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Toyota to go turbocharger and direct injection downsized engine route for next generation vehicles

November 24, 2010 at 2:48 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

While European automakers have gone the engine downsizing and forced induction route for an entire generation of cars now, Asian automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Mazda have not fully embraced the idea yet.

The only Asian carmaker that has announced a small displacement downsized engine that I can remember in the past year is Nissan with their MR16DDT 1.6 litre and H4Jt 1.4 litre inline-4 turbocharged engines, and i suspect even that is because of Renault influence. Honda dabbled with a turbocharged 2.3 litre i-VTEC turbo 4-potter for the US market but they’ve not announced a new internal combustion engine in a very long time, which is a little disappointing for a car company who used to be known for their engines. Their last major announcement was AVTEC and then nothing!

But with the latest round of Euro emission standards coming around we are starting to see this change as Toyota have just announced that it intends to increase the Toyota fleet’s fuel efficiency via turbochargers and direct fuel injection in smaller vehicles. According to Toyota executive vice president in charge of R&D Takeshi Uchiyamada, turbochargers and direct injection will soon be a regular feature in the entire Toyota line-up, including bread and butter models like the Corolla and the Camry.

The new 1.33 litre 1NR-FE featured in cars like the Euro market Auris, Yaris, iQ could be a prime candidate to receive this technology. It’s Toyota’s newest 4 cylinder engine family and features Dual VVT-i and auto start-stop technology. The high compression ratio of 11.5:1 would have to be brought down to something like 9.5:1 to 10.5:1 of course.

From the normally aspirated 101hp and 132Nm at a lowish 3,800rpm, we could see it brought up to something like 130hp-150hp and 180Nm-200Nm to replace the bigger engines in the Corolla.

Source

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Porsche invests 150 million euros to upgrade R&D centre

November 24, 2010 at 1:20 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Porsche

Porsche will invest around 150 million euros in a long-term strategic site plan for its R&D centre in Weissach. The money will go to building a high-tech wind tunnel, design centre and an electronics integration centre, among other facilities. The sports car maker also plans to recruit 100 more engineers.

“The new system will help us to maintain Porsche’s top position in the fields of aerodynamics and design and to further extend our lead. Outstanding design with optimal aerodynamic efficiency have always been classic Porsche strongholds,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche board member for R&D.

The wind tunnel will have direct access from the adjacent design studio, and separate entrances for the discrete completion of customer development projects, according to Porsche.

The new studio will offer more space for designers, who are involved from the earliest concept phase of the vehicle development process. Sub-areas which were previously scattered around Porsche’s Weissach site can now be grouped in the future electronics integration centre.

“This spatial proximity is a major advantage. The close interaction of our suppliers’ various electrical system/electronics experts and colleagues from related specialist fields during development will contribute significantly to the success of our work, particularly in the case of electronics, which now play a role in virtually every vehicle component,” Dürheimer explains.

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Facelifted Opel/Vauxhall Corsa is a big fan of the Mazda2!

November 24, 2010 at 12:00 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Opel, Vauxhall

Opel has facelifted its Corsa supermini (Vauxhall Corsa in the UK), which first came on the scene in 2006. GM’s 2011 model year B-segment contender to the Polo, Clio and Fiesta gets a “sportier, expressive look” to cloak the internal updates for 2010 cars, which got new engines, upgraded suspension and retuned steering.

The facelift re-proportions the upper and lower grilles. The lower one is wider and taller to visually widen the car. In addition, a mesh grille design replaces the current horizontal bars while the chrome “wings” of the Opel logo is bigger. The German brand has also added “eagle eye” headlamps along with signature wing-shaped daylight lamps that made their debut in the Insignia. Six new alloy designs and a larger Opel Blitz logo at the rear are included as well.

There are also new fog lamp units with “integrated chrome blades” that really reminds me of the Mazda2; the green colour on the Corsa helps the visual link to its Japanese classmate too. What do you think? See the familiar smiley face?

All variants have been updated with new trim or fabrics. The new Touch & Connect navigation system has a five-inch touch screen that displays both 2D and 3D bird view maps from SD navigation cards. Features include an option to choose the most ecological route and the proposal of alternative routes when faced with traffic, even when navigation is not active. It’s Bluetooth, iPod and USB compatible, too.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

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Useful contacts and more in Goodyear Highway Helper app

November 24, 2010 at 10:42 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

Goodyear Malaysia has launched the Goodyear Highway Helper iPhone app that can be download from Apple iTunes. The free app provides users with quick access to useful contacts such as emergency help, police, tow trucks and taxis. It also contains car maintenance advice, safe driving tips and troubleshooting guides, games and dealer search functions.

“We developed the iPhone app to provide added value to our customers, especially when they need it the most. It’s not only informative, but also entertaining as well, with games that can be shared amongst friends on Facebook,” said Nasution Abdul Rahman, MD of Goodyear Malaysia.

Along with the app, Goodyear Malaysia has also revamped their corporate website. Besides aesthetics, the website now has a “Request for Quote” function where once can search for the right tyres to fit a particular make or model of car, and get quotes for easier reference.

This feature also allows consumers to check and compare prices online and across stores before making a final purchase. Locating dealers is now made easier with Google Maps.

Get the Goodyear Highway Helper iPhone app here. Goodyear Malaysia’s web address is www.goodyear.com.my.

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Lexus Malaysia launches LS 600 h L and RX 450 h hybrids

November 24, 2010 at 8:00 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Lexus, Local News

lexus 600 1

It’s highly unlikely that anyone who can spend just a shade under a million for a vehicle would really be that mindful of just how much that ride consumes, but here it is anyway, a hybrid luxury sedan that gobbles up less fuel and goes gentler on your wallet.

Okay, so maybe that’s not quite the way to look at it. How about a “doing your part for the environment while ensconced in the lap of luxury” bit then?

lexus 450 1

Well, how about both, since the Lexus LS 600 h L manages the above in equal measure, and in inimitable style at that. The flagship hybrid luxury sedan is Lexus Malaysia’s latest introduction into the market, and making it a double do for the higher-end hybrid movement is the introduction of the RX 450 h SUV as well. Which of course earns Toyota the bragging rights as the first player to have three hybrids in the country, two of them luxury units.

Full story and gallery of launch photos after the jump.
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Nasim-built Peugeot 207 Sedan to be exported to Thailand

November 23, 2010 at 7:22 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Local News, Peugeot

Nasim will begin exporting the Peugeot 207 Sedan to Thailand with an initial batch of 44 units, with the first units to be delivered early this month and the entire order fulfilled by January next year. After Thailand, Nasim also intends to export the car to Indonesia, Brunei and Sri Lanka by Q1 2011.

“This is the first step towards expanding the Peugeot brand’s presence in the region and making Malaysia its right-hand drive production hub. We at Nasim are pleased to note that there has been encouraging response for the 207 at home and we believe it will be a success in other markets in the region as well,” said Nasim CEO SM Nasarudin.

The Thai distributor for Peugeot is European Motor Cars Co Ltd, and the new 207 Sedan will be featured at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo from Dec 1 to Dec 12.

Related Posts:
Peugeot 207 Sedan Malaysian Launch Report
Peugeot 207 Sedan – our first drive impressions

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Mahindra-Ssangyong deal to be done by March 2011

November 23, 2010 at 6:23 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Koreans, Ssangyong

It’s official – South Korean SUV maker Ssangyong will be 70% owned by India’s largest SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, after a US$378 million deal goes through pending approval from Ssangyong’s creditors. The deal is expected to be concluded in March next year. It looks like Ssangyong’s ownership is passing from one superpower to another – China failed to do much with it, now it’s India’s turn :)

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‘New Toyota Rush’ specs, price released on UMWT website

November 23, 2010 at 4:33 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

There’s going to be a ‘new’ Toyota Rush coming our way soon, as previewed on UMW Toyota’s website, which has the car’s specs and expected pricing. Like the current car, there will be three variants available – 1.5G Manual, 1.5G Auto and the highest spec 1.5S, which can only be had as an auto.

The drivetrain will be unchanged. The Rush is powered by the 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre VVT-i engine with 109 PS and 141 Nm of torque made at 4,400 rpm. The auto ‘box it’s mated to is a gated four-speed unit and drive goes to the rear wheels – the Rush is a 2WD. Despite the SUV looks, this seven-seater’s underpinnings are adapted from the Avanza. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear lateral rod while brakes are front discs and rear drums. All variants ride on 215/65 R16 tyres.

Spec wise, the 1.5G (RM88,190 for manual, RM91,190 for auto, OTR with insurance) models makes do with just a driver’s airbag. For ABS, EBD and passenger’s airbag one needs to look at the RM96,990 1.5S model. The ‘S’ also comes with leather steering and gear knob, power retractable wing mirrors, rear spoiler with LED brake light, fog lamps and projector headlamps.

It looks like they’ve upgraded the stereo as it’s now a 2-DIN unit with MP3/USB/AUX functions (current car’s head unit still has a cassette player!) with steering wheel controls. The interior colour scheme will be changed to “dark” from the current brown/beige. These are standard across the range.

Exterior changes should be subtle and follow that of the 2009 model year JDM Toyota Rush. The prices are slightly increased from the January 2008 launch price of RM85,888, RM88,888 and RM94,888 for the three variants.

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Nissan Teana launched – 2.0, 2.5/3.5 V6, from RM138K!

November 23, 2010 at 1:42 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Nissan


UPDATE: Live gallery from the launch and official images added!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has launched the Teana, its long awaited D-segment challenger earlier today. The Camry/Accord battler is locally assembled (at the Serendah plant) and competitively priced, unlike the previous generation CBU Teana which wasn’t a big seller because it was so much more expensive than its peers. Three engine variants are available: a 2.0L, 2.5L and 3.5L, the latter two are V6 engines.

The entry level 2.0L is powered by the MR20DE engine as found in the Sylphy. As with the C-segment car, the four-cylinder engine with 136 PS and 190 Nm is paired to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox, which has proven itself to be a smooth operator.

For extra motivation, the mid level model is powered by a 2.5-litre V6 engine from the famous VQ series. This 182 PS/228 Nm six-pot engine differs itself from rivals by having two extra cylinders and slightly better power/torque figures. It also comes with the same CVT gearbox as the 2.0L, which has an extra oil cooler with vents next to the fog lamps.

Those who want the ultimate Teana can opt for the 3.5L V6 engined variant (VQ35DE) with 252 PS and 326 Nm of torque. It also comes with Xtronic, but with six virtual ratios in a manual mode and without the above-mentioned oil cooler. Unlike the other two variants, the 3.5L is imported CBU from Japan.

The Teana looks huge from the outside but is actually slightly smaller in footprint than the Accord. The Nissan measures 4,850 mm long and 1,795 mm wide, which is smaller than the Honda’s 4,945/1,845 mm. Wheelbase is 2,775 mm long, just 25 mm less than the Accord’s. Boot volume is 506 litres.

The suspension setup is the conventional front strut, multi link rear combo, while brakes are all discs, with the front ones ventilated. The CKD cars wear 16-inch rubber while the 3.5L gets 17-inch rims with 215/55 tyres.

Equipment wise, the RM138,000 2.0L Comfort comes with ABS/EBD/Brake Assist, dual airbags, auto headlamps, push button ignition, dual-zone air con, 6CD changer with MP3/AUX input and multi-info display as standard. Add RM4,000 for the 2.0L Luxury, which adds on front parking sensors, leather upholstery and V-Kool tint.

Kit wise, the 2.5L V6 is where it really starts. On top of the above, you’ll also enjoy auto levelling xenons, keyless entry and start (Nissan calls it Intelligent Key), front powered seats (8-way adjustable with memory for driver, 4-way for passenger), powered rear sunshade, steering wheel audio controls, side airbags and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control. The price is RM168,000.

Finally, the 3.5L V6 sets itself apart by having perforated and ventilated leather seats (beige coloured, as with other variants) plus an ottoman seat for the front passenger. There are also curtain airbags and a panaromic sunroof on this RM248,500 car. These introductory prices are OTR including insurance and are from now till the end of the year. ETCM has received over 1,000 bookings for the Teana.

Live images from the launch after the jump.
[Read more...]

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Hyundai-Kia nudges past Toyota in Europe

November 23, 2010 at 1:18 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News

hyundai_logo1According to reports, the Hyundai Motor Group overtook Toyota in October to become the best selling Asian carmaker in Europe this year, provisionally speaking. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA, had Hyundai and Kia’s European sales up by 4% in the first 10 months of 2010, to 521,369 vehicles, while Toyota’s sales, including that of Lexus, fell 16.5% percent to 511,754.

Hyundai’s achievement is significant, given that new car registrations in Europe decreased by 5% for the first ten months of the year, with 11.6 million new vehicles registered, compared to the 12.24 million for the same time period in 2009.

The Korean carmaker’s US sales has also gone up, by 21%, its market share increasing as Toyota’s fell, not surprising given the negative impact brought about by the latter’s seemingly endless stream of recalls. Sales of the Sonata were up by 64% – comparatively, Camry sales dropped by 6.3%.

Back in Europe, Nissan should also have a lot to smile about – among the major players, it has posted the most significant gains in 2010 sales, up 13.1% from last year.

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