Gong Xi Fa Cai

Advertisement

Proton Exora 25th Anniversary Edition – limited to 25 units!

July 9, 2010 at 11:46 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Proton unveiled a special trio of cars at its 25th anniversary celebration gala dinner tonight. This is one of the three – the Proton Exora 25th Anniversary Edition, which is joined by a Persona 25th Anniversary Edition and a Saga 25th Anniversary Edition. Each model will only be available in 25 units.

All three sport a similiar design theme said to be inspired by a tiger’s face. They’re all finished in a Pearl White exclusive to these commemorative models. There’s a very thin and subtle line on the side of the car following the shoulder from the front all the way to the rear, to represent a tiger’s stripe. The ‘stripe’ ends at the rear with a small 25th Anniversary logo. They come with uniquely designed alloy wheels. The ‘mouth’ of the vehicle is blacked out, which actually reminds me of SEAT’s Bocanegra front end styling.

What’s most special is the interior, which is done in a nice brown colour with the 25th Anniversary logo embossed in the headrests. They may not look that great or represent how they look like in real life in the photos we have for you as lighting conditions was really bad at the dinner hall but they really give the interior a more upmarket feel, though I feel it would be even better if the dash material was made darker. I’ve seen similiar brown leather in the Passat CC and the E90 3-Series offered here in Malaysia.

Externally, there’s a subtle bodykit and I can see that the front bumper has chrome surrounds at the foglamps similiar to the Exora Prestige bumper.

The Exora’s head unit has been replaced with a widescreen unit with touch screen control. I didn’t get a chance to play with the head unit but from the photos I managed to snap I can see logos for SD card and USB, together with your usual disc loading slot at the top. The widescreen display is also used to display video feeds from a reverse camera as well as GPS navigation screens.

For the second row passengers, there’s individual LCD screens integrated into the front seat headrests. I’m not sure where these LCD screens get their input source from but I did find that they have USB ports built into them, so perhaps they are able to load MP3 and MP4 files. We’ll find out more about the extra specs for you later when we get the chance.

Speaking of the second row, the seats have been modified so that the second row consists of two ‘captain seats’ with spacing between them as compared to the usual tumble-forward bench.

And how much for all this you ask? The Proton Exora 25th Anniversary Edition costs quite a premium over the regular Exora – RM91,998. Bookings will open from the 12th of July onwards at all Proton showrooms nationwide, but if you want to see the limited edition cars you’ll have to come to the Centre of Excellence showroom by the KESAS highway.
[Read more...]

310 Comments      

New Porsche Cayenne to hit Malaysia by month end, among others – including the Cayenne S Hybrid!

July 9, 2010 at 5:04 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News, Porsche

Porsche, via its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd is set to launch the second generation Cayenne SUV for the Malaysian market later this month.

Interestingly the local Cayenne range will feature the full line-up which means we will have the Cayenne Diesel and the Cayenne S Hybrid as well! With this there will be no less than five variants including the base Cayenne, the Cayenne S and the range-topping 500hp Cayenne Turbo with 699Nm of torque.

The Cayenne Diesel is likely to be re-tuned to enable it to sip on Euro 2M diesel which is the highest grade diesel option available in Malaysia at the moment. In Europe the Cayenne Diesel’s 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 makes 240hp and 550Nm of torque.

Along with the all-new Cayenne, the local Porsche stable will also be joined by new Panamera models: the Panamera V6 and the Panamera 4. Both models use a new 3.6 litre V6 with Direct Fuel Injection which is able to produce 300hp and 400Nm of torque. The Panamera 4 adds on an all wheel drive configuration.

16 Comments      


2011 Nissan X-Trail facelift debuts with new 6-speed auto

July 9, 2010 at 3:54 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

Nissan have announced that they will be releasing a revised X-Trail for the Japanese market. The biggest change in the 4X4 will be the inclusion of a 6-speed automatic transmission (with manual shift mode) matted to the 2.0 litre “M9R” Clean Diesel engine.

The MR9 engine is a joint venture development with Renault, which was made to meet Japan’s strict emission regulations. A host of technologies such as Piezo-electric injectors, diesel particulate filter (DPF), and lean NOx-trap catalysts are featured in this engine making it more efficient. The standard engine produces 170hp and 359Nm of torque. This figure is comparable to a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine, available from way down in the rev range.

Cosmetic changes to the car include a slightly revised exterior which include a new front grille, front bumper, new head lights, LED tail lights and a sportier front end. This will sit on redesigned 17-inch aluminium wheels with revised tyre sizes.

Moving on inside, larger dials and a vehicle information display system provide the driver with fuel consumption figures and upcoming maintenance schedules while the glove compartment comes standard with refrigeration and heat retention capabilities. Advanced Hill Descent Control system (with a speed-setting function) will be available for 4 wheel drive models, which enables the driver to set their desired speed while climbing up a steep hill.

A picture gallery of the Nissan X-Trail is available for your viewing pleasure after the jump.
[Read more...]

63 Comments      

Ford Fiesta starts to roll off Rayong plant this month!

July 9, 2010 at 2:28 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Ford, International News

Mass production of the new Ford Fiesta officially kicked off three days ago at Ford’s AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, a joint venture with Mazda. The same plant actually started producing the Fiesta’s ‘sister’ the Mazda 2 much earlier, in October last year.

This explains why the Mazda 2 is able to be launched in Malaysia first before the Fiesta. The vehicles will start being available in Ford Thailand dealerships from September onwards, and since Sime Darby Auto ConneXion has already started pre-launch activities for the Fiesta, we should be getting our Fiesta around the same time.

The AutoAlliance Thailand plant is a US$500 million joint venture between Ford and Mazda, and has a total of 70,000 square meters of floor space. It includes a fully integrated stamping line, body shop, trim and final process area, which means the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 probably qualifies to be considered ‘built’ at the AAT plant instead of merely being assembled. The Fiesta is also built at various other sites around the world including Nanjing, Cologne, Valencia and Mexico.

Speaking of the Fiesta in Malaysia, Ford is having an online quiz on their Facebook Fan Page tonight at 9:00 PM called the Ford Fiesta Facebook Face-Off. This is the second round of the quiz and there are GSC tickets and RM250 vouchers to be given out to winners. Read the Facebook page for more details.

25 Comments      

R60 MINI Countryman platform to spawn R65 ‘Spacebox’?

July 9, 2010 at 2:03 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

The new MINI Countryman is known internally as the R60, but it is not the only vehicle that will be based on the Countryman’s new “maxi” MINI platform. Word is that MINI may be looking at a larger vehicle with an extended wheelbase, perhaps even featuring 6 or 7 seats thanks to the addition of an optional third row. Internally, this car is known with the codename Spacebox or the R65.

These artist’s impressions are based on the Countryman but made longer, with most of the length going into the wheelbase and some going into the rear overhang. We’ve also added a third row there if you can spot the headrests, but realistically because of the smallish size of the vehicle this third row may just end up having just about as much functionality as the tiny third row of the X5.

The Spacebox might also eventually end up having no third row, instead becoming a sort of large coupe-hatchback like the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo.

Artist impressions by Theophilus Chin.

6 Comments      

Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG pictures leaked?

July 9, 2010 at 2:01 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

Not that everyone hasn’t been waiting for the official release of the CL-Class coupe, but being a high performance car, the AMG variant usually gets more attention. Courtesy of Autoblog.it, we have pictures of the CL63 AMG and the CL65 AMG.

Most important of the lot is its engine details which are still a “your guess is as good as mine” type speculation, of the CL63 which will be a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 that might produce 544hp along with 800Nm of earth shattering torque. The car will have 19-inch wheels along with quad exhausts.

The CL65 on the other is said to house a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 that will pump out 630hp along with 999Nm of torque. This will sit on 20-inch wheels and will feature oblong shaped tailpipes.

Again for more details, keep your eyes peeled to the screen, while then enjoy pictures of the two after the jump.

Source
[Read more...]

15 Comments      

BMW teases BMW 1-Series M Coupe in new video

July 9, 2010 at 12:55 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

You excited? Well you should be. This is because BMW have released a teaser trailer of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe confirming ever so much more that the poor man’s M3 is only one year a way. Yes that’s what the car will officially be called. Not the M1, but the 1-Series M Coupe. You can probably expect people to shorten this to “1M” when referring to it.

As expected the teaser video doesn’t contain any hard facts about the powertrain details but since no one has said anything about a completely revised engine, the 1-Series M will probably use a tuned up version of the 302hp 3.0-litre turbocharged engine seen in the 135i, which even in its sedate 135i guise, produces 400Nm of torque.

Right now the wildest tune of the 3.0 litre turbo engine stock from the BMW factory is installed in the Z4 sDrive35is – 340 horsepower and 450Nm of torque. However, being an actual M car from the M division, is it too much to expect something abit more special about the motor? The 4.4 litre V8 for example, had been reworked by BMW M with a completely different exhaust manifold.

Reaching a whole new market segment, the performance 1-Series is set to be the most affordable M-powered car from BMW. It’s apparently so powerful and you that you wouldn’t want to give the keys to anyone else, according to Dr. Kay Segler CEO of BMW M GmbH. He guarantees it! Watch the other promises he makes in the video along with the M coupe action reel above.

9 Comments      

Ford releases accessories and body kit for the Fiesta

July 9, 2010 at 11:43 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Ford, International News

Ford is trying to cash in on the aftermarket accessories scene by introducing their very own range, available for Fiestas in the US. This comes in the form of vinyl graphic combinations and body kit accessories for the exterior along with goodies for the interior.

Outside you’ve got a choice of a rear roof spoiler, sculpted front air dam, side skirts, rear valance, kayak carrier, a bike carrier along with vinyl graphic wraps and tattoos. More than 18 designs will be made available in different colours which include a cityscape, bubbles, flames and ninja blades.

Inside customers will have the choice of LED lights in the cup holder area, light bars in the footwell, illuminated gear indicator shift knob with a digital gear display and an illuminated door sill plates with an LED Fiesta logo.

Apart from the above, Ford will feature more reserved options such as the interior protection package, which comes with all-weather floor mats and rear cargo area protectors, along with the exterior protection package providing splash guards and a rear bumper protector. More pictures are available after the jump.

[Read more...]

26 Comments      

Mazda 8 MPV now officially available from Bermaz!

July 9, 2010 at 2:32 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mazda

Now this is one car that I’m pretty sure a lot of you are already familiar with. Way before the Proton Exora was launched, Photoshopped photos of the Mazda 8 were floating around the internet with its Mazda badge replaced by a Proton badge, and the styling actually looked pretty believable as a Proton.

The Mazda 8 is a large MPV, much larger than the Mazda 5. It’s wheelbase of 2,950mm exceeds that of the Toyota Alphard, but the Alphard is slightly longer. In general the two MPVs are in the about the same size. They are large with a tall roof and feature sliding doors, though the bodystyle of the Mazda 8 is more similiar to the likes of the Kia Sedona (Naza Ria). The Mazda Biante is more similiar to an Alphard.

Although it has been available since 2008 from Naza World, this time it is available officially through Bermaz, the Mazda dealer. Naza World’s price for the Mazda 8 was RM198,888 back in February 2008, and the new official Bermaz price is slightly cheaper at RM195,404.20 OTR with insurance.

Under the hood is a normally aspirated 163 PS engine with 203Nm of torque at 3,500rpm. It’s a version of the 2.3 litre engine in the first generation Mazda 6 but tuned differently – as you can see peak torque is achieved at a lowish RPM, but unfortunately torque seems a little on the low side for something that has to pull all that weight and people around. We’ll find out if this is the case if we ever manage to secure a test drive unit from Bermaz.

Now this is where the difference between the Bermaz model and the Naza World model comes in – the Naza World model features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 litre engine instead, but it’s been two years so I’m not sure how much Naza World is selling the Mazda 8 now. Of course, the Bermaz car comes with a warranty from the official distributor.

The 2.3 litre engine is mated to a 5-speed Activematic transmission. There are two airbags at the front, and curtain airbags for the rear passengers. The third row splits 60:40 and the second row seats are captain seats which are able to slide back and forth by about 80mm.

If you want to check out the Mazda 8, you can head on to Mid Valley this weekend where the Mazda 8 is on display until Sunday. Look after the jump for some pix of the Mazda 8 from Japan – there are a mix of the pre-facelift and post-facelift model in the photo gallery just in case you want to compare.
[Read more...]

170 Comments      

Webber to race Vettel’s “Lucious Liz” chassis at British Grand Prix

July 8, 2010 at 11:57 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Formula 1, International News, Motorsports

Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber, who walked away from a spectacular crash recently, will use his team mate’s former car affectionately named “Lucious Liz” at Silverstone this weekend.

Vettel who has a habit of naming all his cars, stopped using the RB6 chassis due to damage sustained. Liz was then replaced by their winter testing chassis which was subsequently nicknamed “Randy Mandy.” Webber’s former car is currently being worked on by mechanics and will be used as a spare monocoque for the British Grand Prix.

Webber has spoken fondly of his former race winning chassis stating “I don’t get attached to cars, but clearly that one was unique. They’ll probably give me something else (now), But the car did a great job for me in two cases. It won races for me, and it looked after me when I needed it.”

He also went on to say that the relationship between him and Vettel was amicable. At this point though, it will be good to hear more about race related technicalities rather than relationships between drivers who are clearly trying to maintain a normal professional working relationship.

Source

Leave a Comment