combustion engine is integrated with two electric motors at the front and one at the rear derived from and named after the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) used in Ferrari’s F1 cars. The synergy between the turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the electric motors generates a maximum of 1,000 ps/900 Nm, more than any other V8 turbo engine ever built by Ferrari.
The hybrid architecture proved a challenge in terms of weight management. While the extra 270 kgs of the hybrid system was amply compensated for by the extra power delivered, extensive optimisation and weight reduction work was also required on the rest of the car to keep overall weight down to 1,670 kgs.
Just as the SF90 Stradale redefined the aerodynamic performance levels of the Ferrari range, the SF90 Spider is pushing the limits of the results delivered still further. The goals that drove the aerodynamic development of the car from the very earliest stages were maintaining the SF90 Stradale’s performance levels with the RHT deployed, minimising aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, and optimising power flows. Up to 390 kgs of downforce can generated in cornering at 250 km/h (with the special Assetto Fiorano specification).
1,000 ps/900 Nm V8
The synergy between the turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the electric motors generates a maximum of 1,000 ps/900 Nm – 60 ps more than any other V8 turbo engine ever built by Ferrari. To deliver this output, Ferrari’s engineers completely redesigned the intake and exhaust systems. To improve internal fluid dynamics, the ducts are now all horizontally lined up at engine head height, the turbo charger assembly has been lowered, and the exhaust line is higher.
This rationalisation also produced both a lower centre of gravity and a reduction in overall weight thanks to the use of Inconel instead of steel for the exhaust manifold.
The 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch gearbox used in the SF90 Stradale has been redesigned for the spider version. Despite the addition of an eighth gear and the need to transmit a maximum torque of 900 Nm (an increase of more than 20% on the current 7-speed), the gearbox’s overall weight is actually 10 kgs lower than its predecessor. The clutch’s performance is 35% higher than the 7-speed, transmitting up to 1,200 Nm in dynamic torque during gear shifts.
Much attention was given to sound quality when redesigning the exhaust system as the soundtrack is one of the pivotal factors in the exhilarating pleasure of driving a Ferrari. The introduction of a ‘hot tube system’, which transfers sound more directly to the cockpit, has produced fuller, richer harmonics across the entire frequency range, improving both in-car sound quality and intensity as revs rise compared to previous Ferrari V8s.
To make full use of the powertrain’s output, the engineers improved the vehicle dynamics systems to allow the driver to enjoy the maximum potential, and not just in terms of pure performance and lap times.
Digital instrumentation with HUD
The look and feel of the cabin was driven in large part by the complete redesign of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface). The instrumentation is now predominantly digital with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running. The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16-inch HD screen, complemented by a head-up display (HUD).
The steering wheel completes that transfer process from the competition world and also ushers in a new era by introducing a series of touch commands that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car without ever taking the hands off the wheel.
The F1 bridge, a signature on the previous models, has now disappeared from the central tunnel and been replaced by a modern take on the gearshift gate, an iconic feature of Ferrari’s manual gearboxes. In the new gate, however, the gearshift grille is digital as befits an automatic transmission.
Assetto Fiorano upgrades
As with the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider is also available with an additional specification option for owners that want to push its track car capability to the extreme. The Assetto Fiorano pack includes a list of exclusive upgrades that include Multimatic shock absorbers derived from the Ferrari’s GT racing experience and optimised for track use.
When Proton formed a technical tie-up with Suzuki, which led to the creation of the Proton Ertiga, the Japanese carmaker decided to show its support for the partnership (small though it was) by withdrawing from the Malaysian market in 2016. It was the same sort of move made by Mitsubishi Motors some 30 years earlier when it was involved with the Malaysian carmaker. The difference though was that Mitsubishi Motors had a stake in the company and could look at a long-term relationship whereas Suzuki was essentially just providing a product that Proton could adapt quickly.
The move by Suzuki disappointed its customers and fans, which had built up over 10 years. Although not all the products sold well, the brand image was strong. For enthusiasts especially, the Swift Sport was a hot little hatchback that offered zesty performance. Sadly, their favourite brand had abandoned the market and those who did own the cars kept them for as long as possible.
First Swift Sport launched in 2007.
Back with a new distributor
Now Suzuki is back, and it’s doing so through a new distributor – Naza Eastern Motors Sdn Bhd. (NEM) which is part of the Naza Group. Interestingly, although Naza has handled many different brands, it has never had a Japanese brand until now.
Suzuki has a wide range of models, from minicars to hatchbacks to SUVs, all small models. It did try to get into a larger sized market with a model called the Kizashi but never succeeded. The Suzuki model which Malaysians know best is the Swift which was introduced in 2005 when Suzuki Malaysia began operations.
Times have changed and while the plain vanilla Swift was popular back then, the market is filled with many more competitors today so NEM has decided to import just the Swift Sport, at least for now. This variant is the more iconic one and will surely have many who are eagerly waiting to get one.
Priced from RM139,900 (excluding insurance), the new Swift Sport is from the latest third generation with a 1.4-litre BOOSTERJET engine. Like many small engines today, this engine has direct fuel injection and turbocharging with intercooling which pushes output up to 140 bhp/230 Nm. The dual variable valve timing is electrically operated on the intake side but has hydraulic operation on the exhaust side.
During development, Suzuki’s engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in power delivery (turbo lag) by attaching the compact turbocharger directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting. This design ensures optimum gas flow with minimal heat loss through to the turbo unit.
No manual transmission
The power goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission which will disappoint enthusiasts. One of the strong attractions of the previous generations was that they were available (in Malaysia) with manual transmissions. This was at a time when companies were beginning to discontinue manual variants of their models due to diminishing demand.
It is likely that NEM did some market studies and found that the volume potential was higher for an automatic transmission variant than for a manual transmission. They could listen to a limited group of enthusiasts who might tell them ‘everyone who buys a Swift Sport will want a manual’ but the reality today is that most people are satisfied with an automatic. At least it’s not a CVT…
With the automatic transmission, the car is claimed to be able to do 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 km/h. If you don’t drive with the pedal floored most of the time, you could get 16.4 kms per litre and we learnt that, unlike the previous 1.5-litre engine, this new one can deliver 100% of the rated output with RON95 petrol. The previous engine was apparently tuned to give its maximum output with RON98 which we do not have, and with RON97, dyno testing showed that the output was 1 bhp less.
While the suspension layout is fairly straightforward, careful tuning has been done to give greater driving stability, optimised roll rigidity, and improved dynamic response. The rear suspension was specially designed to ensure good high speed stability and the trailing arm was developed exclusively for the Swift Sport to minimise deformation during cornering. The rigidity of the torsion beam is also tuned to provide optimal roll stiffness.
Suzuki engineers developed a new platform called ‘HEARTECT’ which is said to provide enhanced fundamental vehicle performance due to being light and highly rigid. The underbody’s structure and component layout are incorporated in a highly rigid frame that resists distortion while also dissipating impact energy. More welds are used to increase structural rigidity of the body.
Swift design DNA retained
While the technical aspects have changed significantly since the last time Malaysians had a Swift Sport to buy (officially), the design retains a familiar form that can be traced all the way back to the Concept S of 2004. That shape has evolved over the years but remains recognisable as a Swift. For the Swift Sport, the appearance is more expressive, in keeping with the sport image.
The 2004 Concept S
Black-out roof pillars give the impression of a ‘floating’ roof while dark trim running along the lower sides establishes a low centre of gravity. The handles for the rear doors are up on the roof pillar, an idea which is not unique nor new as it can be found on some other models. It gives a cleaner look to the door panel though some people will get confused not seeing a handle in the usual place.
Sporty cabin
As would be expected, the Swift Sport’s cabin has a sporty flavour with semi bucket front seats that should hug the body well to keep it in place during the spirited driving which an owner is bound to indulge in. The seats have tubular frames set within the side supports of both the seatback and seat base cushion with urethane pads for additional support.
The dashboard has a rather ‘classic’ layout, somewhat different from most of today’s cars. It’s functional with a basic tone of black to create a high contrast interior space. For added sport appeal, the tachometer features a red dial face and the speedometer is coloured silver. A digital multimedia info display between the meters shows, among other things real-time engine output (bhp and Nm), g-forces and turbo boost.
The 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, with red stitching, multi-function switches and paddle shifters, has a D-shaped design with a flat bottom, a feature usually found in sportscars.
The ventilation controls are in the form of large rotary knobs which will be appreciated by drivers as you don’t have to look down at them to make adjustments. Above the knobs is a 7-inch colour touchscreen for the infotainment system which has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink for connectivity.
The Swift Sport has Suzuki‘s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) for collision safety. This makes use of collapsible structures that absorb impact energy in the event of a collision, a frame structure that effectively disperses impact energy, and rigid cabin structure. Six airbags are provided for cushioning at the front and sides.
No driver-assist systems
While we usually read of driver-assistance active safety systems in almost every new model launched today, NEM doesn’t mention this in its materials. This is not to say that the model was developed without such systems as the Swift Sport sold in other markets does have a camera and radar which detect hazards and active systems that will give autonomous emergency braking.
Nevertheless, there is ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program which no car should be without today. There’s also cruise control which is the basic type as it cannot be adaptive without a camera or radar.
As the official distributors, NEM will of course provide all the necessary aftersales support and has one 3S service centre in operation with immediate effect. Presumably, they will have a network in due course and will also provide services to those who already own a Suzuki.
While Suzuki motorcycles were on Malaysian roads in the 1960s, the 4-wheelers appeared in the 1970s, with the early models being the SJ/LJ (above) – a miniaturized Jeep – and the SS80 which was known as the Alto elsewhere. The SJ was a simple vehicle with 4×4 and could go almost anywhere as it was light and small. However, in those days, small vehicles were not in great demand so the Suzukis had limited sales. Later on, with the Swift in the 1980s and then the Vitara, the brand started to gain followers. When Suzuki Malaysia began operations in 2005, it got off to a great start with the positive response to the new Swift which was later assembled locally as well while the Swift Sport was imported. There were other models like the APV, SX4, Kizashi (pictured below) and S-Cross which were sold but the numbers were limited. When Suzuki tied up with Proton, it withdrew its own products from the market as a show of support – perhaps thinking it would have a long-term relationship. But that was not to be after one model (the Ertiga) and the brand remained absent from the market for 5 years.
If you’ve been thinking of getting a new vehicle this year, this month and the next would be a good time to find great deals. Various companies are celebrating the Merdeka season by giving their customers special offers and at the NAZA Automotive Group, there are models from three different cars brands to choose from. There should definitely be something for you!
NAZA Kia Malaysia will reward 62 lucky customers
Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, will start its ‘Fuel your Freedom, Discover Malaysia with Kia’ campaign from tomorrow. During the period until September 30, 2019, 62 customers who purchase and register a new Kia vehicle will be rewarded with RM620 worth of petrol vouchers to discover Malaysia!
Special price for Peugeot 5008
Prefer a European SUV? Nasim Sdn Bhd, which represents Peugeot in Malaysia, will let you drive home a new 5008 SUV – winner of multiple awards – for RM161,888. This special price is applicable during August and September 2019, while stocks are available.
Premium affordably-priced MPV from Citroen
The Grand C4 Space Tourer is a premium family-friend MPV from Citroen. Buy one before September 30, 2019 and you pay only RM139,888 to Naza Euro Motors. Apart from the typical design flair of Citroens, the Grand C4 Space Tourer comes with an Advanced Comfort programme and state-of-the-art safety features as well as latest-generation technologies for provide a safe and enjoyable journey.
For more information about the models available from each brand, click on the links below to visit their respective websites:
NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd, one of the authorised dealers for Mercedes-Benz here in Malaysia, will be offering a wide range of cerfified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles to those who are interested. The offer will be held this weekend at the Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya. (more…)
The good folks from the Naza Group has generously contributed one unit of their very popular Kia Cerato to the Skills Training Institute of Youth and Sports (ILKBS) in support of Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and Malaysian contestant, Mohamad Ridzuan. (more…)
Naza Automall, the largest automotive showroom in Malaysia (the huge one right next to the Federal Highway in Petaling Jaya) will be hosting the Naza Gaya Raya Open House this coming weekend (15 & 16 June 2019) and you will want to catch some of their exclusive deals on offer. (more…)
Naza Automotive Group will be offering exclusive deals throughout Ramadan in celebrations of the upcoming Raya Aidilfitri. Fans of brands by the likes of Kia, Peugeot, Ducati, and Vespa can enjoy extra savings alongside side their brand-new vehicles for that ‘balik kampung’ trip with your loved ones. (more…)
One of Ten. That’s right, you’re looking at just one of 10 super-limited-edition Maserati Levante Vulcano that’s available in Malaysia, brought in by Naza Italia, the official importers and distributors of this iconic Italian brand in Malaysia. How limited is limited? Try just 150 units GLOBALLY!
It’s quite amazing that Naza Italia managed to bag 10 of these considering their rarity in the worldwide market. Each unit comes with a special plaque within the cabin that denotes its exclusivity, i.e. 001/150, 002/150, and so on. Present at the 10th Anniversary celebration was En. SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman of Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn. Bhd. who attributed the distributor’s success to Maserati’s innovation and the dedication and commitment of Malaysian team to the brand and business.
He explained: “We commenced our journey as the Malaysian home of Maserati by launching the Maserati GranTurismo Sports and Quattroporte Sport GTS. This was quickly followed by the introduction of GranCabrio. 2014 was our turning point when we introduced the highly-anticipated Ghibli, an elegant and yet sporty sedan, which was very well accepted by the Malaysia market.”
Subsequently in 2016, Naza Italia-Maserati achieved its next milestone by launching the ‘Maserati of SUVs’, the Levante. In the last few years, the distributor has introduced at least three each year of upgrades and face-lifts of the various models. “Thanks to Maserati’s continuous innovation, we are able to delight the most discerning tastes of our Malaysian clientele with a comprehensive product line-up that is stylish, refined, technologically excellent and innately exclusive,” said En. Nasarudin.
Another key attribute to Naza Italia – Maserati’s success is its 45,000 square feet flagship centre in Petaling Jaya. The state-of-the-art 4S showroom and service centre was inaugurated in 2009 and refurbished in 2015 to meet Maserati’s global brand identity.
Speaking to media at the celebration, Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO of the Automotive Division at Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn. Bhd. emphasised the flagship centre represents Naza Italia – Maserati’s commitment towards the brand and clientele in Malaysia. He said: “We strive to make the entire experience of owning a Maserati unique and sensational – from the moment you walks through the doors of our showroom, to the point of your car’s delivery and the dedicated after service. To this commitment, and to the delight of Maserati fans and enthusiasts in northern Peninsular Malaysia, the I am pleased to announce that plans are in the pipeline for network expansion in Penang”.
As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, Naza Italia – Maserati unveiled the limited edition SUV (sports utility vehicle), the Levante Vulcano Limited Edition, where only ten units will be available for the Malaysia market.
The Levante represents the turning point in Maserati’s history. It trail-blazes through new territory for the brand as the marque makes its first foray into the world of luxury sport utility vehicles in its more than 100-year history. When the Levante was first launched in 2016, it also made a key contribution to completing the marque’s luxury and sporty fleet line-up. Since then, the Levante has been a popular addition to Malaysia’s luxury automotive market.
“As such, it could not be more apt to mark Naza Italia-Maserati’s one decade of achievements with ten exclusive units of the limited edition Levante Vulcano for Malaysia” said Dato’ Samson. Indeed, the new Levante Vulcano is produced in a series of just 150 units for the European and Asian markets, including Malaysia. The units for Malaysia are available with twin-turbo V6 engine of 430 hp, as well as exclusive finishes and matte Grigio Lava colour exterior that comes with the new Vulcano logo and the words “one of 150”.
Dato’ Samson closed his address with words of thanks. “We are grateful for the guidance and support of Maserati’s team at both regional global levels and the patronage of our loyal clients. We look forward to another decade of partnership and excellence to continue creating the Maserati ownership and luxury lifestyle experience for our clients here”. The public is invited to visit the Naza Italia-Maserati showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the Levante Vulcano and speak with Naza Italia – Maserati’s team in greater detail about Maserati’s newest offering. Follow @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and www.facebook/maserati.malaysia for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.
About the Levante Vulcano
The Vulcano limited edition is available with twin-turbo V6 engine of 430 hp, designed by Maserati Powertrain and built at the Ferrari plant in Maranello. The exclusive matte “Grigio Lava” shade of the exterior highlights the Trident SUV’s sporty lines to magnificent effect. The exterior look is completed by the Nerissimo pack details (dark look rear light clusters, black chrome front grille and logos, glossy black window surrounds, body-coloured door handles and burnished exhaust tailpipes), the 21-inch Helios wheels, also with matte finish, and the red brake calipers.
Inside the new Levante Vulcano, every finish is redolent with sporty elegance. The heated, ventilated full Pieno Fiore leather seats come in red colour, featuring electrical adjustment with memories, complete with contrasting embroidered Trident logo on the headrest, and are designed to underline the model’s “volcanic” personality. In addition, it is fully equipped with an impressively comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with more active functions, whilst retaining the razor-sharp steering feel symbolic of any Maserati. The functions include Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
The exclusive allure of the new Levante Vulcano limited edition is further enhanced by the interior trims in high gloss carbon fibre, also used for the gearshift paddles and the insert on the electrically adjustable sport steering wheel, and the chromed aluminium badge on the central tunnel bearing the legendary Trident, together with the new Vulcano logo and the words “one of 150“.
The standard outfit is completed by the Bowers&Wilkins premium sound system, the soft close door closure system, the front and rear parking sensors and the full-LED Matrix adaptive headlights. The limited edition Levante Vulcano enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM838,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties). The price includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Free maintenance program of 3 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000 km).
Naza Corporation Holdings is a proud sponsor of the ‘Wheel, Walk & Fun Run’ organised by the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, which was held recently at the Malaysia Paralympic Sports Centre of Excellence Kampung Pandan. The event gathered close to 1,000 people from all walks of life for a national level commemoration in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (above, with fan), who is also the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, was present to concurrently launch the ‘Tambah Emas’ Paralympic Council of Malaysia’s crowdfunding campaign together with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and President of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin. Apart from being an event sponsor, Naza Corporation Holdings also sponsored the grand lucky draw prize of a Vespa S125 scooter as an attraction to the crowd.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated widely every year to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, who is also Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Naza Corporation Holdings commented on the sponsorship, “Part of Naza’s corporate social responsibility is the investment in community development. As a corporate citizen, we are proud to lend our support to the Paralympic Council of Malaysia in their endeavour to bring the para contingent and para sports to the next level. I also hope Malaysians will step forward and support the crowdfunding endeavour so that the Paralympic Council of Malaysia will be able to reach its objectives and chart the para contingent’s path to more gold medals and glory in the future.”
The ‘Tambah Emas’ crowdfunding is currently available on the mobile wallet app Boost and is aimed at financing the development of para sports from the grassroots level and prepare the national Paralympic team on their journey to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
