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Lotus releases details of Lotus Evora S and Lotus Evora IPS ahead of 2010 Paris Motor Show

August 28, 2010 at 1:14 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Lotus

After Lotus’ recent e-mail malfunction, they have now officially unveiled details of both models. These are the Lotus Evora S and the Evora Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS), which will officially make its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

As you would have guessed it, the Evora S sees an increase in power from the Toyota sourced 3.5-litre V6, now producing 345hp and 400Nm of torque. It makes more power now thanks to a supercharger and I suspect the engine is the same one found in the Toyota Aurion TRD for the Australian market. In any case, this gives the car a 0 to 100 figure in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 276km/h.

The Evora S also comes with a ‘sport’ pack as standard, featuring a ‘sport’ button allowing drivers better control of the throttle responses and activates the exhaust by-pass valve. Pressing the button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control. Cross-drilled brakes and a fine tuned suspension will add to the whole experience.

The IPS option is an automatic 6-speed gearbox coupled with the 3.5-litre V6 engine that generates 276hp. This also includes manual paddle shifts, allowing the driving to switch between that and the automatic mode. Again, by selecting ‘sport’ mode, the experience is enhanced with the driver being in complete control of the transmission. It’s basically a Toyota transmission but with Lotus very own shift logic.

“The Evora IPS is set to broaden the appeal of the Evora and reach out to a slightly different market. We hope it will be popular with established automatic locations such as Asia, the Middle East and the US. It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we’ve spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience,” said CEO Dany Bahar on the development.

More pictures available after the jump.
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3M Authorised Car Centres for your 3M Crystalline tint

August 27, 2010 at 1:39 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

3M is a seriously huge chemical company and unknowingly most of us are exposed to 3M products everyday, everywhere. Apparently even the highway signboards have something to do with 3M, and I swear by 3M Scotchbrite microfiber cloths to clean my eyeglasses.

In fact, even though V-Kool has stronghold in consumer minds when it comes to window tinting in Malaysia, it was 3M that invented window tint films. But for the longest time 3M left their Crystalline series and their other tints to be handled by dealers. Now they’ve decided to come back in a big way with their new 3M Authorised Car Centers who are guaranteed to sell genuine 3M film and have a certain level of service.

You’ll find the specs of 3M’s Crystalline tint in the table above. You can click the image for a larger image. Interestingly none of its competitors say what its SPF factor is, but 3M has a figure of about 1000+. That’s not to say that the other brands have a lower SPF factor (check Wikipedia for SPF definition). But doing a little Googling reveals that V-Kool has an SPF of 233, as tested by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. I’m not really sure what makes 3M’s SPF rating so much higher.

BTW notice that 3M Crystalline 70′s IR (infrared) rejection is about 97%+ which is a margin higher than the listed competitors. Unfortunately this also means that our SmartTag system could possibly not work with 3M (some confirmed user feedback on this, but results are mixed) where it may still work with competitor’s films which has lower IR rejection. A solution may be a little hole in your windscreen tint.

Here are a few videos from the tint film’s launch where a few 3M spokespersons gave some demonstrations on the film’s properties. For example, they used a plasma globe to prove that 3M’s film has no metal content.

Finally, you will find the price of 3M’s tint tilm range below:

What tint film are you using on your car? Please share your experiences so that everyone can learn and benefit together. I personally purchased V-Kool Elite to support them as they sponsored some prizes for Driven Season 1′s contest. Works fine with Smart Tag.

115 Comments      


Goodyear introduces new SUV/4X4 tyre – Wrangler AT/SA

August 26, 2010 at 8:41 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Local News

Goodyear Malaysia has a new SUV/4X4 tyre in its range – the Wrangler AT/SA. If you’re wondering, AT stands for All Terrain and SA is short for SilentArmor technology.

Sounds tough, and it is. The Wrangler AT/SA is reinforced with two layers of Kevlar, a material that’s five times stronger than steel, and Goodyear’s Durawall sidewall which promotes cut resistance.

Durawall’s two-ply sidewall construction and its compound are new improvements that Goodyear claims make this Wrangler more robust off the beaten path.

Off-road traction on the other hand, is ensured by three tread elements – the tyre’s open intermediate rib design that helps on soft surfaces, multiple biting edges for more grip and deep shoulder notches that help “claw” the vehicle out in tough conditions.

The Wrangler AT/SA also comes with an enhanced silica tread compound that provides up to 20% more mileage than its predecessor, according to its maker. The tyre has been designed with a specific bead area configuration that helps it sit firmly on the rim, reducing slippage for minimal balancing throughout the tyre’s lifespan.

Besides Kevlar’s higher resistance to punctures and cuts, Goodyear also counts reduced noise, the abovementioned longer lifespan and better off-road performance, plus better grip on wet tarmac as the Wrangler AT/SA’s selling points.

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Toyota Corolla Altis with Dual VVT-i launching soon!

August 26, 2010 at 12:59 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

UMW Toyota Motor’s website has been updated to include details on the impending arrival of the facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis. This mid-life update brings us a new top of the range model – the Corolla Altis 2.0V which is tentatively priced at RM131,990.00.

The new Corolla Altis 2.0V comes with a 2.0 litre Dual VVT-i 3ZR-FE engine producing 147 PS at 6,200rpm and 187Nm of torque at an earlier than usual 3,600rpm. This is mated to a Super CVT-i transmission with 7 virtual gear ratios, spanning from 2.396:1 to 0.428:1. Among safety features offered include VSC stability control and dual airbags.

It’s not just the 2.0V that gets the new Dual VVT-i engines – the entire product range has been updated with new engines, even the 1.6E model. All of the Corolla Altis engines now come from the ZR family and they all have Dual VVT-i. It’s not as advanced as Valvematic but still very nice when most of its competitors only have some kind of variable valve timing on the intake valve only, while Dual VVT-i is able to vary both the intake and exhaust valves.

The Altis with the 1.8 litre engine is available in two variants – the 1.8G at RM122,990 or the 1.8E at RM112,990. The RM10k difference between the two specs at first glance are only in terms of equipment and trim, but upon taking a closer look it looks like the 1.8G has VSC stability control while the 1.8E doesn’t.

Other than that, the powertrain is the same – the 1.8 litre 2ZR-FE engine makes 140 PS at 6,400rpm and 173Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. This engine also gets a Super CVT-i 7-speed gearbox. with a 2.386 to 0.411 gear ratio span.

The cheapest model is the Corolla Altis 1.6E at RM105,990 powered by the new Dual VVT-i 1.6 litre 1ZR-FE engine making 120 PS at 6,000rpm and 154Nm of torque at 5,200rpm. This model doesn’t get the Super CVT-i gearbox but makes do with a 4-speed Super ECT transmission. Dual airbags are also standard on this car as with all of the models above.

No word yet on Toyota’s site on when the new Corolla Altis will be launched, but we’ll surely update you soon! In the meanwhile, look after the jump for 2 TVCs we managed to source from the Thai market as well as some Thai market photos.
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Hyundai Concept RB – low cost Accent for Russia?

August 25, 2010 at 6:51 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans

Hyundai unveiled a new car at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show today called the Hyundai Concept RB. It’s size puts it in the sub-compact B segment, the same size as the Hyundai Accent.

Of course you must remember that the new generation Accent has already been launched, so this is likely a low cost version. This is just a random guess but RB could possibly stand for Russia B-Segment!

The car is targeted at the Russian market (and likely other similar economies) and will begin production in January 2011 at Hyundai’s Saint Petersburg plant in Russia. Two engines are available – either a 1.4 litre Gamma CVVT with 107 PS and 135Nm or a 1.6 litre Gamma CVVT engine producing 124 PS and 156Nm. Both engines will be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed auto.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Concept RB.
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2nd generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class videos

August 24, 2010 at 7:51 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mercedes Benz, Videos

Mercedes-Benz have released some new videos of the new second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. I’m pretty sure Mercedes-Benz Malaysia are happily gearing up with a really long order list – the CLS seems to be really popular in Malaysia along with the Cayenne – the choice of the “one level above your usual E or 5-er” rich.

Enjoy the videos below.

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Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 makes it to production for Paris!

August 24, 2010 at 7:21 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Peugeot

You’ve probably though that with all the hype diesel engines are getting, wouldn’t a diesel hybrid be the ultimate fuel-efficient vehicle? Peugeot seemed to have thought the exact same thing. First in concept form as the Prologue HYmotion4, and now finally in production.

The 3008 Hybrid4 has a combined power output of 200hp and an amazing 500Nm of torque. Power sources are a 163hp, 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine powering the front wheels, while a 37hp electric motor drives the rear axle. This makes it a four wheel drive vehicle. Performance is decen, with a 0-100 figure in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 209km/h.

Adding to its fuel efficiency technology is the second generation Stop and Start system connected to the electronically controlled manual six-speed sequential gearbox. A 7 inch LCD screen displays the operating status of the hybrid powertrain in real time.

Along with that, an energy recovery system harnesses the kinetic energy that is created through slowing down and sends it to the Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. This is stored under the boot floor next to the electric motor. Conversion to a diesel-electric hybrid has added almost 120kg to the 3008.

Getting the best from the crossover will be the use of 4 driving modes. The ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode runs on pure electricity, suitable for things like getting out of a car park, while the 4WD mode uses both engines to operate together as far as possible. The Auto mode is optimized to make the best switch between the diesel and electric engine to maximize economy. Sport mode on the other hand, gives you all 200 horses from both engines with quicker gear changes at higher speeds.

The exterior will feature LED daytime running light bars, a SUV-like large front grille, chrome accents, and 17 inch Oltis alloy wheels along with the black and chrome protective trims on the lower sections. This is also the first 3008 to receive the company’s new badge.

The interior is pretty much standard 3008 fare with a few differences such as the Hybrid4 emblem on the gear lever and the the 7 inch colour display.

The company’s Multiflex interior provides room for the batteries and also offers a load capacity of 420 litres with 66 litres under the boot floor. This can be extended to 1501 litres with the second row seats folded up.

Thanks to the hybrid powertrain, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 only sips 3.8 litres of fuel for every 100km traveled, and has a CO2 emission figure of just 99g/km. Peugeot plan to stick this powertrain in other models and the closest would be the 508 models out next year. European sales of the car will start in the second quarter of next year.

Look after the jump for high resolution pictures of the 3008 Hybrid4.
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First image of Lotus-badged EMAS global small car

August 24, 2010 at 3:34 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Lotus, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton EMAS Concept

Proton yesterday unveiled some new images of the Proton EMAS Concept alongside with a Lotus-badged version. Both cars will be aimed at very different markets, with different powertrain combinations, while still sharing the same basic platform allowing better economies of scale.

Above you have a rendering of what a Lotus version could look like, and I’m using the word could because no one indicated that this was a production photo. From our understanding, the Lotus Global Small Car will be positioned at a premium, with a shorter wheelbase and a three-door hatch body compared to the Proton badged version.

Possible powertrains include a plug-in EV or series hybrid with range extender (Lotus Omnivore) or a turbocharged small engine of around 1.2 litres of capacity or lower. Benchmark models for this car are vehicles like the MINI EV or the electric Smart.

This particular photo is an update of what the production Proton global small car based on the 5-door Proton EMAS could look like. As you can see the design has been revised compared to the one first shown in Geneva 2010 and later at the Proton 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

This one looks like it has inched closer to being a production design and the front end looks sharper and sportier, with the headlamps angled upwards. You can compare this design with the original Proton EMAS Concept design below:

Proton’s benchmark for their new global small car is vehicles such as the Toyota Aygo or the Nissan March – practical and youthful at the same time. Proton is looking at installing a small and fuel efficient engine to go with this car, and they are also exploring diesel options for the Indian market.

341 Comments      

Honda Civic moved to archives on Honda Japan website – next generation coming soon?

August 24, 2010 at 12:08 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda

There’s something very interesting happening over at Honda Japan’s website – the 8th generation Honda Civic have been removed from all the car line-up pages. The only reference to the Civic can now only be found under ‘Archives’ area. The page linked in the previous line lists the 8th generation as having a lifespan of 2007/09 to 2010/08! The Civic Hybrid based on the 8th generation car remains to be listed.

What does this mean? Only one thing – Honda is likely going to unveil the 9th generation Honda Civic very soon, since they’ve sort of ‘phased out’ the 8th generation non-hybrid sedan in Japan. Thanks to reader Calvin/lanarshad@8GCC for the tip!

130 Comments      

Hyundai Sime Darby Special Hari Raya Promotion

August 24, 2010 at 12:01 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Local News

In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) are offering customers discounted parts and labour when servicing their car as part of the “Special Hari Raya Service Promotion”.

Emphasizing on safety in relation to the long balik kampung journeys, Hyundai will give each of their customers a discount of up to 20 percent on selected parts and 10 to 15 percent off on labour. This is dependent on the amount spent on parts. As you would expect, only certified Hyundai service outlets will offer this promotion from the 20th of August till the 9th of September, using only genuine parts manufactured according Hyundai specifications.

Customers participating in the campaign will also receive a free mystery gift. Further details are available from your respective service centres and dealers.

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