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Lotus Evora S and Evora automatic due at Paris 2010

August 17, 2010 at 2:29 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Lotus


Coming soon – an Evora without a clutch pedal…

A certain “e-mail malfunction” has revealed that Lotus will be unveiling two new variants of the Lotus Evora at its 10,000 square feet stand at the 2010 Paris Motor Show alongside some new mysterious cars (which should include a new Esprit) that is apparently so hush-hush that it isn’t being discussed openly even internally in e-mails.

The two new variants are the Lotus Evora S and the Lotus Evora Automatic. The first is presumably a variant of the Evora that’s had its 3.5 litre Toyota V6 boosted up in terms of horsepower and torque via a supercharger, and the latter mentioned model is quite self-explanatory – an Evora with an automatic transmission. The Evora is currently available only with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The e-mail goes on to say that both cars will be tearing up the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife from tomorrow for 3 days – we should see some spyshots soon!

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BHPetrol Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97 feature new German-engineered Advanced Additive Compound

August 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

Remember those print ads in the newspapers that say “German engineering at its best” or something like that? Quite a few readers have wrote in to ask about what the ad was talking about. Turns out it’s got nothing to do with a new car – it’s actually a pre-launch teaser for BHPetrol’s new fuels! I was quite surprised when I found out today.

BHPetrol has launched an updated version of their RON95 and RON97 fuel today. The new formulation is called BHPetrol Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and BHPetrol Infiniti Advanced2X 97 and features a new additive from a German chemical company which BHPetrol calls the Advanced Additive Compound, or AAC.

According to the German chemical supplier which supplies fuel additives to quite a lot of fuel companies around the world, BHPetrol is the first customer for the new AAC additive in the region. Of course, BHPetrol has once again stuck to its “double strength” formula, adding 800ppm of the AAC additive to both its RON95 and RON97 fuel, which is the maximum recommended treat rate for each drop of fuel.


Click for enlarged image

Rather than just use the test results from the German chemical supplier to shout about its new formulation, BHPetrol had actually sent barrels of our local Euro 2M RON95 and RON97 fuel to Europe for testing. After all, testing by the German supplier would have used European fuel, which is of course different from Malaysian fuel. To get the most accurate results which represents what Malaysian consumers would get, Malaysian spec fuel would have to be used. Using a Mercedes-Benz engine running a 60 hour CEC standard test, the cleaning power of AAC was tested and the results above are self-explanatory. The new BHPetrol formulation knocked intake valve deposit levels down to a 3mg/valve.

Here’s a few videos for you to watch as well. I’m sure those who have been watching Driven will be glad that BHPetrol has revised their ads and fuel branding graphics with the new fuel formulation and you won’t have to watch the same “Father and Son” ad every time you watch Driven :P The BHPetrol team also put on a laser show at the launch earlier today so we’ve recorded that so that whoever wasn’t there can watch it.

BHPetrol is also having a contest in conjunction with the launch of the new petrol. All you have to do is fill up a minimum of RM30 of the new petrol (you need to be an ecard member as well) and you’ll be able to stand a chance to win a W204 Mercedes-Benz C200. Watch the video below as Sharizan explains how to join the contest.


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VW to CKD three models, roll out by first quarter of 2011

August 16, 2010 at 1:04 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

Here’s more news on the Volkswagen-DRB-Hicom local assembly project. There has been lots of guessing and counter guessing in our previous post revealing the deal, but we now know that there will be THREE models assembled at DRB’s Pekan plant. Bernama also quotes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as saying that the CKD VWs will roll out by the end of the first quarter next year (Q1, 2011).

“I’ve always been monitoring the developments involving DRB-Hicom and during my recent vacation, I took the opportunity to meet the Volkswagen officials and ask them whether they were till keen to establish cooperation with DRB-Hicom,” Najib told DRB-Hicom management and staff at a Ramadan gathering over the weekend.

“Actually, they were waiting for the indication from me whether they could sign the agreement with DRB-Hicom or not,” added our PM, who is also Member of Parliament for Pekan.

Najib revealed that Volkswagen requested for incentives from the Government to make its Malaysian operations the export base for the ASEAN region. “This needs to be studied and approved by the government,” he said.

Source

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Jaguar XJ75 Platinum shows off customisation potential

August 16, 2010 at 11:50 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Jaguar

Jaguar is 75 this year, and as part of a year long anniversary celebration, Jaguar’s design team has created this XJ75 Platinum Concept, a one-off that was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance Concept Car Lawn over the weekend. It may look a bit overdone to some, but that’s because the XJ75 serves as a demonstration of the customisation potential of the new XJ limo.

Wearing a striking white and black contrast theme, the XJ75 Platinum is a 470 hp/575 Nm Supercharged XJ with new front, rear and side sills. Painted in Satin Matte Pearlescent White, standard chrome elements have been changed to either dark chrome or gloss black. The unique 22-inch wheels are in black and use a brushed contrast finish.

The contrast theme continues inside with gloss pearlescent white air vents, veneers and diamond stitch suede inserts to the seats and headliner, set against the backdrop of a full “Jet Softgrain” leather interior. Suede and leather accents are sprinkled throughout the interior.

Notice that the centre console houses a bespoke clock by Bremont. An independent British company, Bremont creates mechanical watches that are hand assembled in Switzerland. Entertainment is provided by a 1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 20 speakers via 15 channels.

“From a pure design perspective, the XJ75 is foremost about emphasising the striking proportion and presence of the new XJ, with a distilled black and white theme, which conjures up the sense of precious platinum. At the same time, the pure sporting character of XJ is brought to the fore by keeping the car’s clean graphic approach and further lowering its stance,” said Jaguar XJ Chief Designer Giles Taylor.

More pics after the jump.
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Valentino Rossi moves to Ducati, signs two-year deal

August 16, 2010 at 9:51 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Bikes, Ducati, Yamaha

The rumours have been circulating for quite some time, but it’s now confirmed that the seven-time MotoGP champ has left Yamaha to join Ducati, signing a two-year deal with the Italian team. Rossi has been with Yamaha for seven years, a successful period that saw him win four world championships and 45 grands prix. At Ducati, he will replace Casey Stoner who will go to Honda next year. Ducati’s other rider is American Nicky Hayden.

Rumours of Rossi leaving was first heard last autumn, when The Doctor sounded that Yamaha must ultimately choose between him or young hotshot teammate Jorge Lorenzo, as he did not believe in two equal number one riders. He hinted that Ducati will be the destination should he quit Yamaha. Here’s the romantic Italian bidding a sad farewell to his Japanese lover:

“It is very difficult to explain in just a few words what my relationship with Yamaha has been in these past seven years. Many things have changed since that far-off time in 2004, but especially ‘she’, my M1, has changed. At that time she was a poor middle-grid position MotoGP bike, derided by most of the riders and the MotoGP workers. Now, after having helped her to grow and improve, you can see her smiling in her garage, courted and admired, treated as the ‘top of the class’.

“Now the moment has come to look for new challenges; my work here at Yamaha is finished. Unfortunately even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories, like when my M1 and I kissed for the first time on the grass at Welkom, when she looked straight in my eyes and told me ‘I love you!’”

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Ariel Atom spotted on a trailer in Cheras!

August 15, 2010 at 11:42 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars


Click for enlarged image

Our very own Harvinder Sidhu was strolling down the main road in Taman Lenseng Cheras yesterday when he suddenly did a double take at this durian stall just opposite the Petronas station. There was a very interesting car there on a trailer being towed by a Volvo XC90. It was none other than an Ariel Atom, with the classic black and orange paint job.

There must be something about this durian stall, the last time we saw a Ferrari 430 parked there while the owner was buying durians as well. Or maybe who knows. the same guy owns this Ariel Atom, the Ferrari, and the durian stall itself! Apparently there was even some durians in the “cockpit” of the Atom, I suppose better to keep them there in the open air cockpit rather than in the Volvo XC90 and have the smell trapped in the Volvo. One of the funkiest uses of an Ariel Atom ever!

But this rare baby has definitely been driven – the tyre threads show some use although they are still very new. Wonder where the lucky owner bought this baby from, either he imported it in here himself or he bought it in Singapore where there’s an official dealer.

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Volkswagen to work with DRB-Hicom on CKD project!

August 14, 2010 at 3:45 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has shown that its plans to assemble cars in Malaysia need not involve Proton or the national carmaker’s Tanjung Malim plant by inking a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DRB-HICOM “to collaborate on the assembly and manufacturing of VW vehicles in Malaysia”.

The MoU was signed at Volkswagen Centre Singapore by DRB’s group MD Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil and Volkswagen’s senior vice president, group manufacturing overseas, Dr Christof Spathelf and its head of sales for China and Asean, Soh Wei Ming.

“This MoU is the culmination of intense discussions and both parties anticipate the production of the CKD models in Malaysia,” Khamil said. He added that the pact also included strengthening Volkswagen’s existing sales activities and market presence in the country. Locally assembled VWs will roll out from DRB’s Pekan plant in Pahang.

The group will also look at engaging the full participation of its component manufacturing companies, in a move to support Volkswagen’s localisation programme, in line with the National Automotive Policy, the DRB boss added.

UPDATE: Three models to be assembled, roll out in Q1 2011. Click here to view post.

Source

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Toyota, GM, BMW, Nissan affected in South African strikes

August 13, 2010 at 5:49 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News


Automakers might have to scout for new “cheap labour” locations after South African auto workers joined their counterparts in China by launching a strike demanding for higher pay. Toyota, Nissan, GM and BMW were among carmakers affected by the strikes.

Luxury brand BMW closed its Rosslyn factory outside Pretoria, losing production of about 250 cars a day, company spokesman Guy Kilfoil revealed. At the same town, Nissan’s shut plant is losing 220 vehicles a day. Over at Port Elizabeth, GM stopped its assembly lines. Toyota, the world’s top automaker, halted output at its Durban plant, which produces the Corolla, Hiace, Fortuner and Hilux, losing 520 units a day.

As a whole, South African car factories will lose production of more than 2,100 vehicles a day because of a the strike, the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organization (AMEO) said. About half of that output is destined for export markets. South Africa’s car and car-part makers are the biggest manufacturing exporters in the country, accounting for about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Carmakers have offered a 7% pay rise in a three-year agreement. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa wants a one-year agreement and increases in bonuses and sick-leave pay. NUMSA estimates that 31,000 workers participated in the open-ended strike.

Union demands are “unrealistic and do not take into account the highly competitive nature of the global auto industry, as well as our relative lack of competitiveness when comparing our costs to auto manufacturers in other countries,” AMEO was quoted as saying.

Source

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BMW “30 years GS” bikes are here, priced from RM75,500

August 13, 2010 at 4:08 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Local News

BMW Group Malaysia has introduced four special edition bikes to celebrate the 30th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s GS models. The “30 Years GS models” are based on the BMW R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS and F 650 GS.

Features exclusive to this anniversary edition include Alpine White non-metallic paint with three-colored decals, “30 Years GS” badging, cross-spoke wheels with their spoke rings in black epoxy finish and hand protectors. The eye catching seat is finished in red with a three-dimensional GS mark embossed on its sides. The Adventure model is fitted with a two-tone red and black seat.

Besides those, 5 units of the BMW HP2 Sport Motorsport have been brought in. The Sport Motorsport distinguishes itself from its HP2 Sport predecessor by having its body painted in the BMW Motorsport colours. Further to this, forged aluminium wheels in Lupine Blue at the front and Alpine White at the rear, exclusive special edition green and black start number areas on the seat body, as well as special factory stickers provide further indication.

This sport bike’s flat twin DOHC engine produces 133 hp at 8,750 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Racing tech consist of the closely synchronised gearbox with shift assistant, fully adjustable Öhlins sports suspension, Brembo braking system and a 2D dashboard similar to the ones seen in MotoGP.

For the 30 Years GS range, the R 1200 GS is priced at RM119,000 while the R 1200 GS Adventure comes in at RM125,500. Long haul tourer F 800 GS goes for RM88,000 while the smaller F 650 GS is priced at RM75,500. The HP2 Sport Motorsport will cost you RM163,888.

Picture gallery after the jump.
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Audi Gentleman’s Racer concept – powerful beauty

August 13, 2010 at 12:28 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

Audi used to be part of Auto Union, which represented four German manufacturers and was established in 1936. The company, like its German counterpart Mercedes, enjoyed a rich racing history within the Silver Arrows period – named so due to silver German cars’ domination of motoring events. One of the most notable Auto Union race cars was the C-Type. Here, an Audi fan took it upon himself to create a modern interpretation which he called Audi Gentleman’s Racer.

Mikael Lugnegard, a freelance designer, developed a concept inspired by American hot rods. In the concept, he combines design lines that is now synonymous with Audi, along with the most recognizable thing about Audis today, which is their front grille. This shows up in the concept albeit being slightly elongated.

When a design is created in the mind with no regards to financial viability, anything is possible. Thus a performance driven approach was taken and Audi’s lightweight aluminium spaceframe is used for the chassis, Ohlins racing suspension system, Brembo brakes and a body entirely made out of carbon fibre.

Powering this lightweight hot rod, will be the 5.2-litre V10 found in the R8 V10, which in stock form pumps out 525 horses, which will go straight to the rear wheels. A specialised gentlemen’s race car should have the luxuries, and no expense seems to have been spared with the use of carbon fibre, aluminium and Alcantara leather for the interior. Catch more beauty shots of the hot rod in a picture gallery after the jump.
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