Mercedes Benz is expected to show us a new 4-door convertible concept prototype based on the current Mercedes Benz S-class at the Detroit Motor Show early next year. The model might go into production with choices of engines that include a performance V12 in 2009, just 2 years from now.

But then again, is Mercedes Benz answering a question that no one asked? Is there actually a demand for a 4-door convertible, and what will having 4 doors do to the car’s structural rigidity?

Naza is currently having a promotion until the end of the month where anyone who test drives one of Naza’s 3 compact cars - the Naza Bestari, Naza Suria and Naza Sutera will get a mystery gift.

Also, if you decide to buy any of these cars before the 31st of December 2006, you’ll get an accessory package worth up to RM2,000.

For the Naza Bestari, the accessory package includes tinting, rear headrests, hood insulation and others. Not sure about the other cars except for the gold tint.

A report from AP says that Volkswagen AG may conduct a due diligence audit on Proton as discussions on a possible tie-up including stake transfer progresses further. Recent newspaper reports have suggested that Volkswagen is the forerunner in the bid to partner with Proton. Volkswagen’s possible 51% purchase into Proton’s manufacturing unit is said to be worth RM 2 billion ringgit, which will result in Proton gaining knowledge through tech transfers as well as a capital injection. Initially, Volkswagen might use Tanjung Malim to assemble the Volkswagen Passat model for the Japan market, taking advantage of Malaysia’s free trade agreement with Japan.

This will result in Volkswagen holding Proton’s manufacturing unit shares, but what is to happen to the government’s 43% stake in the main company Proton Holdings Bhd? This might be where the local partner comes in, a company like DRB-HICOM or Naza could purchase part or all of this stake from the government. Volkswagen is said to have the edge over PSA Peugeot-Citroen because PSA Peugeot-Citroen is interested in a partnership that could involve sales and joint model development collaboration but it did not want to involve a stake transfer.

Sources: IHT, Bernama

Related Posts:
JMEPA: The reason Volkswagen wants Proton?
Proton stake purchase updates
PSA Peugeot Citroen and Proton to meet next week
DRB-HICOM wants to help Proton
DRB-HICOM confirms Proton share purchase talk
Government gives green light to foreign control in Proton

[ LATEST UPDATE: Naza has updated the Naza 206 Bestari for the 2008 model year. Click the link for more information! ]

Finally after a long wait, the press fleet for the Naza 206 Bestari is ready and I managed to get a hold of one unit to write a test drive report. The Naza 206 Bestari, codenamed the NX-02 is basically a locally assembled rebadged version of the Peugeot 206, in fact the Peugeot lion badge is still displayed proudly on the rear hatch. Look after the jump for what I think about the Naza 206 Bestari.

Click here to read the rest of Naza 206 Bestari Test Drive Review

[UPDATE: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has launched the new Lancer. Click here for more details on the fully imported Lancer 2.0 GT that's available in Mitsubishi showrooms now.]

Mitsubishi Motors has released details on it’s new 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer, set to make it’s global public premiere at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show) at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

The new Mitsubishi Lancer is based on Mitsubishi’s new GS Platform, which is also the underpinings for a few other models like the latest Mitsubishi Outlander as well as the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and others. The new Lancer is larger than the current model, with an overall length of 4570 mm (35 mm longer), overall width of 1760 mm (65 mm wider), overall height of 1490 mm (60 mm taller) and wheelbase of 2635 mm (35 mm longer).

The engine for the American market version will be from a new family of engines by Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance, a joint venture between Mitsubishi, DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai. The new 4B11 engine, also used in the new Dodge Caliber, is a 2.0 liter DOHC 16 valve engine with MIVEC variable valve timing, making 152hp, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. There is also an optional CVT transmission with a 6-speed virtual gear mode called Sportronic(R). Cogs can be swapped via magnesium paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

The European version will come with 5 engine options, including a 140hp 2.0 liter common rail turbodiesel from Volkswagen AG. The performance Evo version is not out yet, but it’s expected to be powered by a 4B11T 2.0 liter MIVEC Turbo making over 300 horses equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox. Dodge used a different approach with it’s Caliber SRT-4, turbocharging the 4B12 2.4 liter instead. Rumours are that the Lancer Ralliart is also expected to come with a turbocharged engine, detuned to position it between the 2.0 MIVEC and the Evo’s 2.0 MIVEC Turbo, or it might just use the 172hp 2.4 liter 4B12, up from the current Ralliart’s 2.4 liter 4G69 SOHC making 160hp.

More photos after the jump.

Click here to read the rest of New 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer specs and photos

Malaysian-registered cars will receive the equivalent of the MyKad system early next year - number plates called e-plates which will contain RFID tags which will contain information about the vehicle and it’s owner. The e-plate system was conceived as a strategy to curb car theft. It will supposedly prevent car thieves from getting away by merely changing stolen car’s plates. The system will be implemented in stages, starting with new cars, followed by those already running on the road. Range is 100 meters. The e-plates have a battery lifespan of 10 years.

How much will this new system cost us? Who will be bearing the cost of the new tagged numberplates, and will the prices be overinflated due to someone making a fat profit in the middle of the supply chain?

The plates are supposed to be tamper-proof, but then again with technology, there are many ways to get around security. There is always a way - think RFID “burner” devices to create a massive amount of electronically “plate-less” cars to confuse the police in the area, making it easier for you to get the car out of the theft zone, etc.

Source

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd’s plans for the Lexus marque this year - two models, one of which will be the flagship Lexus LS. Lexus has never really been in Malaysia officially with proper support, previously you could only purchase Lexus cars through grey importers. UMW Toyota will focus on establishing the Lexus brand in the local luxury segment, and not just to be viewed as more upmarket Toyotas.

It’s perfect really - despite only being a 17 year old brand, Lexus is the top luxury segment seller in the US, and is immediately associated with the luxury car image. Not only that, it has also benefitted from Toyota’s reputation for good build and reliability.

The Lexus LS is a massive full-sized luxury sedan, powered by powerful V8 engines. I wonder what’s the other model to be brought in, it should be either the IS or the ever so popular RX. My bet is on the latter. Rear shot of the Lexus LS after the jump, you’ll find that it looks very similar to a model in Toyota’s existing line-up.

Source

Click here to read the rest of Two Lexus models for Malaysia in 2007

When the new E60 BMW M5 was released, everyone drooled over the awesome 5.0 liter V10 engine, and the advanced 7-speed SMG-III computerized clutch gearbox, but the boys in the stick shift camp found themselves alienated - the SMG-III gearbox was the only gearbox available with the M5.

BMW North America listened, and is now offering the E60 BMW M5 with a manual transmission, a no cost option. The manual box is a 6-speed though, one cog less than SMG-III’s 7 ratios. However, the manual model removes the ability to fully disengage DSC stability control - BMW doesn’t want owners doing 8000-rpm dump launches and making BMW pay for new drivetrain components under the warranty period.

Instead, it will have something called an “M Dynamic Mode”, which turns off most of DSC’s features, similiar to the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) on the BMW X5, but still keeps some of the electronic governing of madness on - you can’t do redline launches, this means there’ll be no extreme tyre burning with the manual M5.

What exactly is the point then? Takes abit of the fun out of having a manual transmission in the first place, but I guess there’ll have to be some give and take eh? The manual BMW M5 is only available in North America at the moment, the rest of us will have to continue tearing up roads with the SMG-III M5s, not like they’re a bad thing.

A friend of mine and I have always pondered, what was our Prime Minister doing when he handed out abolishment duty for inbound Japanese CBU and CKD packs by 2010 in exchange for duty free export of “fruits” (and others) to Japan in the recent Japan-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (JMEPA), since we do not export any cars to Japan.

What we did not realise is duty free access to the Japanese market has increased the worth of Proton and it’s Tanjung Malim plant tremendously. A report by Forbes quoting AFX News says that the Malaysian government has short-listed Volkswagen AG to be Proton Holdings Bhd’s strategic alliance partner. Of course, being short-listed doesn’t mean Volkswagen will be the final partner chosen. Recent statements by the PM himself mentioned that the strategic partner will only be decided by Quarter 1 2007.

If Volkswagen is indeed The One, the deal will involve Volkswagen taking a 51% controlling stake in Proton’s manufacturing arm. Volkswagen wants to penetrate the Japanese market, and this is the reason for it’s keen interest in Proton - to use Tanjung Malim as an assembly base for Japan-bound cars. In return, Proton will receive sales aids and technology transfer.

Source

Related Links: JMEPA Press Statement Page 1, Page 2

For a limited time only, Volvo Car Malaysia is having a one month promotion from now until the 31st of December 2006 where you’ll be able to buy the Volvo S80 2.0T Classic for only RM199,000 excluding insurance, alot cheaper than the original price without insurance of RM250,927.42! That’s a savings of over RM50,000.

Some specs of the Volvo S80 2.0T Classic - it’s powered by a 5 cylinder light pressure turbocharged engine making 180hp at 5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1,850rpm to 5,000rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed auto. Top speed is 210km/h, and 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.8 seconds. Of course, this is the current S80 that’s on sale here, not the recently launched new Volvo S80.

For more info, visit any Federal Auto Cars or Swedish Marque showroom.