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Ben Collins – The Stig’s identity finally revealed?

August 28, 2010 at 11:52 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Laughs

More speculations to the rumour about The Stig’s identity! UK tabloid The Mail on Sunday recently reported that the Stig is none other than 35 year old racing driver and stuntman Ben Collins.

According to the publication, the clues to his identity emerged when his company accounts, Collins Autosport, recorded a cornerstone year in 2003. This was a month after the white Stig made his first TV appearance. It went on to say that it was due to “driving services provided for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme”, and it offered “good long-term prospects for continuing income.” Other clues include a builder allegedly seeing the white outfit in the Collin’s house.

A BBC spokesman logically went on to debunk the papers leads stating “It’s no surprise that Ben Collins’s company accounts show that he was driving for Top Gear as he has appeared on the programme as himself, for exam-example in the Mitsubishi Evo challenge. Ben supplies his services as a driver himself and his company also supplies other drivers. There is nothing to be read into these company documents.”

This comes after the Daily Mail reported that Stig was in a legal battle with the BBC over plans to reveal his identity in his autobiography, which until now has only been known by a handful of BBC execs and the hosts Clarkson, Hammond and May. In June, F1 ace Michael Schumacher revealed himself as the Stig in one of the episodes, which was a hoax for entertainment purposes.

When asked for a comment on the matter over the weekend, the only answer the newspaper got was “I can’t speak to you. I’m going into a tunnel.” He previously refused to answer questions on the subject. The only way we will ever know is when a new Stig appears after the demise of the White Stig, like they did with the Black Stig.

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Lamborghini Reventon 1:10 scale replica remote control car with permanent four wheel drive!

August 28, 2010 at 11:49 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Reventon is a supercar that is out of reach for most of the population, with a price tag of $1,271,405. It’s only for the very privileged few. For the rest of us, perhaps we can settle for this 1:10 scale replica remote control car of the Reventon.

De Agostini will build the pint-sized car components and in true Reventon style, it will be limited to only 65 units. A detailed model, the car will run on a two-stroke 3cc petrol engine, with a two-speed transmission. Staying true to its brand, it will sport permanent four-wheel drive, while also employing independent suspension, hydraulic shocks and disc brakes. This is said to give it optimum road holding abilities.

The company making the car is selling it as part of a model making subscription with the first issue costing 2.99 Euros and 7.99 for the subsequent issues, so it’s not going to be too expensive if it comes out every week. The bad news is that it’s unlikely they will deliver to Malaysia. A picture gallery is available after the jump.
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New Honda Fit/Jazz Hybrid coming to Paris Motor Show

August 28, 2010 at 11:48 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Honda have released images of the Jazz/Fit Hybrid. The company has now confirmed that the hybrid will be available for the European market and will be officially previewed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

The new hybrid will employ the same 1.3-litre i-VTEC SOHC aluminum alloy combustion engine and electric motor used in the Insight hybrid. Details are scarce, but the powertrain on its own develops 98 horses.

Outside the car will feature new headlights and revised taillights, while the front grille and bumper is treated to slight modification in design. The Honda Jazz/Fit hybrid will be in Japanese showrooms sometime in October, costing around 1.6 million yen.

This will be the cheapest hybrid Honda offers in Japan as the Insight weighs in at around 1.8 million yen, while the Toyota Prius starts at about 2.05 million yen.

Could the cheaper price tag warrant a jump to Malaysia? The Jazz here is in the odd position of being extremely expensive and an even more expensive hybrid Jazz might not be much cheaper than a Civic Hybrid.

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Ford and Mazda invest $350 million in Rayong plant for next generation pick-up trucks

August 28, 2010 at 11:42 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Ford, International News, Mazda

Auto Alliance Thailand, a joint venture between Mazda Motor Corp and Ford Motor Co, have announced that they will be investing US$350 million in its pickup truck plant to prepare for the production of next generation pick-up trucks. This is likely the next generation Ranger/Fighter.

Production of the redesigned pick-up trucks is expected to start sometime mid-2011, according to Ford. The factory will be retooled and upgraded for the production of the pick up trucks. The new investment would mean that since 1995, both companies have invested about US$1.85 billion in the AutoAlliance Thailand facility.

Models produced by the AutoAlliance factory are exported to more than 130 markets around the world. This includes the Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta models, produced at the Rayong plant, exported to other markets including Malaysia (we’ll get it sometime soon). The JV also celebrated 1 million units produced in July 1997.

One question that we have in mind is whether the new Ranger/Fighter will follow the One Ford plan, where Ford will develop global models and then tailor them to different markets via equipment instead of market-specific models. Our current generation Ranger is quite different from the Ranger in the US, which is larger. The next generation Ford Focus is one example of a car that has been ‘unified’ under the One Ford plan.

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Brabus SLS AMG – can you add to perfection?

August 28, 2010 at 11:38 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under brabus, Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

German tuners Brabus have worked on a number Mercedes-Benz models, and the new SLS AMG is the latest to join their portfolio.

A new body kit – using F1 quality carbon fibre – has been introduced, made out of a new front spoiler, two Brabus covers for the upper air inlets, new air outlets for the front fenders, Brabus rear spoilers, Brabus rear fascia element and a Brabus sports exhaust system.

At the moment, the company is still working on the tuning of the 6.3 litre V8, but the addition of the lightweight exhaust system shaves 12 kgs of the weight of the car. This also gives it an extra 10 horses from an engine that generates 571hp in stock form. Adding to that is a pneumatically controlled bypass gate, which changes the sound produced- be it rough and throaty with your foot down, or nice and quiet when sneaking home.

Other custom work include a height adjustable Brabus smooth ride suspension, which lowers the car by up to 40 mm. Brabus also say that they will be offering a front lift system which raises the front of the car by 50 mm. This works in tandem with the damper settings, which changes the sportiness of the ride.

Inside, the cockpit will feature a speedometer that goes up to 400km/h, an ergonomically shaped sports steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo and matte anodized pedals. The insides can be upholstered in range of leather and Alcantara.

The whole package will sit on an ultra-light Brabus Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION cross-spoke wheels that are 12 percent lighter than stock wheels. It wears a staggered wheel combination of 20-inch wheels in front and 21 inches on the rear axle. They are covered in high performance Pirelli and YOKOHAMA tires.

The changes done to the car doesn’t seem to have damaged the SLS’s standard styling and will still be seen on the road as “that gullwing sportscar from Mercedes”. Or has it?

Make up your mind with the picture gallery after the jump.
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2011 Lexus IS get revised F-sport package and engines

August 28, 2010 at 9:04 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Lexus

Lexus has unveiled the revisions it has made to the IS models ahead of the Paris Motor Show. This comes in the form of a revised petrol engine, a new diesel engine and styling updates.

The IS 250 and 220d F-Sport models have gained an updated interior and exterior, inspired by the high performance IS F model. Changes include a deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design, rear spoiler with integrated stoplight, LED daytime running lights and new-design 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside you get an F-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and sports pedals with the front seats finished in leather and Alcantara. Up above, titanium-effect trim and a dark, anthracite roof liner can be found.

Under the hood you find a more fuel-efficient engine that still produces 205hp and 252Nm. This is seen in improved fuel consumption figures, which now stands at 7 L/100km compared to the previous 7.42 l/100km. CO2 figures have also dropped from 209g/km to 194g/km. Similar improvements are seen in the 2011 IS 250C coupe-cabriolet now only sipping 7.7 L/100km and a CO2 figure of 213g/km.

Replacing the previous IS220d is the new 200d, which produces 148hp from its 2.2 litre engine, also equipped with a diesel particulate filter to meet Euro 5 emissions standard. Peak torque is 340Nm available from 2000rpm, while the car reaches 100km/h in 10.2 seconds. Economy is superb as the car’s fuel consumption figure is 4.25 L/100 and has a relatively green CO2 emission figure of 134g/km.

Look after the jump for a picture gallery.
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Volkswagen Group said to be interested in Alfa Romeo, but Fiat wont give it up so easily!

August 28, 2010 at 9:03 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Fiat, International News, Volkswagen

It seems that VW may be looking to buy an Italian brand, if reports from Autonews is to be believed, despite there being word in the past that VW already had all the brands it can handle. Two VW executives have said that VW are “seriously interested” in buying Alfa Romeo.

Another unidentified manager at VW also revealed to Automobilwoche: “Alfa is a globally recognized brand with sporty genes and a great tradition. If such a treasure could be had, we must not hesitate… too long.” This comes despite Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stating: “Our appetite for buying in Italy is fully satisfied.”

As much as VW would like to buy the Italian brand, parent company Fiat aren’t interested in selling. A high-ranking Fiat exec revealed to the publication, “We have no intention at all of selling the brand to Volkswagen,” opting to stick to the turnaround plan Fiat (and Chrysler) has laid out for Alfa Romeo.

This would involve selling 500,000 Alfa Romeos a year, which is said to be an ambitious target if still under Fiat. ”Maybe Alfa could get to a half million unit sales a year, but only after the brand is sold to Volkswagen,” said one analyst from Credit Suisse automotive research department.

”Alfa plans to sell 85,000 units in the United States in 2014, therefore Fiat’s plan really means it wants to boost sales in Europe from 100,000 units to more than 400,000. I do not see how they will be able to steal so many buyers from their German competitors, “ said another analyst in Milan, laying out the facts.

Unfortunately no one really knows the Alfa’s financial predicament at the moment, as Fiat doesn’t separate financial results for its brands, but sources say that Alfa has lost between 200 million and 400 million Euros a year over the past 10 years. Thus if Fiat’s turnaround plan for Alfa doesn’t work, VW could be a viable option for the company.

Source

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Heico Sportiv new performance package for Volvo S60

August 28, 2010 at 9:02 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Volvo

Heico Sportiv has unveiled its tuning package for the Volvo S60. The tuning company treats S60 to an increase in power along with mild styling updates.

On the engine front, revisions come in the form of an upgraded ECU, with a plug-and-play installation. This generates an extra 47hp from the 2.0T engine and an additional 50Nm of torque, giving you a respectable 293hp and 350Nm of pulling power.

Power is boosted to 326hp in the T6 model, which also gains an increase in torque of 460Nm. This allows the S60 to reach the century mark in 5.8 seconds, going on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Exterior changes to the car include a new front spoiler, a revised rear skirt, quad outlet exhaust system, 18 to 20 inch Sport wheels, aluminum pedals and aluminum gear shift knob. Official market launch for the package will be September the 18th, 2010.

With upgrades like these, you’d think twice before stereotyping a Volvo driver. Look after the jump for hi res pictures.
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Brabus iBusiness package for the Apple and Mercedes fan

August 28, 2010 at 9:01 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under brabus, Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

If you thought of the most unlikely combination in the world, what would it be? A V12 Biturbo Mercedes S600 and an interior trimmed out like an Apple store?

That’s probably not the first thing that springs to mind, but that’s exactly what Brabus has done for the iBusiness package.

Fans of both brands will be treated to an Apple interior featuring a rear compartment with two Apple iPads, two multimedia screens on the back of the front seats and a 64GB iPod Touch. The two iPads can also control the car’s COMAND system, which handles the radio, navigation system and telephony.

If you don’t like the touch screen iPad’s, there will be ample table space for your keyboard and mouse. The fully adjustable tables are electronically deployed from special BRABUS seatback consoles and will be covered in leather upholstery.

The central hub for the setup is a Mac mini hidden under the rear shelf in an electronically deployed drawer. Internet connectivity for all this equipment is provided via a 3G connection which is UMTS and HSDPA capable.

Brabus didn’t stop with just the interior as the car now features a 6.3 litre V12 twin turbo engine that generates a whopping 750hp and 1,350Nm of torque. This was achieved by adding larger turbochargers, a revised intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance quad exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. The engine’s maximum torque is so great that it had to be electronically limited to 1,100Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels by a five-speed automatic transmission and a much needed option that Brabus is offering with this car, is a limited slip differential. Brabus claim this to be the fastest luxury sedan in the world as it has a top speed of 340km/h and hits the century mark in just 4.0 seconds.

Aerodynamics has also been improved with large center air inlet, BRABUS sill skirts, rear spoiler lip, new rear fascia with centrally located reflector and BRABUS quad sport exhaust system. Adding to the looks will be aluminum sport fenders, along with LED daytime running lights, lights on the sills and on the underside of the rear which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle.

Brabus have also custom tailored a choice of tires, brakes and suspension. This will be light alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. All in all a perfect combination of tech and unadulterated power. Unfortunately Brabus hasn’t announced any pricing figures, but with that much tech and ponies, expect it to cost a bomb!

Look after the jump for high resolution pictures.
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Alfa Romeo 159 TI 3.2 V6 auto spotted at SDAC showroom!

August 28, 2010 at 1:46 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Local News

We have an interesting piece of news for ‘Alfaholics’ out there! Upon a quick visit at Sime Darby AutoConnexion’s showroom in Petaling Jaya, we stumbled upon a new 159 variant that is likely to be introduced soon. At first glance the red 159 pictured above looked just like a regular 159 2.2 JTS but a TI logo on the front right fender caught our attention!

TI which stands for Turismo Internazionale is a sportier trim level and in Europe it is offered with either a 2.2 JTS 4-cylinder engine, a 3.2 JTS V6 or a 2.4 JTDM. Naturally the 159 TI comes with a unique body kit, a lowered sports suspension, large 19-inch wheels, red Brembo brake calipers as well as other trim upgrades such as chromed wing mirrors and exhaust tailpipes.

The interior sports electric and heated front seats, different instrument dials, aluminum sports pedals, kick plates, trim inserts, a leather-clad sports steering wheel and gear knob. On the 159 TI we have here, we can see a sportier body kit, 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers. The rear end sports chrome exhaust tailpipes and a V6 designation! This goes to indicate that the 159 has a 3.2 JTS V6 with 256hp and 322Nm of torque at 3,800 RPM. Compared to the 2.2 JTS, the V6 makes 71hp and 92Nm of torque more.

A quick look at the interior reveals different seats, which look sportier and feature Alfa Romeo emblems that are stitched in red. We can also see a slightly different centre-dash trim and a gear lever fitment that suggests an automatic transmission. This could well be the QTRONIC 6-speed automatic. If the rather jerky Selespeed transmission in the 2.2 JTS is stopping you from buying the 159, this could help change that.

In Europe the TI with the 3.2 V6 also comes with a Q4 all-wheel-drive system, but that is unlikely for the local version we are bound to get. The Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS currently carries a RM195,888 price tag. The 159 TI 3.2 V6 could be priced anywhere between RM200,000 and RM300,000.

Continue reading to view high-res versions of the spy images.
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