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Petronas sponsors ESPN Star Sports 2010 F1 broadcast – watch Schumacher and gang in HD!

March 11, 2010 at 2:35 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Local News

After an off-season full of drama, Formula 1 is back this weekend with the Bahrain GP. Supported by Petronas, which is also the title sponsor of Michael Schumacher’s Mercedes GP works team, broadcast of “the pinnacle of motorsports” returns with live coverage of all 19 races. In addition to covering Formula 1 across its TV, online and mobile platforms throughout the region, viewers can tune into the new ESPN HD channel.

STAR Sports will broadcast more than 600 hours of F1 content in 2010 including pre and post-race shows Race Day and Chequered Flag hosted by Paula Malai Ali and Steve Dawson. STAR Sports’ coverage will also be bolstered with the addition of former Jordan chief designer and technical director Gary Anderson, who will add technical expertise to the live commentary team comprising veteran commentator Steve Slater. For the first time ever in Asia, F1 live broadcasts will also be shown in High-Definition on ESPN HD.

Online content at ESPN Star’s website includes Live Race Centre featuring lap-by-lap live race coverage and commentary, online video highlights, insightful columns by Steve Slater, the F1 Fantasy game and a new winner prediction game sponsored by Petronas. Autographed helmet by Schumi anyone?

We can’t wait! Let the racing start!

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Honda CR-V facelift 2010 in Malaysia adds more safety – VSA stability control and side airbags

March 11, 2010 at 2:31 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Local News

The Honda CR-V facelift is now here in Malaysia, with a new price tag of RM149,980, a premium of slightly over RM2k when you compared it to the outgoing pre-facelift model. However in return for the RM2k the equipment list has had some very important safety additions in my opinion. Here’s what’s new:

  • VSA stability control has been added to the vehicle.
  • There are now a total of 4 airbags, up from the previous 2. The additional 2 are the two Occupant Position Detection System side airbags.
  • New engine hood, fog lamps, upper and lower front bumper, front grille and 17 inch alloy wheel design.
  • Four reverse sensors instead of two previously.
  • A new in-car entertainment unit featuring USB input – which is found neatly tucked in the upper glove box.
  • New fabric design for the seats.
  • New seat-mounted fold-down arm rest which is wider.
  • LCD screen in the middle of the meter cluster now has blue backlighting.
  • Sound insulators enlarged and new seals added in dashboard, hood, inner fender, fender enclosure, rear door lining, rear side lining, cargo lid and wing mirror garnish.
  • Revised suspension geometry – front caster trail from 20mm to 15mm, rear double wishbone damper settings revised and rear compliance bush shape improved.

Five colours are available – Alabaster Silver, Polish Metal, Crystal Black, Taffeta White and a new colour called Urban Titanium.
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China-made London cabs on the streets of Kiev?

March 11, 2010 at 12:11 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, China, Geely, International News

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a much anticipated new model. No, not the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (which is rumoured to be coming soon to Malaysia by the way) but the legendary London Taxi as Kiev is set to become one of the first cities in the world to introduce the iconic vehicle.

The London cab is built by the same company who designed it over 60 years ago. “We know more about taxi design and manufacture than anyone,” said Matthew Cheyne, LTI Vehicles’ International Market Development Director, “and it’s that expertise that we are bringing to Kiev.”

Today’s version of the black cab is built in China by LTI and their joint venture company Geely. “We have been working for a long time to produce a cost effective vehicle that doesn’t lose any of the values that the taxi has in the UK. It is the same design and is as robust as the one we build in Britain but is a lower cost,” adds Cheyne.

LTI Vehicles claims that it has numerous advance enquiries from Ukraine, and is looking for a partner who will import the vehicle and provide sales and aftersales back up.

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Kia opens $1 billion Georgia plant, 1st in the US!

March 11, 2010 at 11:02 am By Danny Tan Filed Under International News, Kia, Koreans

Kia’s has opened its first-ever U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, capable of producing 300,000 cars annually for the North American and global markets. Representing a US$1 billion investment by Kia, the 2.2 million-square-foot plant sits on more than 2,200 acres of land.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia consists of four main shops: stamping, welding, paint and assembly. The site also includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track. The general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favourable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. Uniquely, it is outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment, says Kia.

As an all-new plant, KMMG uses the latest tech available. Stamping press delivers 5,400 tons of pressure and an automatic panel loading system; the fully automated welding shop boasts 242 welding robots; the paint shop uses eco-friendly, water-soluble coatings; and various systems are in place to keep inventory to a minimum via timely parts delivery. KMMG also features a internal railway system to facilitate transportation.

Mass production of the new Kia Sorento began on Nov 16, 2009 with the product officially going on sale in the U.S. in January this year. With 7,398 units sold, the Sorento was Kia’s best-selling vehicle in that month. Despite the global recession, Kia’s car sales in the USA grew by 9.8% to 300,063 units in 2009, and the Korean firm aims to increase sales by 15.6% to 347,000 vehicles in 2010.

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Infiniti celebrates 20th birthday with special G37

March 11, 2010 at 10:26 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Infiniti, International News

Infiniti has just released four new G Anniversary Editions, built in commemoration of the Nissan luxury division’s 20th anniversary. Just 350 G Sedans and 200 each for the Coupe and Convertible will be available, scheduled to go on sale in mid-April in the US.

The Anniversary Editions are based on the high-spec “Journey” or AWD variants of the cars, which comes with a 328 bhp/365 Nm 3.7-litre V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission, Sport Package and 4-Wheel Active Steer (except Sedan AWD). The Convertible is offered with climate-controlled seats.

Anniversary Edition cars come in a new Graphite Shadow exterior colour and cabins appointed with Monaco Red leather. Coupe and Convertible interiors are accented with special Red-toned Maple and the sedan gets a new “Shodo-finish” aluminum trim. Other added equipment include special aluminum-alloys, W-rated summer performance tyres, Midnight Black grille, unique front chin spoiler, sport side sills (Coupe and Convertible) and rear spoiler (except Convertible). The Coupe also receives an updated rear fascia. Prices range from $43,350 to $54,900 in the States.

Infiniti seems to be doing a better job as “the Asian BMW” than Lexus. Established in America but new to Europe, the former’s current cars are widely regarded as driver’s machines. I remember the G37 coupe beating the 3-Series Coupe in an Autocar UK shootout; a BMW coming in second best is a rare event.

Hi res images after the jump.
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Renault Koleos crossover to be launched this weekend – full details and image gallery here!

March 10, 2010 at 11:15 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Renault

Local Renault distributor TC Euro Cars held a media preview of its Koleos crossover hours ago, ahead of the 4X4′s public launch this weekend. The Koleos is the French brand’s first true SUV and it sits in the Honda CR-V mid-size category (overall length of 4520 mm is identical to the Honda’s, but 2690 mm wheelbase is 70 mm longer).

The Koleos is a product that draws the best out of the Renault-Nissan Alliance – drivetrain and 4X4 system from Nissan; design, ride, handling and ergonomics from Renault; manufactured by Renault-Samsung in Busan, Korea for its relatively lower cost.

The Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 bhp and 226 Nm of torque paired to a CVT with six virtual ratios – good for a 0-100 km/h time of 10.3 seconds and a 188 km/h top speed. The decision to source this particular pairing from Nissan is a good move as the Japanese company makes some of the best CVTs in town (we’d prefer it over a French auto ‘box!), not to mention that in general, customers in our market seem to trust Japanese engines better. The official combined fuel consumption figure is 10.5 km/l. Would be better with Renault’s fine 2.0 dCi engine, but that won’t come anytime soon, and you know the reason why.

The chassis of the Koleos is modified from the second-gen Nissan X-Trail (not sold here), which is pretty decent off-road for its kind. This, plus the fact that the Renault also gets the X-Trail’s All-Mode 4X4-i system means that the Koleos should be better off the beaten path than many of its classmates although it doesn’t look the part.

Instead of transferring torque to the rear wheels only when slip is detected, All-Mode 4X4-i “predicts” the moment AWD grip is required by measuring lateral and side acceleration, yaw rate, steering angle and accelerator pedal position among other parameters, and divides torque accordingly even before ESP intervenes. That’s the default Auto mode; you can also choose 2WD (front-wheel drive) or Lock mode, where torque is split 50:50 between axles. Also beneficial is Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist – the latter prevents backward movement on inclines of 10% and above.

While much of the hardware is from Nissan, the interior is appointed like a Continental model, with some clever French touches such as the lever in the boot that folds flat the split rear seats when you pull it. Other comfort and convenience features include airplane style fold down “tables”, chilled glovebox, B-pillar air vents for the rear passengers, three rows of flat folding seats, a split tailgate that you can sit on (max load 200 kg) and two 5-litre secret “lockers” under the rear floor. All very thoughtful.

Equipment include an 8-speaker Bose stereo as used in the Infiniti FX, ABS/EBA/ESP, six airbags, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, auto parking brake, dual-zone climate control and start/stop button, among others. An optional panaromic sunroof is available for RM9,000. The most important safety “feature” is also here – a five-star Euro NCAP rating. For all the above, one needs to pay RM213,149.19 on the road excluding insurance. To touch and feel the Koleos, head down to its public launch this Saturday, March 13 at Bangsar Village, Kuala Lumpur.

Live pictures from the media preview after the jump!
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Mother Trucker now even more powerful – 190 PS!

March 10, 2010 at 11:00 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

Nissan has given its Navara and Pathfinder a mid-life facelift. The Navara is basically the pick-up version of the Pathfinder SUV and vice versa. It’s somewhat like the relationship between the Triton and the Pajero Sport, or the Hilux and the Fortuner.

Nearly all body on frame pick-ups have body on frame SUVs as counterparts, including the Isuzu D-MAX. It’s just that the Pathfinder and the Thai-built D-MAX-based Isuzu MU-7 are not sold here in Malaysia.

The ‘mother trucker’ is the largest and most powerful body on frame pick-up you can buy here in Malaysia. The facelift gives it a more powerful engine. The 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine which already packs 174 PS and a massive 403Nm of torque in its current incarnation has actually been upgraded to 190 PS and 450Nm of torque with this new facelift, yet still consumes just 8.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle while hauling around such a heavy vehicle.

Overseas, there is also a new more powerful diesel option – a new turbodiesel 3.0L V6 with 231 PS and a mind-boggling 550Nm. The V6 engine is quiet and refined and idles at a low 650rpm. As much as 500Nm starts to kick in from 1,500rpm before peak torque of 550Nm is reached at 1,700rpm. You can ride on this 550Nm peak all the way to 2,500rpm. Now that’s a seriously nice engine to be having but I suspect it’s actually a very new and modern engine that needs ‘modern diesel’ so I don’t think it will be available here. In fact it sounds exactly like the new 3.0 V6 that’s going into the European market Infiniti SUVs. But who knows, Tan Chong might surprise us!

And of course you have the cosmetic changes. The overall bumper design remains similiar but if you notice the new bumper is now more rounded and the edges rise up and blend into the wheel arches as one single piece while with the pre-facelift that’s sold here, there seems to be a ‘lower bumper’ piece and another upper piece which joins with the wheel arches.

There are also changes on the inside – revised door trims, new seat fabric, larger storage areas, the addition of chrome highlights, and revised dials. There is also the option for a touch screen system called Nissan Connect Premium complete with a 40GB hard drive for data storage. Our Navara currently uses a 6-CD changer.

Other than the new more powerful engines of course, something else that’s interesting to me is that the Electronic Stability Control that was previously only available on the Pathfinder has now been added to the Navara. The ECU uses feedback from wheel speed sensors, steering angle, and longitudinal and lateral G and yaw rates to anticipate and control wheel slippage.

This means that if Tan Chong’s product planners tick the right boxes on the option sheet, we could potentially have the only pick-up truck in Malaysia with stability control, which would be very good and increase appeal if it were to be used by an average Joe as a lifestyle vehicle.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new facelifted trucks.
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Petronas – total of RM2 million to be won!

March 10, 2010 at 10:38 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Advertorial

Petronas is currently running yet another of their generous contests where you could stand to win up to 100,000 ringgit in cold hard cash. Entering is quite easy, all you need to do is spend RM30 minimum at your Petronas pumps or at the Kedai Mesra convenience shop in a single receipt. Then answer two questions with rather obvious answers, fill up your details and you’re done.

There are 10 grand prizes – 5 prizes of RM100,000 cash each and 5 prizes of RM10,000 cash each. Each of the 10 grand prize winners will also get 1 million Mesra points so you can exchange those for Petronas fuel vouchers or one of the various items that you can redeem with the points.

For Petronas Mesra card holders, there are an additional 1010 weekly prizes that you can win. 5 weekly prize winners will get 10,000 ringgit cash and 100,000 Mesra points, another 5 will get RM1,000 and 10,000 Mesra points, while the remaining 1,000 winners get RM100 each and 1,000 Mesra points. If you want to find out more about Kad Mesra check this link.

The contest begins from the 29th of January 2010 to the 28th of March 2010, so you still have about a month to go. You can actually print out one copy of the form from the download link above, fill it up and photostat them, as photostated copies of the form are allowed. Then all you need to do is staple a copy of your receipt each time you visit your neighborhood Petronas and submit the entry!

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New Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 tyre replaces the Pilot Sport 2 and Pilot Exalto

March 10, 2010 at 10:14 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News

Michelin’s new Pilot Sport 3 has just been unveiled sometime last month, and the PS3 will replace the PS2 as well as the Pilot Exalto – a new merged line-up. Of course, the Exalto isn’t offered here officially in Malaysia so for us it’ll replace just the PS2.

Here’s some of the ‘features’ of the new PS3:

  • Green Power Compound – a rubber formula that includes silica particles that is designed for good wet grip. Silica helps reduce heat build up.
  • Anti Surf System – a specially shaped shoulder that evacuates large volumes of water. It reduces risk of hydroplaning.
  • Programmed Distortion Tyre – improves steering precision while at the same time increasing tread life. It keeps the rubber tread at an optimal temperature in all circumstances. At low speeds, the tread heats up quickly to attain the level of flexibility required for good traction. At high speeds, it stiffens to prevent excessive temperature build-up.

Michelin claims that the new PS 3 stops a good 3 meters shorter than its predecessor during full on hard braking, which means higher levels of grip. The 3 meter result was performed last year by TUV using 245/40ZR18 size PS3 rubber. Other improvements cited include better wet roadholding, a more precise steering, and better fuel economy as well. Of course, these are all to be tested. I still have my set of PS2 in very new condition on my non-staggered wheels (as I switched to a staggered setup with Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric) so perhaps a back to back comparison test is due!

The tyre itself is a rather high end tyre so the sizes that it is available in are also some of the larger ones. The range expected to be available by end 2010 is from as small as a 195/45R16 up to a 275/40ZR19. The PS3 is already standard equipment on a few cars in some countries such as the Audi A4, the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Look after the jump for more detailed technical info on the PS3.
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Spoon and Mugen toy with the Honda CR-Z

March 10, 2010 at 3:21 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

The Honda CR-Z has all the basics to look like a hot compact coupe, but seeing the production car for the first time in Geneva, I thought that it looked very tame. The hi-tech feel, driver centered dashboard gets our thumbs up, though. But there’s nothing a good tuner can’t fix, especially for a brand like Honda with top notch outfits like Mugen and Spoon in the wings.

The picture above is of a lowered, kitted and mildly modded CR-Z by Spoon. The more purposeful stance comes from a front coilover kit and rear spring/shock kit that lowers ride height by a substantial 50 mm. Other parts being tested are the N1 exhaust, ECU, and “twin-block” calliper and slit rotor brake upgrade. There’s also an attention grabbing set of Spoon CR93 alloys in blue. Working on the ECU and brakes will have to take into account that these are vital components in the CR-Z’s hybrid drivetrain, though.

And this is Mugen’s idea of how the CR-Z should look like. Full bodykit (lower front bumper reminds us of the Modulo kit for the Honda Accord), dramatic rear spoiler and diffuser, Mugen GP wheels in bronze and LEDs on the front grille are added. The suspension, exhaust system and air filter have been uprated too, while the cabin gets a unique gear knob, extra gauges and floor mats with logos.

View live images from Geneva of the CR-Z and Spoon/Mugen versions after the jump.

Source
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