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Gascoyne: Montreal is a possible place to pick up points

June 9, 2010 at 2:02 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Lotus, Motorsports

Formula 1 is back in Canada after a one-year hiatus, and this weekend’s Canadian GP in Montreal will be the first time rookie teams visit Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, one of the most unique circuits on the F1 calendar. A mixture of long straights, low-speed chicanes and concrete walls, Montreal is demanding on the brakes and rewards confident drivers.

It’s summed up nicely by Renault’s Robert Kubica. “The walls are very close on the exit of the chicanes, especially Turn Four. If you can scrape it by millimetres you will be two tenths quicker than if you miss it by two feet.”

“Canada’s a race we all look forward to. It’s a temporary circuit where you often see quite a few people hit the wall, bringing out the safety car more than it’s usually seen. It’s one of those races where it’s possible to pick up points, and we’ve got to put ourselves in a position to do that,” says Lotus tech chief Mike Gascoyne.

“We’ve got two very experienced drivers in the car which will help us be there at the finish and that’s the primary goal. It’s going to be hard on brakes, but we’ve had no problems in that area. We’re also bringing a few more new parts, including a low downforce package specifically for Canada, so overall we want to build on the performances we’ve been putting in, aim for bullet-proof reliability, and have two cars see the flag,” he added.

Team boss Tony Fernandes pin points Lotus’ main issue. “We have developed well in a number of important areas, but so far reliability is one where we need to work harder – I hope Canada’s where we can turn that around,” he said.

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Honda’s exhaust supplier in China hit by workers strike

June 9, 2010 at 11:26 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Honda, International News

Just when Honda thought the worst was over, they have been hit by another strike by workers at its exhaust factory in Chancheng, China, just days after the settlement of a strike at another supplier.

According to reports, the strike at Foshan Fengfu Autoparts started early Monday when around 20 workers began rallying their colleagues to take part in the demonstration.

It gathered steam and numbers rose to 250 workers in a few hours, which is more than half of the 460 people working at the plant. No word has been given as to the reason for their strike, though it would be safe to assume that it would be regarding pay or work conditions.

Foshan Fengfu Autoparts is a joint venture between Yutaka Giken, which is 70% owned by Honda, and a Taiwanese company. The factory makes mufflers and other exhaust parts for Guangqi Honda, a 50:50 joint venture between Honda and Guangzhou Automobile that produces the Accord, Odyssey and Fit, among other models. Honda is assessing the situation but have confirmed that there are enough parts to continue making cars, for now.

Workers from a Guangdong plant supplying transmissions to Honda received a pay raise last week after striking last month over wages, bringing Honda’s car production in China to a halt. Their success spurred Foshan Fengfu’s staff on. “If their strike hadn’t been successful, our workers here probably wouldn’t be as united as we are now,” a 22-year old worker from Hunan was quoted by South China Morning Post as saying.

The Guangdong plant “victory” could spark a whole new revolution in China when it comes to factory worker wages. China could possibly cease being the cheap labor haven it currently is.

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Mansory’s Panamera has 690 bhp and toy car looks

June 9, 2010 at 10:53 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Porsche

Still not fully awake? Looking at this could have the same effect as a double shot espresso! Swiss tuning company Mansory is responsible for this striking blue Porsche Panamera, which boasts power and aesthetic upgrades.

The Panamera Turbo’s 4.8-litre engine gets a 190 bhp jump from 500 bhp to make 690 bhp, while torque has been upped to 800 Nm. With this, the 4WD luxury four-door does the century sprint in four seconds and won’t stop till 328 km/h. All this power is gained from tweaked engine electronics, larger turbos and a stainless steel exhaust system. Mansory adds in turbine design 22-inch forged wheels with fat Dunlop SP SportMaxx tyres.

Outside, the new front skirt with adapted LED daytime running lights and a carbon fibre bonnet differentiate the front end. At the not so pretty back of Zuffenhausen’s limo, an enormous carbon diffuser and centrally located pipes take their place. Mansory can either tack on carbon applications to the original hydraulic rear wing or replace it with a static wing made from carbon. Aerodynamics components are made from high-strength polyurethane (PU-RIM) and Prepreg-Autoclav-Carbon, as with all Mansory kits.

The interior is customisable with all sorts of leather and wood, and one can opt for carbon, of course. We reckon not many will choose the blue and yellow scheme shown here! Gallery after the jump.
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Proton: Lotus not for sale at this point in time!

June 9, 2010 at 10:14 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Lotus, Proton

With some reports claiming that Proton will offload 40% of wholly-owned subsidiary Lotus to the British brand’s management team, Proton Holdings Bhd has reiterated that Lotus Group International Ltd is not for sale at this point in time. The national carmaker said this in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

Proton said that it had over the years received several unsolicited offers for a stake in Lotus and had taken cognisance of such offers. The statement added that Lotus would continue to be a strategic entity within Proton and its technology catalyst. However, as a proactive business entity, it said Proton would continue to initiate and consider viable business opportunities and arrangements which would benefit and add value to the group’s interests.

Proton would make relevant announcements at an appropriate time, the statement added. Notice that Lotus is not for sale only “at this point in time” which could also mean that a sale might be considered later on. That’s just pure speculation of course, but should the engineering experts be on the market, there will be no shortage of takers.

Meanwhile, Lotus is set for a brand relaunch, which could be presented at the Paris Motor Show in October. The maker of the Elise and Evora has hired McCann Erickson Central to create a new brand identity, “web solutions” for both Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, support materials, a new brochure suite and support for the Paris launch.

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Video: Saab 9-5 crash test – head-on collision!

June 9, 2010 at 12:43 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under International News, Saab

Saab have decided to film their crash safety team testing out their new Saab 9-5′s safety systems in the form of a head-on crash test. What better way is there, right? They pitted two cars against each other to collide head on at 60km/h. Watch the video above and check out the front ends of the two cars turn into what can only be described as a mess of crushed metal. But if you look a little closer, you’ll notice that the passenger area is relatively intact. The video is educational in a way that it shows you what kind of data crash test engineers actually look at after a car has been smashed. Or at least that’s what Saab makes it out to be.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Saab 9-5.
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Lorinser reveals next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS

June 9, 2010 at 12:13 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mercedes Benz

Has Lorinser jumped the gun in unveiling what the new next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS looks like? The image above (you can click it for a larger version) is a sketch teaser that was released by the tuner this week, previewing the CLS with Lorinser styling.

Since it’s a next generation CLS with a bodykit slapped on, we don’t really know what’s changed therefore the actual CLS might have its bumper looking slightly different, and that engine hood is definitely aftermarket as it’s too aggressive for a regular Mercedes-Benz. The nice large silver arrow on the grille has been replaced by a black circle with the wording Lorinser on it.

CLS

This sketch actually looks very similar to the artist impression of the Mercedes-Benz CLS that Theophilus Chin came up with. It’s not hard to guess since the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept has pretty much given it all up in terms of how the front end looks like but we’re still in the dark on how the rear end styling will look like.

Do you like what the next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is turning out to look like? I quite like it based on the above sketch – don’t quite like the first generation CLS because of its headlamps but these are more similar to the C-Class and CL-Class and look pretty good.

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Audi and Peugeot both gunning for the top spot at this year’s Le Mans – who will come out on top?

June 9, 2010 at 12:01 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Audi, Motorsports, Peugeot

The Le Mans 24 Hours race is a testament of skill and endurance of both the drivers and their cars as a total of 55 cars will be running the world renowned race on an 8.47-mile circuit comprising of closed public roads for the duration of 24 hours. Alan McNish, one of the drivers of the Audi R15 TDI is restless and wants to stake his claim on the podium at this years event. The 40 year old Scotsman, who drives alongside Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen, is gunning for his ninth Le Mans triumph.

As we know, the 2009 Le Mans title went to the Peugeot Team with their 908 HDi FAP which was diesel powered. They too have not rested since they won the title in 2009 as they have admitted that in races such as Spa, they have felt their competitors getting faster and breathing down their necks slightly.

Thus they have worked meticulously on the engine and car to produce the best result from the TDI engine. This was also to get the 908 HDi FAP in line with 2010 regulations which was to do with aerodynamics that also affects engine power output, according to Peugeot Sports Technical Director, Bruno Famin.

“The only aerodynamic change is the result of having to adjust to this year’s new engine power levels. We have endeavoured to recover some of the power lost because of the rule changes, which involved working with Bosch on combustion, combating energy losses through friction with Total and enhancing the flow efficiency of the intake and exhaust systems in association with Dow. All the things that gave us trouble in 2009 have been looked at, too, while we haven’t eased up in our ongoing efforts to improve reliability. This is the 908 HDi FAP’s fourth and final year of competition. It is an outstanding car and I think we can look forward to an incredibly thrilling Le Mans 24 Hours; I believe it will be very close from flag to flag,” added Famin.

Since its last race in Le Mans the Peugeot team have been preparing in the form of three races and 11 test sessions. This includes simulation runs, set-up work and the development of a complete range of tyres in association with Michelin.

Unfortunately when you’re on top everyone’s gunning for you, and that is Audi’s agenda at this years race. Audi has further tweaked it’s R15 TDI body and engine as well. Smaller air restrictors and lower manifold pressure were part of the new regulations. This means lower engine output. Thus Audi, like most other teams, are fettling with the aerodynamics to make it more efficient. This has resulted in the R15 sporting a two-nose design along with a modified cooling and tank system.

Even if the air restrictors have been modified, the R15′s 5.5 litre V10 twin turbo engine still produces around 590 HP and an incredible 1050 Nm of torque, which is mated to a pneumatically operated five speed gearbox. Suggestions directly from the drivers have been addressed too, which include better illumination of the racetracks with a new head lamp concept.

Both teams will be under a lot of pressure this year as there are up and coming teams such as Aston Martin Racing looking to topple the leaders off the podium. A very interesting race seems to be brewing and you can catch it from the 12th to the 13th of this June.

Click below for a picture gallery.
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Volkswagen Malaysia signs LOI to add 3 more dealerships

June 8, 2010 at 7:23 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Malaysia have just signed Letter of Intents with three new dealers which will operate full 3S dealerships in Jalan Ipoh (Azumoto Sdn Bhd), Kuantan (Okuan Sdn Bhd) and Kota Kinabalu (DKV Automobil Sdn Bhd).

These 3 new dealerships will add to the existing list of 6 dealers operating 10 sales outlets and 8 services centers nationwide. The following is a list of the dealers and service centres:

  • F.A. Wagen 3S Jalan 222 Petaling Jaya

  • F.A. Wagen 3S Johor Bahru
  • Cergaz Autohaus 3S TTDI
  • Euromobil Sdn Bhd Service Centre Glenmarie
  • Wearnes VW 1S Jalan Ampang
  • Wearnes VW 1S Bangsar
  • Wearnes VW Service Centre Sg Besi
  • Veemer Motor 1S Jalan Klang Lama
  • Goh Brothers Motor 3S Penang Mainland
  • Goh Brothers Motor 3S Penang Island
  • Goh Brothers Motor Ipoh
  • Ismaco Automotive Kuching Sarawak

Just to share with the rest of the public, how many of you are Volkswagen owners and how has your experience been with Volkswagen service centres in Malaysia? Sharing is caring :)

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Changan to rebadge Ford Mondeo in China?

June 8, 2010 at 5:40 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, ChangAn, China, Ford, International News

Chongqing Changan Automobile of China is in talks with Ford to produce a mid-sized car in China using Ford technology but wearing a Changan badge. Changan, one of the top state auto groups in China but lagging in its own brand models, is currently the assembler of Ford cars such as the Focus, Mondeo and Fiesta.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently met up with Changan Chairman Xu Liuping to discuss ways to bring their cooperation to the next level. The rebadging of a mid-sized sedan (mid-sized in China refers to the Camry/Accord class, so it could be the Mondeo) from Ford was one of the ideas that arose, to be built at Changan’s plant in Nanjing, according to sources close to the matter.

The reworked sedan will be sold at a lower price and equipment than its Ford equivalent to avoid competition. This deal will be mutually beneficial as Ford will receive a sizable chunk of proceeds. Currently, Changan has no presence in the said segment.

Perhaps Ford is looking enviously at its fellow Detroit carmaker GM, which has a super successful tie up with SAIC. A relative newcomer to China and quite a long way from challenging GM and Volkswagen in the world’s largest car market, Ford is hoping that its partnership with Changan will blossom. “The Changan deal may not add much value to Ford’s only brand in the short term, but it could be the first step toward a wider and deeper relationship like GM and SAIC,” said Huang Zherui, an analyst with global industry consultancy CSM Worldwide.

Changan is represented in Malaysia by the Berjaya Group. Two compact models – CV6 and CM8 – are sold here under the Chana Era badge.

Source

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2011 Suzuki Swift exposes uncovered bum in public!

June 8, 2010 at 4:16 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Spyshots, Suzuki

The current Suzuki Swift has been around since 2004, although it still looks cheeky and youthful six years on. A replacement is very near, and test mules have been caught in action in the snow and at Nurburgring. We previously posted up an image which purportedly shows the dashboard of the 2011 Swift, which will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in October according to reports. Now let’s have a first look at the uncovered exterior.

These images of the Swift on a transporter were taken in Hungary, where Suzuki’s European production base is located. If this is indeed the new Swift, we can see that the changes are evolutionary; perhaps Suzuki didn’t want to alter the winning formula too much. The rear lights are now longer and goes deeper into the car’s sides while the license plate location has shifted upwards. Reminds me a little of the previous generation “big booty” Renault Megane. Cars testing at the ‘Ring also give hints of headlights that are more swept back. Do you like what you see?

According to Autocar, insiders have said that the new car is an evolution of the current model – more grown up, but with the same sort of appeal. The 2011 model is also said to sit on an all new platform and will come with new small engines, with turbo being a possibility.

Take a closer look after the jump!
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