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Santa retires his reindeers this Christmas with the Vauxhall slEigh-REV – ho ho ho!

December 17, 2009 at 3:17 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Laughs, Technology, Vauxhall

Vauxhall slEigh-REV

Stressed at work? Here’s some news to cheer you up. According to GM’s UK outpost Vauxhall, Santa Claus has been in contact with them to request “swift and ultra-clean transport” for his annual blast around the world to deliver presents on December 24.

The jolly fat man said: “The ’08 Model Year reindeers have taken a rest this Christmas. In their old age they’re becoming more flatulent and their increasing methane emissions just can’t be good for the environment – never mind the fact I have to sit behind them.

“I’m as pleased as punch with my new slEigh-REV supplied to me by those kind people in Luton (Vauxhall’s HQ). They tell me it uses specially adapted E-REV (extended range electric vehicle) technology from their upcoming Ampera electric car, which means I won’t have to worry about re-charging as I do my chimney drops around the world on Christmas Eve.”

The slEigh-REV is propelled by an electric motor, and if juice is running low, Santa can count on a gasoline engine – just like the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera which goes on sale in early 2012. The Ampera is the European version of the Chevrolet Volt, which differs from hybrids by having electric to power its wheels at all times and all speeds – its 75 bhp 1.4-litre engine only works as a generator to supply the car electricity should the batteries go weak. The plug-in Volt’s battery-only EV range is 64 km and the total extended range is “over 480 km”.

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Confirmed: Renault remains in Formula 1!

December 17, 2009 at 2:26 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Renault

renault r29

Renault will maintain its presence in Formula 1 after deciding to sell a big stake of its F1 team to Genii Capital, a Luxembourg-based firm specialising in new technologies, brand management and motor sport. According to UK’s Financial Times, Genii has acquired a 75 per cent stake. Both partners will operate the team together.

It’s status quo for the upcoming season, as Renault F1 Team will retain its name and identity and will carry through with development of its 2010 car. Renault has also commited to supply engines to Red Bull Racing for 2010.

The high cost of racing in F1 is the main issue that Renault and manufacturers that have left the sport face. But the French company explains that cost reduction measures have already improved significantly the operating cost base. And with the anticipated sale of a stake in its F1 base at Enstone UK to Genii Capital, participation in F1 has become more affordable for Renault.

It’s great news to hear that a car manufacturer is willing to sacrifice full control in order to remain in F1. If only BMW, Toyota and Honda followed this route.

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JDM Mazda Carol based on Suzuki Alto

December 17, 2009 at 11:13 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mazda

Mazda Carol

We saw a concept car showcased by Suzuki with the name “Alto Concept” that looked completely different (and nicer) from the Alto that’s selling in countries like India. And today, we see that different Alto body get announced for production, but not with a Suzuki badge. The car above is the new full model change Mazda Carol and it’s essentially a badge engineered Alto, a common practice between Japanese compact carmakers.

You can have it with either a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic or a CVT transmission. There is also a 4WD CVT model as well as a 4WD 4-speed auto model, surprisingly. The sole engine option is a 660cc VVT engine. The front wheel drive CVT version is claimed to be able to achieve 24.5km per litre according to the 10-15 cycle.

This may not be relevant info for us but all variants of the Carol qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax reductions (grades with CVT or five-speed manual qualify for 75 percent reductions while 4-speed auto models get 50 percent reductions). All grades also qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program which has various incentives like tax incentives and etc. Compared to the bigger Mazda Axela, only 6 out of 9 Axela variants qualify for the incentive program.

Look after the jump for hi-res photos of the new Mazda Carol.
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Kovalainen to drive Neo S2000 in Arctic Rally?

December 17, 2009 at 11:03 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Lotus, Motorsports, Proton Satria Neo, Rumours

heikki tries proton s2000

Remember when we reported that Heikki looked really interested in the Satria Neo S2000 when he visited Proton’s Centre of Excellence? Now, Autosport says that the Lotus F1 driver has been linked to drive the Proton in the Arctic Rally!

Their sources have admitted that a Kovalainen entry in next month’s Rovaniemi-based event has been talked about.

“Heikki is here to drive in Formula 1. That’s why he was in Malaysia. But, maybe there is a chance for the rally car. He went and sat in the car and he was very excited about it. It would be a great story, but at the moment no discussions have taken place at all. He would need permission, the rally is dangerous, there is a lot of speculation on this – and that’s all it is right now. Nothing is agreed.”

If the deal materialises, we could see Heikki up against fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen, who will make his debut in the Citroen C4 at the snow event. Kovalainen is a big fan of rallying and has in the past tested Sebastien Loeb’s Citroen C4 WRC before.

Thanks to trav_da_man for the tip.

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Audi is bringing Sexy Back with Justin Timberlake!

December 17, 2009 at 10:11 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, International News

justin timberlake-audi

Audi has signed on Justin Timberlake as its new ambassador! The ‘Sexy Back’ singer will play the leading role in the Audi A1 Internet campaign which will be launched in the first quarter of 2010.

“Justin Timberlake is an extraordinary artist. He manages to keep advancing his personal development while proving his abilities in different branches of the arts,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales, Audi AG.

That statement is very true when you compare the Maggi-mee haired Justin back in his ‘N Sync days with the RnB artiste he is today. From squeaky boyband member to the hip beatboxer everyone wants to collaborate with, it’s amazing re-engineering.

“As a superstar he appeals to a young target audience that we’re particularly intent on exciting about the compact and efficient A1, which is superlatively well suited for city traffic,” adds Schwarzenbauer.

Audi also released some cool graffiti teasers for its upcoming baby, which you can download as wallpaper after the jump.

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Techart Cayenne aims for world’s fastest SUV tag

December 17, 2009 at 3:24 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Porsche

techart cayenne turbo

Recently we blogged about the Brabus GLK V12 claiming the fastest SUV title with a top speed of 322.3 km/h, a feat which we presume has shook the tuner world, because here comes Techart’s Porsche to challenge the Mercedes. The Cayenne fell short, but only by a whisker.

Test driver Sandro Reuter reached a top speed of 321.2 km/h at Nardo in this Techart tuned Cayenne Turbo. The Leonberg, Germany based tuner installed its TA 055/2.2 performance kit that takes power to 680 bhp, an increase of 130 bhp over the standard car. The top speed run was aided by an aerodynamics kit together with a Sport air suspension module. The Porsche wore Continental Cross Contact ultra high-performance tyres on 22-inch Techart Formula rims in the speed mission.

Techart’s big black bruiser may have failed to unseat the Brabus, but that didn’t stop them from claiming a (subsidiary) title – this Cayenne is the world’s fastest full size SUV!

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Aston Martin Cygnet is not a joke after all – sales to begin in 2010!

December 17, 2009 at 2:19 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Aston Martin, Cars, Concept Cars

aston cygnet

I remember when I first saw the Cygnet. In the office, having morning coffee, I unwrapped my weekly Autocar and nearly fell out of my chair! It wasn’t April Fools so this “Astonised” Toyota iQ had to be real. Only one official photo was released then – of people working on a clay model – and now Aston Martin shows the completed car and says that it will go on sale next year.

We can see that although the good folks at Gaydon have tacked on Aston styling cues such as the big grille, side fender vents and rear lights, the Cygnet still looks very much like an iQ. Similarly, the cabin retains the little Toyota’s dash architecture and instrument pack but with everything wrapped in red and black leather.

The official line is that the Cygnet “represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence – and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership.”

The Cygnet will be initially available only to Aston’s European customers before general sales start. Perhaps Aston is positioning the Cygnet as a “top up” option for its current menu, like when you’re offered dessert at a special price after buying the main course!

More pics after the jump.

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R-Line aesthetics for the Volkswagen Passat CC

December 16, 2009 at 10:51 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

passat-cc-r-line

Much like how BMW has M-Sport bodykits, Lexus has F kits and Mercedes-Benz has AMG sport packages for alot of its models, Volkswagen is expanding its range of “R-Line” designs with the latest kit you see here – the Passat CC R-Line. The R-Line package can be applied to any variant of the Passat CC and the package starts from 2,200 Euros for the Passat CC 2.0 TDI with the 6-speed manual.

The R-Line package includes a new front spoiler, side skirts, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and four aluminium tread plates with R-Line logos on the front plates. When you opt for the R-Line package you also get front fog lamps and the Park Pilot system, which is basically a parking distance control system.

That’s a real must in a car like the Passat CC as the roofline kinda reduces rear and rear three quarter visibility, but the good news is our Malaysian spec Passat CC comes standard with the system and it even has a reverse camera.
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Chery to participate in 2010 Dakar Rally

December 16, 2009 at 5:03 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Chery, China, Motorsports

chery rely x5 dakar

Chery has announced that it will compete in the 2010 Dakar Rally, and with that be the first Chinese automaker to participate in what’s famously known as “The World’s Toughest Race”. Next year’s Dakar will again be held in South America over the challenging terrain of Argentina and Chile. Chery acknowledges the difficulty that lies ahead – it calls the race “devil rally”!

Chery will campaign its Rely fleet of SUVs – two X5 race cars, one X5 conductor car and one H5 support car. Ningjun Lu, who has raced in Dakar five times, will lead the driver lineup. Jiang Yaoheng is the other driver with Dali Ma as the team manager. “It’s definitely stressful to attend the 2010 Dakar Rally, but X5, as a real Chinese brand, has different meaning, we have to get good scores,” said a motivated Lu.

Rely is a sub-brand created by Chery for its home market focussing on “high-end all-round commercial vehicles”. Besides Rely, Chery also has Riich (premium passenger cars) and Karry (compacts) brands under its portfolio, but just for use domestically.

The 2010 Dakar Rally will start on New Year’s Day at Buenos Aires and end on January 16 in the same city. This year, the route will measure 9000 km, with a long stint in the Atacama Desert.

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Lotus appoints ex-Ferrari man as head of design

December 16, 2009 at 3:46 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under International News, Lotus

donato cocoLotus has announced the appointment of Donato Coco as the Group’s Director of Design. In this newly created position, Mr Coco will lead all design activities for Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering. He will assume the role on 4 January 2010.

The Italian was previously Director of Design and Development at Ferrari where he worked on the F430 Scuderia coupé and Spider 16M, Ferrari California, 599XX and the freshly launched F458 Italia. Prior to Ferrari, Donato was Chief Designer at Citroën and was responsible for the Picasso, C3, C3 Pluriel, C2, C1 and the Xsara WRC, amongst others. Coco holds an MA in Automotive Design from the Royal College of Art, London.

Head of Lotus Design, Russell Carr will continue to work on both Lotus products and third party design work, an area which is growing rapidly especially in emerging Asian markets such as China.

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