MotoGP has evolved over the years to become the F1 of the 2 wheeler world. Since it began in 2002, the world has seen the very highest levels of 4-stroke motorcycles. Over 180 pages of content. Niel Spalding has done beautiful work preparing this book, which is filled to the brim with photographs, and covers in-depth aspects of MotoGP Technology, showing the reader how the top MotoGP factory teams compete at the very highest level of 2 wheeler motorsport.

Spalding writes about the main teams, including new entrant WCM, giving information on the engines and frames used. My only gripe is that MotoGP Technology: The Official Book doesn’t really go in-depth into the engineering side of things, but there are other books for that.

MotoGP Technology: The Official Book covers the start of the 990cc, 4-strokes to 2006, the last year of the 990cc formula. Much of the book covers developments, team-by-team, and further sections cover components. The ‘teams’ sections provide an in-depth look at each team’s machine development & progress over the years, while the components sections cover specific parts of the bike, like frames, valve technologies, suspension, etc. After reading MotoGP Technology, you will understand how engine rotation affects handling during acceleration/deceleration, and how engine firing pulses, “Big Bang” for example, affect ‘rideability’ and traction.

Arguably, the author tries to cover a LOT of information such little space, so die-hard fans may have some issues with the book, as things move on there could be more info released which may warrant a 2nd Edition. Nevertheless, Niel Spalding covers the 990cc MotoGP Formula well and MotoGP Technology: The Official Book makes a good buy for all but the most jaded motoring fan!

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Contributor: Ben Corley

There is no discrimination against Proton car buyers according to Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz. Her response was a reply to the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA)’s allegations that banks are putting Proton customers in a high risk category and treating them with third class treatment.

“We had already had a meeting with the banks a few months ago and they said there is no discrimination against Proton car buyers. They said no, that is not correct,” said Tan Sri Dr Zeti on the matter.

The allegations were made by PEDA president Wan Ahmad Sepwan Wan Abd Rahman last month in a measure to try to get help for Proton dealers, which PEDA says 93% of them are losing money every month. PEDA requested for a minimum quota of Proton loans approved to prevent discrimination, indirectly forcing banks to make financial decisions and evaluations politically instead of being results and profits driven.

Related Posts:
Dealers want minimum quota of Proton loans

Previously, it was reported that a production variant of the Toyota Endo would be produced by Toyota, positioned as a mini city getaround vehicle below the Toyota Aygo. A refreshed near-production concept will be shown September this year at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and sales would likely begin in 2008.

The production Toyota Endo will be a 3000mm long car and feature 3+1 seating - three adults plus a child who would sit behind the drivers seat.

Related Posts:
Toyota to produce Toyota Endo

This is the best promotional video advertisement of the new V8-powered BMW M3 yet. Really nice videography and the M3 is portrayed in a very delicious Alpine white. It almost makes that hood bulge look good. Video after jump.

Click here to read the rest of BMW M3 New Promotional Video

There was a time when it was easy to tell supercars from all the rest, but then certain things happened. For one, power outputs kept on increasing while the cars got more liveable and less mental, leading to the creation of the somewhat ridiculous category of ‘hypercar, to house such varied contenders as the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Zonda. Whats next, ‘megacar? ‘Gigacar? ‘Best-to-the-power-of-infinity-car?

It doesnt help that firms like BMW make cars like the M5, a sedan which in its current incarnation has a gargantuan 500bhp, a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and a delimited top speed scarier than 300 km/h. So whats a supercar anymore? Auto publications inevitably compare the M5 to similarly-powered Italian thoroughbreds like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430, often with favourable results. Its much cheaper, resoundingly more practical and almost as fast, but inevitably held back by being heavier and having to accommodate all that luggage and human space.

So, youd think that it would be a sure-fire exercise in supercar-making to take the M5s magnificent engine and put it into something lower, lighter and stiffer like, say, a 6-Series, right? The BMW M6 has to be a supercar. Or does it?

Jeremy Mahadevan finds out after the jump.

Click here to read the rest of BMW M6 Test Drive on the Isle of Man

[ UPDATE: The facelifted Proton GEN2 with the Campro CPS engine has been unveiled at the 2007 Thailand Motor Expo. Click here for more details and specifications! ]

Here’s a rear shot of the new facelifted Proton GEN2 that has been going around town on test routes. We previously saw the changes to the front of the GEN2, but these photos by Matt Chin using his handy cameraphone show us the new rear spoiler which is of a 3-mount design. The badging on the left side of the bootlid is also curiously taped over - could it have the long awaited CPS 1.6 words underneath it?

Related Posts:
Proton GEN2 Facelift Spotted!
New Proton Sedan Spotted!
Proton GEN2 Sedan Computer Graphics
Proton Satria Neo Sedan Artist’s Impression

Perodua XX06 Concept

[ UPDATE: The Perodua Viva has been launched! Click here for full details on specifications and pricing, as well as many clear photos of both exterior and interior! ]

Perodua will be launching the new replacement for both the Perodua Kancil and Perodua Kelisa on the 10th of May 2007. Word on the street is the new car codenamed Perodua D18D will be called the Perodua Viva, but let’s wait until the launch to find out full details on the new car that’s set to take the budget car market to new levels.

Perodua’s production targets for the new car is between 7,000 to 8,000 units, and already 2,000 units of stock are ready to be delivered by the launch date. Three engine sizes are available - 660cc, 850cc and the top of the line 1,000cc, and all three engines will have electronic fuel injection and DVVT variable valve timing.

Booking for the new Perodua D18D (Perodua Viva) starts today, on the 1st of May 2007. If you visit the showrooms, some of them should have details on the car and will be giving you a sales pitch for pre-launch booking already.

Source: Business Times

As a recap, here are some of the previous posts covering the Perodua Viva. Check them out to view all the spyshots and juicy details previously posted about the car!

Related Posts:
Perodua Viva Photos on Forum
Perodua Viva to be unveiled mid-2007
New Daihatsu Mira launched in Japan
Kancil Replacement Model (Perodua Viva) sighted in Mines
Kancil Replacement Model (Perodua Viva) spotted!
Kancil and Kelisa Replacements in first half 2007 (Perodua Viva)
Upcoming Perodua Kelisa replacement?
Could this be a Kancil Replacement Model?
New Perodua Kancil / Kelisa coming down our alley?