It’s no secret that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be launching soon in Malaysia, thanks to ads by eager salesmen and spyshots of the car. Here’s the first official teaser from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, as posted on the company’s Facebook page. The ‘coming soon’ banner is also a call for prospects to register their interest.

The most recent sighting of the A-Class was earlier this month, where a reader spotted the baby Merc being transported on the Kesas highway. Two different variants were visible, likely to be the A200 (nicer wheels than those on the red A200 from JPJ Putrajaya) and the A250 Sport. The latter, which looks fetching, has a more powerful 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine compared to the 1.6 litre in the A200.

Other than the sportier-looking bodykit, it also has a different alloy wheel design, which is identical to the sole A250 that we saw on a transporter earlier. Click here for indicative pricing based on classifieds ads that have been published so far, but keep in mind that actual launch pricing may differ.

We’ve driven the new A-Class, and you can read the test drive report here.

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One day on and we have a better view of the “MPV” that BMW is developing. Yesterday, our European spy pixmen – for the first time – saw a longer version of the BMW 1 Series GT hatchback that has been previously caught testing at the Nurburgring. It had an MPV-like shape, leading us to believe that BMW could be coming out with its first MPV.

Today’s set of pics feature a mule without camo on the rear glass, giving us a tiny glimpse of the car’s cabin. Are those shadowy things head rests for a third row of seats? If they are, we could be looking at a three-row, seven-seat BMW MPV. Yes, an ultimate driving multi-purpose vehicle! Will such a car be a runaway success or a niche too far for Munich? Only time will tell.

Click here to see a video and pics of the shorter BMW 1 Series GT hatchback, which should be making its debut this September in Frankfurt. The front-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz B-Class rival is based on the BMW Concept Active Tourer from last year.

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The facelifted Nissan Grand Livina has been introduced to journalists in Indonesia, ahead of an official launch next week. Readers of this website would have already seen the revised Livina range, via spyshots and a live gallery from Auto Shanghai 2013.

The Indonesian market, the first in the region to get the refreshed Grand Livina, will get an improved MPV. Besides the exterior updates, which we have detailed in full here, there’s an updated HR15DE 1.5 litre engine with dual injectors and twin CVTC for both intake and exhaust. This mill alone is said to be 4% more fuel efficient than the outgoing 1.5L engine in Indonesia.

More importantly, the seven-seater will come with Nissan’s X-Tronic CVT gearbox in Indonesia, replacing the torque converter four-speed automatic. This should further imporve economy, besides providing a smooth, silent ride. A five-speed manual will be the other transmission on offer.

The facelifted Livina range is sure to arrive in the near future, and Tan Chong has already been spotted testing the MPV ahead of local assembly. But what remains unknown is the chosen powertrain for Malaysia – carryover 1.6L or updated 1.5L, conventional automatic or CVT.

The pics below are of the facelifted Livina from Auto Shanghai 2013.

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Here’s another budget MPV from Chevrolet, but unlike the ASEAN Chevrolet Spin, the Chevrolet Enjoy MPV we see here started life as the Wuling Hongguang, a product of GM’s Chinese joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile. The Enjoy, assembled in India with kits imported from China, was launched in the subcontinent earlier this month.

In India, the rear-wheel drive Chevy Enjoy is available with ‘Smartech’ engines – a 1.4 litre petrol unit (104 PS, 131 Nm, 13.7 km/l claimed) or a 1,248 cc commonrail turbodiesel with 78 PS and 188 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm. The latter is claimed to achieve 18.2 km/l. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox – no auto option available.

Size-wise, the van-like Enjoy is slightly shorter than the Chevy Spin, but has a 100 mm longer wheelbase at 2,720 mm. The seven seater has 195 litres of boot space, expandable to 630L with the rear bench folded away. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, second row captain chairs and rear air con are among the features in the Enjoy.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova rival will be priced from 5.49 to 6.99 lakh (RM29,998 to RM38,195) for the petrol and 6.69 to 7.99 lakh (RM36,555 to RM43,658) for the diesel. Not likely to reach our shores, as we are more likely to get the Spin.

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Rules and legislations must move with the times, and Singapore’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system is on the table for a revamp. To spread car ownership more evenly, the island republic’s government is considering levying a surcharge on second and third cars owned by one individual. Also to be reviewed are how the COE categories are defined.

Like Malaysia’s road tax system, COE categories are based on engine capacity, and it worked fine until the European carmakers started the downsizing wave, putting more and more premium models into lower categories. It could be news to some that stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Lancer no longer rule the SG car sales charts. In their place are VWs, Audis and BMWs.

Luxury cars took up about a third of Category A registrations last year, compared to just 7% in 2010. Cat A was the traditional home of the mass market family car with engine capacity of 1,600 cc and below.

“Models such as Mercedes C180 Kompressor and Audi A1 have an open market value and engine power that is significantly higher than those of more mass-market models such as Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda City. While this is a reflection of increasing affluence and consumer preferences, we also want to make sure that Category A, which is intended for buyers of smaller budget cars, retains its original purpose,” said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew.

Categorising cars based on horsepower is one option. “Cars, for instance MPVs, Honda Stream, Toyota Wish, they are in Category B because of their cc. But in terms of their horse power and in terms of (buyers), it should be for those lower and middle income people. So if they are in Category B, it causes a stress to them, because they are challenging those big boys,” Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Vehicle Traders Association Raymond Tang commented, adding that sorting cars by hp will be fairer to middle income buyers.

The rich who want to own more than one car could soon be paying more for the privilege. “I am open to considering sensible options that could possibly take the form of, for example, levying a surcharge for the second, third or more cars owned by the same individual. The rationale would be that in exchange for the privilege of owning several cars, these owners should pay proportionately more by way of levies,” Lui added.

The public and industry players will be consulted on the proposed changes, before a decision is made later this year. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles will not be affected.

It’s not easy to own a car in land starved Singapore. Earlier this year, the Monetary Authority of Singapore placed a cap on motor vehicle loans, enforcing maximum loan at 50% and a maximum loan tenure of five years. MAS said the move was to encourage financial prudence. Read the full story here.

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A unique Aston Martin DB4GT fetched a world record price of £3,249,500 (RM14,889,522), the highest ever price paid for an Aston Martin at auction, when it went under the hammer as part of the Aston Martin Centenary Sale at Aston Martin Works on May 18. The sale itself also realised a record total of over £10 million, with every lot sold.

The annual Bonhams auction of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars, the 14th to be held at Aston Martin Works, celebrated 100 years of the marque and had the distinction of being the first major event to make use of the new Heritage Showroom, the final stage of the major redevelopment of the historic Aston Martin Works site.

The DB4GT, nicknamed ‘The Jet’, was the last DB4GT to be built. It is the only one of its kind, with coachwork by Italian design house Bertone, and made its debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. It was one of the first design commissions for Giorgetto Giugiaro, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated automotive designers of our time.

The previous owner commissioned Aston Martin Works to restore the DB4GT to concours condition, which went on to win 12 awards, including first in class at Pebble Beach and the Hurlingham Club, and best in show at Villa d’Este.

Other lots sold included several ‘barn find’ Aston Martin models, including a 1964 DB5 coupe in original condition and with fewer than 48,000 miles on the clock. In need of restoration after 30 years off the road, the DB5 fetched £320,700 (RM1,469,478). Looks familiar? The DB5 was made famous by James Bond 50 years ago, and it made a recent appearance in the latest 007 flick, Skyfall.

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The first production unit of the Infiniti Q50, the Nissan luxury brand’s 3-Series fighter, has rolled off the Tochigi assembly line in Japan. The official off-line ceremony was presided over by Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan, and Johan de Nysschen, president of the Infiniti division.

The first of a new generation of Infiniti vehicles, the Q50 made its world debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Q50 is smaller than the Infiniti M and replaces the brand’s G sedan.

At Detroit, two engines were announced, a 3.7 litre V6 and the Q50 Hybrid with a 3.5 litre V6. At the car’s European premiere in Geneva two months later, Infiniti included a 170 hp/400 Nm 2.2 litre turbodiesel sourced from Mercedes to the menu.

The Infiniti Q50 diesel gets to 100 km/h from rest in under nine seconds and tops out at about 230 km/h, whilst being capable of returning a quoted 4.4 litres per 100 km. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto. The hybrid is much faster, doing 0-100 km/h in under 5.5 seconds before reaching a 250 km/h top speed. AWD is available.

It is reported that triple F1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, played an active role in the testing and evaluation programme of the Q50 in his capacity as Infiniti’s Director of Performance. “I’m glad I was involved in the development of the Q50 and I wish you a very good ‘birthday’ and success for the future,” he said in a congratulatory video message to the production team at Tochigi.

Coming to Malaysia? Yes, Inspired Motor has confirmed that they will be bringing the Infiniti Q50 in to fight the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS. Click here to see more of the Q50.

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Stylish Italian luxury brands Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna have decided to work together. Company bosses Sergio Marchionne and Gildo Zegna recently signed a three-year agreement that gives birth to a long-term partnership between the two brands.

The first step in this direction pays tribute to the forthcoming Maserati Centennial in 2014, with a Limited Edition of the new Maserati Quattroporte by Ermenegildo Zegna (standard Quattroporte pictured).

The new Maserati flagship will be reinterpreted and customised with new colours, materials and trims, inspired by the collections of a leading group in men’s luxury fashion. In particular, fabrics will be produced by the historic Lanificio Zegna wool mill in Trivero, Italy.

In addition, a whole range of new optional trims by Zegna will be available for all Maserati models in 2015. In 2016, taking advantage of the Zegna Group long-term experience in ‘custom-made’ fashion clothes, Maserati will approach new tailor-made solutions, with new colours and trims available exclusively.

Only 100 units of the Maserati Quattroporte Limited Edition by Ermenegildo Zegna will be produced, and customers will benefit from a unique collection of accessories by Zegna, specially designed for each Maserati. The first prototype will be unveiled in an upcoming motor show.

Click here for full info and a high-res gallery of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte.

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Yet another sighting of the upcoming Proton Preve Hatchback. This time around, two units of the P3-22A were snapped in a jam in front of the Masjid Jamek LRT station in downtown KL. Nothing new we haven’t seen before, though – click the pic above to enlarge.

The most recent sighting was of the Preve hatchback doing some high speed runs on the NKVE, plus a bonus video of it in action. Before that, our colleague William saw a group test with multiple units racking up urban miles together. One of the mules wore smaller steel wheels instead of the big alloys on today’s car – a hint that there will be multiple specs on offer.

You’ve seen the test mules before – in January, on the 6th, 10th, 16th and 28th – so this sighting reveals nothing new, just another sign that the P3-22A is coming soon. No one knows exactly how soon though, so in the meantime, have a look at Theophilus Chin’s renderings here.

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Inspired Motor, the Tan Chong subsidiary in charge of the luxury Infiniti brand in Malaysia, is having a showcase at The Gardens Shopping Mall, Mid Valley. The roadshow started yesterday, and will be there till May 19, which is this Sunday. The mall’s operating hours are from 10am to 10pm.

On display are two models from Infiniti, the FX37 SUV and M25 Sedan. The striking SUV is powered by a 3.7 litre V6 engine and can be had from RM435,000. The RM350k M25, on the other hand, is a luxury sedan rival to cars like the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS. It starred in our four-way luxury sedan shootout, which you can read here.

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Here are some good hi-res spyshots from reader Daniel Tay, who spotted this mystery car clad in black tape in Melaka. It’s a big sedan, which he thought was the new Honda Accord, but upon closer inspection, we can reveal that it’s the new Nissan Teana testing in Malaysia. Here’s why.

In July 2012, Nissan unveiled the 2013 Nissan Altima for the North American market, before the L33 appeared as the new Nissan Teana in China earlier this year. This means that Nissan is streamlining its D-segment offerings into one “world car,” but with different trim and powertrains for different markets.

Paul then got up close and personal with the Altima/Teana at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, and you can see the live gallery here.

Compared to the showcar from Seoul, this test mule wears the same wheel design, and the general shape of the disguised car, including the outline of the rear lamp cluster and boot, are similar too.

Another clue is from the sole interior shot here – it shows the top part of the centre stack, which has a “tiered” surface. Conveniently, there’s a current Teana “clearing the way” for the car in black.

Besides the design, which is more dynamic now with cues from the new Sylphy, the new Teana is powered by a QR25DE 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine, not the VQ series V6 in today’s car. It’s Nissan, so expect a smooth CVT doing transmission duties.

This sighting comes very soon after the Teana’s launch in China. Is Tan Chong already preparing the groundwork for local assembly of the D-segment sedan? Click here to see a live gallery of the new Teana and here for official videos and studio shots.

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Nissan is expected to launch its first test course outside of Japan next to a planned second Thai production plant in Samut Prakan by mid-year, the Bangkok Post reports.

“The Thailand Proving Ground will be the hub of Southeast Asia, which is the base of Nissan Technical Centre. It will help to reduce shipping costs significantly, as all new models have to be shipped to be tested in Japan,” said Takayuki Kimura, president of Nissan Motor Thailand.

Presently, Nissan operates three proving grounds in Japan, namely in Tochigi, Kanagawa (pictured) and Hokkaido. We also know of a Nissan proving ground in the desert of Arizona, USA, so the first overseas test course claim is questionable. Doesn’t change the fact that it’s a big deal, though.

Last year, Nissan announced plans to build an 11 billion baht factory adjacent to its existing one in Samut Prakan. The 24,000 square metre facility will include a production line, R&D centre and the proving ground.

The plant will have a production capacity of 75,000 vehicles a year when it starts operating in August 2014, eventually doubling to 150,000 units. Nissan’s existing factory makes 220,000 cars a year now. Once the second plant is running at full capacity, Nissan Thailand will have an annual production capacity of 370,000 vehicles.

Kimura said that Nissan plans to sell 500,000 vehicles in the Asean region in its fiscal year 2016, which will equate to more than 15% market share. For fiscal year 2012, the company sold 260,000 vehicles in our region for a market share of 7.2%.

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In conjunction with Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated in Malaysia today, Perodua is introducing a “Terima Kasih, Cikgu” package to “thank, honour and celebrate the country’s dedicated educators.”

The package offers a rebate of RM1,000, a personal accident insurance plan worth RM20,000 as well as competitive hire purchase rates from 2.7% by participating banks. The package, which is open to all educators from both public and private institutions of learning, starts from today till November 15, and is valid for all Perodua models.

“This package is our way of giving back to society’s unsung heroes and their selfless dedication in educating our young – from all of us at Perodua, thank you. On top of the offers given, early birds (those who book their cars this month) are entitled for a RM200 petrol gift card,” Aminar said.

“Along with the three years free service, we believe that this package offers the best value-for-money proposition on the overall motoring experience,” he added. More details, terms and conditions can be had a your neighbourhood P2 dealer.

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The Nissan Leaf is set to be the second electric vehicle to go on sale in Malaysia when Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) launches it in the third quarter of this year. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the only EV one can buy for now – the battery-powered small hatchback was launched in March for RM136k.

The network expansion of EV charging stations in KL and other cities will support the launch of the Nissan Leaf, ETCM’s executive director Datuk David Chen told reporters at the launch of another charging station at Bangsar Shopping Centre this morning.

Chen explained that the EV charging stations are initiatives by the private sector to support the government’s efforts to go green, promote sustainable mobility and set up an EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia.

The charging station at BSC – equipped with a General Electric DuraStation level 2 charger – comes after similar facilities were set up at Suria KLCC and Lot 10 as well as Petronas Solaris in Serdang; click here to find out how it works.

We’ve driven the Nissan Leaf, and you can read all about it here. Even better is the insightful and detailed account of Daniel Yap, who was an “ambassador” for the Nissan Leaf pilot program – he drove the EV for six weeks.

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Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has sent a revised TMG EV P002 to this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to defend its electric title won in 2012. Based on data gained from last year’s run of 10 minutes 15.380 seconds, TMG has generated more performance from the powertrain to further improve that mark.

The TMG EV P002 is already the benchmark for electric race cars, having established the current electric records at Pikes Peak and Nürburgring. The car is currently on its way to Salisbury in America, where TRD USA will perform aerodynamic upgrades to the Radical-based chassis as well as track testing.

Motor speed and torque have been increased while the powertrain’s operating parameters have been tuned to better suit the challenge of the unique 19.99 km Pikes Peak route, based on experience gained during last year’s class victory.

Once again, they’re using the pioneering off-board battery-to-battery charging tech, including Schneider Electric’s EVlink DC Charger, to charge the EV P002 from the mountainside, where there is no reliable connection to the power grid.

On June 30, just one week after TMG takes on the Le Mans 24 Hours with a hybrid prototype, Rod Millen will drive the TMG EV P002 at Pikes Peak. The 61-year-old New Zealander is a multiple record-setter at Pikes Peak and a regular competitor in Toyota machinery.

Before you think that this is a green race, recently revealed Pikes Peak guzzlers include the Toyota Super 86 by Monster Sport (to be driven by Monster Tajima) and the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak, which will be piloted by living rally legend Sébastien Loeb. Honda will send 10 cars to Colorado.

Read our live report from Pikes Peak 2012 to get a feel of the famous event.

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The all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray will serve as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, leading the field to green at the start of the 97th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” on May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s the 12th time the Corvette has served as the pace car since 1978.

Along with Chevrolet’s return in 2012 as an engine supplier, the latest Indy 500 Pace Car extends a legacy at the Brickyard that dates to the racetrack’s early days.

Decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indy 500 graphics on the doors, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production seventh-generation models with only track-mandated safety features and strobe lights. No powertrain upgrades, so it’s the new 6.2L LT1 V8 engine making an estimated 450 hp. The pace car features the track-capable Z51 package.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe goes on sale in America in fall 2013, with a convertible model – featuring a fully electronic top that can be operated remotely with the key fob – coming a few months later. Click here to view the sharp looking C7 in full.

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The new Toyota Vios that recently made its debut in Thailand is not here yet, but the popular current model gets a new colour – White Pearl CS. The pearly white hue is an RM800 option for higher spec variants Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo, Vios 1.5G Limited and Vios 1.5G.

White Pearl CS (CS stands for Crystal Shine) is in addition to Deep Amethyst Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic (a greyish colour) and Attitude Black. E and J variant buyers can continue to opt for Solid White. The current Vios range is priced from RM72,417 to RM92,027.

To read and see the next-generation Toyota Vios that is coming soon, click here for our Thai launch report (official pics, specs and video) and here for a live gallery of the sedan from the 2013 Bangkok International Motor Show.

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Porsche has announced the flagship of the latest 991 range, the Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S models. Described as the “technological and dynamic performance peak of the 911 series” the Turbo boasts new all-wheel drive, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 hp from a bi-turbo flat-six engine.

Sitting at the fat rear end of the Turbo is a 3.8 litre six-cylinder engine with direct petrol injection and bi-turbo. Porsche says that it is the only carmaker to offer two turbos with variable turbine geometry for a petrol engine. It makes 520 hp in the Turbo and 560 hp in the Turbo S, but torque figures weren’t announced. The previous-gen car had 700 Nm, by the way.

Power is transferred to all wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch PDK transmission, which now enables auto start/stop with earlier engine shutoff during coast-to-stop. Together with a new thermal management system, NEDC fuel consumption improves by up to 16% to 9.7 litres per 100 km.

For even faster and more precise power distribution, Porsche developed a new AWD system (PTM) with electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling. Equipped with a new water cooling function, it can direct even more torque to the front wheels if necessary.

The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, one-tenth better than the previous 911 Turbo S. The new 911 Turbo S does it in just 3.1 seconds. Top speed is 318 km/h. The new Turbo S shortens the lap time for the North Loop of the Nürburgring to “well under 7:30″ with standard production tyres.

Also new is rear axle steering, which consists of two electro-mechanical actuators. The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed. Up to 50 km/h, when the front wheels are turned the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction. This corresponds to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 250 mm, which lets the car turn faster into the bend while simplifying parking.

At speeds above 80 km/h, the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the turned front wheels. This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by a significant 500 mm and gives the car added high speed stability. At the same time, steering input leads to faster build-up of lateral force at the rear axle, which translates to more spontaneous and harmonious change of direction.

Another new toy is Porsche active aerodynamics (PAA). It consists of a sturdy, retractable three-stage front spoiler and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable positions. In the performance position, all segments of the front spoiler are fully extended, while the rear wing is extended to its maximum height. Nürburgring North Loop lap times are improved by up to two seconds due to this system alone.

Visually, the rear body panels of the new 911 Turbo are 28 mm wider than on the 911 Carrera 4 models – they feature a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the C-pillar and the outer edge of the body. Other differentiating details include two-tone forged 20-inch wheels and new full-LED headlights with camera-based main beam control. The latter is standard on the Turbo S and optional on the Turbo.

Earlier this year, Porsche revealed the new 911 GT3 for the more hardcore driver. By the way, the iconic 911 created by the late Ferdinand Alexander Porsche turns 50 this year – click here to see the past masters.

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The truly sexy Jaguar F-Type convertible will soon have a fixed top sister, as these patent filings show.

The Jaguar F-Type Coupe will share the soft top’s uniquely slim tail lamps and rear diffuser with quad tailpipes, but with a sloping roofline and broad shoulders. The rear end we see here reminds me a little of the BMW M Coupe based on the Z4. When it comes out, the F-Type Coupe will be one of those rare models where the convertible preceded the coupe.

Unveiled at Paris 2012, the front-engined, rear wheel drive Jaguar F-Type is powered by a 3.0 litre supercharged V6 (340 PS/450 Nm or 380 PS/460 Nm) or a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 with 495 PS and 625 Nm. The red hot cat made a recent appearance in KL for a preview, where Sisma Auto released tentative pricing – click here for live pics and the full story.

Also check out the F-Type in Lana Del Rey’s music video here. Sexy back!

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If we are indeed looking at the production VW Taigun, which is said to sit on the compact Up! platform, it appears that little has changed from the Sao Paulo concept car. You can compare both sets of pics – patent filings and concept car – below. A VW rival to hatchback-based SUVs like the Peugeot 2008, Ford Ecosport and Renault Captur anyone?

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You’ve seen the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7 before, but nothing more than a handful of official images. Here’s the hot hatch in a better light. We’ve put up 50 on location pics of the Mk7 GTI from the south of France, where VW is having an international media drive as we type. Plenty of accompanying nice backgrounds, from the mountain roads on the French Riviera to Paul Ricard.

To recap, the Mk7 GTI is available from the factory in two power output levels from its EA888 2.0 TSI turbo engine – a standard 220 PS GTI and a 230 PS GTI Performance version (both have 350 Nm), which also adds larger brake discs and an electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip differential. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed dual-clutch DSG unit.

The GTI Performance pack adds uprated brakes, with the ventilated front brake discs increasing in size to 340 x 30 mm from the standard 312 x 25 mm rotors. The rear rotors also get upsized, with the stock 300 x 12 mm solid discs on the standard GTI being replaced with 310 x 22 mm ventilated discs.

As for the LSD, the system consists of a multi-plate coupler between the differential cage and right driveshaft, which controls locking torque electro-hydraulically. Initial reports have said that “understeer is virtually non-existent.” Visually, vehicles with the Performance pack are distinguished solely by ‘GTI’ lettering on the red brake callipers.

The benchmark century sprint is done in 6.4 seconds for the GTI Performance, a tenth faster than the 220 PS car and half a second faster than today’s GTI. You can watch a video of the icon doing it his way here.

Reports streaming out from Nice have been positive, with hacks reporting that the Mk7 is a big step up in every aspect, especially in the driving department. Appetite all worked up, can’t wait to drive it!

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When one falls victim to theft, whether it’s a bag or your car that they took, it’s not just about the material loss, but the inconvenience one has to go through. If it’s your bag or wallet, the IC and driving license will need to be replaced, which means spending hours at a government agency. If your car gets stolen or is damaged, you would have temporarily lost your main mode of transport.

It’s a hassle, which is why this piece of news caught our eye. An insurance company now offers replacement cars for customers who are involved in an accident or fall victim to theft, Bernama reports.

Allianz General Insurance said that the replacement car benefit is for its Enhanced Road Warrior or CIMB Auto Relief policy for three, four or five days, depending on the plan. The customer needs to provide a photocopy of his/her identity card and the police report.

Accidents and theft are unforeseen events that will leave people stranded, literally. “When we thought about this, we felt the best solution possible is to provide replacement cars for consumers who are caught in this difficult situation while getting their cars repaired,” said Allianz General head of sales, Rafliz Ridzuan.

Good consolation in an unfortunate situation, we think, as not everyone has a second set of wheels at home. What say you?

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The Shanghai woman has long captivated many with her mysterious and seductive ways. The image of a slender cheongsam clad lady, always with perfectly coiffed hair and manicured nails, red lipstick, sipping coffee, slowly smoking a cigarette, speaking softly… you get the drift. High maintainance, but alluring.

The ladies we (or rather Harvinder) encountered at Auto Shanghai 2013 may not quite look like the above caricature, but the modern version is equally captivating. They stood tall with the crossovers that mobbed Shanghai, including the BMW X4 Concept which we had exclusive access to, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe, the Citroen DS Wild Rubis and the Acura Concept SUV-X, among others.

Honda brought plenty of new metal to the show – the Concept M MPV, Jade MPV and the Crider sedan, the latter two are production models. Toyota showed off the new Yaris (based on the new Vios, not the Euro version) and another Corolla previewing concept.

Other notable world debuts and concepts include the Maserati Ghibli, Porsche Panamera, Audi A3 Sedan, Ford Escort Concept, Suzuki Authentics Concept, Kia Horki Concept and the made-for-males Nissan Friend-ME.

We also spotted some models that may reach Malaysian shores in the near future – the facelifted Nissan Livina range and the Great Wall Wingle 6 pick-up truck are two such cars. Also do scan through the complete Shanghai menu for some homegrown entries, which are fast improving in terms of design.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed the cars, and without further ado, we present you the ladies of Shanghai 2013 after the jump.

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Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has officially announced the relocation of its Porsche Centre Bukit Bintang, which is affected by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project taking place in downtown Kuala Lumpur. The centre will cease operations with immediate effect, and will be relocated to a new premise in Damansara.

With floor space of almost 1,400 sqm, the new two-storey Porsche Centre Damansara will have ample space to showcase the latest Porsche range and pre-owned cars. It will also be equipped with a Porsche Fitting Lounge, which includes various colour and leather samples as well as a car configurator operated through a 60-inch touch screen.

The location, which should be along the LDP opposite Mutiara Damansara, will be easily accessible from various highways, at the same time providing good test drive opportunities.

“The relocation of Porsche Centre Bukit Bintang to the new automotive belt in Damansara is in line with SDAP’s plan to expand its network in strategic locations. I believe that with the opening of the new Porsche Centre Damansara, we will be able to be more accessible for many more of our customers. The new location will play an integral role in Porsche’s expansion in Malaysia,” said Arnt Bayer, CEO of SDAP.

The new Porsche Centre Damansara is scheduled to open its doors in July 2013

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Eyeing a Japanese MPV? Naza World is having a promotion offering incredible savings that is said to happen only once every five years. As with all great deals, it’s for a limited time only.

Highlighted popular CBU Japan models include the Toyota Wish (from RM91,100), Toyota Estima (from RM136,100), Toyota Alphard (from RM148,500) and the Toyota Vellfire (from RM183,700). Want an SUV instead? There’s also the Toyota Harrier starting from RM146,300 plus other popular models.

This sales carnival is happening at all Naza World authorised outlets, including the huge Naza Auto Mall along the Federal Highway in Petaling Jaya. Go to www.nazaworld.com.my for more info or check out the company’s Facebook page.

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Here’s a unique way to debut a new model. In the UK, the new Rolls-Royce Wraith will be showcased in the window display of luxury department store Harrods in Knightsbridge, London for one week. The car made its world debut at last month’s Geneva show.

The Wraith on display features Midnight Sapphire paintwork with an upper two-tone in Cassiopeia Silver, accentuating Wraith’s fastback profile. The interior is finished with an Arctic White and Navy Blue leather scheme, with intertwined RRs embroidered in the headrests in Navy and, unique for this model, the striking new Canadel Panelling in Santos Palisander.

Completing this spectacular interior is a starlight headliner, casting a glow from hundreds of individual ‘stars’ in the roof lining at the press of a button.

Based on the Ghost, the Wraith is billed as the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever with 632 hp and 800 Nm of torque from a V12 engine. That’s a healthy increase from the limo’s 571 hp and 780 Nm, making it three tenths faster to 100 km/h at just 4.6 seconds.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith will be in the window of Harrods department store until Saturday, May 4. Click here for the launch report and full gallery.

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The BMW X4 Concept was one the most significant debutants at Auto Shanghai 2013, amongst a raft of crossovers seeking to ride the wave. There may be the word “Concept” in the name, but the BMW X4 Concept is nothing more than a thinly-veiled production version of a Sports Activity Coupe that seeks to replicate the X6‘s success in a smaller segment.

The prodcution BMW X4′s roll out is scheduled for as early as 2014. It will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the same facility that also rolls out the BMW X5, X6 and X3.

Size, wise, the X4 Concept is 4,648 mm long and 1,915 mm wide, which is the same length as the X3 but slightly wider. The 2,810 mm wheelbase is also similar to the more upright X3′s. The showcar sits on large 21-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels.

Up front, the brand’s signature kidney grille is flanked by full-LED headlights. Inside the light units, you’ll find a flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar BMW twin circular “eyes.” The horizontal continuation of the inner light elements creates a visual connection with the grille, accentuating the width of the front end.

From the sides, a coupe-style roofline sweeps downwards and makes the car appear longer. The windows extend well to the rear, where they are bordered by a dynamic interpretation of Munich’s signature Hofmeister kink. There’s also a new interpretation of the familiar BMW swage line, a pair of dynamic lines that are very prominent on the flanks.

If you haven’t already done so, check out BMW’s official Auto Shanghai 2013 video featuring our Harvinder Singh. In the exclusive video, Harve interviews the X4 Concept’s product manager and the man who drew the car, asking some of the questions that you forwarded in our pre-show question call.

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Looks like the Renault Twin’Z concept that we featured earlier this month will have a sibling. Renault has announced that it will bring the concept car to the 2013 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, followed by a series of dynamic demonstrations at events such as July’s Festival of Speed at Goodwood, England.

The yet to be officially named concept car designed under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker comes under the ‘Play’ heading of Renault Design’s ‘life-cycle’ design strategy. It was designed and developed entirely by Renault Design as an expression of the brand’s passion and an illustration of how different takes on the same small city car are possible.

Below are two teaser images of the concept car, showing cool wheels and unique headlamps. The racing stripes, No.5 and debut location are hints that it will be a sporty debutant. They also match spyshots of a “TwinFun Concept” circulating on the Net, so that could be the name.

Click here to view the Twin’Z, which is rumoured to preview the next Renault Twingo city car.

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This is the 2014 Toyota 4Runner, which is a facelift of the fifth-generation SUV. The 4Runner is a pick-up truck-based SUV – much like how our how our Toyota Fortuner is based on the Hilux, the 4Runner is a sister of the US-market Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck. The fifth-gen 4Runner made its debut as a MY 2010 car.

The Toyota 4Runner combines rugged body-on-frame construction with suspension that is said to yield optimal off-road capability with a smooth ride and comfort more often associated with crossovers. The 2014 4Runner is available in three grades: a value-driven SR5; top-of-the-line Limited, and a Trail grade for maximum off-road capability. Optional third-row seats are available on the former two grades.

4Runner owners will have the choice of a rear wheel 4×2, part-time 4×4 or a full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential. The Trail grade gets bigger approach and departure angles, high ground clearance, and an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which improves terrain-following ability by dynamically disconnecting stabiliser bars to allow for more axle travel, and better suspension articulation in slow, difficult terrain.

Toyota’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature is standard on the Trail grade. The system helps maintain an appropriate speed to keep the vehicle under control and minimizes the load on drivetrain and suspension components.

There’s also a a Multi-Terrain Select system that dials in wheel-slip control to match the terrain. On loose ground, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle’s favour. On bumpy roads or solid rock, wheel slip is minimised and the system acts more like a LSD. A Mogul setting is for extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges.

All models are equipped with a 1GR-FE 4.0 litre V6 engine with 270 hp and 377 Nm of torque. The big V6 is teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission and is one of the few vehicles that continues to offer a transfer case. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds and all vehicles feature an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness as standard equipment.

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China’s Geely and Detroit Electric have announced at the Shanghai Motor Show that the two companies have entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop electric vehicles and related electric drive systems for the Chinese market. The first fruit of the partnership will go on sale in 2014.

After three years of feasibility studies, they have selected Geely’s Emgrand EC7 sedan as base. The EC7-EV will be co-branded with a ‘Detroit Electric – Technology’ badge and will initially be sold primarily to business users and public-sector organisations. The companies are forecasting sales of around 3,000 units in the first year, growing to 30,000 in three years’ time.

The EC7-EV will offer both medium-range (165 km per charge) and long-range options (approx 258 km per charge). Equipped with Detroit Electric’s twin-speed high-torque gearbox, the car is set to do 0-100 km/h under eight seconds and a top speed of over 200 km/h.

“I am confident that we can become a leader of pure electric vehicles in the Chinese market within the next 18 months. I am sure it is going to be a world class product,” said Albert Lam, chairman and group CEO of Detroit Electric.

If you’ve heard of Lam and Detroit Electric before, it’s probably because of an aborted collaboration with Proton. Back in 2008, DE announced that it was looking to work with Proton to make electric cars. The two then signed a supply and manufacturing agreement in March 2009, where it was to buy the Persona and Gen2, replace the CamPro engine with an electric motor drivetrain, and rebadge the cars as the Detroit Electric e63 and e46 models.

The project never took off. Later, DE also inked a deal with Chinese automaker Dongfeng to use its battery-electric drivetrain technology for the latter’s models, after which things went quiet, again.

At Shanghai, Detroit Electric showed the SP:01 electric sports car, based on a modified Lotus Elise. The SP:01 is on a limited run of 999 vehicles, built at DE’s new facility in Michigan, with cars sold worldwide starting from end-August. Finally taking off or another false start?

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