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Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 tech showcased at Frankfurt 2011

September 16, 2011 at 5:07 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Peugeot

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is expected to be the first series produced diesel electric hybrid in the world when its mass manufacturing starts soon, and word is that we might even see it launched here in Malaysia, if our diesel quality gets the green light.

The 3008 HYbrid4 combines a diesel engine with an electric drive. PSA Peugeot Citroën worked in close cooperation with Bosch to develop the electric components (motor, power electronics, and high-voltage alternator) and configure the ESP® electronic stability program specifically for hybrid vehicles.

Peugeot says we can expect a mixed usage fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100km, and an average CO2 output of 99g/km. At the same time, the combined diesel and electric power puts out a total of 200 horsepower and 450Nm of torque, so you get the best of both worlds – loads of power and torque but if you choose to drive gently you get fuel efficiency as well! The 3008 HYbrid4 accelerates up to 100km/h in just 8.5 seconds and has a regulated top soeed of 191km/h.

The 163 horsepower 2.0 litre HDi diesel engine powers the front axle via a 6-speed automatic, while an axle-split concept developed by PSA and Bosch uses an electrically powered rear axle to give the 3008 HYbrid4 partial all wheel drive capabilities. The car runs on the diesel engine alone at speeds of above 120km/h. The diesel engine has a generator mounted on it – a Bosch SMG138/80 which acts as a high-voltage starter/alternator for the start-stop system and to supply power to the electric drive and the air conditioning system.

The rear axle module has a 37 horsepower 200Nm water cooled SMG 180/120 electric motor and a differential gear unit. When accelerating hard, it acts as a booster. In situations where more traction is needed, it provides additional traction by activating all-wheel drive. An additional benefit is that the rear motor can provide continuous power thus can “bridge” the situations where the diesel engine’s power is cut while the automatic transmission is shifting gears. In urban and stop-and-go traffic, the electric motor can function independently, allowing the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 to run as a zero emission electric powered vehicle, up to a range of about 4 km.

The car’s ESP (electronic stability programme) system was developed by Bosch. As you would expect, with two different power sources running different kind of transmissions, managing traction in situations that requires computer intervention can be a little complicated. The regenerative electric drive on the rear axle was restricted in order to safeguard vehicle stability in all scenarios. There are also two vacuum pumps – a second vacuum pump is required for the brake booster when in electric mode.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 will begin deliveries in the UK in November 2011, with certain exclusive UK customer deliveries to begin in October 2011. The first deliveries will be of a Limited Edition version, of which only 300 units will be made.

Look after the jump for a live gallery of the cutaway car.
[Read more...]

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BHPetrol launches Trans Super diesel engine oil 7L pack

September 16, 2011 at 4:49 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News

BHPetrol has officially unveiled a new 7 litre pack of its Trans Super diesel engine oil which was previously available in 209 litre drum, 18 litre pail and 5 litre pack versions. The Trans Super meets SAE 15W-40 and API CI-4/SL standards and it is blended using US formulations.

According to the company, its additives are sourced from one of the world’s biggest additive supplier. The engine oil also meets other international specifications including Mercedes’ MB 228.3p/MB 229.1, MAN M-3275, Mack EOM-Plus, Volvo VDS-3, Renault RLD/RLD2 and more.

BHPetrol’s Managing Director, Mr Tan Kim Thiam said, “ BHPetrol recognises the growing importance of the automotive industry as a major mode of transportation amongst the population in this country. Today’s launch marked another milestone for BHPetrol as this clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to be a material player in the long term.”

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Win RM165k monthly with BHPetrol Save & Win!

September 16, 2011 at 4:49 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Advertorial, Cars, Local News

Local oil and gas retailer Boustead Petroleum Marketing or fondly known as BHPetrol has launched yet another contest called Save & Win which rewards motorists with up to RM165,000 cash prizes and up to 2 million ePoints every month.

The 3-month long contest runs between 1st September till 30th November 2011 and all you need to do is to spend a minimum of RM30 at participating BHPetrol service stations to be eligible. You must then fill up a form and you can throw in multiple entries.

The breakdown of prizes for each of the month include RM50,000 as first place prize, RM30,000 for second place, RM20,000 for third place, RM10,000 for fourth place and RM5,000 for fifth place. There are also 50 consolation prizes of RM1,000 and 50 special prizes of 50,000 ePoints. This contest comes after the success of the 4-month long Infiniti Fever Frenzy II contest whereby four Proton Inspiras, a total of RM120,000 in cash and other prizes were given out.

“We were elated with the response of the just finished Fever Frenzy II contest and have decided to launch this new ‘Save & Win’ contest to encourage more motorists to try BHPetrol Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97. We want more motorists to experience the difference in our fuel and enjoy the savings from using our Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97. Infiniti Advanced2X 95 and 97 gives users TWICE the quantity of quality German fuel additives, including friction modifier,” said BHPetrol Managing Director Mr. Tan Kim Thiam.

More information of the contest can be found right here.

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Volkswagen Polo R-Line spices up regular Polo at Frankfurt

September 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Volkswagen

Here’s one of Volkswagen’s Frankfurt exhibits – the Volkswagen Polo R-Line, not a exactly true Volkswagen R car, but kitted up to give it a spicier look. Some inspiration for current and future owners of the Polo perhaps?

The R-Line package includes 16 inch Mallory design alloy wheels, a high gloss black radiator grille with R-Line badgeing, an R-line bumper, chrome tailpipes, a roof edge spoiler, R-line side sills, daytime running lights, fog lights, and LED licence plate illumination.

On the inside, the Polo R-Line gets sports seats, mimicing the GTI model, finished with either Kyalami fabric or an optional Alcantara/leather combi surface. The inner surfaces of the lateral seat supports are made of San Remo microfibre fabric. Of course, there are R-Line logos in the headrests. There’s also black rooflining, high gloss black accents, aluminium look pedals, and R-Line door sill plates.

Volkswagen will begin selling the R-Line package for the Polo overseas from the end of this year, and it will be available with any engine variant overseas, so perhaps you can start enquiring at your Volkswagen dealership if they will bring this package in?

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Frankfurt: Kia Rio 3-door eyes trendy European streets

September 16, 2011 at 3:51 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Kia, Koreans

We’ve previously seen the five-door Kia Rio for the European market, now is the turn of the three-door Rio to have its world debut at Frankfurt. The Rio is a B-segment Kia, which we’ve also seen in sedan form for the US market. China’s notchback has slightly different styling and is called the K2.

Designed primarily for chic Euro streets, the new three-door Rio’s task is to attract first time Kia buyers and to rack up conquest sales. The on-form Korean brand expects 20 to 25% of total Rio sales to be of the 3-door car.

It has the same key dimensions as the 5-door model (length 4,045 mm, width 1,720 mm, height 1,455 mm and wheelbase 2,570 mm) and retains the same roofline that is among the lowest in Kia’s Euro range for some sporty appeal. Up to 10 body colours are offered – White, Black, Silver, Red, Beige, Electronic Blue, Deep Blue, Brown, Graphite and Yellow.

The 3-door will be available with the same range of powertrains, equipment and options as the 5-door. Customers have a choice of four three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 75 to 109 PS power range.

The fastest Rio will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds on to a top speed of 183 km/h. Fuel consumption will be as low as 3.2 litres per 100 km for the newly-introduced EcoDynamics diesel model, which also delivers a super low CO2 rating of just 85 g/km.

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Proton and Mitsubishi’s broad range strategic collaboration to benefit both companies

September 15, 2011 at 7:32 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi, Proton

The announcement made earlier today by Proton and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) that both automakers were in a detailed discussion to enter a broad ranging collaboration, with a firm focus on developing a powertrain joint venture, is a positive move for the national carmaker.

Proton chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said that in collaborating with MMC, there would be no need for either company to swap equities or exchange shares. “Both companies stand to gain with the economies of scale, which will lower the cost of development,” he said.

Entering the final phases of discussion, details about the collaboration as well as the investment in the JV should be finalised in the next two months. At the press briefing announcing this, six strategic areas of the colloboration were delved on briefly.

On the powertrain front, Proton is set to build engines for MMC, which the national carmaker is also set to utilise in its future model lineup. The benefit to Proton is that it reduces development cost and time and provides economies of scale with the joint volumes, said Proton managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin.


Click to enlarge

“We have to make a decision on whether to invest in a new engine, or collaborate. The duration if we were to invest in our own engine would be 18-24 months, and we’d have to invest a lot of money. In working together, we’ll have greater economies of scale,” Syed Zainal said.

The MMC powertrain production is set to take place in Tanjung Malim, and the work will not just be for assembly but involve casting and machining processes as well.

“Besides the powertrain JV, the other step of the collaboration we are finalising is the opportunity to also do OEM assembly for MMC for its products. We’re talking about two products, and one of these could obviously bring down the cost structure for MMC, and we’d offer them a quick market for it,” Syed Zainal added. No mention was made as to which these models are, though it has been bandied about that the Mitsubishi ASX is one of them.

While increasing capacity utilisation in its plants would bring about additional revenue, it is yet to be decided whether Tanjung Malim or Shah Alam will handle the consignment production of these MMC-brand models.


Click to enlarge

Elsewhere, following on the broader strategic front scope, there was also mention of product and platform collaboration, with the co-utilisation of these aimed at further improving scale with joint values and stretching the commercial value of Proton’s products. This will also minimise the investment needed and also bring about the ability to tap into existing MMC JV partners to reduce the complexity of the collaboration.

Component sourcing is also to be improved, with joint sourcing and a commonisation of components tapping on existing component bins helping to reduce cost as well as improve purchasing power.

Meanwhile, in other news today, the company made the announcement that the facelifted Exora MPV was due to make its market debut in two months time. The long-awaited turbocharged 1.6 litre Campro mill is also set to finally make its way into the market, and also set to be introduced is a six-seater premium variant of the MPV called the Exora Prime.

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Proton and Mitsubishi strategic collaboration – Proton to build cars/engines for MMC, parts sharing for small car!

September 15, 2011 at 4:16 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Mitsubishi, Proton

Proton and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) have jointly announced today that they are in serious discussion for strategic collaboration to further strengthen the competitiveness of both companies. The items being considered for collaboration include the following:

- Joint production of engines in Malaysia
- Consignment production of MMC-brand vehicles at Proton facilities
- Sharing of major parts and components between MMC’s “Global Small” and Proton’s upcoming “Global Small Car”
- Provision of MMC’s future tech such as electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicle technology

So it looks like Proton’s plant, which has spare capacity, will churn out CKD Mitsubishi models. MMC’s Global Small Car (to be launched in March 2012) is out of the question, since Proton has its own upcoming small car (EMAS), and the Lancer is already made here with a Proton badge. Could it be the Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover then?

According to the statement, Proton and MMC had “jointly proceeded with feasibility studies since late 2010″ to identify these areas of collaboration that improves global competitiveness for both parties. We previously heard that Proton was talking with Nissan on a collaboration, but it’s clear now that it didn’t work out.

For Proton, this deal will help it expand its line up of cars and make good use of its under utilised production capacity, mainly at Tanjung Malim. For MMC, this is part of a plan to expand its footprint in ASEAN. They already have a presence in Thailand, building trucks, truck based SUVs and the eco car. So perhaps Malaysia can contribute to the cause with a sedan and crossover.

More updates soon.

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Frankfurt: Lotus unveils the 2012 Exige S and Exige R-GT

September 15, 2011 at 1:10 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, International News, Lotus

Lotus has unveiled two refreshed Exige models at the Frankfurt Motor Show. First up is the Exige S which is given a reworked exterior and a new interior. Exterior updates include a new front splitter and a rear spoiler. Also available are two new interior packages including Premium and Premium Sport. The former offers a comfortable feel while the latter focuses on creating an internal space optimised for ultimate driver involvement.

Other features include Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) which enables the driver to to switch between three driving modes including Touring, Sport or DPM off. An option called Race Pack will give you a fourth mode called Race. This mode gives the maximum possible traction out of corners and it comes with Launch Control and an optimised suspension configuration. Power to the rear wheels come from a 3.5 litre supercharged V6 which cranks out 345 hp. This along with a 1080 kg weight figure, offers the driver a super healthy power-to-weight ratio.

Next up is the Exige R-GT which will take part in the FIA GT category of the FIA Rally Championship on asphalt in Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse and San Remo. It uses the same 3.5 litre unit used the road Exige but changes were made to the gearbox and the restrictors on the engine in order to control the power. Lotus confirmed that it will partner with several customer teams, like its venture into IndyCar.

Lotus also mentioned that you don’t need to a professional race car driver to get behind the wheel of the Exige R-GT. The company said the R-GT was developed alongside the road car and it still has a sense of fun driving and ease of use despite the performance.

At the moment we only have a single image of the R-GT but you can continue reading to view more photos of the Exige S.
[Read more...]

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Frankfurt: 562 hp Lamborghini Gallardo STS breaks cover

September 15, 2011 at 1:05 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, International News, Lamborghini, Videos

Lamborghini has unveiled the Gallardo STS which is also known as Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. The new variant is said to be the most extreme Gallardo as it is based on the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo race car which is part of a one-make series.

Lamborghini also stressed that the STS uses the same race engine, which is a 562 hp V10 with 540 Nm of torque, with no modifications what so ever and it is mated to a robotized e-gear 6-speed transmission. With its 1340 kg weight, the STS offers a power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kg/hp. 0 – 100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds and top speed is 320 km/h.

It also uses the same rear spoiler that offers high downforce. The other thing which is similar is the removable engine hood with a quick-release system. The all wheel drive configuration has been maintained as well. The suspension system is also directly derived from motor racing which makes the STS the closest thing there is to road race car in the Gallardo line-up.

Other features include ESP, beefier brakes with an option of carbon-ceramic discs and so on. A tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher, a satellite navigation with Bluetooth, an anti-theft system and a lifting system that raises the front axle are part of the options list.

Continue reading view an image gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.
[Read more...]

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Perodua Myvi SE 1.5 and Extreme launched – manual and auto, from RM50,900 to RM61,700 – we’ve driven it already!

September 15, 2011 at 1:00 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Perodua Myvi, Cars, Feature Stories, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua, Test Drive Reviews, Videos

After rounds and rounds of spyshots, this time, it’s the real thing. Moments ago, Perodua officially launched the much anticipated Myvi SE 1.5 which is a new Myvi with a 1.5-litre engine, the biggest capacity lump that has ever been put into the popular hatchback.

And if the new Myvi launched in June is called “Lagi Best” (34,000 people agree and have booked the car) the Myvi SE’s tagline is “Lagi Power, Lagi Best”, referring to the bigger 1.5L engine powering the car.

There’s also the Myvi Extreme 1.5, a name which we broke last week. The Extreme is essentially the same car as the SE, but with a more extreme bodykit and some added kit. It can be immediately recognised by the grey lower lip missing on the SE.

At the back, the Extreme gets a unique bumper, a more elaborate spoiler and chrome door handles. The new seven-spoke rim design and grille insert are shared by both.


Click to enlarge price list

Both the SE and Extreme are available with a four-speed auto gearbox or a five-speed manual. Prices range from RM50,900 for the SE manual to RM61,700 for the Extreme auto, figures that are lower than some have speculated. To recap, the Myvi 1.3 range starts from RM43,900 and tops out at RM57,400 for the 1.3 Elegance auto.


Myvi Extreme (white) easily identified via grey bumper lip, fog lamp housing has less bars

Let’s start with the heart of the matter. The SE and Extreme are powered by a 1.5-litre twin-cam engine with DVVT. This is the 3SZ-VE engine used in the Alza, and not the 1NZ-FE from the Toyota Vios. The chain driven (timing chain, not belt) engine puts out 102 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque from 4,400 rpm, a 12 hp/19 Nm jump from the Myvi 1.3.

While this is lower than the Vios’ 108 hp/141 Nm, the Myvi 1.5 (at 970 to 995 kg) is lighter than that sedan, and Perodua’s power-to-weight ratio charts sees the SE beat the “Model SS” (Suzuki Swift), “Model V” (Vios) and “Model P” (Persona).


Rear bumper design is unique for each variant, Extreme gets a more elaborate spoiler

Lagi power eh? The Myvi 1.5′s acceleration is not to be scoffed at – the SE manual does the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 9.98 seconds, which is very swift. To compare, a BMW 320i Sport does the same sprint in 9.8 secs, so don’t play play! The Myvi SE auto is timed at 12.49 seconds. So 2.0L sedan owners, don’t be too surprised if that pesky yellow thing runs neck-to-neck with you in the traffic light GP!

As for fuel consumption, Perodua claims 15.9 km/l for the manual and 12.9 km/l for the auto. These figures are slightly down from the 1.3L, but are still better than competing national cars, says P2.


All black interior and steering buttons are standard, Extreme gets leather seats and tinting

Inside, the Myvi 1.5 gets an all black dashboard and interior, unlike the dual-tone scheme on the standard car. The steering wheel is now wrapped in leather, and there are audio controls on the left spoke, a first in Myvi history. The front seats are also unique – Perodua calls them “semi bucket seats”.

Start the car and you’ll also realise that the Camry style instruments – orange illumination in 1.3 Standard, turquoise in the Premium/Elegance – is now in red, with white for the needles and trip computer. The dial design is also slightly different and there are chrome rings thrown in. The plastic surround for the meter panel is now in sliver.


Myvi 1.5 instruments are in red and white, design is different, chrome ring added

The Myvi SE comes with the “flush type” audio system as seen in the Myvi 1.3 Premium. This one has Bluetooth, USB and the a sliver carbon fibre look, but the backlight is now red to match the instruments.

The full colour DVD touch screen system with navigation found in the Myvi 1.3 Elegance is an option for the SE automatic and standard on the Myvi Extreme.

The other additional kit that are exclusive to the Myvi Extreme include leather seat covers (with Extreme badge on the front seat backs), Extreme carpet mats (driver’s mat comes with locks to keep it in place), and window tint. These are in addition to the exterior differences mentioned and shown above.

We’ve driven the Myvi SE 1.5 already. Read our first impressions and view the hi res gallery after the jump. You can pore over 50 images of every nook and cranny, and there’s a presentation video, too.
[Read more...]

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