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Nissan planning to produce second eco-car in Thailand

April 13, 2011 at 3:07 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

The Nissan March has been a success in Thailand. The first eco-car to hit the market, the March propelled itself into the top ten vehicle sales chart of 2010, despite not having a full year of sales (it was launched in March 2010). 18,367 units of the bug eyed hatchback found new homes in 2010, making it the fifth most popular passenger car in Thailand, trailing only the Vios, City, Altis, Civic and Mazda2.

Thanks to affordable pricing, the March’s popularity shows no signs of slowing, and we reckon that Honda’s smaller Brio won’t be doing too much harm to Nissan. Now, Nissan wants to repeat the trick. A report by Bangkok Post says that the automaker wants to produce a second eco-car in Thailand.

“We expect to launch a new model this year after the March’s debut last year,” an exec at Nissan Thailand told the paper, adding that once the new model’s production starts, Nissan’s Thai output of eco-cars will top 100,000 units this year. With that figure, Nissan would have met the eco-car project’s volume requirements. Production of the March will be sustained at 80,000 to 90,000 units, including Japan bound cars.

“The parent firm is about to start production of this new model in China, but those they are going to produce in Thailand will be for export to Japan in addition to the domestic market,” she added, noting that existing production of the March platform in Thailand eased the deal.

Shared platform with March and production in China? Smells like the new Sunny! We were at the Sunny’s world debut at Guangzhou last December, one of the few English language publications worldwide to cover it live. Click here to read the report and view the gallery.

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Strange but true! The 270 PS Volkswagen Caddy Racer

April 13, 2011 at 1:22 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Motorsports, Volkswagen


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The latest addition to the 2011 Volkswagen Racing Cup (VWRC) grid in UK was recently unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC. Yes, a commercial vehicle show. That’s because the race car in question is the new Caddy Racer based on the Caddy van. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ director Simon Elliott is once again behind the Caddy’s wheel in VWRC, which admits any Volkswagen, old or new.

Since making its VWRC debut in 2004, the Caddy Racer has proved to be a true crowd-pleaser, gaining its own group of loyal followers while at the hands of both Elliott and his predecessor, Peter Wyhinny. This latest model will be easily recognisable when it lines up at Oulton Park later this month, as it wears the white/orange livery of the RAC, which is continuing its sponsorship for the 2011 season.


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Beneath the new exterior of the Caddy that was launched at the end of 2010, a number of key upgrades have been made to improve performance, handling and dynamics. The most significant change over the previous racer is the installation of a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 270 PS, channelled through the front wheels via a six-speed Volkswagen Racing quick shift gearbox. In addition, the rear axle has been upgraded to the multi-link system found in the Golf road car.

“We learnt a lot through the developments made with the original Caddy Racer, and initial tests with the new van have been extremely promising. This really is a clear demonstration of Brilliant Made Better – I just can’t wait to get back out on track,” Elliott commented. Cool boss!


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The Volkswagen Racing Cup starts over the Easter weekend at Oulton Park, and will visit UK’s famous circuits including Snetterton, Brands Hatch and Donington Park, plus a trip to Zandvoort in Holland before the season finale at Silverstone in October.

If there was such a championship in Malaysia, I wonder if it would get any response from VW’s mainly yuppie and lady clientele. Racing? Leave it to the Mat Rempits!

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Lexus LF-Gh hybrid – the face of the future GS emerges

April 13, 2011 at 12:18 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Lexus

Full images of the Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept, which is set to make its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show next week, have come about. The concept – which effectively showcases the direction the new GS should take – was teased last week with two partial reveal photos, but now you get to see the whole shebang.

Design-wise, the company says the LF-Gh has been conceived as a redefinition of the luxury grand tourer, with a “clean sheet of paper” approach to design. The shape combines presence and emotional appeal with functionality, offering enhanced creature comforts and load space big enough to carry luggage for an extended trip, so it goes.

The front end design incorporates a spindle-shaped grille that projects a resolute look, while also contributing to efficient aerodynamics and radiator and brake duct operation. Remember the face – you’re going to see it again in future Lexus models, and definitely on the next-gen GS.

A very deep front bumper adds to the sense of movement and a low centre of gravity, while the raised bonnet line implies strong performance potential, and the LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights ensure the LF-Gh has a distinct face.

Design features include front air flow inlets next to the vertically arranged LED fog lamps, exiting through similar slim outlets at the rear that follow the curve of the tail lamps. The concept also explores how traditional features such as door mirrors and handles can be minimised to enhance overall sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The increased width (the concept measures in at 4,890 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase) provides a suitable canvas for the distinctive wraparound LED tail lamps, which feature intricate reflectors set behind all-red lenses. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper, exhaust and diffuser add subtle touches.

Inside, things have become quite driver-orientated – the driver’s zone has a high-visibility instrument panel and a centre console that’s intuitive to use. A new analogue clock (finally!!) with a three-dimensional face serves as a focal point for the cabin, which is finished in high-quality materials with finely honed detailing.

Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges in the front grille and on the bootlid denote the car’s hybrid nature, and rounding things off with this one are 20-inch five twin-spoke wheels and P245/35R front and P285/30R rear rubbers.

High-res photo gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

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Scuderi split-cycle engine – all set to revolutionise things

April 13, 2011 at 11:03 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Technology


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Here’s something for the techies. It’s a split-cycle mill called the Scuderi Engine, and it’s designed by the Scuderi Group, a US engine development company. What the company says it has come up with is a design – featuring Miller-like valve control strategies, extended expansion and turbocharging – that enables maximum levels of power and torque while reducing the rate of fuel consumption and engine size.

The Scuderi Engine divides the four strokes of a combustion cycle between two paired cylinders — the left cylinder functions as an air compressor, handling intake and compression, while the right cylinder handles combustion and exhaust. The key to Scuderi’s split-cycle design is that it compresses the air before it fires.

Consistent with conventional four-stroke engine designs, the combustion cycle of the Scuderi Engine has two high-pressure strokes — compression and power, and two low-pressure strokes (intake and exhaust). The power stroke is positive work, or the energy that is produced by the expanding gases to create mechanical work. The intake, compression and exhaust strokes are all negative work, or the energy that the engine consumes to create mechanical work.


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By separating the compression cylinder from the power cylinder and by using a standard turbocharger to convert recovered exhaust-gas energy into compressed air energy, the size of the compression cylinder can be downsized to achieve substantial reductions in negative compression work.

Key features include fully variable intake and exhaust valves, outwardly opening crossover passage valves and high geometric compression and expansion ratios. Independent lab tests reveal that the Scuderi block has fast and robust combustion, offers a diesel-like, flat torque curve and is highly knock-resistant.

The engine – when fully developed – will reduce NOx emissions up to 80% and improve fuel efficiency by 50%, compared to a conventional gasoline engine. The engine requires one crankshaft revolution to complete a single combustion cycle and is projected to have higher torque, thermodynamic efficiency, and lower emissions than possible with today’s engines.


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Other figures and percentages – the engine, when boosted with a turbocharger to 3.2 bar, decreases the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) up to 14%, and a simultaneous increase occurs in the engine’s power brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) by 140%. At the same time, the size of the engine is reduced by over 29%.

The net result, the company says, is a smaller, higher-performing engine that yields significant gains in volumetric efficiency and power as well as reducing BSFC. Studies are underway at the lab that will soon show impressive results of the Scuderi split-cycle engine modelled in a 2011 Nissan Sentra.

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Audi Q3 SUV revealed ahead of Shanghai world debut

April 13, 2011 at 10:59 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

First was the Q7, then the fast selling Q5, and now Audi has enlarged its successful SUV range with a compact model called Q3, revealed ahead of its motor show debut in Shanghai.

This will be Audi’s entry level SUV, and it sits on the same platform as the VW Tiguan. Size wise, the Q3 is 4.39 metres long and 1.83 metres wide, which is slightly wider but 64 mm shorter than a BMW X1, the car that it’ll take on in the market. Compared to the Q5, it’s 239 mm shorter and 50 mm narrower, so there’s a clear size gap.

Audi says that the Q3′s drag coefficient of 0.32 raises the bar in this segment and there’s an underbody fairing that facilitates optimum airflow. The boot is expandable from 460 to 1,365 litres. With high usage of tailored blanks and aluminium for the bonnet and tailgate, a front driven Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kg.

Looks wise, it’s unmistakably Audi. The front is dominated by the single-frame grille with tapered upper corners, and there are of course LED daytime running lights, but they’re in bar form here. The Q3′s profile and shape isn’t too far from big brother Q5, but I see some A1 in the more raked D-pillar here. Together with a gently sloping roofline, Audi calls it coupe-like. The wraparound tailgate follows Q norms.

Audi offers 12 different colours for the Q3, and customers can choose either a full paint finish or color-contrasting panels in anthracite gray to replace the black underbody guard and wheel arches.

The Q3 will be available three four-cylinder 2.0L engines upon market launch, two petrols and one TDI, all with direct injection, turbocharging, start-stop and energy recovery system. The 2.0 TFSI delivers either 170 hp or 211 hp, with the latter propelling the Q3 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds on to a top speed of 230 km/h. For diesels, there’s a 177 hp 2.0 TDI from the outset, with a 140 hp version coming later.

The lower powered oil burner will be front driven, and it’s the economy champ of the range with less than 5.2 litres per 100 km consumption. The other three engines will come with quattro permanent AWD. This is a simpler and lighter Haldex multi-plate clutch arrangement in place of the Q5′s Torsen-based full-time AWD system.

The lower powered petrol and diesel variants will come with six-speed manual gearboxes, while the top end units get seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch ‘boxes. This means that should the Q3 come to Malaysia, it will be the 211 hp 2.0 TFSI.

Audi drive select is available as an option for all Q3 engines. It manipulates the accelerator and steering, and S tronic/adaptive cruise control, if specified. There are auto, dynamic and efficiency modes. In the latter, the air con and cruise control operate with the specific aim of saving fuel, and the S tronic disengages a clutch when coasting.

The Q3′s ESP integrates an electronic differential lock, which regulates the distribution of drive to the wheels via ‘barely perceptible braking’ at the limit of cornering, which aids handling. The ESP also includes trailer stabilisation. Hold assist is an option but hill hold assist isn’t available for now.

It may be entry level, but some options are high end. For example, the Bose surround sound system integrates 14 speakers and the HDD navigation system is displayed via a (manually extendable) seven-inch LCD screen. The system can also process whole-word voice input. A panoramic glass roof and a self parking system (it’ll steer for you) with twelve ultrasonic sensors are among the other options.

The Audi Q3 will roll off Seat’s under used assembly line in Martorell, Spain and will go on sale in its home market in June from 29,900 euros. Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

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Infiniti builds G37 Zero Car for Spanish Rally Championship

April 12, 2011 at 8:18 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Infiniti, International News

An Infiniti G37 Coupe S has been designated as the Work Car Zero in the 2011 season of the Rallies Championship of Spain – the car, supplied by Infiniti to the Royal Spanish Motorsport Federation, began its duties on April 1 in the Rally of Villajoyosa.

The collaboration expands on Infiniti’s involvement with the GT Championship of Spain – it already supplies a Safety Car to work in all events there. The Zero Car will be driven by Marc Blázquez, World TT Champion driving for Nissan, with Salvador Belzunces alongside as co-pilot.

The model chosen to support the Spanish Rally Championship is a G37 Coupe with a six-speed manual gearbox, and mechanically continues with its 320 hp, 360 Nm all-aluminium six-cylinder block as well as the standard limited slip diff.

Essentially, the Infiniti Zero Car is running at near standard specification, with a few modifications. A roll bar by VIMESA, Bilstein dampers, Galfer brake pads and brake fluid, outdoor lights and siren as well as communications equipment and a GPS were added, all prepared by Meycom in its facilities in Madrid.

Elsewhere, Sparco donated the racing seats, seatbelts, a fire extinguishing system and equipment used by the drivers, and Michelin has fitted the car with high-performance Pilot SuperSport tyres. In addition to the sponsors of the RFEA, the car also wears the colours of the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia.

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Win a Proton Inspira and RM30,000 cash with BHPetrol Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97

April 12, 2011 at 5:54 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Advertorial, Local News

BHPetrol has come out to say that not all petrols are the same. Its latest Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97 have been developed to further substantiate this statement. BHPetrol says that additives that are included in the fuels make all the difference.

The Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97 fuels are formulated using BHPetrol’s Advanced Double Strength formula containing quality Advanced Additive Compound or AAC, developed using German technology. Furthermore, the treat rate is set at the maximum recommended 800 parts per million (800ppm). This is expected to give users fuel savings and at the same time, extra power at no extra charge.

The Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97 fuels, which contain world-class quality additives from Germany with a maximum treat rate quantity, cleans up hydrocarbon deposits around the intake valve and this prevents clogging of the fuel injector to ensure optimum combustion. To further encourage trial, BHPetrol has also launched the Infiniti Fever Frenzy II contest, which gives you the chance to win a Proton Inspira and up to RM30,000 of cash prizes.

Furthermore, the Proton Inspira and RM30,000 cash prizes are offered every month between April and July 2011. Not only that, there will be a Grand Finale for the July draw and an additional ten Apple iPads will be made available, as well as five 40-inch Sony LED TVs and 500,000 ePoints for ten lucky individuals.

All you need to do is to spend a minimum of RM30 at any participating BHPetrol service station and get an entry form which will require you to answer two simple questions.

It is also interesting to note that all entries submitted from the first month will be eligible to win in all four months. The idea here is, the more you spend, the better your chance of winning. Good luck!

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BMW 6-Series Convertible launched – 640i, RM868,800

April 12, 2011 at 2:17 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

BMW Malaysia gave the new 6-Series Convertible its public unveiling this morning, which is probably of no surprise to you, since it was caught on camera earlier this month. The rag top F12 (no metal roof) comes to Malaysia in a sole variant – the 640i powered by Munich’s venerable 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six engine. It’s priced at RM868,800, OTR without insurance but with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair.

The direct injected with Valvetronic engine produces 320 hp and 450 Nm of torque made from 1,300-4,500 rpm. That’s enough to pull this 1,840 kg machine from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The gearbox is an 8-speed sports automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shift.

This 640i comes with BMW’s EfficientDynamics measures which includes Auto Start/Stop. This means that the engine will be shut off when the car stops, starting again when the driver lifts his foot off the brakes. Not very common in Malaysia out of the hybrid segment, but this feature is common for most new cars sold in Europe today. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.9 litres per 100 km.

Other standard features include Driving Dynamics Control and Integral Active Steering. The former allows the driver to pick Normal, Sport and Sport + modes that adjust engine and steering response, gearshift dynamics, DSC, electronic dampers and roll control. The electromechanical IAS is a form of four-wheel steering that gives this big car added agility.

The F12 is officially called a 2+2, not a four seater, but the rear seats look livable for average sized adults. The leather upholstery has SunReflective tech, which allows for less heat absorption when driving with the top down. The dual-zone air con has a special convertible mode, too.

Speaking of that, the boot volume is rated at 350 litres with the roof stowed, which BMW says is sufficient for two large golf bags. The roof folds away in 19 seconds, rises in 24, and can be operated at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

The highlight of the dashboard, which has a centre stack that’s tilted to the driver, is the large metal framed 10.2-inch display for iDrive, Navigation System Professional and BMW ConnectedDrive. By the way, when the car is stationary, one can surf the net using this screen via the built in browser. This car also comes with Head-Up Display and Night Vision, so there are lots of toys to play with.

Live gallery of the launch event is after the jump. Click here to view the large official image gallery.
[Read more...]

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MINI officially returns to rallying – WRC Team launched

April 12, 2011 at 2:07 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News, Motorsports

The MINI WRC Team was officially launched at the MINI plant in Oxford yesterday, marking the return of the brand to the motorsport discipline that made it famous.

This season, the team will contest six rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with the MINI John Cooper Works WRC, developed by Prodrive and based on the Countryman production model. For 2012, the team is set to do the entire season of the WRC.

The MINI will go up against its rivals for the first time at the Rally d’Italia Sardegna next month, on May 5-8, with 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge winner Kris Meeke (and co-driver Paul Nagle) and former Citroen works driver Dani Sordo (with co-driver Carlos del Barrio) at the helm of the factory cars.

The four-wheel drive John Cooper Works WRC is powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged engine as found in the production Countryman – developed by BMW Motorsport to FIA Super2000 regulations, it retains the road car’s cylinder block and heads, but everything else has been extensively re-engineered for competition.

The mill is virtually identical to that used by BMW in its World Touring Car programme, except in the MINI rally car it’s fitted transversely in the engine bay and the ECU remapped for rallying. Under FIA regulations, the performance of the engine is limited by a 33 mm air restrictor and a maximum turbo boost pressure of 2.5 bar (absolute).

The lump is mated to an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox and AP Racing sintered twin plate clutch, with the driver selecting gear via a manual shift mounted on the steering column. The car has no centre differential, and has a passive limited slip plate and ramp differentials on the front and rear axles.

Kit items include three-way adjustable Ohlins dampers and AP Racing brakes – in tarmac specification, with 18-inch wheels, the car has 355 mm four pot disc brakes on the front and rear, while in gravel specification with 15-inch wheels, the brakes are 300mm front and rear. Unlike the production Countryman there is no ABS on this one.

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Caterham Supersports – the purest road-going Seven

April 12, 2011 at 8:58 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Caterham, International News


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Just over two months after it debuted its new sports racer, the SP/300.R, to great success, Caterham Cars has unveiled another offering, the first new addition to its world-renowned Seven range in two years. The car is called the Supersport, and the company says it’s one of the purest versions yet of the iconic British sportscar.

Derived directly from the race car that competes in the highly-successful Caterham Supersport championship, the road-going Supersport borrows all of the track version’s performance essentials, but is fine-tuned for the road, making it arguably the purest street-legal Seven.


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The 140 hp vehicle carries the DNA of Colin Chapman’s 1950s concept of ‘less is more,’ and remains true to the legend’s philosophy of lightweight, minimalist machines that place outstanding handling characteristics and the thrill of driving at their core.

It’s powered by a Caterham Motorsport-tuned 1.6 litre Ford Sigma engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission with ‘sprint’ ratio gearing. Features include a lightweight flywheel, uprated springs and dampers borrowed directly from its race car cousin, stiffer anti-roll bars, track biased dash with integrated change up lights and an aero screen.


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Equipped with CR500 Avon tyres sitting on 13-inch wheels, the car comes with composite race seats and a four-point race harness instead of standard seat belts, which of course completes the track-inspired experience for the owner.

Weighing just 520 kg, the Ford lump gets the Supersport from 0-100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and takes the car to a top speed of 193 kph. As is the case, buyers can choose to get the Seven Supersport as a factory-built vehicle or in component build-it-yourself form, which brings down the cost of ownership.

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