Q

what is continental car

The term "Continental car" typically refers to automotive brands hailing from mainland Europe, especially those commonly found in the Malaysian market from countries like Germany, France, and Italy—think Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault, and the like. These brands have built a reputation for top-notch engineering, high safety standards, and a comfortable driving experience, making them a hit with Malaysian consumers, particularly those after high performance or a touch of luxury. European cars generally prioritize chassis tuning and powertrain refinement, resulting in excellent high-speed stability and cornering dynamics. However, their maintenance costs can run a bit higher than their Japanese counterparts. In Malaysia, many Continental cars are sold either as fully imported units or through local CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly. Some models even undergo tropical climate adaptations, such as upgraded air conditioning systems to handle the heat. If you're considering buying one, it's wise to check the warranty terms and local after-sales support thoroughly—European car parts might not be as readily available as Japanese ones here. On a brighter note, in recent years, several European brands have rolled out more small-displacement turbocharged models perfect for city driving. These balance fuel efficiency with decent power, making them better suited to Malaysia's road conditions and fuel prices.
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Related Q&A

Q
How is engine torque calculated?
There are mainly two methods for calculating engine torque. At the basic physics level, it can be calculated by the product of force and moment arm, with the formula: Torque M = Force F × Moment Arm r (where F is the force acting perpendicularly on the moment arm, in Newtons; r is the length of the moment arm, in meters; the resulting unit is Newton-meters, Nm). In automotive engineering, the commonly used calculation method is based on the engine's output power and rotational speed, with the formula: Torque T = 9550 × Power P ÷ Rotational Speed n (where P is the output power, in kilowatts, kW; n is the rotational speed, in revolutions per minute, rpm). For example, an engine with a power of 100 kW and a rotational speed of 5000 rpm has a torque of 9550 × 100 ÷ 5000 = 191 Nm. Torque is widely used in the automotive field. During the design phase, it can be used to optimize the parameter matching of the engine, transmission, and drive system by calculation, and select an appropriate gear ratio to balance power and fuel economy. In performance testing, the torque curve can reflect the dynamic characteristics of the engine and help evaluate the power transmission efficiency. In the manufacturing process, parts assembly must strictly follow torque requirements. For instance, the bolt tightening torque should be moderate to avoid loosening or damage, ensuring the reliability and stability of the vehicle.
Q
What type of fuel do ships use?
The types of fuels used in ships are diverse, and their selection needs to be comprehensively determined based on the ship type, navigation area, and environmental protection regulations. Among traditional fuels, heavy fuel oil (such as RMG380) is the main fuel for large ocean-going vessels due to its low cost and high energy density. However, its high viscosity requires preheating, and the high sulfur content necessitates desulfurization equipment to comply with the IMO 2020 global sulfur cap of 0.5%. Marine diesel fuels include marine gas oil (MGO) and marine diesel oil (MDO). MGO is clean and low-sulfur (with sulfur content ≤0.1% for low-sulfur variants), making it suitable for ports, emission control areas, or small vessels. MDO, with performance intermediate between heavy fuel oil and light diesel, is commonly used in auxiliary engines. As for clean transition fuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) produces virtually no sulfur oxide emissions and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 90%, leading to its widespread adoption in regions with stringent environmental regulations. Biofuels like hydrogenated vegetable oil can be blended directly with conventional fuels without system modifications, serving as a practical short-term emission reduction solution. Among emerging green fuels, green methanol remains liquid at ambient temperature for easy storage and offers significant carbon reduction benefits; ammonia combustion emits no CO2, positioning green ammonia as a potential future fuel for deep-sea shipping; while hydrogen provides zero emissions, its storage demands cryogenic or high-pressure conditions, making it more viable for short-haul routes. With the International Maritime Organization's 2050 target of reducing shipping greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, marine fuels are undergoing a progressive shift toward diversification and cleaner alternatives. Shipowners must evaluate fuel options by holistically assessing cost, environmental performance, and technological readiness.
Q
Is diesel #2 the same as diesel?
Diesel #2 is a specific type of diesel fuel; not all diesel fuels are equivalent to Diesel #2. Diesel #2 typically refers to ultra-low sulfur diesel without additives, whose hydrocarbon properties meet the requirements of relevant standard tests. It has good combustibility, high energy density, and good fluidity at room temperature, making it suitable for diesel engines in heavy-duty vehicles, industrial equipment, and generator sets. Due to its low sulfur content, this type of diesel helps reduce engine wear and exhaust emissions. It is one of the common types of diesel fuel locally and is widely used in diesel-powered equipment in road transportation, agriculture, construction, and other fields.
Q
Why put 2 stroke oil in diesel?
The practice of adding two-stroke engine oil to diesel fuel is mainly applicable to two-stroke diesel engines. Due to their compact structure and lack of an independent lubrication system, these engines require two-stroke engine oil to be mixed with diesel fuel in a specific ratio. This allows the oil to lubricate internal moving parts such as pistons and crankshafts while participating in combustion, preventing wear under high-temperature and high-speed operation, as well as assisting in cooling, sealing, and cleaning the engine interior. However, for four-stroke diesel engines, adding two-stroke engine oil to diesel fuel is not recommended. Since they have an independent circulating lubrication system where the oil does not participate in combustion, adding two-stroke oil can easily cause carbon deposits, clog fuel injectors or high-pressure fuel rails, and affect engine performance. It should be noted that the use of two-stroke engine oil must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommended ratio to ensure the normal operation of the engine and extend its service life.
Q
Why is #2 fuel oil red?
Fuel Oil No. 2 (locally often referring to diesel for specific purposes) appears red due to the addition of compliant red dye, primarily intended to distinguish its usage and tax attributes. Locally, red diesel generally falls into the category of tax-exempt or subsidized fuel, designated exclusively for agricultural machinery, fishing vessels, industrial generators, off-road engineering vehicles, etc. In contrast, diesel used by ordinary road vehicles is typically light yellow and subject to full taxation. The addition of dye enables law enforcement agencies to easily identify and monitor the fuel, preventing tax-exempt fuel from being illegally used in road vehicles to evade taxes. This dye is compositionally safe and does not negatively impact the fuel's combustion efficiency or equipment performance. Furthermore, color-coded fuel labeling is a common practice in the local fuel management system. In addition to red diesel, other colors are used to distinguish fuels of different grades or purposes, aiding users and regulators in quick identification. This ensures compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, maintains a fair taxation system, and upholds standardized fuel market practices.
Q
What color is number 2 diesel?
Number 2 diesel, which is the standard ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) available at petrol stations in the country, typically has a light yellow to pale amber color. This shade is a result of advanced refining processes that reduce sulfur content to meet local emission standards (such as Euro 4 or higher, which Malaysia adheres to for diesel fuels) and the inclusion of minimal performance-enhancing additives. Unlike older diesel variants with higher sulfur levels that often appeared darker—ranging from reddish-brown to deep brown—modern number 2 diesel’s lighter color reflects its cleaner composition. While slight variations in hue may exist between different refineries or batches due to minor differences in additive formulations, the overall appearance remains consistent as a pale, transparent yellow-amber liquid. This color not only indicates low sulfur content but also aligns with international clean diesel standards, which help reduce engine wear, lower harmful emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, and improve fuel efficiency for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles widely used across the country.
Q
Is fuel oil #2 diesel?
Yes, fuel oil #2 usually refers to diesel oil. No. 2 diesel oil is a distillate oil, with a viscosity range of 32.6 to 40.1 SUS at 37.7 degrees Celsius and an interfacial tension of 14.7 dynes/cm. In terms of chemical composition, it contains components such as paraffin (41.3%), monocycloalkanes (22.1%), dicycloalkanes (9.6%), tricycloalkanes (2.3%), and alkylbenzenes (5.9%). The total saturated hydrocarbons account for approximately 75.3%, and the total aromatic hydrocarbons account for about 24.7%. Diesel fuel is generally composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons from C10 to C19, with a composition similar to that of fuel oil #2. The main difference between the two usually stems from the additives used. In addition, No. 2 diesel oil needs to meet specific performance requirements in practical applications to ensure proper atomization and combustion efficiency in engines, adapting to the operational needs of diesel engines, and is one of the commonly used fuel types for diesel engines.
Q
Which fuel is the most efficient?
In the Malaysian market, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models and small-displacement high-efficiency gasoline models demonstrate the most outstanding fuel efficiency performance. Among them, the Perodua Bezza is recognized as the most fuel-efficient model, with its 1.0L and 1.3L Dual VVT-i engines achieving an official fuel consumption as low as approximately 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers. During actual driving, maintaining a steady throttle and reasonable speed, along with utilizing the ECO driving mode indicator, can further optimize fuel consumption. Additionally, Toyota's hybrid technology delivers exceptional fuel efficiency. Its HEV models integrate a high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor for synergistic operation, resulting in superior fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline models (such as the 2.5L gasoline-powered Camry). Furthermore, these models do not require charging infrastructure, offering both convenience and reduced fuel costs. The new engine in the Proton X70 has achieved a 7% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor through technical upgrades. However, hybrid models and small-displacement economy-focused models like the Perodua Bezza remain more advanced in fuel efficiency, better meeting users' demands for low fuel consumption.
Q
Is petrol an example of fuel?
Gasoline is a typical example of fuel. It is a liquid fossil fuel refined and processed from petroleum, with hydrocarbons as its main component. As a common fuel for internal combustion engines, gasoline is widely used in vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, small aircraft, and some mechanical equipment. It releases chemical energy through combustion and converts it into mechanical energy to provide power. Based on octane ratings, gasoline can be classified into different grades to suit engines with varying compression ratios, such as the common 92-octane and 95-octane gasoline. Furthermore, gasoline belongs to the category of fuel oil, which is a subclass of fuel and includes various types such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. All of them release energy through combustion to meet diverse power needs.
Q
How many types of fuel are in class 8?
The fuel types for Class 8 vehicles mainly include diesel, natural gas, and hybrid electric power, among others. Among these, diesel fuel dominates, accounting for over 75% of the market share in this category in 2024. This is because it provides strong power, reliability, and meets the demands of high-intensity industries such as long-haul freight and construction, supported by an extensive refueling infrastructure. Hybrid electric options are also developing gradually; for instance, the hybrid system retrofit design introduced in January 2025 combines batteries with diesel generators to deliver high horsepower, substantial torque output, and extended driving range. Natural gas is another available fuel option for this vehicle category. These fuel types each have distinct features: diesel maintains its mainstream position due to proven maturity and practicality, while cleaner alternatives like hybrid electric power are being progressively adopted to align with the industry's pursuit of more sustainable transportation solutions.
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Latest Q&A

Q
How is engine torque calculated?
There are mainly two methods for calculating engine torque. At the basic physics level, it can be calculated by the product of force and moment arm, with the formula: Torque M = Force F × Moment Arm r (where F is the force acting perpendicularly on the moment arm, in Newtons; r is the length of the moment arm, in meters; the resulting unit is Newton-meters, Nm). In automotive engineering, the commonly used calculation method is based on the engine's output power and rotational speed, with the formula: Torque T = 9550 × Power P ÷ Rotational Speed n (where P is the output power, in kilowatts, kW; n is the rotational speed, in revolutions per minute, rpm). For example, an engine with a power of 100 kW and a rotational speed of 5000 rpm has a torque of 9550 × 100 ÷ 5000 = 191 Nm. Torque is widely used in the automotive field. During the design phase, it can be used to optimize the parameter matching of the engine, transmission, and drive system by calculation, and select an appropriate gear ratio to balance power and fuel economy. In performance testing, the torque curve can reflect the dynamic characteristics of the engine and help evaluate the power transmission efficiency. In the manufacturing process, parts assembly must strictly follow torque requirements. For instance, the bolt tightening torque should be moderate to avoid loosening or damage, ensuring the reliability and stability of the vehicle.
Q
Is higher or lower engine torque better?
Engine torque is not simply a matter of higher or lower being better; it needs to be judged comprehensively based on the vehicle's purpose and power requirements. Torque refers to the twisting moment output by the engine crankshaft, measured in Newton-meters. It directly affects a vehicle's acceleration from a standstill, climbing performance, and load-carrying capability—greater torque means more responsive power at low engine speeds, a stronger "push-back" feeling during acceleration, easier climbing or load-carrying, and fewer gear shifts in daily driving, which reduces component wear. However, torque must be considered in conjunction with power and rotational speed. Power (which determines the maximum speed) is derived from the product of torque and rotational speed. If torque is high but rotational speed is limited, the vehicle may lack sustained acceleration capability at high speeds. For example, models designed for off-roading or heavy load-carrying prioritize high-torque tuning to handle complex road conditions, while sports cars pursuing top speed need to balance torque with power output at high rotational speeds. Therefore, when choosing a vehicle, one should consider the usage scenario: sufficient torque is a priority for urban commuting or off-roading, while a balance between torque and power is required for high-speed cruising or racing.
Q
How much is 1 nm in torque?
1 N·m (Newton-meter) is the international unit of torque, referring to the rotational torque effect generated by applying a force of 1 Newton on a 1-meter-long moment arm. For example, when a 1-meter-long wrench is used to tighten a screw with a force of 1 Newton, the torque exerted on the screw is 1 Newton-meter. In the automotive field, the Newton-meter is a key parameter for measuring the "rotational force" output at the crankshaft end of an engine. The torque output by the engine is amplified through transmission systems such as the gearbox and drive shaft before being transmitted to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward; even a torque of 1 Newton-meter can be converted into effective driving force to push the vehicle after being amplified by the gear ratios of the transmission system (such as gearbox gears and final drive). The magnitude of torque directly affects vehicle performance. For instance, the greater the torque, the stronger the vehicle's starting acceleration, climbing ability, and load-carrying capacity usually are. A family car with large torque accelerates more responsively, an off-road vehicle with large torque climbs more easily, and a truck with large torque has a greater load-carrying capacity.
Q
Why is engine torque important?
Engine torque is one of the core indicators for measuring vehicle performance. It refers to the rotational force output by the engine from the crankshaft end (measured in Newton-meters) and has a crucial impact on driving experience and practical performance. First, torque directly determines acceleration performance. Models with high torque can quickly increase speed when starting from zero, providing a noticeable "back-pressing sensation". In urban driving, they respond more rapidly when traffic lights turn green and make overtaking easier and more efficient. Second, torque affects climbing ability. When facing steep slopes or mountainous roads, high-torque vehicles can maintain stable power output without frequent downshifting, making climbing smoother and less strenuous. Third, torque is strongly related to load capacity. For family cars, high torque ensures smooth acceleration; for off-road vehicles, it delivers excellent off-road passability; and for trucks, it allows higher load weights. In addition, high torque can enhance stability during high-speed driving and reduce the risk of skidding. Moreover, properly tuned high-torque engines can output sufficient power at low speeds, which helps reduce fuel consumption and vehicle wear. When choosing a car, it is necessary to balance torque parameters according to usage needs. For daily commuting, models with appropriately matched torque are more economical, while for off-road or load-carrying requirements, priority should be given to high-torque engines to meet driving needs in different scenarios.
Q
Is 500 Nm torque good?
A torque of 500 Nm represents a relatively strong level in terms of automotive power performance, and its specific evaluation needs to be considered in conjunction with the vehicle's intended use. In the Malaysian market, the torque of ordinary family SUVs such as the Proton X70 is approximately 255 Nm; the high-output version of mid-to-large pickup trucks like the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete has a torque of 470 Nm; high-end hybrid SUVs such as the Tank 500 can achieve a combined torque of 750 Nm; and commercial diesel engines like the Cummins ISF3.8 have a torque range of 450-600 Nm. A torque of 500 Nm is higher than that of most family cars and close to the medium-to-high torque range of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. It can provide excellent traction, making it suitable for scenarios such as heavy loading, off-roading, or towing. It delivers strong power response at low engine speeds, enhancing the vehicle's climbing ability and acceleration performance. For users pursuing power performance, this is an excellent level. Torque is a key indicator for measuring a vehicle's traction as well as its ability to start and overtake. Higher torque means the vehicle can handle complex road conditions or load-carrying situations more calmly. Within the category of non-performance sports cars, 500 Nm is a good torque value that can meet various high-intensity usage needs.
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