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Lamborghini may not unveil Murcielago replacement in Paris, just a concept

September 24, 2010 at 9:35 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Lamborghini

Further speculation and rumour has pointed to the fact that Lamborghini may not be introducing the Murcielago replacement in Paris, but instead just a demonstrator concept vehicle, according to publication autoguide.com. This would actually shed some light on the teaser pictures that the Italian company has been releasing recently. One indicated the possibility of a V10 engine, while another showed a dash made out of just carbon fibre and nothing else. Plus the design of the top dash looked a little too futuristic for a production model.

Other reports seem to point to a different direction as 0-60 magazine reported that during a Lamborghini dealer’s meeting in the US, the agenda for Paris included the unveiling of the V12 Lamborghini LB715-5 and the Lamborghini 83X, which is said to be the Gallardo replacement. Is this one for the rumour mill or to be actually considered as fact? At this point, it is best for you to decide. What ever it is, we can be sure that we’ll be getting something completely new in Paris.

Even if it is a concept car, Lamborghini will definitely make use of either the technology or design for future models. Hence it is still something to look forward to. Catch all these when our man in Paris brings you the latest at the end of this month. Teaser pictures available after the jump.

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Subaru to debut 3rd generation boxer engine next year

September 24, 2010 at 9:25 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under International News, Subaru, Technology

Fuji Heavy Industries, the owners of Subaru has developed a new and improved boxer engine for the Japanese auto brand. This will be the third generation model of the four-cylinder gasoline engine and it has been renewed for the first time since 1989. Accommodating this new engine, the company has built the new Gunma Oizumi Plant just for this purpose. Available in either in 2500 cc or 2000 cc forms, the engine still maintains lightweight, compact, low centre of gravity and good vibration balance. In addition to that fuel efficiency has improved by 10 percent.

Changes on the inside of this completely new engine include a more compact combustion chamber as well as a longer stroke, previously difficult due to chassis mounting conditions. There upgrades are said to improve combustion efficiency and help generate a sufficient mid-low speed torque with improved fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency has been further optimized with improved intake port configuration and the addition of partitions inside the port, the use of TGV (Tumble Generated Valve) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).

The engine also uses AVCS (Active Valve Control System) on both the intake and exhaust valves. The intake particularly will benefit from an intermediate lock system that allows valve timing to be advanced or delayed for precise control over intake and exhaust valve timing. Apart from that, the engine employs lighter moving parts such as pistons, connecting rods and a compact oil pump, which provides approximately 30 percent reduction in friction loss.

The cooling for the engine uses a separate circuitry for the block and the head, which again improves fuel efficiency and output levels. The company also pointed out that the new 2.0 litre boxer can produce 146hp and 196Nm of torque. The new engine is expected to debut with the 2011 Forester, due next year.

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Fourth-gen Mitsubishi Pajero launched – 3.8 V6, RM290K

September 23, 2010 at 9:02 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi

The legend is back, they say. And after a long absence from Malaysian soil, the Mitsubishi Pajero was launched this evening at the Carcosa. This fourth-generation model isn’t just the tough, no nonsense jungle basher as many remember it to be, but a 4X4 that combines go-anywhere ability with luxury.

We’ve driven it already, but if you missed that test drive report, the Pajero is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 250 PS and 329 Nm of torque, made at 2,750 rpm. This SOHC engine with MIVEC is paired to an INVECS-II five-speed automatic gearbox with Sports mode manual override.

Power is laid down to the surface via Mitsu’s Super Select 4WD II system. SS4-II offers four driver selectaable modes for various road conditions – 2H mode for the best economy, 4H mode for better traction, 4HLc with locked centre differential (equal power to all four wheels) and 4LLc, which is like 4HLc plus low range gears for you to crawl out of the most extreme situations. 4H is the standard operating mode (default torque split is 33:67) and the three high range modes can be shifted “on the fly” at speeds up to 100 km/h.

The Pajero’s Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) uses a network of sensors to collect real time data and monitor the vehicle status and steering angle. This data is then used to regulate brake force and drive torque for individual wheels to improve handling and stability. ASTC is integrated with Multi-mode ABS and EBD. The Pajero comes with front, side and curtain airbags.

The equipment highlight is a Rockford Acoustic Design sound system with 12 speakers, 860-watt amplifier, digital signal processor and a 5.1 channel theatre surround. The centre stack also houses a centre information display that shows fuel economy, elevation, compass, outside temperature, a calendar and customisable clock, among other things.

Other standard kit include leather seats (fronts are powered), automatic climate control, rear air con with roof and floor vents for second and third row occupants, sunroof, cruise control, keyless entry, auto levelling HID headlamps with washer, 18-inch alloys, aluminium pedals plus automatic lights and wipers. This CBU from Japan Pajero is priced at RM289,980 OTR with insurance, which is reasonable compared to other SUVs with big engines sold here.

Live images from the launch after the jump.
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Turbocharged Proton Exora to debut next year, facelift version of an existing model to be launched this year

September 23, 2010 at 5:48 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Lotus, Malaysian Makes, Proton

It has been widely reported previously that Proton will be introducing a turbocharged engine sometime next year and the Exora would be the first vehicle to run the engine. Proton has reiterated it’s intentions yet again. The company has confirmed to Bernama that it will debut the force-inducted engine with the Exora MPV next year.

Speaking to reporters after the company’s annual general meeting, group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal said, “The engine will support Proton’s future products in relation to extending enhanced performance, emissions and quality standards.’ He also added that the performance of the engine would be equivalent to a 2.0 litre engine.

He did not reveal further details about the engine, but we can expect it to be based on the 1.6 Campro, with or without CPS. Syed Zainal also mentioned that Proton will launch a facelift version of an existing model before end of the year. This could well be the Saga facelift, as we have recently spotted a taped-up version near Bukit Jelutong. As reported previously, the new Proton Waja will be introduced this year as well. Based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, the new model would carry a slightly higher price tag as it will be offered with better performance and features.

He also spoke about Proton’s involvement in the hybrid and electric vehicles arena. “Proton has started on the development of the hybrid and electric vehicles which are currently being subjected to performance evaluation, testing and safety assessment,” were his exact words. The company has already showcased the Saga EV in Indonesia and we have also seen the Exora Hybrid demonstrator vehicle.

Proton also expects to better it’s export figures compared to the last fiscal year as interest in China, Thailand and Indonesia is growing. The company’s chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh also went on to confirm that Proton has no intention to off-load Lotus at the moment. “We have no intention to dispose of Lotus at this point in time. By having Lotus within the group we will have better benefit,” he assured.

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Toyota Corolla Altis launched – RM106K to RM132K!

September 23, 2010 at 1:05 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota


UPDATE: Official images of all variants added!

You’ve heard about it, seen the pictures, and have read TWO test drive reports from us – and now the facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis is officially launched. UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) president Kuah Kock Heng rolled back the cloth at the company’s Subang 3S Centre minutes ago.

For a minor change (Toyota speak for facelift), the Altis features extensive changes which include new drivetrains across the board and a new 2.0-litre range topper. The CBU from Thailand range starts from a 1.6E (RM105,990), 1.8E (RM112,990), 1,8G (RM122,990) to the RM131,990 2.0V. Prices are on the road including insurance.

The ZZ series of engines have been replaced by the ZR range, which have twin cams, 16 valves and most significantly, Dual VVT-i. Compared to the ZZ series, the new engines feature, among other things, a roller rocker arm for the valve mechanism, diagonal squish combustion chamber, thin and long reach spark plugs, shell type exhaust manifold, resin long port intake manifold and much reduced friction.

Figures are up. The 1.6-litre has 120 PS and 154 Nm (up by 11 PS/9 Nm), the 1.8-litre has 140 PS and 173 Nm (up by 8 PS/3 Nm) while the new 2.0-litre model gets 147 PS and 187 Nm of torque from a relatively low 3,600 rpm. It’s interesting to note that while the Civic 2.0 has 1 Nm more at 188 Nm, it’s made almost 1,000 rpm higher at 4,500 rpm. In any case, the 2.0V gives good performance, as we found out over test drives on the road and track. The 1.8 and 2.0 have Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS), a variable intake manifold system that works to optimise power/torque throughout the rev range.

The smallest engine sticks with a 4-speed auto, but 1.8 and 2.0 variants get Toyota’s Super CVT-i gearbox. This stepless transmission has seven virtual ratios in a manual mode, and the 2.0′s three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel has shift paddles. Toyota claims improved fuel economy – the new 1.8 is 15% more frugal, while the 1.6 should be 10% less thirsty than before. An ECO indicator light is a new feature that motivates you to drive efficiently. The Optitron meters in the 1.8G and 2.0V feature another ECO bar display in the trip computer.

No major reconstruction, but the Altis’ looks are now sharper and more Camry-like. The 2.0V gets a single bar grille in dark grey to differentiate it from the chrome double bar unit on the others. The range topper also gets HID headlamps with smoked lenses. Inside, dark wood trim with matte finish replaces shiny wood in the 1.8G and 2.0V, while the seat fabric design is new in the other models.

Click here for the review. Full specs and images after the jump.
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Rolls Royce to showcase luxury customization in Paris

September 23, 2010 at 12:07 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Rolls Royce

The Paris Motor Show will be the place for Rolls Royce to showcase their extensive individualization programme. The company unlike most manufacturers, gives owners a little bit more to play with in terms of interior luxuries and the company will be showcasing just that in Paris.

Promoting this programme, the luxury brand has rolled out a bevy of models wearing their customized trinkets. This will include a Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Gunmetal metallic with Sunrise leather interior, a Carrara White metallic Phantom Drophead Coupé with Hotspur Red leather interior and a Phantom Coupe and two Ghost models.

Apart from the customized look, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase will feature a seat piping, mother of pearl centres to white instrument dials, control dials and clock face, Rolls-Royce monogram embroidery in all head restraints and personalized tread plates inscribed with Mondial de l’Automobile Paris 2010. Look after the jump for a picture gallery of the customized look.
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VIDEO: 2012 Mercedes CLS impresses the kids

September 23, 2010 at 12:05 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz, Videos

Mercedes has just released a new ad for the 2012 Mercedes CLS, which was just recently unveiled. In the video, three kids enjoy the look of the new CLS so much that they can’t help but stop the car at a set of traffic lights to get a better look.

Something that I’ve done on a number of occasions, but I must admit it was never for a CLS. A simple glance would do for me. Mercedes are obviously trying to bank on the new looks of the 2nd generation CLS. As mentioned before, the four door coupe is based on the designs of the Shooting Brake concept. This gives the whole package a more refreshed look, even if it still looks slightly bulky.

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Smart releases offcial pictures of their escooter concept

September 23, 2010 at 12:04 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, smart

Smart has just released official pictures of their escooter concept. Looks wise, it sports LED lights, solar cells and a green/white paint scheme. The scooter uses a 48-volt lithium ion battery pack, which gives it an approximate range of 100 kilometres over a single charge. When juice does run out, a normal household socket could be used to recharge the batteries.

In terms of performance you can expect the scooter to reach a top speed of 45km/h, as it is driven by a disc shaped wheel hub motor in the rear wheel with an output of 4kW/5.3hp. Apart from the powertrain, Smart say that the chassis structure is based on the tridion safety cell of the Smart Fortwo”, with the use of swappable plastic body panels.

Other features available with the Smart escooter are anti lock brakes, Blind Spot Assist and an airbag that is tucked under the handle bar paneling. Just like the Mini E Scooter, the Smart escooter also has a compartment for an iPhone. It replaces the normal instrument panel and gives you speed, range, battery status and it can also act as a navigation system. An image gallery is available after the jump.
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Citroen Survolt concept takes on the Agni Z2 electric bike!

September 23, 2010 at 12:04 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, Citroën, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Videos

The battle of the electrics has commenced! The all-electric Citroen Survolt concept recently went head to head with the fully electric Agni Z2 motorbike, at UK’s Thruxton Race Circuit. Behind the wheel of the Citroen Survolt was none other than Le Mans racer Vanina Ickx and piloting the electric bike was British superbike racer Jenny Tinmouth.

The Survolt concept as we know, is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in under 5 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 260km/h thanks to it’s 220kW/300hp twin electric motors. It’s 31kW lithium ion batteries allow the Survolt to offer up to 200 kilometers in terms of driving range.

The Agni Z2 is no slouch either, even if it only produces about 50kW/65hp from its electric motor, it gets to the 100km/h mark in just 3.5 seconds! The two-wheeler’s top speed is figured at 209km/h.

Catch the video of the two ladies of motorsport in action, as they take their electric monsters round the track. But don’t expect to hear the screams of roaring engines, just the whine of electric motors. Look for a picture gallery and a video after the jump.

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Mini E Scooter concept – official pictures revealed!

September 23, 2010 at 11:25 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

BMW MINI have just released official pictures of the MINI electric concept scooter set for a Paris debut. The BMW-owned company is said to be showcasing the fully electric scooter in three trims. This will be made up of one that resembles the MINI E electric car, another sporting the classic British racing green and the final representing UK’s Mod subculture.

Up until now the only information we’ve got about the powertrain is that it will employ a lithium ion battery. Other features include headlights and mirror design that is inspired by the Mini Cooper. There will also be a compartment for you to slot your Smartphone, that can be used as a sat nav device.

Look for pictures after the jump.
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