Proton Exora MC Peugeot 207 Sedan Proton Waja Lancer Nissan X-Trail Review Perodua Myvi

Kamui Kobayashi retained by Sauber for 2011

September 7, 2010 at 4:58 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Talented young Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi has been retained by Sauber for the 2011 season. The news was released today, when team owner Peter Sauber spoke of how impressed they were with the 24-year old.

“We enjoy having our rookie as part of the team – both as a driver and a person. We never had any doubts about working with him again in 2011,” the team principal said.

“Kamui has definitely fulfilled our expectations in terms of his speed and fighting spirit. Plus, his work with the engineers and his technical understanding has also developed very well. The experience he has built up over his first full season in Formula One will certainly stand him in good stead for 2011. And our aim is to give him a fast and reliable car from the outset next season,” Sauber added.

“We had a very difficult start to the season (DNF in first four races), but we’ve worked together to pull ourselves out of that situation. I feel very much at home in Peter Sauber’s team and am very pleased we’ll be working together again in 2011,” Kobayashi said.

Kobayashi made his F1 debut with Toyota in last year’s Brazilian GP and went on to finish sixth in his second race, the Abu Dhabi GP, impressing both the paddock and F1 fans with his gutsy driving. He has scored 21 points so far this season, 15 points more than more experienced teammate Pedro de la Rosa. And to think that he nearly went home to roll sushi in dad’s restaurant because he didn’t have a race seat!

Leave a Comment

Kia Motors boss steps down due to mass recalls

September 7, 2010 at 11:48 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans

Chung Sung-Eun, the co-CEO of South Korea’s Kia Motors has resigned to take responsibility for the mass vehicle recalls the carmaker is facing. Chung, also a vice chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, will see his duties be assumed by co-CEO and president Seo Yeoung-jong and co-president Lee Hyeong-geun.

Kia had to issue a global recall of 85,900 vehicles over the past week. The cause of the recall is defective electrical wiring that can potentially cause fires, and the four models involved are the Soul, Sorento and Borrego SUVs, and the Cadenza sedan.

In China, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motor Co, a Kia JV company, separately recalled 18,147 Sorento, Borrego and Soul models, while in the USA, 35,000 vehicles are involved. All of the US market cars involved rolled out from South Korea except for the Sorento R. In its domestic market, 18,000 vehicles will have to be brought in for rectification.

No accidents or injuries related to the defective wiring have been reported so far.

Source

38 Comments

Turbo and ground effect cars making return to Formula 1?

September 7, 2010 at 11:02 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Is Formula 1 making a return back to 80s with ground effect cars and turbo engines? Seems likely as the teams are close to finalising all-new regulations for 2013. Autosport also reports that several Working Groups have been set up to get consensus on moves to both improve the spectacle of F1 and ensure the sport becomes more eco friendly.

For engines, draft regulations were circulated a few weeks ago and the latest suggestion is for a standard 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, aided by various energy recovery systems. They should produce around 650 bhp. Plans to limit engines to five per driver per season are being considered.

On the green front, teams are also keen for there to be a fuel flow rate limit – which will ensure the engines are economical. Williams technical director Sam Michael explains: “Rather than dump as much fuel in as we can at the moment, there will be a fuel flow metre – so you won’t be able to blow more than a certain amount of fuel. It is a good chunk less than we had at the moment.”

To boost excitement, or in other words improve overtaking, ground effect is being considered. Williams boss Patrick Head and ex Ferrari designer Rory Byrne are working with FIA to draw the guidelines. “They are talking about putting a greater proportion of downforce to the diffuser, a ground effect car – like the early 1980′s. They have been looking at that, as well as increasing crash protection at the front of the car by moving the sidepods further forwards,” Michael said.

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? For a look at how they used to look like, click here for our classic F1 cars gallery.

15 Comments

Luxury spec Nissan GT-R ‘Egoist’ to be launched soon

September 7, 2010 at 10:24 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

There will be a more luxury oriented Nissan GT-R that’s set to be launched next month in Japan, when Nissan rolls out the facelifted version of its performance flagship. First rumoured to be called Spec M, the luxury GT-R will now be called ‘Egoist’, according to prominent Japan based auto journo Peter Lyon.

The Autocar report says that the unusual name is inspired by both the Chanel perfume and the Tokyo based apparel maker of the same name. Of course, it also says a lot about the car’s owner. “Yes, there’s a bit of tongue in cheek in the name, and yes, the word does mean self-conceited, but we just wanted to have some fun with the name,” a Nissan spokesman was quoted as saying.

Looks wise, the Egoist will get a newly designed grille and bumper combination, along with a revised front intake duct. There will be LED daylights on the front and rear bumpers. For the latter, the outer edges will have new vents to dissipate heat from the transmission and exhaust system. The Egoist is based on today’s special versions, the Black Edition and the Premium Edition, so it gets larger 390 mm brake discs (from 360 mm) and lighter 10-spoke wheels.

Mid life updates for the entire range include 30 kg reduced weight plus 506 bhp and 607 Nm thanks to modified turbos, oil cooler and exhaust system. Also tweaked are the gear ratios, spring rates and rear suspension geometry – the latter two aims for a more compliant ride with sharper handling.

13 Comments

Renault interested in buying back Formula 1 team?

September 6, 2010 at 11:03 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Formula 1, International News, Motorsports

The same thought that crossed my mind after watching the last F1 race must have crossed Renault’s mind. Which is the one where Renault collecting more and more podium finishes, not to mention a capable driver they have in Kubica.

Word is that Renault SA are interested in buying back into the Formula 1 team that they pulled out amid the car sales crisis and the “crashgate scandal”. 85% of the company was supposedly sold to Luxembourg-based investment firm Genii Capital last year.

Under new management, Renault F1 have been doing well, collecting 123 points and fifth placing in the Constructors championship, while Robert Kubica is currently seventh in the Driver’s Championship.

Finnish publication has claimed that Renault SA’s financial situation has improved to a point where the carmaker is interested in returning to F1.

8 Comments

Naza seeks to be regional production hub for GM Chevrolet

September 6, 2010 at 7:27 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, General Motors, Local News

Naza, GM’s latest Malaysian partner, is aiming to be much more than just an importer and distributor of Chevrolet cars in the country; the company wants to be the ASEAN production hub for GM. This ambition was revealed by Datuk SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin, joint group executive chairman of the Naza Group.

“GM sees Malaysia as a very strategic market,” he said, adding that the US carmaker wants to turn Malaysia “into a regional hub” for export of certain models (could he be talking about the Chevrolet Cruze?). But to make local assembly viable, one needs numbers and Datuk SM Faisal said that Naza hopes to raise local Chevrolet sales to between 35,000 and 40,000 cars by 2015, before establishing an assembly facility in Malaysia.

“We have to set up a facility. We are exploring how we can become an ASEAN hub,” he added. GM’s regional base is currently in Thailand, where its Rayong plant has been standing since 1996.

In any case, the targeted figures are ambitious for the reborn (in Malaysia) marque, and not many are as optimistic.Ahmad Maghfur Usman, an analyst with OSK Research told AFP: “I think the target of 40,000 units is a bit ambitious. Malaysian buyers still prefer Japanese makes due to their fuel efficiency, quality and better resale value.” Do you agree?

On a separate note, Naza Quest (the subsidiary was formerly called Pavilion Crest) has inked a deal with AmBank that will see the lender become the “official finance provider” for Chevrolet dealers. In the first year, RM50 million will be allocated for this program, which will take care of capital expenditure and working capital financing for authorised Chevrolet dealers. Naza Quest COO Datuk Maruan Mohd Said said that Chevrolet brand will have a total of 21 3S centres by the end of 2010, from the present 11.

Source

34 Comments

JE Design wide body tuning kit for the VW Touareg TDI

September 6, 2010 at 3:16 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Both the Mk1 and current Volkswagen Touareg are among the more macho looking big 4X4s in the market, with square edges and a buff body. Here, tuner JE Design enhances this image by adding a wide body kit that consists of a new sport radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler and a rear hatch blend, all made of polyurethane (PU).

Adding to the design are 22-inch aluminium wheels, a dual exhaust and a suspension lowering kit, which reduces ride height by 35 mm. For those with individual tastes, the rims can be finished in shadow silver with a polished front surface, matte black with a matte silver front surface, graphite shiny silver with polished rim and matte graphite silver with polished rim.

Under the hood the Touareg’s 4.2-litre TDI engine is given a revised engine management system, which increases power from 335 hp to 404 hp. This has also positively affected pulling power; now with 930 Nm from the previous 800 Nm.

The extra power propels the Touareg to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds on to a top speed of 269 km/h. The company claims that the upgrades are achieved without affecting the standard car’s emissions. More pics after the jump.
[Read more...]

10 Comments

Volvo and Heico team up to release limited edition S60 T6

September 6, 2010 at 2:56 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Volvo

After Heico Sportiv’s recent release of a tuning kit for the Volvo S60 T6, Volvo in association with the tuning firm, has brought out a special edition model employing the same upgrades. This sees the standard six-cylinder turbo engine being pumped up to 326 hp along with torque that stands at 460 Nm.

Mated to the standard six-speed Geartronic transmission, the car reaches 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Roadholding is also improved with the addition of new sport springs – which has lowered the car by 30mm – and permanent all wheel drive.

On the outside the car is complemented by the 19-inch Diamond cut alloys shod in Pirelli tyres, while the inside gets a limited edition plate, which identifies the specific production number of the car.

Only available in Black sapphire metal, Volvo and Heico will only build 100 units of this special edition. This particular model will only be made available in Europe. More pictures available after the jump.
[Read more...]

Leave a Comment

DRB-HICOM to manufacture Westfield sports cars in Malaysia, parts and CKD kits to be exported to UK

September 6, 2010 at 2:31 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Hybrids, Electric vehicles, fuel cells, alternative fuel, International News, Local News

DRB-HICOM and Potenza Sports Cars Ltd, owner and manufacturer of Westfield cars, have entered into a joint venture agreement that will result in the production of a new line of eco-friendly and affordable sports cars in Malaysia. The cars, which will include electric and hybrid versions, are to be made in Pekan for the domestic and Asia Pacific region.

This comes after a feasibility study was conducted after both parties signed a MoU in April. Under the new agreement a new JV company will be set up to handle the importing, manufacturing and distribution of the sports cars. The same company will also export knocked down kits and components manufactured in Malaysia to PSC for assembly in the UK. The British built cars will serve the UK and European market.

Westfield is niche British manufacturer that makes lightweight open-top sports cars inspired by the Lotus Seven.

“We expect production to begin by 2012,” said Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, DRB-HICOM Group MD, who added that this is a significant move towards the company developing its own brand. “For DRB-HICOM, this is our giant step towards realising our vision of designing and developing our own brand of vehicles in cooperation with our global partners,” he said.

DRB-HICOM’s Pekan, Pahang facility is set to be a very busy hub. The company recently signed a MoU with Volkswagen in the production of three VW models in Malaysia. If all goes well, the first batch of CKD VW cars will roll out some time in the first quarter of 2011.

30 Comments

Proton P390A based on Mitsubishi Lancer previewed on TV3

September 5, 2010 at 2:10 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Waja Lancer, Videos

Proton decided to give Media Prima’s TV3 a scoop on the new Proton Waja replacement “P390A” model based on the current generation Mitsubishi Lancer. A TV3 program earlier this week had shots of a covered Proton-badged Lancer with a red paintjob.

The cover was lifted up a little momentarily at different sections of the car to give us a glimpse of the styling changes that Proton has done – the entire front end looks different and I must say quite similiar to the rendering that Theophilus did (shown in line). TV3 also reveals that a manual transmission will be available.

Watch the video above, or look after the jump for screenshots from the video.
[Read more...]

683 Comments