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BMW 135i: new engine and 7-speed DCT

January 21, 2010 at 5:08 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars

The BMW 135i Coupe and Cabriolet will be updated with the new N55 single turbo engine for models produced this year. It loses one turbo (though the specs sheet indicate similiar performance with power and torque) but gains a transmission gear – the 6-speed auto has been replaced by the non-M version of the 7-speed DCT twin clutch transmission that found its way into the 335i earlier.

With these changes, the combined fuel consumption figure for the Coupe drops to 8.5 litres per 100km which BMW says is nearly 1 litre less than the model equipped with the twin turbo engine and the regular automatic gearbox. If you want to learn more about the new N55 engine, check out our previous post!

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BMW 335iS to get its own bumper treatment

January 21, 2010 at 3:38 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW

E92 LCI – 330d M-Sport

We’ve already seen how the ‘standard’ E92/E93 3-Series Coupe/Cabriolet looks like in its LCI facelifted form, and earlier today we checked out how the regular ‘M-Sport’ version of the E92 facelift will look like.

E92 LCI – 335is M-Sport

But between the regular version, the M-Sport version and the venerable top of the range M3 versions, there will be an additional model called the 335is which will have a slightly modified look as you can see above.

The front bumper replaces the foglamps with a thin horizontal bar while at the rear, the diffuser design integrated into the rear bumper is more aggressive and presents a middle ground between the looks of the regular M-Sport and the M3 bumper.

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Prodrive Impreza N2010 rally car – Super 2000 performance at half the price

January 21, 2010 at 2:25 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Motorsports, Subaru

Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA spec group N rally car. The N2010 uses a new 33mm air restrictor, introduced by FIA to help balance the performance of Group N and the unrestricted Super 2000 rally cars. Enlarging the restrictor diameter from 32 to 33mm, fitting high flow fuel injectors and recalibrating the ECU increases peak power by 20 bhp, but more significantly, improves torque and responsiveness throughout the rev range.

Performance upgrade to the 1,994cc boxer engine have been matched by enhancements to the car’s dynamics. The Ohlins dampers have been revised with extra travel, while the suspension bushes have been strengthened.

“On gravel the Impreza is certainly a match for any Super 2000, but it is on tarmac, that the additional engine performance will really come into its own and make the N2010 a competitive alternative to a Super 2000, but at about half the price and with significantly lower running costs,” said Graham Prew, Prodrive sales manager.

Prices start at £120,000 and for the first time Prodrive has introduced a financing option to enable the car to be leased over two years with an option to buy the car at the end of the term. The package includes insurance and system rebuilds.

More pictures after the jump.
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Honda tells a story about the new CR-Z

January 21, 2010 at 1:44 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

With the retirement of the Honda S2000 recently, Honda was for a while left with no real niche sporty model. Just a bunch of sedans, wagons, MPVs and SUVs, which if not for a few exciting products such as the Type R seemed a little sterile for a company with its kind of heritage and brand image.

The Honda CR-Z, which pretty much looks like a two seater short wheelbase version of the Insight to me, could be considered Honda’s new niche model, especially since the new NSX has been cancelled. During the development of the CR-Z, Honda took a look at a few cars like the MINI, the Elise and the Scirocco, and it was the performance of the Elise that was the inspiration of the CR-Z development team during the development process.

The car definitely looks interesting and the focus seems to be on driving pleasure. The CR-Z had better be damn good in the handling department to make up for its rather anemic amount of horsepower! I’m really hoping that this new ‘CR-Z’ is in fact not the sole variant, and a high revving version could come later. Why not, since they’ve managed to mate a gasoline engine and electric motor with a manual transmission. The K20A could use the motor to help it with the low end torque that it lacks and the sheer high revving madness can take over later! Now that would be damn fun!
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Honda Dreams Fund Scholarship programme is open for applications

January 21, 2010 at 12:19 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Honda, Local News

Honda Malaysia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the opening of new applications for the Honda Dreams Fund (HDF) Scholarship programme. The submission window is from now till March 31.

For the past three years, HDF has sent 60 young people towards achieving their dreams by providing tertiary education, which they would not have been able to afford. For 2010, 20 more students will benefit from this goodwill. HDF is a full and non-binding scholarship which aims to provide underprivileged but determined students education or skills training.

In 2008 and 2009, HDF reached out to communities in rural areas and visited schools in Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Perak and Kedah to garner applications. This year, HDF plans to visit Kelantan and Terengganu as well. Honda Malaysia has allocated RM1 million for this year’s HDF and UNDP will manage and oversee the awarding of the scholarships.

To be eligible, one must be Malaysian, between 17-24 years of age, completed and passed SPM/STPM, and have a combined household income of less than RM1,500 per month. Do spread the news and assist anyone you know who is deserving of help. To learn more about HDF or to apply, go to www.honda.com.my/hdf

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Mercedes tops premium chart, set to bring in diesels

January 21, 2010 at 11:18 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Local News, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has retained leadership in the local premium passenger car market, eating nearly half of the pie. The company’s total sales of passenger cars slipped by six per cent to 3,903 units last year compared with 4,160 units in 2008, which was an all-time high. It aims to achieve sales of 4,200 units this year with the global market and the automotive industry showing signs of recovery.

“Despite a slight blip, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have once again finished ahead in the premium passenger car segment, cementing our lead with a market share of 49 per cent in the core competitive segment,” MBM’s President and CEO, Peter Honegg said. He also announced plans to bring in diesel powered cars and more models into Malaysia this year, including the facelifted S-Class and a few E-Class Sedan and Coupe variants.

“The new E-Class has created quite a stir and with an overwhelming 600 plus pre-launch orders, we are confident of extending this trend in 2010,” Honegg added. Do look out for our review of the W212 E-Class, which is coming your way soon.

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New image and more outlets from Nasim

January 21, 2010 at 10:38 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Local News, Peugeot

Nasim Sdn Bhd, part of the Naza Group and the distributor of Peugeot in Malaysia, will undertake a rebranding exercise which will involve all its branches and dealers. This follows the French carmaker’s recent unveiling of a new global brand identity along with an updated logo. “The re-branding exercise will take place at our four new branches first before being carried out at the existing 10 branches and eight dealerships,” the company said, adding that the entire exercise was expected to be completed by year-end.

Four new branches? Yes, Nasim plans to expand its branch network to four new locations – Ampang, Puchong, Ipoh and Melaka – over the coming months. Four new models are slated for 2010, as announced earlier.

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BMW 3-Series Coupe M-Sport pictures surface

January 21, 2010 at 10:20 am By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

The BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible has just been given the facelift treatment. Personally, I love it the way it is, very elegant and suave, but here are images of the car with the M-Sport aerokit. We can see that the lower bumper is completely different from the standard car, with enlarged air intakes and lines that emphasize their presence.

The rear bumper gets a diffuser style upturn and the twin pipes are lumped together on the left side (one on each side in the 335i we saw in the previous post). Of course, there are specific wheels as well.

No pictures of the interior, but expect a thick rimmed steering wheel, a unique gear knob, black headlining and a collection of little M badges. Two more pics after the jump.

Source
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MINI Countryman details and gallery released!

January 20, 2010 at 8:32 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

Earlier we posted up three leaked images of the MINI Countryman; now BMW has released full information and a complete gallery of the MINI brand’s fourth model. The Countryman crossover is MINI’s first four-door and first four-wheel drive vehicle – ALL4 all-wheel drive is an option. But don’t worry, the brand’s famed “go-kart feeling” is retained, BMW claims.

A choice of three petrol and two diesel engines are available, all Euro 5 compliant. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the Cooper S combines fully variable valve management (Valvetronic) with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection for the first time, making 184 bhp and 240 Nm (260 Nm on overboost). 0-100 km/h is done in 7.6 seconds while top speed is 215 km/h. The 122 bhp/160 Nm naturally aspirated engine in the Cooper is good for 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a 190 km/h top speed. The entry level MINI One Countryman comes with an uninspiring 98 bhp and 153 Nm – vital stats are 12.7 seconds to 100 km/h and a 175 km/h top speed.

More popular in Europe will be the Cooper D, its variable turbine geometry equipped commonrail turbodiesel pushing out 112 bhp and a stout 270 Nm. 0-100 km/h in 10.9 sec and top speed of 180 km/h looks plain on paper, but real world performance should be great, as is the 22.7 km/l fuel consumption. Also available is the One D, with 90 bhp/215 Nm.

All versions come with a six-speed manual as standard. Petrol variants can be had with a six-speed Steptronic auto with steering shift paddles.

The optional permanent ALL4 all-wheel drive employs an electrohydraulic differential that sends up to 50 per cent power to the rear wheels in normal conditions, and up to 100 per cent under extreme conditions. The suspension is made up of front McPherson struts and forged track control arms to reduce torque steer and rear multi-link units. All versions can be had with sports suspension that lowers ride height by 10mm. The steering is an EPS system with Servotronic. BMW says that a range of John Cooper Works Performance Components will be available.

Inside, MINI highlights the Center Rail, an illuminated platform that runs the length of the cabin, allowing occupants to personalise their own space by clipping on holders, bins and armrests, besides plugging in audio or communication devices. The Center Rail ends after the front seats if you specify the three-seat rear bench (at no extra cost, four seats are standard).

And how big is the Countryman exactly? It measures 4,097mm, almost 400mm longer than a MINI hatchback while the wheelbase is 2,595mm, about the length of a C-segment saloon’s. Boot volume is 350 litres, expandable to 1,170 litres by folding the rear seats.

View the full gallery after the jump!
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New Mazda5 previewed ahead of Geneva!

January 20, 2010 at 6:12 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, International News, Mazda

This is a case of when, not if. With the entire Mazda range adopting the big smiley corporate face, it was only a matter of time before the Mazda5 (Premacy in some markets) was forced to wear the new look. Like what you see?

The new Mazda5 will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Embracing “dynamic and elegant Nagare design”, it emits about 15 per cent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” system, a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine (paired with a six-speed manual for Europe) plus other measures. The Hiroshima based carmaker also claims a more comfortable ride, perhaps by retuning the suspension.

Mazda says that the 5 is the first production model to fully adopt its Nagare design language. Besides the Mazda3 style front end, there are other familiar Mazda cues such as the sculpted wheelarches, but the MPV’s flanks get wavy lines only seen on Mazda’s concepts prior to this. Nagare means flow in Japanese, and there’s certainly plenty of flow in the shape of the new 5. Inside, the dashboard design mimics the 3 and is more driver centric now.

European sales start in the third quarter of 2010. More pictures after the jump.
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