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New comment system on this site – try it out!

February 14, 2009 at 6:55 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Blogging

Intense DebateWe are currently testing out a new commenting system on this site, powered by Intense Debate. You can now have the ability to create “threads” out of comments, which is basically a reply feature. Instead of copying and pasting comments for replies like many of us have done previously, now can now simply “Post a Reply” to someone’s comment. A reply will be displayed right after the previous comment and indented so it looks like a reply. Further replies to replies will be further indented, I’m sure you get the drift.

You can also post a regular comment of course. Adding your own avatars should also be easier to do with this new system. You can also “vote” on other people’s comments – this will allow you to vote down pointless or sensitive comments. You can also report defamatory or ISA-magnet comments easily via the report function. Pages with hundreds of comments will now have their comment pagination (split into a few pages) so the comments will be faster to load and easier to navigate/read.

Do you like it or do you prefer the old system?

UPDATE: I see that some of you like it and some of you don’t. I’ll try to solve all of your questions about how the new system works over the next 2-3 days, if its still too uncomfortable then I’ll revert back to the old system. I have replied to some of your complaints in the comments of this post, please check and reply me if you can, I’m trying to work out all the problems.

112 Comments      

Proton Satria Neo CPS: parking lot test review

February 14, 2009 at 6:34 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Satria Neo, Test Drive Reviews

Satria Neo CPS

Along with the official launch of the Satria Neo CPS, members of the media were given the chance to test out the new Neo CPS at an empty parking lot. Although excited about testing the new spiritual successor to the Proton Satria GTI, I wasn’t too keen about driving the up-rated Neo within the confines of a rather small area. Proton had setup a pointless-looking mini race track within the compounds of the APAC parking lot and I managed to get a taste of both manual and automatic variants.

First up was the automatic version. Featuring similar cabin room as the standard Neo, the CPS variant also suffers from lack of head clearance. In my honest opinion, it was quite fun to drive the Neo CPS through tight spots, as the handling was rather sharp. At average speeds of up to 60 km/h, I only felt some easily correctable understeer at the limits of car. While negotiating those tight turns, I felt very minimal body roll, while the nicely-weighted steering wheel offered good feedback.

Satria Neo CPS

The sprint performance with the auto tranny was just about average. As expected, the performance of the automatic transmission during my initial test was made me to look forward to the manual Neo CPS. The manual is the only way to really enjoy this car!

The first thing I did when got myself into the manual Neo was to have a feel of the gear lever hoping for it to be nicely weighted, as opposed to being “soggy” or “lose”, and I am happy to say that my hopes were realized. A little on the hard side of things, gear change was slick and precise, which is good since this car is positioned as a performance variant. For the manual Neo CPS test, there were longer straights on the temporary track, which allowed me to feel the CPS powerplant’s good performance on high revs.

Satria Neo CPS

Through out the quick test drive, I also noticed that the throttle response was also up to expectation. I would like to mention about its ride quality but unfortunately the test drive was rather short, so looks like we have to wait for a longer drive. But based on the short drive, things are pointing the right direction for the Neo CPS. The handling and performance seems to suit the aggressive looks on the outside. Some might say that the body kit treatment is a little over the top, but personally, I feel its alright.

I just wish that the wheels were extended by half an inch or so, but that may affect the overall handling. I also feel that the rear exhaust box should have been hidden neatly. The way it is now makes the rear diffuser look bad. So far, my thumbs are pointing upwards for the Satria New CPS. Stick around as we will bring you the test review as soon as we get a test drive unit.

Story by Harvinder Singh, because Paul Tan cannot fit properly in the car while wearing a safety helmet, thanks to the headroom.
[Read more...]

148 Comments      


BMW Concept 5-Series Gran Turismo previews next-generation F10 5-Series styling

February 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Concept Cars, Videos

BMW Concept 5-Series GT

Apparently there was a hole in the BMW line-up. It found a set of customers that it could not reach because it did not have a product that was suitable for them. These aging customers found the traditional seating position of the 5-series too sporty but the elevated seating position of the BMW X6 too imposing. Mostly the work of BMW designer Christopher Weil, this BMW Concept 5-Series Gran Turismo is likely to remain mostly the same into production. Most of the styling will also likely be implemented on the regular 5-Series Sedan and Touring to maintain a family resemblance.

Plenty will and already have been crying foul of yet another automotive word twisted beyond its traditional meaning. Think of a GT and the likes of an Aston Martin or a Maserati GranTurismo comes to mind. This looks nothing like it. BMW’s GT looks like a slammed-down lowered BMW X6. It also has a dual-operation two-piece tailgate, which you can see working in the images below. It has frameless doors, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Like the X6, it only has 4 seats in this concept version, but the production version will have the option for either a 4-seater or 5-seater version. With the rear seats folded down, maximum loading capacity is a massive 1,650 litres. The rear seats can be adjusted fore and aft individually by up to 100mm, and also has backrest recline angle adjustment. These are all via electronic adjustment.

BMW Concept 5-Series GT

The 5-Series GT has a longer wheelbase than the next generation F10 5-Series is expected to have, which is likely to be just under 3,000mm. In fact, at 3,070mm it has the same wheelbase as the F01 7-Series. The next generation long-wheelbase 5-Series Sedan (sold in China) is also expected to have this wheelbase length. So we’re probably looking at a single platform with 3 different lengths – one for the F10 5-Series, one for the 5-Series GT, the LWB 5-Series and the F01 SWB 7-Series, and the longest for the F02 7-Series and probably a Rolls-Royce.

The GT’s length of 4998mm and height of 1555mm is safetly under the longest of BMW’s – the 7-Series and the tallest – the X models. It’s a sort of in-between car, a true “Crossover”, not the Silver kind of course, though I am sure the new GT will be available in Silver, for those that don’t fancy the “Fluid Cuprite” colour in these product photos, a shade that BMW says was specially developed for this car.

BMW Concept 5-Series GT

The idea of having the smaller opening portion of the two-piece tailgate is so that small items can be loaded into the rear without creating any drafts or unnecessary temperature changes into the passenger compartment. This can be particularly felt in above average hot or cold climates. Bulky objects can be loaded by opening the traditional large tailgate.

The classic BMW corona rings (angel eyes in street speak) in the headlamps are now powered by LED, which is a first in a factory BMW. Many of the features that debuted in the 7-Series makes its way into the 5-Series GT, such as the black panel technology, and large iDrive Control Display. The new headlamps and large front grille are also similiar to the ones on the 7-Series, which I think we can assume firmly cements this as the new look for this generation of BMW’s under von Hooydonk’s watch. In person, they look better in dark colours.

Look after the jump for a full hi-res gallery as well as two videos of the new BMW Concept 5-Series Gran Turismo.
[Read more...]

19 Comments      

Proton MPV name to be unveiled next week!

February 13, 2009 at 3:42 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Exora - Proton MPV 2009

Proton MPV

Proton will be unveiling the name of the new Proton MPV on the 17th of February 2009, as well as the winners of the Name The Proton MPV competition held last year. An indicative launch date will also be revealed. Stay tuned for updates next week, enjoy your Valentines weekend for now.

Related Posts:
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Proton MPV exclusive initial details revealed!
SPYSHOT: 2009 Proton MPV sheds some of its disguise
Proton MPV design registered with UK patent office
SPYSHOT: Proton MPV next to a Nissan Grand Livina

107 Comments      

New Proton Satria Neo CPS H-Line: details, specs, pricing and video!

February 13, 2009 at 3:27 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Satria Neo, Videos

Proton Satria Neo CPS

The Campro CPS engine is finally in the Proton Satria Neo, something that many have been eagerly waiting for. The CPS is essentially a Campro engine with a few updates and a variable valve lift system called CPS as well as a variable intake manifold (VIM) system. These additions help push up power to 125 PS at 6,500rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, figures which are up from the standard Campro’s 110hp and 148Nm.

The car’s front and rear track has also been updated. While the Proton Satria Neo had a front and rear track of 1,470mm for both, the Satria Neo CPS H-Line has a narrower front track at 1,467mm and a wider rear track 1,483mm.

We didn’t managed to get hold of a Proton engineer to ask this question but we did manage to ask a member of Proton’s Race Rally Research (R3) team who said the change was made because Proton found the standard Neo suffered from slight oversteer, so this change was made to induce a slight understeer to improve handling. Anyway either way as a result of the large wheel arches, the wheels looks kind of lost inside them at certain angles.

Satria Neo CPS

As for aesthetics, as you can see there’s a new bodykit and more prominent flared wheel arches that are inspired from the old Satria GTI’s design. The alloy wheels are of the same 16 inch size as the M-Line but feature a different design that looks like a carbon copy of Advanti Racing’s MEDUSA design but without the two-tone design – perhaps it’s licensed or “inspired”. On the interior, the dashboard is now of a darker shade with red lighting on the various air conditioning controls and auto gear position indicators, has a different door trim design, some new trim around the gear shifter area, and leather seats in a black and red combination similiar to the GEN2 CPS.

The following are the prices for the new Proton Satria Neo CPS, available in only two colours which are unique to the CPS – solid white and tranquility black.

Proton Satria Neo CPS M/T (white) – RM 57,313.00
Proton Satria Neo CPS M/T (black) – RM 57,763.00
Proton Satria Neo CPS A/T (white) – RM 60,313.00
Proton Satria Neo CPS A/T (black) – RM 60,763.00

Satria Neo
Click for enlarged image

Satria Neo
Click for enlarged image

CPS is only available for the high line model, so the lite and M-line models retain the regular Campro. Unfortunately this is the old original Campro engine, without the new IAFM systems in the Saga, Persona and GEN2. The CPS system has also been tweaked with this version of the Campro engine, so the high lift cam profile activation point has been revised. However I’m not sure what is the purpose of activating it later.

VIM switches between a long intake manifold at low RPMs and a short intake manifold at higher RPMs. According to Proton, a longer intake manifold is used at low RPMs to achieve slower air flow; this promotes better mixing with fuel. The short intake manifold allows more air in faster. This is beneficial at high RPMs. The CPS system uses a switching tappet and a trilobe camshaft to switch between two different cam profiles, one with low valve lift and another with high valve lift.

Campro CPS engine in the GEN2 CPS and Waja CPS

Engine Speed CPS VIM
0 to 3,800rpm Low Lift Long Runner
3,800rpm to 4,800rpm High Lift Long Runner
Above 4,800rpm High Lift Short Runner

Campro CPS engine in the Satria Neo CPS

Engine Speed CPS VIM
0 to 4,400rpm Low Lift Long Runner
4,400rpm to 4,800rpm High Lift Long Runner
Above 4,800rpm High Lift Short Runner

The regular Satria Neo High-Line is now phased out so if you want the higher safety features of the Highline model (dual airbags and ABS) you also must take the CPS engine and bodykit! This leaves a gaping hole in the produce positioning IMHO as some may like the looks of the Neo and want safety features but do not need the CPS power.

The price difference between the M-Line and the H-Line CPS is huge – RM9,300 so perhaps it would have been better to retain a H-Line regular Neo or upgrade the M-Line with ABS at the very least.

Look after the jump for some very high-resolution photos from Proton as well as our own photos from the launch event. Also, please read our short Satria Neo CPS Test Drive where we tell our experience with both the manual and automatic versions for a short period of time at the launch event.

Related Posts:
Proton Satria Neo R3 Test Drive Review
Proton Satria Neo CPS Short Test Review
[Read more...]

695 Comments      

Volkswagen signs agreement with Toshiba to develop NSF electric car components

February 13, 2009 at 1:27 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Volkswagen

Volkswagen NSF

Volkswagen has signed a letter of intent with Japanese company Toshiba Corporation to work together on the development of electric drive units and power electronics for the upcoming Volkswagen New Small Family range of cars. Also in development are battery systems with high specific energy density for a next generation of electric cars such as the VW NSF or even other VW Group cars like the Audi A1 Sportback Concept.

Volkswagen’s Dr Martin Winterkorn said there is still a considerable amount of R&D to be done until Volkswagen can produce an electric vehicle, one that is emissions-free, affordable, and safe, not to mentioned ready to be produced large-scale.

Related Posts:
Volkswagen up! City Car Concept
Volkswagen space up! Blue Concept

2 Comments      

First sketch of the Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan

February 13, 2009 at 5:59 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen NMS

Volkswagen’s D-segment offerings will be split into two after the introduction of a new car aimed at the North American and Chinese markets, while Europe will continue to get the Volkswagen Passat. Above is one of the first sketches released by Volkswagen of the car that has not received a name yet. It is currently referred to as the Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan. Many car manufacturers have their D-segment cars split into 2. For example, Ford’s European and American line-up are totally different, while Honda has two different Accords for North America/Asia and Europe/Japan.

According to an unnamed Volkswagen executive, the NMS project was created because the company felt American and Asian customers don’t really appreciate the refinement of its current offerings such as the Passat, hence its dismal sales in comparison to competitors like the Camry and the Accord, though the Passat is also more expensive because of the extra costs that go into its refinement.

So VW decided to develop a new car more down to the H and T badge standards, with a focus on strict cost-cutting targets. The new Volkswagen NMS will be built on the sale PQ46 platform as the Passat, which is an enlarged version of the Golf’s PQ35 platform.

24 Comments      

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 Bodykit and Accessories

February 13, 2009 at 5:06 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 Bodykit

If you lack the dough for a GTI but still want your standard Golf to look fast, or perhaps you prefer having a diesel model (but will the Golf GT TDI be revived?), you can still kit it up with these new official accessories for the Mk6 Golf.

The official bodykit which is called the “Sport & Design Pack” includes front and rear aprons, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The “Wheels & Tires Pack” is a choice of either a multi-spoke 17 inch alloy set or a larger 18 inch set that are 18 inches in size. Both wheels come in Brilliant Silver, but the larger on also comes in Topaz Sterling Silver.

The Transport packs include a roof box and the Comfort & Protection pack includes a removable washable waterproof plastic tub that is placed in the boot.

Look after the jump for more photos of the various packs.
[Read more...]

9 Comments      

Chevrolet Stingray Concept: Autobot Sideswipe debuts at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show

February 13, 2009 at 4:42 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, International News, Videos

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

The Chevrolet Stingray Concept is a design study with no current plans to be produced, though never say never – there is always a small possibility of it being used in the future when GM goes to the drawing board for a next generation Corvette.

It seems that Michael Bay was touring the GM styling studios looking for cars to be made into new characters for the Transformers 2: Revenge of The Fallen movie and liked the car so much that he decided to use it for a new character – Sideswipe.

We don’t know if there was any plans to display the Stingray to the public originally, but whether it was because of the movie character or not, the new Stingray concept Corvette made its debut this week at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The Stingray Concept takes the Corvette down the retro-futurism road with elements from both the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and the modern day Corvette. Even the Sting Ray badge has been updated.

Look after the jump for a video of GM’s Global Design Vice president Ed Welburn taking us through a walkthrough of the concept.
[Read more...]

7 Comments      

New Transformers 2 Trailer: Autobot Fleet Convoy

February 12, 2009 at 6:46 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, Concept Cars, Videos

Transformers 2

The Autobots go on a cross-continental convoy in this new trailer of the Transformers 2: Revenge of The Fallen movie. The convoy goes from Long Beach all the way to some desert area with pyramids, damn! It’s a massive GM marketing exercise featuring cool new upcoming GM cars such as the blue Chevrolet Volt, the now-production Chevrolet Beat and the equally as cute Chevrolet Trax concept car. There is also a new concept car just introduced at the Chicago 2009 show called the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept, which is called Autobot Sideswipe in the movie. Watch the video after the jump and stay tuned for coverage of the new Stingray Corvette.
[Read more...]

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