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Wheego LiFe set to join the growing ranks of EVs in the US

November 19, 2010 at 2:38 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

wheego life 1

It really is a case of having a lot of faith – American electric vehicle maker Wheego Electric Cars will be launching sales of its ultra-compact LiFe EV across the US in mid-December, even though it hasn’t yet gotten the Environmental Protection Agency certification that’s needed to do so. At the LA show, the company said it is confident it’ll obtain the necessary formality in time.

The two-seater LiFe (and doesn’t that shape remind you of a particular two-seater?), which derives its name from a play on the symbols of lithium and iron, is driven by an electric motor powered by a 115V lithium-ion battery, and with 60 hp on tap gets to a top speed of 112 kph.

wheego life 2

The US-engineered LiFe, utilising a body made in China, can be charged from a standard 120V or 240V outlet, as well as a J1772 standard charging station, the last which are being installed in public locations throughout the US. It comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags and ABS brakes and in six colours.

Wheego added in LA that it has plans to introduce a five-passenger car in late next year, as well as a compact pickup based on that vehicle sometime in early 2012.

Gallery after the jump.
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Facelifted MINI range launched with MINI Connected

November 19, 2010 at 2:00 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

We’re back from the launch of the facelifted MINI range at Auto Bavaria Jalan Tun Razak. Besides new looks to differentiate itself from the pre-facelift R56 MINI, the Malaysian market will get options such as a Glass Roof package and MINI Connected. BMW released the facelifted MINI worldwide in July this year, so they’re here pretty quick.

Exterior wise, the facelifted MINI gets new front and rear bumpers. This is more apparent in Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants, thanks to new chrome intakes on the front bumper next to the fog lamps. They’re supposed to provide better brake cooling.

The rear foglamp and reverse lamp combo mimics the front design – single piece for the Cooper and one on each side for the Cooper S/JCW. The side indicator surrounds (where the fender meets the door) and their glass covers are also newly designed. The tail lamps are now lit up via LED lighting.

Inside, the range gets revised trim colours and new controls for the stereo and air con. The JCW variant gets black sports seats with red stitching (or white if you want), piano black trim and Antracite coloured dials. New features include auto dimming electrochromatic side mirrors.

The new colours are Eclipse Grey, Spice Orange, White Silver and British Racing Green for the Cooper and Cooper S. For the JCW, Chili Red is now available exclusively as the contrast colour for the roof and door caps. Its 17-inch Cross Spoke Challenge alloys can be had in black for a mean look.

It’s pretty much unchanged under the skin. BMW has managed to make Valvetronic, direct injection and turbo work together since early this year in the MINI, so all models get the fully variable valve management system. The Cooper’s 1.6 Prince engine makes 120 hp/160 Nm and is capable of 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds on to a 197 km/h top speed.

The Cooper S with twin scroll turbo (N14B16 engine) makes 184 hp and 240 Nm of torque, or 260 Nm on overboost. This pocket rocket does 0-100 in 7.2 seconds and has a top whack of 223 km/h. If you want the ultimate MINI, the 211 hp/260 Nm (280 Nm on overboost) JCW will outsprint a Golf GTI with a 0-100 time of 6.5 seconds. Top speed is 238 km/h.

Now to the options, which can be added to all variants. The Glass Roof package offers one-touch operation and can be opened via the key fob. It’s yours for RM9,988. For RM14,988 extra, you get MINI Connected, which was developed to integrate the capabilities of the iPhone to the MINI (other phone users, sorry). Opt for this and you get a 6.5-inch LCD screen in the central meter, specific controls (joystick and two buttons) in the centre tunnel and a Harmon Kardon 480W stereo with 10 speakers.

MINI Connected works when you plug in your iPhone (with the free MINI Connected App). Navigating the functions can then be done with the joystick. One can listen to thousands of web radio stations from around the world or catch up with RSS news feeds and Twitter via the LCD screen, good to pass the time in traffic jams.

The new MINI range starts at RM195,888 for the Cooper, RM239,888 for the Cooper S and RM275,888 for the JCW. Prices are on the road without insurance, but with MINI Tender Loving Care service package.

Official images and photos from the launch are after the jump.
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Come for the BMW Driving Dynamics Weekend (20th, 21st) at Auto Bavaria Sg Besi!

November 19, 2010 at 1:30 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi has an interesting program lined up this weekend called the BMW Driving Dynamics Weekend for customers and any members of the public.

BMW Driver Training instructor Ivan Khong will be giving a talk on BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system, which is standard on all BMW cars, followed by a live demonstration of the DSC system at work which you can get to experience in a BMW 320d.

The event will be a structured program split into 3 sessions per day with 15 pax per session. The first session starts at 9AM, with the next starting at 12PM and the final one at 3PM. It’s the same for Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st.

BMW models will be available for test drive as well, and there are some savings and low interest rate promotions for those who book this weekend. This should be a very interesting weekend activity and admission is free so please call BMW Voice at 1800-88-3000 to book your slot for the BMW Driving Dynamics Weekend.

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Cadillac unveils its Urban Luxury Concept in LA

November 19, 2010 at 1:17 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cadillac, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept 1

It’s not exactly the type of Caddy you’d be familar with, especially size-wise, but the design hints at what may be to come from the iconic brand. Cadillac showcased its Urban Luxury Concept, a design study exploring a new type of vehicle that offers luxury in a diminutive size, ahead of the start of the LA show.

The ULC was conceived and designed for the urban environment, where metropolitan needs should mean a car with as much usable space sans the bulk. The car seats four, with easy access to all seats available via a pair of scissor-type doors that extend outward and rotate forward when opened. The 3.85m-long design has virtually no overhangs, with the 19-inch wheels it sits pushed to the edges.

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept 2

It’s powered by a concept hybrid propulsion system based around a turbocharged 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine employing electric assist technology, engine start-stop function, brake energy regeneration and a dry dual-clutch transmission. Cadillac says a combination of these technologies could offer projected fuel economy of 56 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.

The minimalist interior is finished with carbon-coloured wood inlays, brushed aluminum accents and ceramic materials, as well as blue and grey leather and contrasting fabric selected for its high-tech look and feel. There’s plenty of next-generation interactive technology too – touch-pad screens and projected readouts take the place of most traditional gauges and serve as the audio and climate system controls.

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept 3

The conventional center stack is replaced by a divided interface that creates more space at the forward section of the interior. A pair of projected readouts flanks a large, prominent analogue speedometer, assisted by a high-def head-up display.

The technology behind the unique touch pad controls is ergonomically tucked around the steering wheel to deliver real-time feedback for an efficient commute. The right-hand touch pad is hidden until deployed or detached by the passenger, who can interact online without compromising the driver’s control.

Gallery after the jump.
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Revised Volkswagen Eos breaks cover in LA

November 19, 2010 at 3:50 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Vw eos 1

As scheduled, Volkswagen has lifted the veil on its revised Eos coupé cabriolet at the LA Auto Show. The facelift, featuring a wide range of technical and visual enhancements, will begin selling in Europe from mid-January and in the US from the end of March 2011.

The exterior design revisions – a reprofiled bonnet, new grille (complete with chrome highlights), headlamps with LED running lights and reworked bumper with new airdams and fog lights in front and new tail lamps at the rear – brings the Eos into line with the latest iteration of VW’s design language as seen applied to the new Polo, Passat and Sharan.

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A range of powertrains abound, including a 1.4 litre TSI with 122 or 160 PS, a 210 PS 2.0 litre TSI unit as well as 140 PS 2.0 litre TDI engine. BlueMotion Technology variants will also be available featuring Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

As previously, the facelift features an advanced five-piece folding roof with an integrated tilt sliding glass sunroof that takes 25 seconds to actuate fully, though the difference from before is that going from a closed coupé to an open cabriolet can now be carried out remotely via the key fob, that is if the car is specified with Keyless Entry. Park Assist will also be available for the first time on the Eos.

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Inside, new trim finishes enhance the interior of the Eos, and highlights include a leather multi-function steering wheel, an eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats. Also available as an option is ‘cool leather,’ which reflects the sun’s rays to prevent it heating up as conventional leather does.

Gallery after the jump.
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Second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV makes debut

November 19, 2010 at 2:40 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Toyota

toyota rav4 ev 1

Toyota has given its second-generation RAV4 EV its official debut at the LA show, and though the electric SUV’s market introduction isn’t due until 2012, the programme will certainly be busy up to then – a total of 35 vehicles will be built for demonstration and evaluation through 2011 ahead of the fully-engineered vehicle arriving in two years time.

When it does arrive, the RAV4 EV – which is jointly developed with Tesla Motors – will have a target range of 160 km in actual use, over a wide range of climates and conditions.

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The RAV4 EV features several distinct exterior styling changes, and aside from new EV badging and a custom “mutually exclusive” exterior paint shade, distinct items include a new front bumper, grille, fog lamps and head lamps. Inside, there’s custom seat trim, multimedia dash displays, push-button shifter and dashboard meters in terms of new items.

The demonstration vehicle Toyota is currently testing is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery, with useable output rated in the mid-30 kWh range. Most noticeably, with the rear seats folded down, no cargo space was lost in the conversion to an electric powertrain.

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Nonetheless, the battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle Toyota plans to bring to market eventually are not yet definite.

The demonstration mule weighs in approximately 220 pounds more than the current RAV4 V6, but Toyota says it will do the 0-100 kph sprint nearly as quickly as the latter. To negate this added weight, the SUV was given a significant retuning of major components and a prioritised focus on weight distribution – the suspension and steering have been modified significantly and major components have been relocated to better balance the increased mass of the battery pack.

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The RAV4 EV’s introduction in 2012 will also see the arrival – in key global markets – of the Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid) and a small EV commuter vehicle.

Gallery after the jump
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Land Rover to introduce Discovery 4 Landmark LE variant

November 19, 2010 at 2:21 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Land Rover

lr landmark black

You can have it in black, or you can have it in white, but that’s all the colour you’ll get in your life if its a Discovery 4 Landmark Limited Edition you’re after.

Land Rover has come up with two unique colour themes for its current Disco – the 3.0 litre SDV6 turbodiesel-equipped vehicle, which goes on sale in the UK in Janauary next year, will be available in Santorini Black or Fuji White colour schemes.

lr landmark int

The exterior gets, among other things, Santorini Black finish grille vanes, gloss black 20-inch five-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels, privacy glass, and Satin Black extended roof rails as part of this LE parcel.

lr landmark white

Inside, the Landmark offers a higher level of luxury – the high-specification Taurus interior leather comes in either Ebony or, for the first time in a Disco, Ivory. Offsetting the Grand Ivory veneer with a contrasting top stitch creates a duo-tone look, offering bold colour combinations to give both versions a striking, contemporary finish.

So, anyone for this particular minstrel show then?

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduces R-Class facelift

November 19, 2010 at 1:40 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mercedes Benz

merc r 300 1

How time flies – it has been four years since Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the R-Class here, and that timeframe can only mean one thing: a facelift.

So here it is, in R 300 L form, what MBM tags the “new-generation R-Class.” The vehicle, which was introduced earlier this week, arrives on these shores bearing a new face and assortment of refinements and features, as would be be expected in a facelift job.

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The front section has been completely reworked, with a new, horizontally structured bonnet lending the car better width. Also new are the vehicle’s wings, radiator grille and surround, and the headlamps and bumpers (with chrome underguard) have also been completely redesigned. As with current fashion, the R-Class gets integrated LED daytime driving lights slapped on it.

Continuing on the exterior revisions list are modified exterior mirror housings and a new wheel design, and at the rear gets a new bumper covering, modified tail lamps and integrated tailpipe trim.

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Inside, the US-made seven-seater gets new materials and colour combinations, and new to the standard equipment list is a rear seat entertainment system, with two 8-inch LCD screens mounted behind each of the front seat head restraints.

The R 300 L features the M272 3.0 litre V6, the same as found in the C 300 AMG, so it’s 231 hp at 6,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm for this one too. The second-generation 7G-tronic box on this one features new bearings and couplings, and operates with different oil pressures.

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The tranny also has a new torque converter with a slip-reduced lock-up clutch for minimal take-off lag, and the unit features standstill decoupling, which reduces transmission input torque in Drive during idling. The slip-controlled clutch is engaged as soon as the driver releases the operating brake, ensuring no delay when the vehicle moves off.

Elsewhere, the R 300 L has Airmatic suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) fitted as standard, and besides the host of Merc driver assistance technologies (Linguatronic, Parktronic, Pre-Safe, Thermotronic) on call, there’s stuff like Blind Spot Assist, which makes changing lanes significantly safer.

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The R 300 L is available in two versions – there’s the one with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, and then there’s the sportier version equipped with 20-inch 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels, and these go for RM470,888.00 and RM478,888 respectively. If you prefer a R 350, well, that one’s available on order too.

Gallery of launch photos after the jump.
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Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

November 19, 2010 at 1:31 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, what a mouthful! Essentially, this LA show star is a lightweight, higher performance version of the Gallardo Spyder. Based on the LP 560-4 Spyder, Performante is the topless equivalent of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.

The “570″ in the name denotes the higher horsepower count, which is 10 stallions more than in the 560. This rise is attributed to a “new dedicated engine management strategy”. Lambo’s 5.2-litre direct injection V10 engine pushes the Performante from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds on to a top speed of 324 km/h. Drive goes to all wheels (30:70 ratio) via a six-speed e-gear transmission with shift paddles.

Carbonfibre parts are responsible for around 40% of the 65 kg saved over the standard Spyder. The large panel covering the soft top and engine, rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, parts of the underbody panel and wing mirror casings are crafted from CF.

Inside, Lambo used CF for the centre tunnel cover, door panels and the gear lever surround, but the biggest savings are from the shells of the sport seats. Alcantara is lighter than leather, and it’s used on the seats. The super light 19-inch wheels are identical to those on the Superleggera. With titanium bearings and bolts, they save 13 kg. The Performante still comes with air con and electric windows, though.

The result? 1,485 kg. Other changes include a reprofiled front bumper that optimises cooling and improves downforce on the front axle. Mods to the underbody, new sill elements and a redesigned diffuser also help to achieve better aerodynamics.

Gallery after the jump.
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Ellure Concept is Nissan’s ‘long term vision’ of the sedan

November 19, 2010 at 12:19 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

We’re looking at the future of the mid-sized sedan, according to Nissan. This Ellure Concept as shown at the LA show isn’t a preview of any particular model, but is Nissan’s idea of how its future generation sedans will look like. But give it a long hard look, strip away the obvious show car flamboyance (mega wheels, rear hinged doors) and it doesn’t look too outrageous – the rear design is very neat to these eyes.

“While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan’s intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come,” explains Shiro Nakamura, Senior VP and Chief Creative Officer at Nissan. “As an expression of our long-term vision for the next generation of great Nissan sedans, Ellure allows us to introduce a new sedan concept – one that honors the sedan’s unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark,” he added.

Nissan says that the proportions of the Ellure follow the basic layout and dimensions of a traditional mid-size sedan, but a next-generation compact hybrid powertrain allows the wheels to be pushed far out to the corners – good for looks and space. The grille was inspired by “Kamishino” Samurai formal coat while the headlights and taillights have the effect of “layering of fins” or “wings of a bird”. Pure designer speak.

The proposed drivetrain is a supercharged 2.5-litre four-pot with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and a 25 kW electric motor, matched to an Xtronic CVT gearbox. But what really matters here is the design, and you don’t want to bet against this coming to life – nobody thought the Juke would!

Gallery after the jump.
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