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Stock Renault Megane RS 250 Cup makes almost 300hp!

October 31, 2011 at 9:07 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Local News, Renault, Videos

When we talk about high-performance hot hatches, only few come to mind. These few include the Volkswagen Golf and Scirocco R, the Ford Focus RS, the Mazda 3 MPS and as the title suggests, the Renault Megane RS 250 Cup. Just like its competitors, the RS 250 is often referred to as a hot hatch which you can drive to work on the weekdays and at the same time, something which you can bring to Sepang on the weekends and practice your driving lines :)

Under the hood lies a 2.0 litre 4-pot turbocharged (twin-scroll) unit which has over 25% of new parts compared to its predecessor. 0 – 100 km/h can be achieved in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 245 km/h. As highlighted in the “250″ designation of this French beauty, it makes 250 hp at 5,500 rpm at-crank and 340 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm with 80% of it available from 1,900 rpm. Or does it?

There are two ways to look at horsepower. One is at-crank (direct output from the engine) or on-wheel (horsepower measured on-wheel after transmission losses). The latter would naturally be lower than at-crank and auto makers use the former in the spec sheets. Most of the time, it is very hard for an owner to get similar horsepower figures when they carry out their own dyno tests. The conditions have to be right and the right fuel has to be used. So, you can safely say that most of the numbers are slightly optimistic.

Interestingly, with the Renault Megane RS 250 Cup, it’s the other way around. We were recently at a dyno session where the RS 250 was being tested, and it turns out that the RS 250 can actually give you an on-wheel horsepower figure that is almost similar as the at-crank figure showed in the brochure! The demo vehicle used in the video is an all-original unit, with no modifications whatsoever and it was used for media as well as customer test drives by Tan Chong Euro Cars and the vehicle has already clocked 25,000 kilometers.

During a test at GT Auto in Sunway, using RON97 fuel, the car actually achieved 248 hp and 355 Nm of torque on-wheel. After a simple math work, we managed to come up with an equivalent at-crank figure of approximately 295 hp which is almost similar to the at-crank number of the Ford Focus RS! The 295 hp number was derived from the 16% transmission loss calculation (from crank to wheels). Now we all know that the actual numbers will run off a little, but 45 hp is no joke.

Furthermore, reliable sources have confirmed that higher on-wheel horsepower figures were also achieved in two other units (you can view the dyno charts in the gallery). It was also said that the Renault Sport cars are tuned to work well in various climate conditions and ambient temperature. These sportier Renaults can also run on RON 95 fuel and the engines are built on a mass production line and that slight variances in horsepower from one engine to another is common.

It was also said that due to the slight differences, Renault Sport is being rather conservative with the published figures. Moreover, tests were also carried out overseas and these tests also confirmed that the RS 250 actually produces more power than promised. EVO UK also carried one out and they learned that their RS 250 media car recorded 270hp at-crank. You can check out the video here.

Other than a power mill with interesting figures, the Megane RS 250 comes with a sports-tuned chassis and suspension setting which helps give it its sharp maneuverability and chuckability, with comfort still in mind although there is a hint of acceptable stiffness to it. Suspension features include a 10mm lowered chassis as well as uprated dampers, springs and anti-roll bars.

Strong stopping power is also vital for a vehicle of such nature and this is provided by Brembo. The front wheels tease 340 mm vented and slotted discs along with 4-pot calipers. The brake tune strikes a good balance of stopping power and reliability in terms of maintaining brake pressure even during demanding driving scenarios such as pushing the car’s limits on the track.

No fancy or sophisticated dual-clutch transmissions here, just a good old, precisely weighted six-speed cog box which works well in shifting gears. All you need to do is acquire the skills of heel and toe, a dying art if you ask me, to ensure smoother shifting. There is also a mechanical LSD working in the background. Overall, the RS 250 retails for RM229,800 OTR without insurance and with that additional 45 hp, it gives the RS 250 better value for money.

If you want to learn more about the Renault Megane RS 250 Cup, you can read a full test drive review right here.

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2012 Honda CR-V pops up on Honda Japan’s website

October 31, 2011 at 6:42 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, International News


Click to enlarge.

Last month, the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept was revealed, and now, the first images of the production fourth-generation CR-V have come about – Honda’s Japanese website teases the new SUV, which is set to make its debut at next month’s LA Auto Show.

The production model – which you can get a wallpaper of on the website! – retains most of the styling direction as seen on the concept, though the front bumper on it looks more sedate and the wheels, while keeping to the five twin-spoke theme, also look less showy.


Click to enlarge.

The site also has graphics that present a peek into the all-new vehicle’s interior – there’s certainly more line flow present in the dash, and noticeable cues are a large screen housing the navigation/audio system on the centre stack, with another display console above it; the latter houses what looks very much like a digital interpretation of an analogue clock. Sizeable speedo too, by the looks of it!

Familiar cues have been retained – the climate control switchgear orientation and dash-mounted gearshift, for one, though gone is the void area between the centre console and dash, which was a great space for ladies to house their handbags (as I am told!); in its place it is a open storage unit where the cupholders also reside. Which means the slide-covered storage box just aft of it should be much more voluminous than the present CR-V’s. No tech details as of yet, but LA should take care of that.

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My Proton Makeover – next up, a 17-year-old Wira sedan!

October 31, 2011 at 5:33 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Proton

The next recipient of the My Proton Makeover programme has been identified – Sashideran Radha Krishnan’s 17-year-old Proton Wira, which he inherited from his father, will be given the reworking treatment by the R3 unit of Proton’s Motorsports Department.

The 24-year-old budding engineer is the first winner and second recipient of the Proton programme. The first was of course Fadly Hisham Roplay’s 1992 Saga, which was reworked by the R3 boys and handed back to him in September.

The white Wira that will receive the makeover was purchased by Sashideran’s father, Radha Krishnan, in March 1994. Interestingly, the day the car was registered also coincided with both their birthdays. “I still remember the day she was driven up the driveway of my house, all gleaming in white. I knew straight away that she was special!” Sashideran said.

In his submission for the contest, Sashideran described his Wira as more than just a car, rather a member of his family. The car reminded him of many key nostalgic moments, from ferrying him on his first day in a new school to bringing his mother and new born baby brother home from hospital.

His “darling Wira”, as Sashideran calls her, was also instrumental in being part of his first date, and was his reliable mode of transport to his first job interview and subsequently his first job.

“At one time, she sheltered me when I was away from home with no money to spare, becoming my room and bed for the night,” he explained, remembering once that he threatened never to speak to his father again when his dad said he was going to sell the Wira to get a new car. Dad has since relinquished full use of the Wira to Sashideran, who maintains the car quite intently.

“Sashideran’s story was so well written that it would be wrong not to reward him and his family for the love they shower on the car,” said Proton Director of Group Marketing, Branding and Motorsports, John D. Chacko. “We were a little amused considering that Sashideran is a passionate car lover, but his father still keeps a strict eye on him about how he cares for the car!”

Tengku Djan Ley, Head of Engineering of the R3 unit at Proton Motorsports, explained that Sashideran’s story caught the team’s attention because they weren’t expecting a “love story” with a car described in such a unique and heartwarming manner. “He and his family really love their Proton Wira, and the car definitely deserves the gift of a new zest of life,” he said.

The My Proton Makeover contest will reward four more lucky Proton car owners with a complete makeover of their car – entries close on December 28. As for Sashideran’s Wira, it’s scheduled to be returned to him in November.

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Chevrolet Cruze and Captiva – promotion on both vehicles until Dec 31 in the Chevrolet Centennial Celebration

October 31, 2011 at 4:55 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, Local News

In conjunction with the Chevrolet Centennial Celebration, Naza Quest has announced a promotion for the Cruze sedan and Captiva SUV, which runs from now until December 31.

During the promo period, buyers of the Cruze, which is now available with a Jet Black interior with Titanium Stitching, will receive an in-dash DVD navigation unit, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, free with their Cruze purchase.

Meanwhile, new owners of the Captiva 2.4L petrol will receive a three-year or 100,000 km warranty as well as three-years or 60,000 km free maintenance and parts with every Captiva purchase during the Chevrolet Centennial Celebration promotion.

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Subaru Palm Challenge: Weather not being kind, only 58 contestants remain, three Malaysians still standing!

October 31, 2011 at 4:48 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Subaru

We’re in Singapore to cheer on Team Malaysia as they take on the MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge 2011, also known as the Subaru Palm Challenge. This is the grand finals of the annual event – to read more on what it’s all about, read our opening post from yesterday here.

The weather hasn’t been kind, and the skies above Lion City is finally clearing after few hours of heavy rain. Last night was a critical period, and the 124 still standing contestants from our last update have been more than halved to 58 people as of now. 340 have given up. Some were reported to have been hallucinating!

Of the 58, three of them – Tan Hong Sheng, Saw Sen Chiew and Tan Chuan Kok – are Malaysians. The Filipinos have taken over from Thailand as the best regional team with five still standing. Four Thais are still in it, while Indonesia and Vietnam have two each. Besides the car, there are prizes for a “Country Winner” and an “Asian Winner” for the longest lasting non Singaporean.


L-R: Cheryl Desiree Chan, Su-Anne Tan and Kuek Zi Yi of the Subaru Stunt Driving Team

While the palmers were testing their endurance at Ngee Ann City, we were at the Singapore Turf Club to sample some Subaru cars via the usual emergency brake and lane change tests.

We were supplied with Impreza 1.5 AWD sedans and the most beautiful driving instructors this writer has ever seen. Meet from left to right, model/host/DJ Cheryl Desiree Chan, hot mum Su-Anne Tan and national inline skater Kuek Zi Yi, members of the Subaru Stunt Driving Team. Ladies that look good and can kick your behind in driving – we need more of them around :)

Unfortunately, they didn’t get to show us much, and the planned autokhana challenge for the media had to be called off due to heavy downpour. A real downer, since I was just getting all warmed up. Oh well!

Stay tuned for updates!

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Hyundai sells 2.95 million units worldwide through third quarter 2011 – sales up by 10% over same period in 2010

October 31, 2011 at 2:17 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans

Hyundai Motor Company has reported that it has sold 2,949,914 units worldwide in the first nine months of the year, up 10.5% from the same period a year earlier. Of the total, 510,228 units were sold domestically, while 2,439,686 vehicles were shifted in other global markets. The Korean automaker’s overseas sales rose 11.2% from the same period last year, while its domestic sales increased 7.3%.

The growth has been led by the launch of new models and strengthened product competitiveness throughout its lineup, the company said. New models such as Accent (badged as the Verna in some markets), Grandeur (Azera), Veloster and i40 drove up sales in all regions.

Net profit increased 34.1% to 6.1 trillion won as of the end of September from a year earlier, while operating profit rose 27.1% to 5.95 trillion won. Improved product mix and sales growth boosted sales revenue by 18.2% to 57.28 trillion won.

For the remainder of the year, however, the company said that global demand is expected to be lower than the industry’s original forecast earlier this year, due to unfavourable external factors such as the European financial crisis and slower growth in emerging markets. It added it would strengthen its focus on qualitative growth and implementing innovative marketing strategies to overcome these hurdles.

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Japanese investment in Indonesia soars in 2011

October 31, 2011 at 2:03 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News

According to a report, Japanese direct investment in Indonesia has spiked in recent months, with the cumulative total for the first nine months of this year amounting to 1.16 billion US dollars – the amount already surpasses the total 2010 investment by more than 60%.

The growth in Indonesia has no doubt been spurred by the tumultous activity elsewhere, as Japanese companies, hit first by the Tohoku earthquake and then by the flooding in Thailand, seek to establish manufacturing bases in Indonesia in a bid to rebuild their supply networks. Another factor is the raw potential of Indonesia as a consumer market, with a population exceeding 200 million.

The report adds that auto and consumer appliance sectors are leading the charge into the country. Japanese-affiliated automakers now control 90% of the local car market, where sales are expected to reach a million units within a few years. With that in mind, Toyota, Nissan and Daihatsu are stepping up investment in the country.

Parts makers are also jumping in, among them companies such as Nifco, a leading maker of plastic parts for automobiles. It’s building a factory in Indonesia to accommodate efforts by the automakers to increase local procurement ratios of finished cars.

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Honda’s Thai plant may be out for up to six months

October 31, 2011 at 12:31 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, International News

Honda’s Thailand assembly plant in Ayutthaya, which was submerged when floodwaters inundated the factory on October 9, may be out of action for up to six months, according to reports.

The automaker will need to replace a range of equipment damaged by the flood, and is still attempting to determine the full extent of the damage at its factory in the Rojana Industrial Park, where it produces its Civic and City models – the area remains submerged under two to three metres of water, and most of the flood-hit equipment remains inaccessible. The floodwaters are expected to recede in mid-November at the earliest.

The firm’s suppliers in Thailand have also been affected by the extensive flooding, as roads and other key infrastructure have been severely disrupted. “We will be forced to revamp the plant,” one Honda official was quoted as saying.

The reports add that the automaker has apparently told some of its suppliers that it will probably take six months before it can resume operations at the facility, and will likely not reopen the plant until next spring.

The company’s total production loss is expected to exceed 100,000 units, accounting for about 3% of the automaker’s planned global output for fiscal 2011. While Japan’s eight automakers have operations in the Southeast Asian nation, Honda is the only manufacturer whose facilities have been directly damaged by the floods. Honda Malaysia had last week announced a temporary halt to its production in Melaka as a result of parts shortages caused by the Thai floods.

In related news, Toyota has begun cutting output in seven countries – Japan, the US, Canada, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines – from today until November 5 as a result of the flooding in Thailand. While its facilities in the Kingdom have not been directly hit by the floods, operation at its three factories in the country have been halted since October 10, and potential delays in the procurement of parts are expected.

Elsewhere, Mazda halted production at its AutoAlliance JV plant with Ford in Rayong from Wednesday to Friday last week, as parts shortages came into play. The company said it was considering shipping parts to the facility from China and Japan.

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Toyota iQ-RS Evasive makes it a triple iQ shot at SEMA

October 31, 2011 at 11:59 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

Joining the Toyota iQ-MR from Tatsu and Jon Sibal’s iQ RX at SEMA is the iQ-RS by Michael Chang. His iQ gets a complete Evasive Motorsports body kit, with carbon featuring for the front lip, front and side splitters and rear diffuser, as well as the canards, which come from Voltex.

Plenty of Sparco stuff, as well as custom gear, to be found in the interior – the Sparco kit includes EVO seats, racing side mounts, steering wheel and pedals as well as a six-point racing harness.

Custom equipment includes a six-point roll cage, trunk reinforcement plate, fuel cell, rear trunk panel and rally style shifter. Carbon fibre again features strongly in the custom build, with the centre console, door panels and dash trim featuring it.

The iQ-RS wears an Air Runner suspension, custom under chassis brace, Advan Racing 17-inch RT wheels that have been powder coated in red and a Willwood brake system utilising custom two-piece rotors all-around and six-pot front and four-pot rear kits.

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Toyota iQ goes the pimped-up route for SEMA

October 31, 2011 at 11:50 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

Toyota’s iQ gets reintepreted for the upcoming SEMA show, with three examples – created for the show’s Tuner Challenge – getting the pumped up bodywork and pimped interior treatment. Two of the iQs are presented by tuning house Tatsu and Jon Sibal.

Sibal’s iQ RX has a full body kit courtesy of Veilside, finished in a subtle matte metallic grey and bronze pearl paint finish for MVDesignz. The engine has extra punch thanks to a Nitrous Express injection kit, and the wheels are 18-inch three-piece forged HRE rims.

The car also features an Air Runner suspension, MVDesignz custom-split black front seats with red stitching and a MVDesignz audio/video design and install, utilising Orion amp/speaker components, an Xbox 360 game console, 32-inch Samsung LED TV and an Apple ipad2.

Meanwhile, Tatsu’s iQ-MR takes the most radical approach, mechanically – the iQ’s engine has been moved amidships to drive the rear wheels. The mill has been rebuilt by Mavrik Motorsports, and features 12:1 compression pistons from JE Pistons and 292 duration, stock lift cams from Web Camshafts.

The bodywork has been customised with new panels from Speciality Cars, replete with Burns stainless steel exhaust pipes, and the iQ-MR wears a KW Variant 3 suspension system and 16-inch Sakura alloys from Axis Wheels. Speciality Cars has also done the interior panelling as well as the cagework. Fastbrakes four-pot brakes all-around complete the deal.

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