plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Archives

Toyota Launches Crown Sport PHEV in Japan – 1,200km Cruise Range, 306PS

In a pioneering move toward a sustainable automotive future, Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced the Crown Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to the Japanese market, seamlessly blending advanced technology with a sporty design ethos.

The Crown Sport PHEV features a high-output density drive motor, providing a maximum system output of 306PS. It features a Series Parallel Hybrid with reduction gear (A25A-FXS 2.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine). This cutting-edge motor ensures seamless and powerful acceleration, setting a new standard in hybrid performance.

Positioned strategically beneath the vehicle’s floor, the large-capacity lithium-ion battery delivers a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)-mode cruising range suitable for daily use without compromising interior space. A fully charged battery provides a BEV-mode range of 90km and a hybrid-mode fuel economy of 20.3km/L, resulting in an impressive total cruising range of 1,200km or more.

To enhance driving stability, Toyota has incorporated the advanced E-Four electric 4WD system, distributing power to all four wheels. This system not only improves stability but also ensures control in various driving conditions, including cornering and adverse weather.

The Crown Sport PHEV ensures optimal body rigidity balance with added braces to the floor tunnel. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, along with paddle shifters, delivers a smooth and planted ride, allowing for seamless gear shifts.

Equipped with a performance-oriented braking system, the vehicle features 20-inch ventilated disc brakes and exclusive six-piston callipers for enhanced stopping power and a sporty exterior aesthetic.

With its 21-inch large-diameter, wide tires and distinctive triple spokes on black aluminium wheels, the Crown Sport PHEV boasts a sporty and luxurious exterior design, appealing to drivers seeking a dynamic yet sophisticated look.

The interior adopts a black and red asymmetrical colour scheme, injecting excitement into the driving experience. Sports seats with red stitching provide firm support for the driver, enhancing the overall thrill of driving.

The Crown Sport PHEV supports both standard and rapid charging functions, with the rapid charging capability reaching 80% battery capacity in approximately 38 minutes. Additionally, the innovative Vehicle to Home (V2H) system allows the Crown Sport PHEV to supply stored electricity to the home during blackouts or emergencies.

Toyota’s Crown Sport PHEV represents a revolutionary fusion of performance, cutting-edge technology, and environmental consciousness, catering to drivers who seek a dynamic driving experience without compromising on hybrid efficiency. This model marks a significant step toward Toyota’s commitment to a sustainable and electrified automotive future.

In Japan, it is priced at ¥7,650,000 (RM247,627).

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid joins Bentayga Hybrid

Continuing its journey towards electrification and carbon neutrality, Bentley Motors has introduced a hybrid powertrain for its third generation Flying Spur. Declaring the new variant as ‘the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date’, the introduction of the Flying Spur Hybrid establishes a family of Bentley hybrids for the first time.

In developing the hybrid powertrain, Bentley has made sure there are no compromises to luxury or performance. The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor (E-motor), delivering a total of 544 ps/750 Nm (21.5% more power than the Bentayga Hybrid). The E-motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and can be charged to 100% in as little as two and a half hours (depending on the region and facilities used). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high-voltage battery to supply the E-motor or supplement the existing 12V vehicle electrical infrastructure.

In the early years of hybrids 20 years ago, performance was not a strong point. However, with advancements in the technology, it is now possible to have high performance in hybrids. The Flying Spur Hybrid has virtually similar capabilities as the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h within a claimed 4.3 secs.

The combination of a highly efficient engine and the advanced E-Motor delivers the same flexibility and practicality associated with the W12 and V8 powertrains, achieving a responsive, engaging and refined experience. Using a constantly varying combination of engine and electric motor output, the Flying Spur Hybrid is claimed to be the most efficient Bentley ever, with a capability to cover over 700 kms on a full tank.

The interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid has a striking combination of the very latest integrated technology, beautiful materials and design prowess, combined with the features required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automatic Start/Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey. EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience. This is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys.

The flow of energy can be viewed via the infotainment screen where statistics can be seen and the timers for charging of the vehicle can be set. Additional e-motion information is available to the driver via the instrument panel, heads up display and centre screen, including range, battery level and charging information.

To provide further feedback to the driver, the instruments include additional information showing when the car is operating solely in EV drive, regenerating whilst decelerating or using the combustion engine.

The Flying Spur Hybrid comes with a portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. An embedded SIM is provided, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection. My Bentley in-car and remote services is a continually-developing range of services available to customers through a dedicated app, available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.

As with every Bentley model, the Flying Spur Hybrid can be ordered from a range of over 67 exterior colours. The Blackline Specification offers a contemporary alternative to exterior brightware including a black version of the optional illuminated electrically deployed Flying B radiator mascot, and for a more contemporary exterior aesthetic.

Pricing starts from £160,000 in England (about RM921,000) and Bentley dealers are now accepting orders. The first customers can expect to receive their cars before the end of the year.

Ferrari SF90 Spider hybrid supercar now in Malaysia

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.

Volvo XC40 range gets PHEV Recharge T5 variant, priced from RM241,997

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The locally-assembled Volvo XC40 range in Malaysia now has a second variant – the XC40 Recharge T5. The ‘Recharge’ indicates it is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), so it extends the already varied PHEV range available from Volvo Car Malaysia.

The second model in the XC40 range is priced at RM241,997.04 for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia (excluding insurance and with full sales tax exemption until the end of June). This is RM10,346 more than the XC40 T5 R-Design.

1.5-litre petrol engine + electric motor
Unlike the XC40 T5 AWD R-Design with a 2-litre turbocharged engine, the XC40 Recharge T5 has a hybrid powertrain which is composed of a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine that works together with an 82 ps/160 Nm electric motor. The total system output is 262 ps/425 Nm, which flows to the front wheels only through a 7-speed dual-clutch (wet type) transmission.

Performance-wise, the hybrid powertrain gives a zippy feel as maximum torque kicks the moment the car moves off and the level remains the same to 3,000 rpm. But if run against the T5 with just the petrol engine, the 0 to 100 km/h time is shown to be slower – 7.3 seconds versus 6.4 seconds. Nevertheless, both cars have the same top speed of 180 km/h and that is a maximum speed set by Volvo as a measure for safer motoring. You may grumble but that maximum speed is 70 km/h over the highest speed limit in Malaysia anyway.

0% to 100% in 3 hours
As PHEV, it’s possible to recharge the 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from an external source. This can be a household power supply – which will take up to 5 hours to fully recharge the battery pack – or a charging station which can bring the time to around 3 hours. Of course, that assumes a fully drained empty battery pack and in practice, it is likely that an owner would be ‘topping up’ the capacity the same way as with a fuel tank.

45 kms on electricity alone
While driving, the petrol engine will be used and consume fuel but because the electric motor also provides part of the propulsion, fuel consumption will be reduced and can be as economical as 45.5 kms a litre. If conditions permit, it is possible to go up to 45 kms on just electricity alone which is not only good for your wallet but also the environment. And with the fuel tank having a volume of 49 litres, the potential range with a full tank is over 2,000 kms so refuelling will probably be much less frequent.

Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 Recharge T5 has the same looks as the T5 AWD with the black roof contrasting with the 5 colour choices (although it is less evident with the Black Stone finish). The black-themed R-Design package is also fitted, probably to simplify assembly by having the same accessories and equipment.

Scandinavian with R-Design interior as well
The interior has the typical Scandinavian ambience that every Volvo today possesses. It’s in the colours , textures and minimalism that is evident around the cabin. Blended into this is underlying high-tech with the fully digital-graphic instrument panel, Intelligent Driver Information System and SENSUS, which is a fully integrated, connected navigation system. Information is shown on a 9-inch colour touchscreen display.

The R-Design package is not just to make the exterior sportier but is also applied within with sporty elements in the trim and items like the shifter and pedals. Also notable is the effort to keep the environment clean, even more important in these times. Volvo’s ventilation system has been upgraded to clean the air more effectively and ensure air quality is premium, just like the car.

Leadership in safety, as always
Being a Volvo, the XC40 comes with a very extensive list of safety systems and features, categorised under two areas of the Intellisafe package – active and passive. The active systems include City Safety which helps the driver avoid accidents with automatic emergency braking if necessary. The camera and radar systems have been improved further to be able to detect not just pedestrians but also cyclists and large animals.

One of the things which Volvo engineers worked hard to prevent was the roll-over and since the first XC90 – which was the carmaker’s first SUV – a roll-over protection system has been present to prevent such situations due to the tallness of the vehicle.

For passive protection – which is prevent or reduce injuries in an accident – the XC40 has a strong structure with the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) that has been in use since the days of the 850 in the early 1990s. This includes a Dual-Chamber SIPSBag which deploys at the sides of the seats for additional protection.

“We are excited that we can finally offer one of our most successful SUVs as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and thus completing our full line-up of PHEVs. The launch of the XC40 Recharge T5 is a sign of greener times ahead as we continue to strive towards a more sustainable future and do our part to not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also help our customers reduce theirs as well,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Special deal for online booking
Customers who book online will receive a complimentary Bowers & Wilkins PX5 wireless headphone set worth RM2,800. This offer is limited to the first 50 customers who book online and must take delivery of the car before May 31, 2021 (terms and conditions apply).

Longer warranty with 2021 Volvos sold in Malaysia

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