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Frankfurt: Maserati joins super SUV race with a Kubang!

September 13, 2011 at 11:37 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, International News, Maserati


UPDATE: Live gallery from Frankfurt added

Remember the Maserati Kubang concept of 2003? It has surfaced again at the Frankfurt show that starts today, and marks the Trident’s entry into the sport luxury SUV segment.

Maserati argues that today’s SUVs don’t offer the kind of “uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere” found in high-end sports and luxury cars, and they want to address this with the Kubang.

Although it’s new territory for the brand, the Fiat owned brand promises that the Kubang preserves the “integrity of Maserati’s DNA”. Why only now? Maserati says that potential synergies with sister brand Jeep (part of the Chrysler Group that’s under Fiat control) is in the plan.

However, the Kubang’s style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati. It will come with new Maserati proprietary engines designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli, but built by Ferrari in Maranello. Martinelli is the Head of Maserati Powertrain Department, and spend nearly 30 years at Ferrari, where he also served as engine chief of the Formula 1 team.

We’re guessing that it’s a V8 with great sound, since that’s very much part of Maserati’s DNA. The transmission will be an eight-speed automatic. Gallery after the jump.
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Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

September 13, 2011 at 11:21 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Ford, International News, Motorsports

Ford has taken the opportunity at the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil its latest iterations of the all-new Focus. Say hello to the Focus ST and ST-R! The Focus ST is based on the ST concept which was shown at the Paris Motor Show. This production version which is available as a 5-door and as a wagon is motivated by a retuned 2.0 litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost unit which makes 250PS and 360Nm of torque.

Interestingly, the 2.0 litre EcoBoost offers more power and is 20% more fuel efficient than the 2.5 litre 5-pot unit which was used in the previous ST. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual cog box and it comes with a sports suspension that is made up by uprated shock absorbers, lowered springs (by 10mm) as well as unique parts for the rear suspension. The wagon variant features a slightly different setup at the back, with angled shock absorbers which are also used in the standard wagon.

Other goodies include a Sport Steering System (electric) with variable ratio depending on speed, Torque Steer Compensation and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which is tuned to be less intrusive to the driver. There is also an Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system which is a revised version of the Torque Vectoring Control found in the base Focus.

The conventional version of the Torque Vectoring Control system basically applies brakes to the inner wheel of the Focus through a corner, reducing understeer and giving more traction. In the ST, the system implements this more aggressively and also adds on Cornering Under Steer Control (CUSC) which applies torque to create yaw torque based on the vehicle’s understeer behavior right before ESP kicks in, both in power-on and power-off conditions. Not bad huh?

In the aesthetics department the Focus ST is treated to a full body kit, 18-inch light alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber, a functional roof spoiler and a centre-exit exhaust. The ST is also available with a new colour called Tangerine Scream.

The inside is finished with specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift to the unique Recaro seats, darker headlining, a special rear bench seat sculpted using special foam to help secure the rear passengers and so on. The Focus ST is being positioned as Ford’s first global performance car and it will be sold in over 40 markets following a worldwide launch in 2012.

Ford also revealed the Focus ST-R which is a track-only variant and will be used in various racing series including the Canadian Touring Car Series, Grand-Am ST and World Challenge TC. It comes with a race-tuned suspension, beefier brakes and a stripped out interior along with an FIA-approved roll cage.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery of the Focus ST and its demonic sibling.
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VIDEO: Volkswagen up! concept cars unveiling – buggy up!, up! azzurra, cross up!, GT up!, eco up!, e-up!

September 13, 2011 at 6:52 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen revealed its six Volkswagen up! Concepts last night at the Volkswagen Group Night, just one of the few amazing presentations during what was a night showcasing the brilliant diversity of the Volkswagen group.

The world premiere of the two-door up! signifies the beginning of an entire series of cars: the New Small Family. Volkswagen is demonstrating – with no less than 6 exciting concept cars – how this family could be further developed based on the new up!.

Specially designed for the world’s beaches are the buggy up! and the up! azzurra sailing team. Then there is the cross up!, which was conceptualised for urban driving. The GT up! is a concept car tuned for the German Autobahn. Another concept car is the eco up! that is powered by natural gas and extremely clean to drive: The e-up! is a zero-emissions specialist with an electric drive.

The different brands of the Volkswagen group – Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Porsche, and Lamborghini showcased their Frankfurt debuts at the Volkswagen Group Night. Each brand took their turn to reveal their showcars to the audience in their very own unique way.

In a way, this was probably one of the best ways to showcase how the Volkswagen Group runs their brands. Many of the cars have shared technologies and platforms, thus improving economies of scale as well as pressing the fast forward button on innovation and technology trickle-down from the high end brands to the low end brands. But each brand is allowed to have their own identity, and this is clearly reflected in the cars that each brand puts out.

We are currently working on putting up the rest of the debut performance videos online, as well as get you the full lowdown on all the various cars that the Volkswagen group have put out, including live photos from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the meanwhile, sit back relax and enjoy the stream of Frankfurt stories being released.

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Infiniti EX and FX models spotted at JPJ Putrajaya

September 13, 2011 at 6:52 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Infiniti, Local News, Spyshots

It seems we have more news from Putrajaya. Reader Akmal spotted two Infiniti models at JPJ Putrajaya. As mentioned before, Nissan’s luxury brand will be making an entry into Malaysia by the fourth quarter of this year along with an Infiniti Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Auto Dunia is the franchise holder and the Infiniti Centre will be operated by Inspired Motor which is a joint venture between Auto Dunia and Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

The dark red model we have here is the Infiniti EX which is a compact crossover SUV that is positioned below the FX range. Several models are available including the EX37 and the EX25 which is sold in China only. There is also a diesel variant called the EX30d. From the images, we can’t really tell which variant this vehicle is but it could likely be the EX37.

The EX37 uses a 3.7 litre V6 petrol engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift or VVEL. It makes 316hp and comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode in the UK. Torque is set at 360Nm at 5,200 rpm. 0-100km/h takes 6.4 seconds while top speed is 240km/h.

The larger of the two is the Infiniti FX which is categorized as a mid-sized crossover SUV. This model is also available as an FX37, FX30d or as an FX50. Our guess would also be that the FX37 will be offered here. As the name suggests, it also uses the same 3.7 litre V6 and gearbox combo offered with the EX37. Power is also the same at 316hp and 360Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. However 0-100km/h takes a little slower, 6.8 seconds to be exact and top speed is 233km/h.

Continue reading to view more images.
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PETRONAS PRIMAX 95 XTRA – better mileage, more power

September 13, 2011 at 4:43 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Advertorial

Did you enjoy our just concluded PETRONAS Travel Safe & Save series? If you have no idea what it is, where have you been? PETRONAS Travel Safe & Save starred our own funnyman Harvinder Singh and the lovely Julie Woon as they take “the road less traveled” and visit hidden gems scattered around Peninsular Malaysia.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the series, and the tales that Harve brings back to the office makes me want to recreate their trail. First up will be to Sungai Lembing for the noodles, and hopefully, my next beach holiday will be to Pulau Rawa instead of Phuket! Now, to find my own Julie as companion… :)

The duo drove a range of interesting cars in the ten episodes such as the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Sonata and Chevrolet Cruze, among others, all filled with PETRONAS PRIMAX 95 XTRA. PRIMAX 95 XTRA is PETRONAS’ latest fuel, launched in April this year. Replacing the previous PRIMAX 95, the new gasoline is said to be inspired by Formula One technology and is promised to deliver superior power as well as greater kilometres per litre.

PETRONAS PRIMAX 95 XTRA contains an advanced multifunctional additive package, which includes a mix of advanced combustion improvers and friction modifiers to deliver efficient combustion and reduce internal friction. Better combustion and less friction equals to smoother running and more power from every drop.

Besides the usual demulsifier and anti-corrosion bits, PRIMAX 95 XTRA also contains a new synthetic detergent as part of the package to provide a superior cleaning edge and maintain engine cleanliness for optimum performance. The additive package offers around 10% improvement in fuel economy over a base fuel.

Our Anthony Lim, a regular RON97 user, has tried the new PRIMAX 95 XTRA back-to-back with the petrol it replaces. Read what he has to say about the fuel here. Other Petronas Primax 95 Xtra users can also share your experience here.

And to view all 10 episodes of PETRONAS Travel Safe & Save, click the box on the right side of our main page. Just look out for the kawaii pose!

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Peugeot 508 looking good at JPJ’s Putrajaya office

September 13, 2011 at 4:22 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot, Spyshots

Looks like local players Nasim is about to launch the Peugeot 508 sedan in Malaysia real soon. A reader by the name of Akmal has managed to snap some photos of the gorgeous-looking French sedan at JPJ Putrajaya where it is likely undergoing type approval for our local consumption.

I am not sure what is under the hood of this car but if I were a betting man, I would put my money on the 1.6 litre turbocharged BMW-PSA Prince powerplant which should offer enough kick for the 508 and at the same time keep fuel consumption low :)

The 508 sits on the platform that underpins the Citroen C5 and it replaces both the 407 and 607 models. According to our previous report, the sedan should have made its local debut earlier this month.

Although it is almost halfway through the month, the launch should be just around the corner. October perhaps? In terms of pricing, we reckon that the 508 could be priced close the Ford Mondeo’s price range.

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Skoda MissionL Concept previews new compact sedan – production debut set in India for late 2011

September 13, 2011 at 12:51 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Skoda


UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

The Skoda MissionL Concept has been revealed in full. It is Skoda’s Frankfurt 2011 debutant and previews a new production compact sedan that is set to slot in between the Fabia and the Octavia, essentially making it somewhat the Czech brand’s take on the Volkswagen Polo Sedan.

“This premiere kicks off Skoda’s model offensive for the coming years. This new compact model, along with other new products to follow, will enable us to accomplish our goal of increasing global annual sales to 1.5 million vehicles by 2018. We are going to present a new car approximately every six months over the next few years,” says Skoda board chairman Prof Dr h.c. Winfried Vahland.

“We have taken a very pure approach to this design study – we have structured the surfaces simply, but impressively. The car has a strong, sporty look which conveys a beautiful simplicity and a youthful and contemporary appearance. Many people look for clean, minimalistic lines, and the MissionL concept offers all that,” says Skoda Board of Directors Member for Technological Development Eckhard Scholzabout.

The production version of this new compact sedan will commence delivery to Indian customers in late 2011, and it will subsequently be launched in Europe, Russia and China in 2012.

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Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition shown ahead of Frankfurt

September 13, 2011 at 9:44 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Aston Martin, Cars, International News

Aston Martin has revealed the DBS Carbon Edition that will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This new variant will be available as both a coupe and a convertible or Volante as the company calls it.

The Carbon Edition comes in two new colours including Frame Orange and Ceramic Grey, along with the existing Carbon Black. Each unit will be treated with seven layers of paint together with a 25-hour hand flat-and-polish finish which gives the surface a glass veneer look. Owners can also specify a satin lacquer paint finish which creates a silk-like texture.

Other goodies include 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish available as an option as well as black brake calipers with colour options including yellow, orange, red or grey. Also in the bucket list are carbon fibre mirror heads, carbon rear lamp in-fills, a black grille as well as smoked tail lights.

The interior of the Carbon Edition is furnished with obsidian black or maranello orange semi-aniline leather, leather headlining for the coupe, a carbon fibre facia with a carbon weave that is positioned to follow the form of the dashboard and so on. There are also magnesium alloy shifter paddles that are tipped with carbon fibre and a carbon fibre special edition sill plaque with laser etched metal inlay.

This gorgeous Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition carries a hefty £186,582 price tag for the hardtop and £196,581 for the topless variant. Deliveries are expected to start early next year. Continue reading to salivate over some high-res photos :)
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2012 Euro Honda Civic hatchback – first images revealed

September 13, 2011 at 8:03 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Honda

Say hello to the latest iteration of the Euro Honda Civic which will be making its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Honda has just released the first few images of the hatchback following a teaser image that was shown late last month.

The 5-door which will hit European showrooms in early 2012 is said to offer better ride and handling, lower exhaust emissions as well as better interior quality. Honda also mentioned that the airy cabin and boot space has been retained as well.

According to Honda, the new Euro Civic’s design is inspired by a “blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance, quietness and habitability”. What do you think of the design? Prefer its predecessor?

More details to come your way soon. Meanwhile you can find a high-res image gallery after the jump.
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Lexus GS 450h gets an early reveal ahead of Frankfurt

September 13, 2011 at 7:42 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Lexus, Videos


UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

The new Lexus GS was recently revealed in August and it looks better than ever. You can consider it as a larger IS, which is a good formula to grow from at least in the design department. Following the reveal of the D-segment contender, Lexus has just unveiled the hybrid version called the Lexus GS 450h ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show which should be starting anytime soon.

The new 450h uses the company’s second generation Hybrid Drive System which is made up by a 3.5 litre V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with D-4S direct injection and a two-motor hybrid system.

This front engined rear-wheel drive system is able to collectively output 338hp, allowing it to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption has improved by about 30%. The reduction in fuel consumption is contributed by enhanced cooling of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) as well as improved regenerative braking.

The full hybrid drivetrain which allows all-electric motoring also features a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack, a power spilt device which helps allocate and combine power when required and so on. The GS 450h now sits on a stiffer platform with lightweight components.

It also has an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and the latest generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) to help make certain that traction is always available.

Other goodies include Electric Power Steering (EPS), 10 airbags and front seats with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL). In the options list, there is a pre-collision system, Night Vision, Heads Up Display (HUD), Blind Spot Monitor as well as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

In terms of design, the 450h is differentiated from its non-hybrid sibling with a three-lamp headlight system, larger 17-inch wheels and the customary blue-tinted logos. On the inside, along from the usual luxurious treatment, it has an analog clock with LED indicators, a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are seated, a bamboo-finished steering wheel and more. All of these features are also available in the standard GS.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery and a promo video of the Lexus GS 450h.
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