Autofuture Design Sdn Bhd: The Exclusive Distributor Of Bilstein Sports Suspension Systems In Malaysia

Autofuture Design Sdn Bhd has been the exclusive distributor of Bilstein Sports Suspension Systems in Malaysia for well over 10 years. Their expertise in a vehicles suspension system goes beyond the look and feel of the car to the point of technicalities and mechanics. Given that the demand for a more dynamic suspension has been increasing, here is a brief but detailed showcase on a selected few of the suspension systems made by Bilstein GmbH. The purpose of this showcase is to assist customers in choosing the right suspension system that will suit their needs. 

The suspension component of a car plays a major role in their performance and character. Whether you're aiming for a plush ride or a firmer set-up for the corners on the way home from work, Bilstein GmbH offers various suspension systems to satisfy the needs of various customers. 

In true fact, a car's suspension components are due for a replacement after driving for three to five years or after driving for 60,000km and above as the components deteriorate gradually as time flies. However, for the locals in Malaysia, most assume that the components do not need to be replaced until the suspension system begins to leak or produce sounds. It is important to note that the suspension system isn't only made up of the shocks and springs but are also made up of other components such as the mountings and bushings. If the wear and tear on these components are left unattended, it may affect the car's performance and as a result, may affect other components causing unwanted wear and tear. An under performing suspension system may also result in reduced driver control that may jeopardise the safety and security of the occupants.

Autofuture Design's Official Showcase Vehicle:
Porsche 911 Carrera S (997)

Apart from that, as the exclusive distributor of Bilstein Sports Suspension Systems in Malaysia, Autofuture Design has reported that the enquiries for suspension systems have been increasing overtime due to the lackluster performance of original suspension systems that have been deemed inadequate for performance driving. Luxury car brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other manufacturers have prioritised a more soft and comfortable ride whilst placing handling performance in second place.

BILSTEIN GMBH - DON'T SETTLE FOR STANDARD: GO FOR BILSTEIN TECHNOLOGY

 

BILSTEIN B6 - THE PERFECT UPGRADE

The BILSTEIN B6 suspension system is built for the direct replacement of suspension components without the need for readjusting or replacing suspension set-ups.

The Product Benefits At A Glance:

• Ability to replace components without the need of readjusting and replacing other parts.
• Increased power reserves and service life, even when pulling heavy loads frequently.
• Optimum adhesion and enhanced lane change stability in both daily and extreme situations.
• Marked improvement in safety and sportiness without additional spring changes (lowering).
• BILSTEIN gas pressure technology
• BILSTEIN mono-tube/Upside-down technology, designed and manufactured in Germany.
• Road tested in Germany and tested on track at the famous Nurburgring-Nordschleife.

 

*Specific model available for the replacement of suspension components for the Porsche 911 with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

*The Bilstein B6 suspension system is also compatible for certain specific car models equipped with lowering springs.

*Ride comfort on the B6 suspension system is comparable to the B8 suspension system.

*As additional info, Bilstein is the sole supplier of suspension systems for the PASM system on the Porsche 911 and because of that, their expertise has assisted them in manufacturing easy plug and play replacements for Porsche 911's with the PASM system.

 

BILSTEIN B8 - PERFORMANCE THAT YOU CAN FEEL

The BILSTEIN B8 suspension system is built to enhance the performance and handling characteristics of cars with a lowered ride height.

The Product Benefits At A Glance:

• Shortened high-performance shock absorbers for virtually every lowering spring set and series production sport vehicles.
• Sporty approach with high levels of comfort.
• Precise handling and optimized vehicle control
• BILSTEIN gas pressure technology
• BILSTEIN mono-tube/upside-down technology
• Designed and manufactured in Germany
• Road tested in Germany and tested on track at the famous Nurburgring-Nordschleife

 

*Similar rebound to B6, with the ability to be fitted on lowered cars.

*Able to match cars with a lowered stance (e.g. BMW M Sport, Audi S - Line, Mercedes-Benz Avantgarde / AMG series).

*Ride comfort as comfortable as the B6 system but provides compatibility focused on cars with a lowered ride height.

 

BILSTEIN B12 PRO KIT - THE DYNAMIC SET UP

The BILSTEIN B12 Pro Kit suspension system is designed to achieve the perfect combination of sporty dynamics, superior appearance and high performance. The B12 Pro Kit brings together the marriage of BILSTEIN shock absorbers and Eibach springs to deliver perfect driving dynamics.

The Product Benefits At A Glance:

• Brings the perfect marriage of BILSTEIN components and Eibach springs.
• Precise responses, excellent driving dynamics and added safety.
• Uniform lowered ride height of up to 30mm.
• Quality sport springs made from materials that consist of high durability.
• BILSTEIN gas pressure technology.
• BILSTEIN mono-tube/Upside-down technology.
• Designed and manufactured in Germany.
• German TUV certified.

 

*For those looking for a lowered stance

*Consists of BILSTEIN B8 components with Eibach springs.

* Selected models consist of BILSTEIN B6 components with Eibach springs.

BILSTEIN B16 - AMPLIFIED DRIVING PLEASURE

The BILSTEIN B16 suspension system is manufactured to the highest standards set by BILSTEIN to achieve ultimate driving enjoyment based on individual requirements. Focused on enhancing the driving performance to achieve the best performance through a corner.

The Product Benefits At A Glance:

• 9/10 adjustable for damping.
• Features ability for height.
• 9/10 characteristic curve pairs can be selected by adjustment wheel while installed for specific, individual preference.
• Threaded body adjustable range of 20mm at both axles while installed.
• Individual settings ranging from extreme sportiness right up to the highest level of driving comfort.
• Lowering of approximately 30-50mm at the front and rear.
• Road tested in Germany.
• Track tested in Germany on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife under motorsports conditions and fine-tuned accordingly.
• Spring plates and lock nuts made from a special, specific aluminum alloy.
• Surface coating using proprietary Triple-C-Technology for long-lasting corrosion resistance.
• Round threads for perfect handling.
• Quality sport springs made from a material of high-durability.
• BILSTEIN gas pressure technology.
• BILSTEIN mono-tube/Upside-down technology.
• Designed and manufactured in Germany
• German TUV Certified

 

*More preferred than the adaptive the B16 “ridecontrol” adaptive suspension system due to its ability to allow individual settings, providing individuals the ability to tune the suspension as desired.

* Designed for sustained maximum performance driving.

 

BILSTEIN SPORTS SUSPENSION: DESIGNED AND BUILT IN GERMANY

In the world of suspension systems, Bilstein is renowned for their production of high performance shock absorbers. Cars like the Porsche 911, Bugatti Veyron, Nissan GT-R and many others, all place their confidence in Bilstein Suspension Systems. From suspension technology developed at the the the famous "Green Hell", the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, Bilstein has managed to develop suspension systems of the highest standards, allowing customers to enjoy the pleasure of driving and at the same time delivering unsurpassed levels of driver control which ensures the safety of the vehicle's occupants. Whether you're on your drive home from work in comfort, or hitting the next few corners on your favourite holiday road, worry not as the suspension systems developed by Bilstein will not disappoint.

As the Malaysian sole distributor of Bilstein Sports Suspension for 12 years as of 2016, Autofuture Design Sdn Bhd utilises their knowledge and expertise to assist both dealers and customers in providing better clarity on our products. As Bilstein offers various applications for different vehicles, they will guide our customers in selecting the perfect suspension system to ensure that both the performance and safety of the vehicle is further improved.

Give them a call at anytime and they'll provide kind assistance to help you select the perfect suspension system for your car. These suspension systems maybe purchased at their appointed dealers or purchased from them directly, additionally they also provide nationwide delivery within Malaysia for your convenience. Simply contact them at anytime, and they're professional crew of aftermarket tuning experts will gladly provide you with all the information you need and they are always happy to help and provide unparalleled advice to determine the best possible setup you require for your car.

The Superhero in Red: The New Honda City

The new Honda City has been cruising on our roads for quite sometime now. However, with a new colour introduced and some minor tweaks, Honda hopes to capture a more youthful market with more tech toys and a modern look. This new “Superhero” as Honda calls it, is the new Honda City available in Dark Ruby Red Pearl, an all new striking colour.

“The Only Superhero With 5 Super Abilities!”

The Power To Stay In Style….

Redesigned inside and out, Honda seeks to achieve a more fun and youthful design language. The new Honda City has more than enough captivating features to impress your friends every time they enter. From the touchscreen ‘Display Audio’ to the touch panel air conditioning controls, both you and your friends have more than enough toys to play with to satisfy your inner Star Wars geek. One of the cool features worth mentioning is the ability to stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth, this would probably guarantee a much more fun drive with your friends.

 With Great Power, Comes Great Specifications….

As always, the new Honda City leads the segment with more than enough power and grip to channel your inner Formula One dreams. Apart from that, the new City also features an “ECON Mode” which helps drivers save more fuel so that those Ang Pau packets can be left unopened. The cool cruise control feature enables drivers to set their desired speed and take their foot of the pedal whilst letting the car drive itself, in return giving you the freedom to converse with your friends safely.

The Power of A Vision…

Honda’s vision for the new City starts with the “H DESIGN” concept that focuses around the driver and passengers. Practicality is key in this market, so the new City boasts a spacious boot with 536 litres thus saving you the concern when you head over to Ikea. Should you find that the boot still isn’t quite big enough, you could fold down the rear seats further expanding your storage space. For your friends in the back, the cabin space is the largest in its class, with adequate rear legroom and a centre armrest to keep them comfy for those long rides.

The Power To Keep You Safe…

One of the key advanced safety features are the 6 airbags designed to protect occupants in a collision, keeping you safe and sound. The City is also equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist or VSA, programmed to keep the driver in control when he or she is having too much fun. The Bluetooth compatibility for mobile phones also enables the driver to accept calls more safely giving you less reason to ignore your Boss while driving.

With Great Features, Comes Great Value…

Priced between RM 73438 to RM 88897 and offering 4 variants, rest assured there’s something for everyone. Also worth mentioning is the 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage providing owners with a worry free purchase. Though its features may vary from model to model, worry not as the essence of a fun and an entertaining drive will always be present regardless of your choice.

Specifications 

Honda City 1.5L – Grade V

Price: RM 89240.89 on the road without insurance

Engine: 1497cc 4-Cylinders

Maximum power: 120ps @ 6600rpm

Maximum torque: 145nm @ 4600rpm

Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)

Features: 6 airbags, ECON mode, keyless entry and go, cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility, touchscreen display audio, USB socket, HDMI socket, auto volume by speed, steering wheel voice recognition control, 16 inch rims

*All images are courtesy of Honda Malaysia

Top 5: Future Automotive Car Tech Trends

For the past few years or so, the motorcar has been a way for car manufacturers and tech companies to showcase their technology advancements to modernise our daily commutes. Here’s a couple of future automotive car tech trends, which might improve the way we live with our cars. From being connected to Facebook while driving to just saving a few drops of fuel, our drive to work will be far from boring…

Number 5: Battery Power and Electrification

*Courtesy of extremetech.com

Cars like the Nissan Leaf run solely on battery power (And no they’re not AA batteries). The benefit of electric cars are priceless! Less pollution, less fuel wastage and no emissions from electric cars are few of the key benefits of running an electric car. Though the choices of electric cars in Malaysia are pretty restricted, the global growth of electric cars and the importance of electric cars in the world are steadily increasing to reduce emissions and pollution and to preserve mineral resources as well.

Number 4: More Efficient Engines

*Courtesy of the movementbureau.blogs.com

There’s no running away from the fact that the internal combustion engine is going to be our best friend and companion for a very long time, but that may not be a very bad thing. Sometime’s being clingy can be a good thing too (Does not apply to girlfriends). From cars like the Honda Insight Hybrid to the latest BMW 318i, car companies downsize their engines to make them more economical and polar-bear-friendly. This is done to minimise fuel usage and to maximise efficiency so that global warming doesn’t disturb those polar bears up there.

Number 3: Connected Cars

The term ‘connected’ may be a bit general, but in the car industry it means that a car has some form of data connectivity. BMW taglines their form of car connectivity as “ConnectedDrive: So connected you’re free.” Connected ‘features’ such as Facebook in a BMW will help you get to your next party on time via Facebook Places & Events. Certain cars even have “Bluetooth audio streaming” which allows you to play music from your phone to your car wirelessly, which might give you less reason to take that long walk to your friend’s house and just have more fun and drive there.

Number 2: Autonomous Driving or “Autopilot”

*Courtesy of auto-bild.de

Haven’t we all had a dream whereby one day we would be able to catch up on some sleep on the way to work, because we were busy working our butts off settling that assignment our bosses gave us? Worry no more because, the automotive industry sees a near future with cars driving themselves (SAFELY, of course). Cars like the Tesla Model S and the Audi RS7 are already implementing semi-autonomous driving assistance such as helping to change lanes when you turn on your signals or braking when there’s a car in front. These “driver assistance features” will change the very way we move from home to work and vice versa and in return giving us more time to maybe, play candy crush or etc.

Number 1: Less Weight, More POWERRRR!

*Courtesy of alfaromeousa.com

If you did go to high school, and studied science, you’d probably understand why less weight equals better performance. Materials like carbon and aluminium, all emphasise lightness while providing strength. A car as an example would be the new Alfa Romeo 4C which boasts 237 horsepower and an ultra-low weight under 1000kg which is like strapping a rocket to a skateboard.In simple terms, a car can move faster when its light and at the same time improve fuel consumption, also you’d be doing Mother Nature a favour and your geography teacher doesn’t have to continue mumbling away about the environment, ozone layers and etc. 

Mercedes-Benz Model Showcase @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya...

My sincere apologies for this delayed update to my blog as time was needed to amend and file for future appointments and reviews on some spectacular upcoming cars, so stay tuned...

Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Showcase @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre

Lately, the automotive industry has become a very competitive sector. Numerous companies launching new vehicles such as BMW with their recent launch of the 2-Series and 4-Series Gran Coupe along with Audi and their new A3 sedan. With that in mind, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia represented by their authorised dealer Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd held a showcase of multiple new cars at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from the 3rd to 7th of February.

The All New C-Class Sedan: A Mini S-Class...?

The all new C-Class boasts a completely new design. Some may say it resembles the look of the all-new S-Class hence the nickname "Baby S-Class". Seen in the picture is a C200, Avantgarde equipped with a two litre direct injected and turbocharged engine, the car rockets to 100 km/h in a very respectable 7.3 seconds (A comparable BMW 320i hits 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds). Power is transmitted via a 7G-TRONIC seven speed auto out to the rear wheels. 

Design wise from the rear, it's pretty easy to mistake a C-Class for an S-Class. Mercedes claim that multiple design cues for this car were inspired by the S-Class. From the front, the C-Class has a more sophisticated look with LED daytime running lights and a more sleeker elegant look as compared to the sporty and dynamic appearance of its targeted rival, the BMW 3-Series. The interior of the car is sculpted with elegance. Fit and finish of the car is superb, but it is important to note that the infotainment screen is a bit smaller than I would prefer and navigation powered by Garmin is an optional extra. The gear selector is now column mounted which brings convenience when parking as its easier to reach. 

In conclusion, the new W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class leaps ahead in terms of cabin design over the previous model. It's exterior design presents a statement of luxury and elegance as compared to its rival, the BMW F30 3-Series which is sculpted to look more dynamic...

The Redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Luxury & Elegance Beyond Limits...

Mercedes claim that the latest E-Class has undergone the most comprehensive facelift ever carried out on a car. For a company with a long history of making cars, this step displays the massive efforts done to refresh and redesign the new E-Class. Shown in the image is the newly launched E300 AMG BlueTEC HYBRID. The car boasts a 2.1 litre turbodiesel engine pushing 204 horsepower and 369 foot pounds of torque along with an additional electric motor which delivers an additional 24 horsepower and 184 foot pounds of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a 7G-TRONIC seven speed automatic transmission achieving a very respectable 7.1 seconds to 100 km/h and speed tops out at 241 km/h. The system delivers a superb fuel economy figure of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres. 

A massively redesigned exterior and a luxurious interior, the new E-Class is in a class of its own when it comes to technology.... Cutting edge technologies such as Active Parking Assist, Attention Assist which can detect a drivers drowsiness, Collision Prevention Assist are some of the long list of tech included in this car. Exterior design from the front is dominated by the unique LED headlamps and the rather overstated grille on the nose. From the rear, I personally prefer the look of the pre-facelift E-Class, the new one looks slightly bland in the day and a bit too overdone in the night but then again design is subjective and to each their own opinion. The interior oozes of solidity and quality, every material touched feels as good as it gets. The rear legroom is more than adequate and the boot has a 540-litre capacity.

18 Inch 5-Spoke AMG Rims

Overall, the new E-Class impresses, especially in the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID. The drivetrain technology is superb, cabin quality is spot on and space interior space is more than enough. In comparison to its rival the BMW 5-Series, the E-Class like the C-Class is more biased towards luxury and elegance whereas the Bavarian (BMW = Bavarian Motor Works) alternatives are more of a precision drivers tool. Which to choose is truly up to ones taste, luxury and elegance or sheer driving pleasure...

The All New Mercedes-Benz A Class: Youthful & Sporty...

The all-new A-Class is a clean sheet design. Aimed at a younger market, the rather handsome A-Class has a wide range of configurations from front wheel drive to all wheel drive. The car on display is an A250 Sport, boasting a powerful two litre turbocharged engine shoving 211 horsepower to the front wheels via a seven speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). 0 to 100 km/h comes in at a quick 6.6 seconds. The "Sport" chassis upgrade on this car makes it a joy to behold in the bends and corners, body roll is kept to a minimum and driving precision is maximised. However, many reviews by others have noted the stiffness and harshness of the ride due to its sportier suspension. My advice is, should you not require the additional power over the entry level A200 BlueEFFICIENCY, it is recommended that you go for that instead as the drivetrain set up is completely similar with the exception of the power reduction. 

The design is the most eye-catching feature of this car... Inside and out, its looks would shame other hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. From the exterior, the A-Class looks very youthful, its design is a refreshing welcome into the Mercedes-Benz vehicle range. The interior could be a bit better as rear passengers will feel slightly cramped, the looks of the instrument cluster is good and the aircon vents look very stylish. Interior kit count however, is far from stunning. Navigation does not come as standard and for a car in 2015, it is very disappointing to note that automatic air conditioning is not included. 

Overall, this is a great Mercedes... Youthful and at the same time elegantly designed along with build quality that's second to none. The kit count however, is not stunning and ride quality in this A250 Sport could be improved. Similar rivals include the BMW 125i M-Sport and Volkswagen Golf GTI. The performance of the A250 Sport would be in the middle of those other two Germans with the BMW ahead but there's no denying its looks are way ahead than the other hot hatches in its segment. 

The All New Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: A Baby CLS...?

The four door coupe segment is a becoming more and more competitive as days past. BMW recently updated their 6-Series Gran Coupe and launched the new 4-Series Gran Coupe. Audi has the A5 Sportback along with the A7 to stay competitive in this segment. Mercedes-Benz has recently launched the CLA to partner with the CLS to further cater toward a wider market.The car shown in the image is a CLA200. The car is powered by a modest 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, pushing 156 horsepower to the front wheels via a seven speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) the similar recipe in the A-Class. 0 to 100 km/h comes in at 8.6 seconds, topping off at 230 km/h. 

With design cues borrowed from the new A-Class, the new CLA boasts a very stylish, good looking design but not all form comes with function. The rear legroom could be better, the rear seating area is cramped in itself. The roof height is slightly too low and the ride quality is a bit bumpy as stated by many other owners. The interior again, looks almost similar to the A-Class, build quality is as you expect, superb...




In conclusion, the recently launched CLA,
A-Class & GLA basically boast the same chassis hence the rather similar but very stylish designs. It is interesting to see such a unique design for an entry level Mercedes sedan but as stated, a few things need to be improved such as the ride quality and interior space. In comparison with the BMW 3-Series sedan, the Bavarian has a better ride, much more boot space and interior space along with a faster 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds (320i) but there's no doubt that the CLA absolutely trumps the 3-Series in terms of design. 

The Recently Launched Mercedes-Benz GLA: Go Anywhere In Style... 

The new GLA competes with the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, a compact premium crossover... Based on the same design as the A-Class, The GLA offers more practicality and versatility especially when equipped with the all-wheel drive system, 4MATIC. Pictured is the new GLA250 4MATIC, powered by a 211 horsepower, two litre engine. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven speed double clutch transmission (DCT). The century sprint is completed in 7.1 seconds which is more than adequate. 

The design of the GLA emphasises on versatility and stylishness, with an increased ride hide and four-wheel drive along with a cool urban look. The interior design is almost similar to the CLA & A-Class but rear legroom is just enough to fit comfortably. 

In a nutshell, the GLA to me, would fit as an everyday car. 4MATIC delivers convenience on rough terrain while the quality of the interior is second to none. Against its rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out as a very refreshing addition to the segment of compact premium crossovers. It strikes the perfect balance between everyday usability and practicality along with superb quality and engineering we should expect from Mercedes-Benz...

Mercedes-Benz... The Future Of The Automobile...?

With the automotive market growing in competitiveness, it is vital that car manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz continue to pursue the direction of excellence to stay ahead of the pack. New models and refreshing designs play a major role in the leadership of the industry. Nevertheless, cost is also another major concern as the objective is to sell more cars so that more people are able to enjoy premium German engineering. In the end, long term product quality, engineering efficiency and customer satisfaction are what matters, and with these new selections and additions in to the market it'll be interesting to see what other car manufacturers can come up with. 

Drive Smart: What Is Downforce?

Words & Images By Brennell Christian Tan


Downforce in simple terms is the weight of air passing over the surface of an object forcing the object down on the ground. As opposed to aircraft aerodynamics which causes lift, the product of a cars aerodynamics is downforce. The aim of downforce is to provide increased levels of control and grip through a corner to deliver a higher achievable speed along with increased stability through a bend.

Applications...

Air Brake Partially Deployed At 32 Degrees

The newly launched McLaren 650S has a rear spoiler that can be deployed to increase downforce. The 650S is equipped with an air brake (a kind of dynamic spoiler that can be angled to increase downforce and to slow down the car). The air brake can be partially deployed at 32 degrees to increase grip and downforce through a bend. At high speed when the brake pedal is fully depressed, the air brake deploys at 69 degrees to increase drag and downforce on the rear of the car that reduces braking distances up to 20 metres. 

The 2014 Maserati GranTurismo Sport

A modern supercar like the one pictured, a Maserati GranTurismo Sport has a rear spoiler equipped to deliver improved stability and control at its top speed of 301 km/h.  

Pros & Cons Of Downforce

Advantages Of Increased Downforce...

An FiA Formula-E Race Car Of The Virgin Racing Team

As stated, downforce enables a vehicle to travel at a higher speed through a corner while achieving increased levels of grip. Vehicles like GT3 cars and Formula One cars or the newly launched Formula-E cars have front and rear spoilers to channel air over the body of the cars to deliver increased levels downforce. In the picture shown, the Formula-E car has a front spoiler along with a rear spoiler angled downwards to maximise the weight of air passing over the spoiler. The significant weight of air flowing over the car at speed forces the car downwards on the ground, useful for tackling high-speed corners with maximum grip and stability. 

Another product of downforce is drag... On some cars such as the McLaren 650S as previously stated, utilises drag to reduce stopping distances to enable the driver to brake later through a bend or to rapidly haul the car down to a stop. 

Disadvantages Of Downforce...

With higher levels of downforce comes an increased level of drag. Drag is a major role in a cars aerodynamics, drag with its negative effects, reduces the top speed of a car due to the weight of air passing over the car along with the weight of the car itself holding it back. 

In simple terms, higher levels downforce = higher levels drag.

 Weight of air passing over the car at speed + weight of the car at speed 

= Total amount of drag and downforce

A Porsche 911 Carrera S (997)
Equipped With A TechArt Rear Spolier

Drag causes increased wear and tear on a cars components. Downforce causes drag and with the car moving at high-speed, the tyres will experience increased wear and tear. Engineers will also have to build and design engines and powerplants which produce a higher power output to compensate for the increased drag and downforce to increase the performance and overall speed of the car. 

FiA Formula-E World Debut @ Putrajaya, Malaysia: The Future Is Electric, Speed Is Silent...

Words & images by Brennell Christian Tan

Car Number 23, Nick Heidfeld of the Venturi Racing Team

"Drive The Future" & "The Future Is Electric", those are the two taglines of the all new Formula-E Championships. The year 2014 welcomes the debut of the FiA Formula-E Championships, the highest level of auto racing amongst electrically powered racing cars. The series was conceived in 2012 with the inaugural championship taking place in Beijing, China on 13 September 2014.

ePrix @ Putrajaya... 

Silent speed.... The FiA Formula-E   Championship is the highest level of racing amongst electrically powered racing cars. Last Saturday (22 November), Virgin Racing's Sam Bird took first place at the  inaugural Putrajaya ePrix. The Englishman finished ahead of the Beijing race winner Lucas di Grassi. Sebastien Buemi for e.dams-Renault came in third place completing the podium. A driver worth notable mention is Jerome D'Ambrosio who received a penalty for exceeding the maximum power usage, raced from last position and finished 5th. 

Official Safety Car Of The FiA Formula-E Championships,
BMW i8

The excitement began just as the five lights went out. The tyre's of the cars on the starting grid screeched away hitting 0 to 100km/h under three seconds. A crash occurred on the very first lap as the only two female drivers on grid collided, Amlin Aguri's Katherine Legge and Michela Cerruti from Trulli. The BMW i8 safety car was dispatched as soon as the crash occurred. 

Nelson Piquet's Wrecked Car
 Being Transported Back To The Pits

Later, Nelson Piquet Jr collided with Jarno Trulli Heading into the first corner, causing Piquet to retire from the race. Further into the race session, Mahindra's Bruno Senna, the nephew of the legendary F-1 racer Ayrton Senna had a severe crash during his pursuit of Sebastien Buemi for the final position on podium.

In Depth... The FiA Formula-E...

Jerome d'Ambrosio & I During Our Short Meet Up

The Crew Of Dragon Racing Team Seated Alongside Me

After the race, as I was granted access to the paddock and pit area. I met Dragon Racing Team's technicians and their driver ex-Formula One racer Jerome D'Ambrosio. A short chat with the team explained that Formula-E isn't as simple as just some electric cars racing about....

Formula-E largely emphasises on driver skill. Set in narrow street circuits without any run-off areas, the skill of every driver is pushed to their limit. Strategies for overtaking on a normal track can no longer be applied as the roads aren't as wide as they are on a usual circuit. With sharp turns and high kerbs, teams have to adjust their suspension setting to adapt to city centre streets.

There is only one type of tyre for both wet or dry conditions provided by Michelin, with teams being supplied with five new front tyres and five new rear tyres for each event and one front and rear tyre must come from the previous event. Pit stops are allowed but only for car changes, tyre changes are not permitted. Two cars are allocated to each driver, during a race a driver must make a mandatory pit stop to change cars.

Michelin, The Official Tyre Supplier
For The FiA Formula-E Championships

Unique strategies have to be applied as drivers have access to full power during practice and qualifying sessions but not race sessions. The 'FanBoost' also plays a major role as spectators can vote for their favourite driver with the top three drivers with the most votes receiving a five second power boost. 

Race Winner Sam Bird's Car Being Pushed To The Pits

For an added challenge, each and every one of the cars competing in the event are completely identical. Teams are allowed to adjust their suspension settings to suit both the track and their driver. The car is known as the Spark-Renault SRT_01E and is a result of a 10 month collaboration between Spark Racing Technologies, McLaren Electronic Systems, Williams Advanced Engineering, 

Teams And Their Respective Drivers

Dallara and Renault. Being an electric car, lithium ion battery cells power the car. The batteries also known as the Rechargeable Energy Storage System(RESS), are designed by Williams Advanced Engineering and the power is connected to a five-speed sequential gearbox via a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) provided by McLaren Electronic Technologies initially developed for the McLaren P1 road car. It is important to mention that the maximum power output can only be used during practice and qualifying sessions. During a race, power is regulated from maximum power @ 270bhp/200kw down to 202.5bhp/150kw. 
The chassis is designed and built by Dallara, consisting of lightweight materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre and kevlar. These materials ensure that excess weight is kept to a minimum whilst providing high levels of structural rigidity. The chassis fully complies with the latest FiA crash tests, the same used to regulate Formula One. The total weight of the car is 888 kilograms.

Conclusion... The Future Is Electric...

With emission regulations getting stricter, electric power is the way to go. To date, all new Formula One cars had their engines downsized from a 2.4 litre naturally aspirated V8 to a 1.6 litre turbocharged V6, due to economical reasons. With a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time almost identical to a standard Formula One car, battery power provides the ability to reduce emissions while going fast. This racing series, the FiA Formula E promotes a sustainable future with clean energy with no emissions. FiA Formula E, Drive The Future...

This spectacular series will offer both entertainment and a new opportunity to share FIA's values for clean energy, mobility and sustainability. The FIA is definitely looking to the future!  Words of Jean Todt, President of FiA

Gallery 

Images Of The Formula-E Cars

Shots Of The Official FiA Formula-E Safety Car, BMW i8

Images Of The Pit/Paddock Area

Images Of Current Prime Minister, Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak & Former Prime Minister, Tun Mahatir bin Mohamad

Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak

Tun Mahatir bin Mohamad