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Westfield iRACER – 260 hp, 660 Nm track-bound electric

August 25, 2011 at 11:34 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News


Click to enlarge.

This is the Westfield iRACER, a track focused electric vehicle set to take part in the EVCUP, the world’s first circuit racing series exclusively featuring zero-emission electric vehicles.

Designed and engineered from the ground up as a pure race car, the 3.6m long iRACER is a collaborative project between Westfield Sportscars and Niche Vehicle Network partners Potenza Technology, Delta Motorsport, RDM Automotive and Coventry University.

Styled by Elliot Hawkins from the Royal College of Arts, the 770 kg vehicle features rear-wheel drive and a 50:50 weight distribution, and is powered by two Oxford Yasa 60 kW motors direct driven to the rear wheels, with adjustable torque biasing control present and a 23 kWh lithium iron phospate battery in attendance.

The system offers the iRACER a 260 hp max output (with boost) and 660 Nm of torque. Performance specs for the vehicle, which can be configured as a single or two-seater, are a sub-five seconds 0-100 kph sprint time, a 185 kph top speed and around 25 minutes of race time.

The EVCUP is set to kick-off in the US in November, with two race events in California, the first at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on November 26 and the second at Auto Club Speedway on December 17, before a full series launch in 2012

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Mercedes B-Class image leaked ahead of Frankfurt debut

August 25, 2011 at 7:43 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

This is the first official image of the all new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, leaked ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt show. Aspects that have been improved over the current “Compact Sports Tourer”, which was launched back in 2005, include space, refinement, economy and safety.

Autocar UK reports that at launch, the B-Class will be powered by all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged units, transversely mounted, one with 121 bhp and 200 Nm, and another packing 154 bhp and 250 Nm, with max torque in both available from just 1,250 rpm. There will be two 1.8 diesels as well – 107 bhp/256 Nm and 134 bhp/300 Nm.

In an earlier exclusive, the mag revealed that Mercedes has dropped the expensive sandwich construction of the current A and B-Class. So the B sits on a new FWD platform that will be shared with the next A-Class and the F800 compact saloon. The suspension consists of front McPherson struts and a four-link item for the rear.

Hybrid versions are planned.

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2012 Audi A8 Hybrid powered by 2.0L TFSI inline-4

August 25, 2011 at 2:20 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Audi will add a hybrid variant to its flagship Audi A8 for production 2012, using a hybrid drivetrain that mates Audi’s 2.0 litre TFSI engine to a disc-shaped electric motor.

The inline-4 turbo engine (modified for hybrid use) makes 211 PS and 350Nm of torque on its own, but with the help of the 40kW and 210Nm electric motor, the Audi A8 Hybrid makes a total combined output of 245 PS and 480Nm, which is less horsepower but more torque than the A8 3.0 TFSI’s 290hp and 420Nm supercharged V6.

The hybrid system’s disc-shaped motor basically replaces the Audi A8 automatic gearbox’s torque converter and sits in between the engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission. A multi-plate clutch that operates in an oil bath connects or disconnects the electric motor and the TFSI engine, and does so ultra-precisely and gently in all situations.

The electric motor is powered by a 36.7kg lithium-ion battery located in a crash-proofed area in the boot, providing 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and up to 40 kW of power. The battery is air-cooled two different ways depending on need. Air is either blown from the passenger compartment by a fan or via a separate cooling circuit coupled to the automatic air conditioning system. The electric motor itself and the control electronics are water cooled.

According to the provisional figures generated by early-stage tests, the 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid will be able to reach 100km/h in 7.7 seconds and continue to a top speed of 235km/h while consuming less than 6.42 litres per 100km in the EU combined cycle test, along with CO2 emissions of less than 148 g/km.

The hybrid luxury sedan will be able to hit 100km/h on electric power alone, and can cruise on electric power for up to 3km at a constant 60km/h. The driver can choose between three modes – an EV mode which tries to run on electric power as often as possible, a D option which allows the car to automatically choose when to use what power source, and an S mode which emphasizes on the best possible acceleration.

Of course, if the fact that your A8 Hybrid can silently roll into a hotel lobby with nary a sound isn’t enough to let people know you’re not driving any regular A8, Audi has also given the A8 Hybrid some unique identification externally – turbine blade 18 or 19 inch wheels, hybrid badging and an exclusive Arctic Silver paint.

You know what’s the most interesting thing about this A8 Hybrid in Malaysian context? Because the internal combustion engine component of the hybrid system has an engine displacement of less than 2,000cc – it actually fulfills the engine displacement rule of hybrid car tax exemptions in Malaysia! BMW and Mercedes-Benz have hybrid cars but the electric motors are all paired with giant engines. This is sort of the first German hybrid luxury sedan with an engine size that actually makes sense.

Wonder if Euromobil will use this to their advantage and bring the Audi A8 Hybrid in. In terms of luxury brands, Porsche already has the Cayenne Hybrid and customers are paying full tax on that as it doesn’t qualify for exemptions. Lexus has three hybrid cars for sale and only one – the CT 200h – qualifies for the tax exemption.

But then again bear in mind the tax exemptions are due to expire by the end of this year and there has been no word from the government so far on whether the exemptions will be extended.

Look after the jump for some photos of the new A8 Hybrid.
[Read more...]

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Volkswagen Polo GTI brochure uploaded on microsite

August 24, 2011 at 6:19 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volkswagen

UPDATE: Volkswagen Polo GTI launched in Sepang – read our full launch story.

Check it out (there’s a full screen view) – Volkswagen has uploaded the brochure for the upcoming Volkswagen Polo GTI on its Volkswagen Das Auto Show Bukit Jalil event microsite. We’re not sure if this is the finalized specs but from what we can see, the are both 3-door and 5-door bodies listed – does this mean you’ll be able to get the Polo GTI in both 3 door and 5 door versions?

Other specs listed include an 180 PS 1.4 litre TSI engine, a 7-speed DSG gearbox, cruise control, RCD 310 audio with MP3 and USB support, sports seats, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 17 inch Detroit style wheels with 215/40R17 tyres, a sunroof, 6 airbags, ESP stability control, XDS electronic differential, and rain sensor wipers.

The Volkswagen Das Auto Show is a big event in Bukit Jalil where the public will be able to learn more about the brand as well as its car offerings and the technologies employed such as TSI engine downsizing and DSG dual clutch transmissions.

Volkswagen sells cars with premium price tags so far – cars like the popular Golf GTI and Passat CC. When the CKD cars are launched, entry into the brand is going to become more affordable so this a good move for Volkswagen to get the general public familiarized.

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Mazda axes the rotary RX-8 due to low sales and emissions

August 24, 2011 at 3:56 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mazda

Mazda, the Zoom-Zoom brand famous for its rotary engined sports cars, has decided stop making the RX-8, the only rotary powered model in its current range.

Factors linked to the death of the RX-8 are falling sales and stringent global emissions standards, which are only going to get tougher. Production has already stopped in early July, and global sales will end later this year.

This comes after the Hiroshima based carmaker pulled out the RX-8 from Europe last year, as the high-revving 1.3-litre, twin-rotor rotary engined car failed to meet EU emissions standards. Without European volume, Mazda couldn’t justify selling the four-seat RX-8, a Mazda source was quoted as saying.

Sales has been diving – Mazda sold just 1,134 RX-8s last year, 49% less than in 2009. July 2011 year-to-date fugures dived a further 21%. The Japanese Yen’s rise vs the USD doesn’t help matters.

However, the RX-8′s demise may not be the death of the rotary engine. Sources say that Mazda engineers are still working on the next generation 1.6-litre rotary engine, code-named 16X. It will have lower emissions, better fuel economy, more power, and for the first time – direct-injection.

“The rotary is alive and well within Mazda. We are studying what’s the best way to come back to the market with the rotary,” said Jim O’Sullivan, CEO of Mazda North America.

However, with Mazda’s full focus now on its SkyActiv range of efficient tech, it remains to be seen when, if at all, rotary will be back. Farewell for now, and have a smooth spinning journey!

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7th-gen US market 2012 Toyota Camry finally revealed

August 24, 2011 at 1:22 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

We’ve had glimpses of it already, but here are the official details and images of the 2012 Toyota Camry, which has been finally launched. The seventh-generation Camry makes its debut in America, where it has been best-selling car for nine years running and 13 of the past 14 years. The main selling points are the “bold, sophisticated new design”, more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride.

“The all-new 2012 Camry blends an evolution of the car’s values – such as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience. Competition in the midsize sedan segment is the strongest it’s ever been, and the all-new Camry is designed to maintain its long-standing leadership while also broadening its appeal,” explained Bob Carter, Toyota Division group VP and GM.

Toyota says that the new Camry’s form is elegantly simple but modern, emphasising a wider, lower stance over the previous model. We can see the more crisp and precise character line, while things like the more strongly curved door cross-section and better defined rocker panel molding give it a more expressive look. The new headlamps and wrap around “arrow” tail lamps also help the more dynamic cause.

There are again three powertrain choices, all of which have been improved for better economy and performance. The revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder now boast 178 hp, an increase of 9 hp, and 230 Nm of torque. This engine employs Dual VVT-i for both intake and exhaust camshafts, as well as Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) that helps optimise torque over a broad engine speed range. The 3.5 V6 has 268 hp and 336 Nm.

Both petrol engines come exclusively with a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode. In the Camry SE, “D range” sequential shifting allows manual shifting with the new steering paddle shifters even in D mode. The SE’s automatic transmission also features faster shift times in S mode, with downshift blipping control to boot.

The new Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. With US EPA-estimated 14.5 km/l combined, it yields a more-than 30% boost in fuel economy compared to the previous gen car, thanks largely to the new powertrain, but also due to lighter weight and optimised aerodynamics.

Like the old 2.4, the new engine is the HSD uses the Atkinson cycle. Combined with the electric motor, the system produces a combined 200 hp. A new water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system cools and controls exhaust gas injected into each cylinder, eliminating the need to richen the air-fuel mixture to control cylinder temperatures.

The Camry Hybrid now has a more pleasing sound under acceleration, according to Toyota. Speaking of that 0-60 mph (96 km/h) is done in 7.6 seconds, so it’s not a slow car by any means.

While the old car’s external dimensions are largely retained, the 2012 Camry offers a more spacious interior. A new dashboard design, modified seat locations, redesigned seats and “lean” door, pillar and headliner trim all combine to add “both real space and greater perceptual spaciousness” while also enhancing outward visibility.

The accelerator pedal and front seats were moved forward, and the rear-seat hip point was positioned rearward, increasing the couple distance by 0.6-inch. Together with reshaped front seatbacks, rear-knee room is up by 1.8-inch. The redesigned center console and front edge of the rear-seat cushion increase rear middle seat legroom by two inches.

The Camry is known for its comfort and hushed ride, and a lot of work has gone into this new model to reset the benchmark. Measures that focus on reducing wind noise include stronger door and rocker area seals; optimised placement of sound insulating materials; foam applied in the roof, pillars and door openings; acoustic glass used for the V6 and Hybrid model’s windshield; and special bracing of cowl intake louvers.

The dashboard structure and assembly was also thoroughly reworked to prevent noise intrusion. The structure employs a new cross member and center brace, along with sandwiched sheet steel to suppress resonance and vibration. With the sandwiched steel, asphalt foam is used to absorb vibration energy while increasing sound blocking effectiveness.

Damping-coating thickness and application areas have been optimised for reduced floor-panel vibration and noise penetration through the floor, and there’s a new type of carpet, too.

An inch here and a decibel there may not sound too exciting, but it looks like Toyota knows its market well with the Camry, and has improved on its best seller’s strengths, while offering more contemporary design in and out. However, this is just the US version – our ASEAN car may not be identical. But do you like what you see?

Hi res gallery after the jump.
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LEGO TECHNIC Unimog U400 – playfully plastic, this one

August 24, 2011 at 1:07 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under International News, Mercedes Benz

Yes, it’s a Mercedes-Benz Universal Motor Gerät (better known as the Unimog) multi-purpose 4WD medium truck you see in the photos, going for cheap, but you can’t drive – or for that matter, get into – it, though you can assemble the vehicle.

It’s the biggest TECHNIC model that LEGO has come up with – created with M-B, it’s a 2,048 piece, 1:12-scale Unimog. A functioning one at that. The LEGO Unimog U400 includes a pneumatically operated crane, with working gripper arm, as well as a front winch, optional snowplough.

Other features include full suspension, differentials, a four-wheel drive chassis, a gear block for extreme ground clearance, and a detailed reproduction of the engine, accurate right down to the moving pistons.

The LEGO TECHNIC Unimog, when built, measures an impressive 38.6 cm from bumper to bumper and is finished in bright orange with blue bucket seats. In the UK, it retails for £155 (RM760). I know what I want for Christmas this year!

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Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI – diesel for the first time

August 24, 2011 at 12:46 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

Not as exciting as the recently revealed AMG version, but potent enough for most, and frugal at that. Diesel has finally found its way on to the Mercedes-Benz SLK, and the first oil burner form of the roadster is the SLK 250 CDI.

The two-seater is equipped with a 2,143 cc four-cylinder turbo mill, offering 204 hp and 500 Nm. Performance specs include a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.7 seconds and a 241 kph top speed. The lump is partnered with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard, with a six-speed manual transmission to come about in the second quarter of next year.

Like all SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI features a start/stop system as standard. Externally, the diesel is no different in appearance from the petrol models, retaining even the twin exhaust system.

The car is available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof, one of them the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. There are also three suspension versions available: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system.
[Read more...]

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Ford and Toyota to collaborate on new hybrid system for SUVs and pick-ups, as well as telematics standards

August 24, 2011 at 11:37 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Ford, International News, Toyota

Ford and Toyota will be working together as equal partners to develop a new, advanced hybrid system for pick-ups and SUVs in North America. The system is expected to be ready for the market later this decade, and will equip Toyota and Ford rear-wheel drive models.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, with a formal agreement expected to be in place by next year. Under the MOU, the two companies will specifically jointly develop the new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and its component technology, as well as independently and separately integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems, and are now committed to working together, stating that they can deliver these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than if they worked alone.

Ford and Toyota also agreed to work together in developing each company’s telematics standards, helping to makes more internet-based services and information available to customers around the world. Each company will, however, continue to develop its own in-vehicle products and features. Currently, Ford has items such as SYNC and MyFordTouch in place, while Toyota has the likes of G-BOOK and G-Link.

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Frankfurt preview: Ferrari 458 Spider

August 24, 2011 at 11:12 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Ferrari, International News

Ferrari will be debuting the world’s first mid-rear engined berlinetta equipped with a retractable hard top at the Frankfurt show next month – the 458 Spider is set to join the 458 Italia in the company’s lineup.

Power comes courtesy of a naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 offering 570 cheval vapeur (CV) – which works out to 562 hp – at 9,000 rpm and 540 Nm at 6,000 rpm. This is mated to a dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift seven-speed transmission with E-Diff, which integrates F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS.

The hard-top is made entirely of aluminium – the company says this offers a number of advantages over the traditional folding soft-top, including a reduction of 25 kg in weight and a deployment time of just 14 seconds. Fully integrated into the styling of the car, the hard-top fits neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or performance, or even space – there’s still a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.

Styling-wise, the rear of the car – which sits on 20-inch wheels and 235/35 front and 295/35 rear rubbers – is characterised by buttresses designed to optimise the flow of air to the engine intakes as well as the clutch and gearbox oil radiators.

For maximum comfort whilst driving top down, there’s a generously-sized adjustable electric wind stop, which slows and diffuse the air in the cockpit and allows normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h, even though chances are you won’t be talking that much at that point.

Ferrari says that technical solutions adopted for the chassis guarantee identical levels of structural rigidity with the roof up or down, and that the engine soundtrack has been honed to ensure that the car’s occupants are completely captivated by the drop-top driving experience.

Gallery after the jump.
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