BMW 5 Series wins award, ActiveHybrid announced

April 18, 2012 at 11:04 am By Chris Ng Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

The BMW 5 Series adds another feather to BMW’s already very feathered hat. The research firm Frost & Sullivan has named the 5 Series ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ at the 2012 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements and superior performance in areas such as leadership technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development.

This award is now shares trophy space in its cabinet with more than 70 international awards. Other awards won includes ‘Red Dot Design award’, ‘2010 Good Design Award’, ‘iF Product Design Award’, ‘Germany’s Favourite Car’, ‘Car of the Year’ in UK and other countries including Malaysia.

Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said that the success of the 5 Series in Malaysia is only matched by its sales success. The car sold 3,710 units since its introduction in 2010.

Briscoe then gives us something to chew on by saying that the BMW ActiveHybrid models will be introduced this year starting with the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. He adds that BMW will bring in the full range of ActiveHybrid vehicles shortly after. This means that we will welcoming the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 sooner than you think.

When that becomes a reality, BMW will have a complete portfolio of long range, fuel-efficient cars, which include the Advanced Diesel models. This will be an interesting year for BMW.

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Chery lines up two concepts for Beijing – the next Tiggo?

April 18, 2012 at 9:51 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Chery, China, International News

Auto China 2012 happens in Beijing later this month, and Chery is lining up some concepts for the show. The slinky crossover you see here is called the TX, and it’s said to hint at a new model as well as a fresh design direction for the company’s next batch of vehicles. Looks good, the next Tiggo perhaps?

The small little thing is called Ant Concept, and it’s the typical urban mobility machine designed for congested cities. The Tokyo show is always full of these things, and they never come to life, so we can safely ignore the Ant.

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VIDEO: The Making, The Launch and The French

April 17, 2012 at 2:23 pm By Chris Ng Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Preve

We grabbed three videos off the wall last night during the launch of the Proton Prevé. Just in case you have not read our launch report yet, click here.

In the first of three videos, which Proton calls “The Making of Proton Prevé”, shows the work that went into making the national car company’s first global car. The video also features the respective head of departments and their insights into the thought that goes into the different aspects of the car. Then the video moves on to the hopes and dreams that the citizens of Proton have for the Prevé.

The second video is the launch of the Prevé by the Prime Minister. Three colours were on stage – Genetic Silver, Fire Red and Blue Lagoon. Directly after that was the debut of the Prevé’s TV commercial.

Final video shows Jean Alesi at the wheel of the Prevé. He gives us his thoughts on how the Prevé drives – the power, the braking and the handling. Then he moves to the design of the car and how he likes its shape. Also, watch out for French tiger claws.

Thanks for watching.

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Proton Prevé Sapphire – hints of a coming SE version?

April 17, 2012 at 11:53 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Preve

At the Proton Prevé launch last night at the MIECC, a special version of the car was also seen – the Sapphire, as it’s called, is a concept drawn up by Proton Design to showcase the possibilities with the Prevé.

The car features a matte gun-metal finish, and the shade does look very fetching in the metal. Changes from the base version include a dark tan leather interior and two-tone five-spoke 18-inch alloys wrapped with Yokohama S.drive 225/40 series rubbers. Oh, and the braking system elements and ride height have seen changes as well.

There’s also a new, dynamic-looking front bumper, which transforms the nose and tightens the frontal presentation of the car – Proton’s head of styling, Azlan Othman, mentioned that the bumper is set to see the light of day at some point in the future.

Also on, new side skirts and a revised rear bumper, with additional lip strapped on.
There’s plenty of contrast play against the matte exterior shade finish – silver highlights on the bumpers, brushed metal bits and window-frame chrome bezels dress things up further.

It looks sharp, the Sapphire. Word has it that this is a bit of a peek into what may turn out to be a Special Edition version in the months ahead. Like what you see?

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Much-anticipated Proton Prevé launched: RM60k – RM73k!

April 16, 2012 at 11:01 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton, Proton Preve

The wait is over. Proton has officially introduced its latest addition to the fold with the arrival of the Prevé. The car was launched an hour ago by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at the Mines Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan.

It’s a huge car for the company, as its managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin stated at the launch. “The Prevé is a very important milestone for Proton in many ways. It represents a new and higher level of standard for Proton cars in all aspects encompassing safety, performance, comfort, build quality, technology, overall design and convenience,” he said.

“More significantly, it reflects on Proton’s maturity, technical knowledge and technological capability as a car manufacturer and to evolve from a domestic and regional player into a global car company,” he added.

As mentioned in our preview article about the car, the Prevé is available in three variant forms at point of launch, with two engine permutations and three transmissions – the list is led by the 1.6 CVT Premium, in turbocharged CamPro CFE form, followed by the 1.6 Executive CVT and 1.6 Executive five-speed manual, which both feature the normally-aspirated CamPro IAFM+ mill.

Both CVT-equipped variants feature a Punch CVT drivetrain – the High-line CFE variant gets the seven-speed VT3, dubbed the ProTronic, while the Medium-line spec’d IAFM+ runs with the six-speed VT2. The VT3 transmission is a derivative of the VT2 – both share the same package, but the VT3 is capable of higher maximum input torques (215 Nm as opposed to the VT2‘s 186 Nm).

Speaking of output, the CFE – which features a low-pressure turbocharger – is good for 138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm between 2,000 – 4,000 rpm, and performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds and a maximum top speed of 190 km/h. As for fuel consumption, the CFE manages 6.6 litres per 100 km, based on a combined cycle.

As for the IAFM+, the mill equips the two M-Line versions of the car, and output numbers for this one are 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. As for performance specs, the CVT version has a 170 km/h top speed and a 12.5 second 0-100 km/h time, while the manual does 180 km/h tops and does the century sprint in 12.0 seconds.

Consumption-wise, Proton states that the IAFM+ offers 5.8 litres per 100 km for the CVT version, while the five-speed manual manages 6.2 litres per 100 km, both sets on a combined cycle measurement.

Prevé Waja Persona
Length 4,543mm 4,470mm 4,477mm
Width 1,785mm 1,740mm 1,725mm
Height 1,524mm 1,420mm 1,438mm
Wheelbase 2,650mm 2,600mm 2,600mm
Front Track 1,542m 1,475mm 1,475mm
Rear Track 1,542mm 1,470mm 1,470mm
Luggage 506L 408L 430L
Kerb Weight 1,340kg 1,235kg 1,245kg

 

Dimensions-wise, the Prevé measures in at 4,543 mm long, 1,786 mm wide and 1,524 mm tall, and has a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Both the front and rear track is identical at 1,542 mm each, and the car has a ground clearance of 155 mm, and all the numbers are universal across the Prevé model range.

As mentioned in an earlier story about its dimensions, the Prevé is larger than its two predecessors, the Waja and the Persona – here’s a recap of the comparative figures. The earlier figures were accurate, with only a single mm difference in the width (earlier reported as 1,785 mm) as well as with the boot capacity of 508 litres (earlier, 506 litres) being the only items needing revision.

Prevé Inspira Altis 2012 Civic Jetta Forte 2012 MD Elantra
Length 4,543 4,570 4,540 4,525 4,644 4,530 4,530
Width 1,785 1,760 1,760 1,755 1,778 1,775 1,775
Height 1,524 1,490 1,465 1,435 1,482 1,460 1,445
Wheelbase 2,650 2,635 2,600 2,670 2,651 2,650 2,700
Luggage 506 475 464 510 495 485
Weight 1,340 1,335 1,315 1,295 1,417 1,359 1,269

 

Elsewhere, a recap too in comparing the Prevé with other C-segment sedans, including its own Mitsubishi-derived stablemate, the Proton Inspira, as the table below shows. The comparison is based on models with the biggest engines and specs (and thus the heaviest). The only thing missing from the table is the boot space capacity of the Inspira – it’s not the same as the Lancer, since the boot floor is raised to fit a full-sized spare.

Meanwhile, in terms of kerb weight, the 1.6 Premium CFE tips the scales at 1,340 kg, while the 1.6 Executive CVT is 1,325 kg and the Executive manual is the lightest of the trio, at 1,305 kg. The car comes with a 50 litre capacity fuel tank.

Suspension type is a MacPherson front and multilink rear, and all three variants wear 10-spoke 16-inch alloys, with GT Radial Champiro 205/55 series tyres, and features ventilated front /solid rear disc brakes. Water-resistant fabric seats feature across the range, as does hydraulic power steering – the choice for the latter was explained in our preview story.

Kit-wise, the Prevé comes with front and rear fog lamps, follow-me-home lights, driver’s seat height adjustment, vehicle immobiliser, projector headlamps with LED position lamps as well as ABS with EBD and dual SRS airbags as standard across the entire model range.

The top-of-the-range CFE gets brake assist and traction control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Isofix seat mountings as well as two side airbags on top of that found as standard fare. It also gets tinted window film as part of the kit.

As expected, the CFE also comes loaded with the bells and whistles in terms of features and functions, with a push-start ignition, cruise control, auto headlamps, auto wipers, auto climate air-conditioning, a rear spoiler and a CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity and integrated touchscreen GPS navigation unit.

There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto fold side mirrors and steering-mounted paddle shifters. Both the Executive variants don’t get leather for the steering wheel, but all three variants feature steering audio controls. Likewise, the CD/MP3 player on the two Executive versions come with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, but the GPS navigation is an external (portable) unit.

The vehicle is also equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SID) that displays information such as average fuel consumption, distance to empty, battery health and faulty bulb indicator, gear shift lock indicator, home lamp indicator and vehicle intrusion warning, among others. And also on is on the move WiFi – the Prevé comes YES 4G-enabled.

Six colours are available across the range for the Prevé, and these are Blue Lagoon, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White, Tranquility Black and a new shade called Elegant Brown. Ah, yes, prices are as follows (on-the-road, inclusive of insurance):

  • The Prevé 1.6 Premium CVT: RM72,990 (metallic) and RM72,540 (solid)
  • The Prevé 1.6 Executive CVT: RM62,990 (metallic) and RM62,540 (solid)
  • The Prevé 1.6 MT Executive: RM59,990 (metallic) and RM59,540 (solid)

A first for Proton – the Prevé comes with a full five-year or 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). As of tonight, there have been 1,200 bookings for the car, with around 75% being for the CFE-equipped version.

By the way, about the surprise mentioned in our preview … we still don’t know what it is, because it was never mentioned during the launch!

Update: More pictures of launch in the gallery, and studio shots as well as brochure scans incorporated. Also, the official TVC of the Proton Prevé in all three languages, as seen below.

Proton Prevé Official TVC: English

Proton Prevé Official TVC: Bahasa Melayu

Proton Prevé Official TVC: Mandarin

Report by Anthony Lim, Danny Tan and Chris Ng. Photos by Sherman Sim.

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Honda develops new CVT, available with Step WGN

April 16, 2012 at 5:30 pm By Chris Ng Filed Under Cars, Honda, International News

Whether you are a fan or not, the CVT gearbox is here to stay. Point in case is the new CVT from Honda, which is part of their Earth Dreams Technology, specially developed for mid-sized Honda vehicles.

This new CVT features newly developed high-efficiency electric oil pump, high-strength belt and exclusive CVT oil raise transmission efficiency, which enhances fuel economy. It also features a wide ratio that gives more torque in the lower rpm range that translates to quick acceleration from standstill. In addition, the new CVT is equipped with the G-Design Shift that controls the gearing, throttle and hydraulic control to make the system respond quicker to driver input.

The take back from this new CVT is that it offers five percent better fuel economy than the conventional CVT, and 10 percent better than a traditional 5-speed automatic. The new CVT will not reach us yet. It is still new in Japan and will be first shoehorned into the Step WGN and Step WGN Spada.

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New Dodge SRT Viper – 8.4L V10, 640 hp, 814 Nm, crazy!

April 16, 2012 at 2:24 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Dodge, International News

The Viper is back, and looking meaner than ever. The fifth-generation all-new 2013 SRT Viper was unveiled at the recent New York show, and America’s take on the supercar has “evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of outright performance,” Dodge says.

The Viper’s heart is a hand-assembled 8.4L all-aluminum V10 engine with 640 hp and 814 Nm of torque, the latter is the highest among naturally aspirated engines.

Improvements include an “ultra-high flow” and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. 13 kg has been shaved from the engine alone.

The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual gearbox has been improved with a shorter throw shifter, closer gear ratios and a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07. 2013 Viper models are claimed to be more engaging to drive and top speed is now achieved through sixth gear with redline at 6,200 rpm.

It was revealed that a Ferrari or Maserati platform was considered for the new Viper, but they couldn’t agree on the right proportions and instead reworked the old car’s high strength steel platform.

The structure is 50% stiffer than before, and there’s a new aluminum “X” brace under the hood that ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting. A new aluminum impact beam at the front of the car contributes to overall mass savings and improved weight distribution.

At the rear, the suspension has been re engineered with the toe link moved forward of the axle for better tow control and dynamic stability. A new, driver selectable two-mode suspension system, featuring Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers with both street and track settings, is standard on GTS models.

Four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers, and vented rotors with a diameter of 355 mm by 32 mm, are used at all four corners. Brake calipers are forged and weight optimised by fully machining all surfaces. They are among the stiffest available with distortion from heat nearly eliminated. The available SRT Track Package features lightweight and slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech.

2013 Vipers ride on standard Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tyres with improved overall performance. The optional SRT Track Package features Pirelli P Zero Corsa, “soft”-tuned, “racing-type” compound tyres that improve handling and precision further.
[Read more...]

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Renault Talisman – made in Korea, destined for China

April 16, 2012 at 11:45 am By Chris Ng Filed Under Cars, International News, Renault

It seems that Renault will be launching a new car at the Beijing Motor Show that will be happening next week. It is called the Renault Talisman and it will be the flagship that will set course to boost Renault’s image in China.

Very little is known about the car other than how its rear will look like and that its birth certificate will say Renault Samsung Motors, South Korea. So, is this really a rebadged Renault Samsung SM7? Intriguing, yes?

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Fiat Viaggio world preview at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

April 16, 2012 at 10:51 am By Chris Ng Filed Under Cars, Fiat, International News

It is not much but here are some teasers of the Fiat Viaggio, which the Italian carmaker says is a totally new model. Fiat will throw off its covers at the 2012 Beijing International Motor Show that is slated to happen next week.

We know that Viaggio is based on the CUSW (Compact US Wide), which is also the same platform as the Dodge Dart and have the similar DNA to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The four-door, five-seater measures 4,679 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and have a wheelbase of 2,708 mm. Two turbocharged engines are tasked to give the Viaggio some go; both are 1.4 litre T-Jet engines that generate 120 hp and 150 hp, and paired to either a five-speed manual or a Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDTC) developed by Fiat Powertrain.

Although the Viaggio’s lines were put to paper in Torino, the car will be made from July 2012 in Hunan province, or the GAC-Fiat World Class Manufacturing plant in Changsha, to be exact. The Viaggio will hit Chinese showrooms from the third quarter this year.

In case you are wondering how the Chinese will pronounce Viaggio, well, don’t worry. Fiat is giving the car a Chinese name, Fei Xiang, which means ‘flying’ in English. Fancy that.

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F1: Nico Rosberg wins the Chinese GP, his maiden victory and Mercedes’ first triumph since 1955!

April 16, 2012 at 10:48 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports

Nico Rosberg’s first win was always likely to be at the Chinese GP. The young German has led the race in Shanghai in recent years, only to fail to take the win. He showed that he had something extra in qualifying, where his fastest lap was half a second faster than the next man. Yesterday, he sealed the deal, and claimed his maiden win with a margin of 20.6 seconds!

Nico’s commanding Shanghai triumph is also Mercedes-Benz’ first as a works team since Fangio won the 1955 Italian GP, so it’s double joy for the team, which of course is sponsored by Petronas. Lots of screen time for the national oil company as a result.

McLaren’s two ex-world champs Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton completed the podium, while Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Seb Vettel had to settle for fourth and fifth. The other team with two cars in the points were Williams – Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado finished seventh and eight, respectively. Lotus’ Romain Grosjean will be extremely happy with his sixth place, since he had completed all of five race laps before Shanghai.

The final two points paying positions were taken by Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari and Kamui Kobayashi in the Ferrari-powered Sauber. The kamikaze Japanese driver made a brave late move on teammate and Sepang hero Sergio Perez for the final point.

Mercedes AMG Petronas’ other driver didn’t have a good race. Living legend Michael Schumacher started alongside Rosberg on the front row after Hamilton took a grid penalty, but the team botched Schumi’s first pit stop. His rear wheel was incorrectly fitted, and he was the only man to DNF in China. The team were also fined €5,000 for the unsafe release.

It was a race dominated by tyre strategy, but Rosberg proved that Mercedes has resolved its rubber eating issues – a simple two-stop strategy and good pace kept him way ahead of the crazy battles behind.

Further back, Caterham’s Vitaly Petrov finished ahead of the rookie team drivers in 18th. Heikki Kovalainen was classified as last. Looks like Caterham is still nowhere near the midfield as targeted – while they’ve improved, so have others.

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