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Citroen Grand C4 Picasso now with 1.6L Prince engine!

July 14, 2010 at 11:26 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Citroën, Local News

Brooklands/Competitive Supreme sent over sometime this month a new pricelist for the Citroen and Ssangyong cars they sell. There have been a few price changes but I saw something that piqued my interest – it looks like the 143 horsepower 2.0 litre Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has been replaced by a new model – the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 Turbo with 6-speed EGS transmission. The horsepower increase looks minimal – it’s now 150 horsepower but torque is far higher now and also achieved at a very low RPM thanks to the turbocharger.

This makes it the first Citroen in Malaysia to be powered by the PSA-BMW Prince engine that we can find in MINIs and Peugeots on our local soil. The choice of gearbox is also quite interesting. BMW mates the engine in its MINI to a 6-speed Aisin transmission. Peugeot at first used a 4-speed Porsche Tiptronic transmission but are phasing this out in favor of a new 6-speed AT6 box, which like the MINI transmission is supplied by Aisin.

In the Grand C4 Picasso, the Prince engine is mated to a 6-speed BMP6 Electronic Gearbox System transmission from Magneti Marelli, which is basically a manual transmission with an electro-hydraulically operated clutch, much like Selespeed or BMW SMG. This will minimize transmission losses, allowing better fuel efficiency since more of the engine power can get to the wheels. But certain single-clutch AMT transmission can be notoriously rough, so we only find out how smooth Citroen’s EGS is with a test drive. This 6-speeder also includes steering mounted gearshift paddles. Peugeot has used this gearbox in the Peugeot RCZ Hybrid4 concept car.

The price tag has also dropped from the initial price of RM168,000 when the 2.0 litre normally aspirated model was first introduced to a new pricetag of RM158,740 OTR without insurance. UPDATE: The price is now at RM138k non-OTR – clearing stock? It looks like a nice alternative to your choice of a Honda Stream or what not but you may also want to wait for the upcoming Peugeot 5008 which basically rides on the same platform, has a similar engine (with extra 6 horsepower but the same torque) but a regular 6-speed automatic transmission instead of an automated manual. Compare the two before you decide.

I’n not sure whether Brooklands did a launch for this new C4 model or not – if they had one we weren’t invited. So this is basically all I can tell you based on the price list, international specs, and the info on Brooklands’ website. The other two cars offered by Citroen right now is the Citroen C5 2.0 Exclusive with automatic transmission for RM199,028.50 and the Citroen C6 3.0 V6 Exclusive with automatic transmission, going for RM400,645.

Over to the Ssangyong priceless, I was surprised to see the 11-seater Ssangyong Stavic’s price – it’s now going for only RM102,044.99, powered by a Mercedes-Benz 2.7 litre turbodiesel engine and a 5-speed auto. It’s seriously huge and that price is pretty value if you can get over the post-warranty maintenance and the looks of the monster. The Kyron SUV is going for RM151,113.20. The Actyon goes for RM89,989.20 for the pick-up truck and RM134,089.20 for the SUV. The large Rexton RX270 XDi SUV goes for RM169,828.60.

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Toyota Camry to be locally made, production starts in 2012

July 14, 2010 at 5:36 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

UMW Toyota Motor, distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia has announced the decision of its principal Toyota Motor Corp to assemble the Toyota Camry at Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB). Currently, the Camrys sold in Malaysia are imported from Thailand.

UMWT will invest an initial RM100 million to set up production for the D-segment market leader at its plant in Shah Alam. Production will start in 2 years time, so we’ll be able to buy CKD Camrys in 2012. An educated guess indicates that this CKD assembly is likely for the next generation Toyota Camry, since the Camry has just undergone its usual 2.5 year mid-life facelift. 2 years from now would be an appropriate time to introduce a replacement.

Despite the arrival of fresher faced rivals, the ever popular Camry still records sales that rival brands envy, and with possibly keener pricing, the trend is set to continue. Facelifted late last year with sharper looks and more equipment, the Camry is available in three variants, starting from RM144,990 for the 2.0E to RM174,990 for the 2.4V. The middle spec is the 2.0G, which costs RM154,990.

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U.S. Dept of Transportation: Driver error the cause of “sudden acceleration” accidents in Toyota vehicles

July 14, 2010 at 5:07 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

The Wall Street Journal reports that accidents blamed on sudden acceleration by Toyota vehicles are most likely cases of driver error, as throttles were wide open and the brakes weren’t engaged at the time of the crash, according to people familiar with the data analysis conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) declined to comment on the findings, which haven’t been officially released yet, but early results suggest that some drivers who said their Toyota/Lexus vehicles surged out of control were flooring the accelerator by mistake, when they actually intended to jam on the brakes.

The data recorders analyzed were selected by the NHTSA based on complaints drivers had filed with the US government. The embattled carmaker hasn’t been involved in interpreting the data so these results are completely independent, produced from a third party.

These initial findings are consistent with a 1989 study that blamed similar driver mistakes for a rash of sudden-acceleration reports involving Audi 5000 sedans. Toyota has maintained that sudden acceleration cases involving its vehicles were not caused by electronic glitches in computer-controlled throttle systems, as alleged by some safety advocates and lawyers of the drivers involved. To date, over 100 people have sued the carmaker over crashes they say were the result of faulty electronics.

This development may be sweet justice for Toyota, but it does not clear the company from two other known issues blamed for sudden acceleration it its cars: sticky accelerator pedals that don’t return to idle and floor mats that can trap gas pedals to the floor. The latter was verified by NHTSA as the cause of one fatal crash on August 28 that killed a California highway patrolman and three passengers in a Lexus.

Toyota has since recalled more than eight million cars globally to fix these two issues.

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Chinese demand for 3-Series outstrips supply, BMW to ship in 10,000 units from Germany to satisfy hunger

July 14, 2010 at 4:10 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

With increasing affluence comes the increasing appetite for luxury goods, and China’s nouveau riche are gobbling up more BMWs than what local plants can supply. Cars from elsewhere are therefore needed to fill Chinese hunger and the Munich carmaker’s German and American plants are operating at full chat.

BMW will ship 10,000 units of the 3-Series to China from Munich, revealed personnel director Harald Krueger. “Rising demand in China has meant that our plants in Germany and the United States are at full capacity,” the BMW man told Financial Times Deutschland.

Sales in China more than doubled in the first half of 2010, something BMW did not expect. This has resulted in their local plant in Shenyang, north eastern China not being able to keep up with the demand. Construction on a second plant there has only just started, so German workers will be working overtime for some time to come.

In April, BMW raised its sales target for China, now the world’s biggest auto market, to 120,000 vehicles for this year from 100,000 in 2009.

Source

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Bill Gates and Vinod Khosla invests in EcoMotors

July 14, 2010 at 2:50 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Technology

When Bill Gates puts his money on something, the world pays attention. The latest being his joint investment of $23.5 million with Vinod Khosla in EcoMotors International and their Opoc technology. The Opoc engine, is an “opposed piston opposed cylinder” engine setup that is said to use 50 percent less parts and provides 50 percent more fuel efficiency. EcoMotors have said that they will use the funding for the testing and construction of demonstration units of the Opoc engine.

The Opoc engine works by the use of two opposing cylinders which contain two pistons each. The crankshaft is housed in between the opposing cylinders and is turned by the rods connected to the pistons. This system works without cylinder heads and valve trains while employing a 2-stroke like system which guarantees quick torque.

Apparently using their EM100 diesel model, which has a cylinder bore size of 100mm and weighs 134 kilogrammes, it is capable of producing a power figure of 325hp at 3500rpm along with an incredible 900Nm of torque. Another plus point would be the fact that this could use any form of fuel be it petrol, diesel or ethanol.

What has interested the two investors more than anything is the practicality of the design, which allows flexibility in its uses along with it being less expensive to manufacture, purchase, and operate. This could lead to various applications in different parts of the world where expensive electric or hybrid cars are just not practical.

Source

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GALLERY: Otherworldly Citroën Survolt takes on Le Mans

July 14, 2010 at 2:09 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Citroën, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

The otherworldly Citroën Survolt racing car concept made its first all-electric laps of Le Mans circuit last weekend, at the Le Mans Classic event. First seen at this year’s Geneva show, the Survolt was piloted by Vanina Ickx, daughter of Belgian Formula One driver Jacky Ickx.

The experienced racer gave the Survolt the thumbs up. “I am very proud to have participated in this unique project. On the track it felt really good. It’s a real race car, with a very promising potential for the future,” she said

The Survolt, which features the same dramatic design language as the GTbyCITROËN (which was also driven on track) but in a more compact shape, is powered by a 140 kg lithium ion battery and two electric motors producing 300 hp. With that, the car does 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds on to a top speed of 260 km/h. The battery is good for a 200 km range and can be recharged in two hours with a specialised power supply or in 10 hours with a standard 220V plug.

Images after the jump.
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Nissan’s range of new engines and improved CVT for 2010

July 14, 2010 at 11:39 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan, Technology

Nissan has announced a range of new drivetrains for launch this year, as part of the Nissan Green Program 2010, which main aim is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They include new engines, a revised CVT, Idling Stop and Clean Diesel. Eco friendly and efficient cars will now come with the PURE DRIVE brand.

The first PURE DRIVE car is the new March that will be released in Japan this month. Debuting in Geneva 2010, this small car is capable of 26 km/l fuel economy. Under that little hood is the HR12DE 1.2 litre 3-cylinder engine and the next generation XTRONIC CVT.

Developed in pursuit of lighter weight and a smaller size, the HR12DE uses less moving parts and by applying bore circularity machining to the cylinder block, friction has been reduced by 20%. Besides that, adjusting the weight balance of the engine’s rotary shaft also improves noise and vibration, which is equivalent to 4-cylinder engines.

Nissan is one of the prime movers of CVT tech and it now has a new XTRONIC CVT which is 10% smaller and 13% lighter than before, while also achieving a 30% friction reduction – the latter benefits acceleration, noise levels and fuel economy. Its gear ratio of 7.3 (versus a conventional CVT’s 6.0) is the world’s largest. The new gearbox also integrates the Idling Stop system, which Nissan says is smooth enough that the driver will hardly be aware of it working. The engine can be restarted on a slope without sliding backwards

Next up is the M9R Clean Diesel engine that powers the recently facelifted JDM X-Trail. It meets Japan’s post-new long-term regulations, the most stringent emission standards in the world. The M9R utilizes a highly dispersive lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst, a world’s first.

Perhaps more relevant to us is the HR15DE, which is the world’s first mass-produced 1.5-litre engine with dual injectors (per cylinder). The dual injectors stabilise combustion by reducing the size of the particles sprayed in the form of a mist by approximately 60%. Combined with Continuously Variable valve Timing Control (CVTC), fuel economy has been improved by approximately 4% compared to Nissan’s current 1.5. This engine powers the Juke in Japan.

The final engine is a downsized unit in keeping with Euro trends. The MR16DDT is a 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine (187 bhp/240 Nm) said to have the power of a 2.5-litre with the fuel efficiency of a 1.8-litre. It also comes with dual CVTC and hydrogen-free DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating along with new friction-reduced valve springs. This motor will debut in the Juke before the end of this year.

Hi res images of the new engines after the jump.
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2011 F10 Alpina B5 – more info with interior shots

July 14, 2010 at 12:31 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

Official details have been released of the new Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo which is based on the current F10 5-Series and occasionally called the M5-killer.The engine as mentioned before, will produce 507hp from just 5,500rpm coming from an aluminium V8 twin turbo 4.4-litre engine. This also produces a humongous 700Nm of torque from as low down as 3,000rpm.

The Alpina has also optimised the intake air cooling system with shorter intake tracts and increased intercooler flow. Apart from that, high performance pistons along with direct injection and Double VANOS give it a more efficient drive train returning 10.8L/100km while only producing only 252g/km of CO2.

This power is transmitted through the SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed sports automatic transmission which changes its character when in sports mode, while the manual mode gives customers full control over every shift. Handling all this power will be the suspension set-up which has been specifically tuned to be comfortable yet precise around corners. This has been done with the use of progressive springs and special suspension arms sitting on light-weight 20″ ALPINA classics.

Helping with the handling will be the new aerodynamic package which now reduces lift when travelling at high speeds by 60 percent in the front and 30 percent in the rear, providing excellent stability when needed. Apart from that it features the F10’s new sleeker more sporty body style.

Moving on inside, the B5 will feature leather upholstery, navigation system, LAVALINA leather SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel and Bluetooth compatibility. This is nicely complemented by the ALPINA burled Myrtle wood trim giving it that all important ambience.

Look after the jump for a picture gallery including pictures of the interior.
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Porsche 918 Spyder price – 500,000 Euros!

July 13, 2010 at 10:55 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Porsche

The Porsche 918 Spyder seems to tick all the boxes. Porsche’s unique trophy car, check. Produces an extreme amount of power, check. Environmentally friendly, check. Looks extremely desirable, check, check and check.

Another box to tick will be the price tag. Sources close to Porsche seem to think that it might have a price tag of 500,476 Euro which exceeds the 453,000 Euro price tag of the Carrera GT. Unfortunately as of yet Porsche have yet to confirm if the hybrid will go into production. But they did say that they would need 1,000 sales pledges to consider putting this car into production.

This would mean Porsche would stand to reap a revenue figure of 500 million Euros, even if 500 of the potential clients actually buy the car. Follow the links below for more information on the car and a promo video for the Porsche 918 Spyder.

Related Posts:
Porsche 918 Spyder – first details
Porsche 918 Spyder – promo video

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Audi A5 launched in Malaysia – 2.0 TFSI Quattro, RM400K

July 13, 2010 at 6:25 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, Local News

It took three years for it to come here, but a car as sleek as the Audi A5 can at least claim to be fashionably late. We just got back from the Audi Hangar in Glenmarie where the long awaited A5 was unveiled to the media and guests. There’s only one spec, for now – the 2.0 TFSI with 211 bhp and 350 Nm of torque from 1,500-4,200 rpm. This is paired to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, which is Audi’s name for DSG.

This is the direct injected turbo EA888 engine, as found in the Mk6 Golf GTI, but with torque boosted by a substantial 70 Nm over the VW, and made at 200 rpm lower. This translates to 0-100 km/h acceleration of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h. That sort of performance from just two litres, coupled with 13.3 km/l fuel economy, is why Euromobil isn’t offering a bigger engine, but if you really want to fight the downsizing trend, special orders will be considered.

The handsome A5 Quattro retails for RM399,900 (on-the-road without insurance) which is more expensive than the recently facelifted 218 bhp/250 Nm BMW 325i Coupe, which goes for RM378,800. However, this S Line A5 is fully loaded with kit. Among the standard equipment are six airbags, ESP, adaptive xenons with Audi’s trademark LED running lights and Audi Drive Select damping control with three modes – Auto, Comfort and Dynamic. A tyre pressure monitoring system and electric parking brake is standard, too.

The familiar but classy and solidly built cabin boasts a Bang & Olufsen sound system (10 channel amplifier, 14 speakers, 505 watts output) with iPod, USB and Bluetooth compatibility. The system can accept six CDs and SD cards. There’s also a three-zone climate control system and Milano leather sports seats with embossed S Line logo plus an S Line multifunction steering wheel.

Euromobil wants to sell 20 to 30 A5s from now till the end of the year, and we reckon that they’ll have no problems doing that. At the launch, Euromobil chairman Dato’ Sri Khamil Jamil promised that the waiting period shouldn’t be more than four months, a considerably shorter time than the Q5′s epic waiting list. What’s next for the brand? Euromobil is seriously looking at bringing in the A5 Sportback, which is a four-door coupe version of this car.

They are also looking into CKD assembly in Pekan which should be able to bring down the prices of the car as well as reduce waiting lists for the CKD models. To do this they need to sell at least 1,000 cars annually and this year’s target is about 700, so we have about 300 units to go before we see locally assembled Audis here.

Live images from the launch are after the jump.
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