Gong Xi Fa Cai

Advertisement

Cutting back on green subsidies topples the Prius

February 9, 2011 at 12:50 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Toyota

Well, it had to end at some point. Figures of Japanese car sales released late last week saw the Toyota Prius being toppled from the monthly No 1 spot as Japan’s best-selling car, a position it had held for 20 straight months.

Its replacement? Honda’s Fit compact hatch, which climbed back on to the top spot for the first time in close to two years. The Fit – or Jazz as we know it – moved 14,873 units in January, with nearly half of them the hybrid version of the car, ahead of the 13,711 managed by the Prius.

The ending of government-backed subsidies for green cars in September last year undoubtedly played a key role in pushing the Prius off the top spot. Its domestic pricing starts at US$25,000. Comparatively, the Fit was affected less by this incentive removal – it’s the cheapest hybrid in Japan at US$19,000.

Still, the Prius remains the world’s top-selling hybrid, and domestically, Toyota moved 315,669 of it in 2010, a jump of 51% from the year before.

5 Comments      

Toyota Highlander and Subaru Tribeca to share platform?

February 9, 2011 at 12:02 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Subaru, Toyota

The sharing, caring world grows ever so bigger, which makes sense in this day and age. Reports are rife that Toyota and Subaru is working towards using the same platform for their next-generation Highlander and Tribeca models.

Both vehicles are due for replacement sometime in 2014, and the grapevine reports that the boffins are looking at ways to seat the Subaru crossover on the Highlander’s platform.

Naturally, there’ll be some tricky corners to work around – the shared platform has to accomodate a number of different powertrain configurations, in this case a longitudinally-mounted boxer pot for the Tribeca and a transverse-mounted block for the Highlander, plus a hybrid system for the latter.

Nothing that can’t be surmounted, if there’s enough will. The way, of course, isn’t so soon, so there’s plenty of time to explore the will bit.

7 Comments      


U.S. Dept of Transport: Toyota e-throttles not defective

February 9, 2011 at 11:19 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

It’s sweet vindication for Toyota after the U.S. Department of Transportation said that electric systems and electromagnetic interference played no role in unintended acceleration cases. Reports of runaway cars and the subsequent persecution led the Japanese giant to recall 11 million vehicles worldwide, including nearly 8 million in the US since 2009.

“The jury is back. The verdict is in. There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas. Period,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our conclusion is Toyota’s problems were mechanical, not electrical,” he added, which means that the only proven causes are sticky pedals and floor mats and that all other allegations and testimonies have no basis. Toyota has insisted all along that electronics isn’t the cause of sudden acceleration cases.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a study on the matter 10 months ago as requested by Congress, which sought evidence to back its believe that electronics or software was the problem. “Just about every member of Congress that questioned me said ‘It’s got to be electronics’,” LaHood was quoted as saying.

With the help of NASA engineers, the study sought to determine if cases of unintended acceleration in Toyota/Lexus vehicles were caused by something other than sticky pedals and trapped floor mats. The folks at NASA examined nine vehicles with alleged braking problems and subjected them to electromagnetic interference testing. They also looked at 280,000 lines of software codes to detect any flaws that could disrupt the electronic throttle control.

“Everything is data-based. It’s not made up. It’s not based on emotion. It’s not based on some story somebody told us,” LaHood said. Interestingly, his own daughter recently bought a 2011 Toyota Sienna. “She wanted an ironclad guarantee from me that her vehicle was going to be safe. I told me daughter that she should buy the Toyota, which she did,” the Transportation Secretary revealed.

15 Comments      

Force India launch the VJM04 – next target is the podium

February 9, 2011 at 9:47 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

The Force India F1 Team finished 2010 sitting nice in seventh place in the Constructors’ championship with 68 points, nine top ten starts and 15 points scoring finishes, its best-ever season in Formula 1. And since every team has to look forward, this year’s target is fifth and podium finishes with the new VJM04 car and a fresh driver lineup of Adrian Sutil, Paul di Resta and Nico Hülkenberg.

“We always want to improve and our objectives this year are to finish higher than last year. So we are targeting fifth place in the championship – and in order to do that we have to score points from the beginning and then all the way through to the end. To do that, we need strong development during the year – and if all goes well, then perhaps even a podium finish or two is an aim,” said CEO Otmar Szafnauer.

The VJM04 is the first car created under the eye of new technical director Andrew Green, who previously worked at Jordan, BAR and Red Bull. From the outside, the most obvious change is that the conventional roll-hoop has been changed to a blade. The engine cover is also different, in-line with the abolition of the F-duct. “But there are a lot of differences under the skin that people won’t necessarily notice,” Green said.

“We’ve recovered a lot of the aerodynamic performance, we believe. We still have a little bit to go, but we are still in the process of the realignment after the end of last season, because it does take a long time to move aerodynamically from one position to another. The movable wing is a whole new game, and we’ll be trying to exploit its performance to the max.

“We’ve also put in a lot of work trying to maximise the potential performance of the new Pirelli tyre compounds. To this end we’ve recruited a new senior tyre engineer, Jun Matsusaki (ex Bridgestone chief engineer), to guide us through the development process. The test we recently conducted in Valencia was a good learning exercise. Exhaust management will also be a big area of development this year, Green adds.

The VJM04 uses engine supplier Mercedes’ KERS system. The team is looking forward to a good showing at its first ever home race in October – the inaugural Indian GP. Hi res gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

Leave a Comment      

Hispania shows off its 2011 Formula 1 machine – the F111

February 8, 2011 at 10:16 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Formula 1, Motorsports

Spain’s Hispania Racing has officially unveiled its 2011 contender. Called the F111, it now looks way better than its dull-looking predecessor. Hollywood concept designer Daniel Simon was responsible for the livery of the new car, which has design elements that represent both the team and Daniel’s personal ideas.

In his words, the man who owns the Cosmic Motors label and worked alongside the director of films like Tron: Legacy said “I miss fearless visual statements and large beautiful numbers on today´s racing cars. Playing with the restrictions of what you can do to a complex F1 body is fun. There are many don´ts, but I found a way to lay courageous racing essence on the car.” The F111 may carry more sponsors this season, as it looks like the team is advertising sponsor space on the car with quotes like “your logo here” and “this could be you”.

In terms of performance, team principal Collin Kolles said “The F111 represents a significant step forward for Hispania Racing. We have made a big improvement for starting our second season in Formula 1 and what you see in our new car confirms Hispania Racing´s commitment to F1.”

The moveable rear wing concept has been confirmed for the Cosworth-powered F111 but no news on KERS just yet. Only one driver, India’s Narain Karthikayen has been confirmed for the Murcia outfit, which explains Tata logos on the car. The 34 year old raced for Jordan back in 2005 and spent some time as a Williams test driver.

2010 driver Bruno Senna is now a reserve driver for Lotus Renault and many people in the paddock are expecting to see him temporarily replace Robert Kubica, who recently suffered from a crash while rallying. Former team mate Karun Chandhok on the other hand may become Team Lotus’ test driver, according to recent paddock rumors.

Continue reading to view more images in high-res fashion.
[Read more...]

5 Comments      

Q&A with Team Lotus’ Malaysian engineering personnel

February 8, 2011 at 9:15 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Formula 1, Motorsports

Ever since Malaysia first ventured into Formula 1, via Petronas’ sponsorship of the Sauber Formula 1 team back in 1995, many wondered if there would be a personnel tie-up that would see Malaysians work for the Formula 1 team, gaining vital hands-on knowledge and experience. The same question was also asked when Tony Fernandes’ Lotus Racing (currently known as Team Lotus) came about and made its debut in 2010.

The answer is a resounding yes. The team which is registered as a Malaysian outfit has not only a few, but up to 30 Malaysian personnel. 17 are based in Norfolk where the team calls its base and 12 of them are engineers. Malaysians are also positioned in other departments including branding, public relations and so on. With that in mind, we have to conducted interviews via emails with three Malaysian engineers.

They include ex-Sauber man Ruhaidi Rashid who works in stress analysis, Har Jun Mun from aerodynamics and lastly Teh Soo Chwen, the only female Malaysian engineer and she works in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) department.

You can view the full transcript after the jump.
[Read more...]

11 Comments      

The Proton R3 Satria Neo – by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts

February 8, 2011 at 5:43 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Proton


Click to enlarge

Proton has introduced an upped performance variant of its Satria Neo, called the R3 Satria Neo. There’s quite a bit of kit strapped on to this limited production run hot hatch, which the company says is built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

For starters, Proton’s Motorsports Division has tweaked the standard 1.6-litre Campro S4PH engine with Stage 2 upgrades, and the result is an output of 145 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 168 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.

Available only with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, the R3 Satria Neo sports re-profiled camshafts that increase valve lift and overlap as well as a performance calibrated on-board computer with revised fuel maps for more spirited performance.

Other mechanical add-ons include a carbon fibre air intake system, a higher flow 4-2-1 performance exhaust system, high-performance brake pads and an adjustable aluminium camshaft pulley.

The 1,200 kg car naturally features ride and handling enhancements – R3 performance springs drops the car 10mm lower to reduce body roll, and recalibrated alignment, toe and camber settings help increase grip and steering precision. Rounding things off are R3 edition 16-inch gunmetal lightweight alloys wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza RE001R 205/45 series profile tyres.

Offered only in an exclusive Fire Red shade, with a black painted roof, the R3 Satria Neo sports a very distinctive exterior styling to set it apart from its predecessors. The all-round CPS bodykit is complemented by a redesigned R3 designed rear roof spoiler, a front lip which improves down force on the front axle and reduces undercarriage turbulence, as well as prominent fender arches and titanium coloured side strips/mouldings.

Inside, the cabin features a sporty two-tone scheme in matte red and black, with R3 limited edition front bucket seats wrapped in a mix of nappa leather with microfibre finish and carbon effect PVC, detailed with red stitching.

Elsewhere, matte red adorns the dashboard trim, gear console and handbrake handle, and there are R3 floor carpets as well. An engine start button, aluminium foot pedals and gear knob accentuates the R3 Satria Neo’s performance-driven attitude.

The car is also fitted with a two-DIN audio head unit with 3D GPS navigation. Safety features include dual front airbags, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and there’s also solar and security protection.

The R3 Satria Neo isn’t quite launched yet – hence the solitary teaser shot provided – but bookings are now open for the RM79,797 offering at all Proton Edar showrooms in the Peninsular (the booking fee is RM2,000), and if you’re early about it you’ll get to be invited to the launch event and be photographed with Proton Motorsports’ star drivers, Tengku Djan Ley and Faidzil Alang.

182 Comments      

Ssangyong SUT 1 – more Actyon Sports to thrill you

February 8, 2011 at 4:04 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Koreans, Ssangyong

If it looks familiar, it’s because it is – Ssangyong’s latest concept, called the SUT 1, is a reworking of its Actyon Sports, all dressed up and ready to go. To Geneva, in this case.

The company says that the SUT 1 maintains the essential characteristics of a traditional pick-up, but presents a more contemporary look to reflect the styling expected of today’s Sports Utility Truck. Er, ahem, yes.

The concept is similar in size to the current Actyon Sports, at 4,985mm long x 1,910mm wide x 1,755mm high, which really makes it the same vehicle underneath all that nipping and tucking.

It’ll be powered by a 2.0 litre diesel job, which turns out 153 hp and 360 Nm – available from 1,500 to 2,800 rpm – for numbers, and two transmission options are available as partner to the Euro 5 compliant pot, an automatic or a six-speed manual.

There’ll be both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions of the dressed-up pick-up, which is slated to go on sale across Europe and other markets from early 2012.

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

7 Comments      

Pakatan to table “radical solution” to reduce car taxes

February 8, 2011 at 2:53 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

Do you know that hire-purchase loans allegedly account for about RM118 billion total worth of Malaysian household debt? This was revealed by PKR deputy president Azmin Ali at a press conference today, and PKR estimates that of this RM118 billion, about 70% are actually the high excise taxes, import taxes and sales taxes paid on our cars.

Here’s an example, the Renault Megane RS 250 Cup ,which we all really love, costs about RM236k in Peninsular Malaysia. It costs about RM119k in Langkawi. Even hybrid cars are not completely exempt from tax – only excise and import taxes are waived while sales tax still applies, which explains why the prices of hybrid cars in the regular economic zones in Malaysia are still higher than in Langkawi. The price difference is about 10%. And of course the profits from these hire purchase loans to pay taxes are also taxed – that’s a lot of income for the government.

PKR revealed that their Pakatan Rakyat coalition will be tabling a “radical solution” to reduce the NAP-imposed automotive tax burden in a proposal at the Pakatan Economic Summit next month. It will be interesting to find out what this proposal is and dissect it to see if it’s truly workable.

Source
[Read more...]

382 Comments      

Citroën E-3POD Antistatic: in between bike and car

February 8, 2011 at 2:22 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Citroën, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News


Click to enlarge

This here is Heikki Juvonen’s E-3POD Antistatic, a single-seat concept that bagged the top prize in a Citroën sponsored project in the UK called the Double Challenge.

The project, jointly sponsored by French aerodynamic simulation software company EXA, required Royal College of Art MA second-year students to design a compelling ultra-compact model that could establish a unique Citroën e-vehicle aesthetic for the future.


Click to enlarge

Juvonen’s design was chosen as the best overall design by representatives from Citroën’s Style Centre and Electric Vehicle Development Team, and as his prize receives a six month employment contract to work at the prestigious PSA Design Centre in Paris.

His single-seat creation is a bold and engaging take on an urban three- wheel electric vehicle. The distinctive, aerodynamic styling features two smaller wheels at the front with the driver sitting inside a larger third wheel with an innovative hub-less design.


Click to enlarge

Designed for urban commuting, the ultra-light, micro segment, single-seater is not meant to replace cars, but rather an addition to the family transportation fleet, positioned between bikes and cars.

The short length of the vehicle makes it agile in urban environments; at higher speeds, the E-3POD tilts slightly to provide solid grip and an emphasised stance, giving cornering a more responsive feel.


Click to enlarge

The distinctive look of the electric design language was applied to distinguish the product from being associated to cars and for the avoidance of comparison in terms of operational range or refuelling/recharging time.

The E-3POD has a simplified, lightweight construction, with an emphasis on aerodynamics to minimise the required battery size. The lowered weight is emphasised in design elements such as the rear wheel, which works as a supportive structural element, the shared suspension for both front wheels, and the use of scratch resistant plastic for the canopy. The silent electric engines also make sound insulation redundant, allowing for lighter material selection.

3 Comments