Peugeot 308 Turbo updated with 156hp engine and 6-speed transmission – RM118,888

November 18, 2010 at 8:38 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Peugeot

The Peugeot 308 Turbo has received an update to its engine and transmission just in time for KLIMS 2010. The 1.6 litre Prince engine now puts out 156 horsepower, up 16 horses from the previous 140hp figure, and is now mated to a 6-speed transmission, essentially a similar combo to that installed in the 3008. Peak torque of 240Nm of produced at 1,400rpm.

Other revisions include black-coloured dials for the meter cluster instead of the previous white dials as well as Bluetooth/USB connectivity. Other features include rear passenger air-conditioning vents, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a six-speaker system, air-conditioned glove box and an instrument panel LCD multi-info display. The 308 has 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, and two ISOFIX points for child seat installation.

The price tag has also been revised to RM118,888, and with these updates, Nasim plans to sell 30% more 308s a month. The 308 currently sells at an average of 150 units a month.

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F12 BMW 6-Series Convertible – production car unveiled!

November 18, 2010 at 8:07 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

The BMW 6-Series is now officially in its third generation with the revealing of the production 6-Series Convertible at the 2010 Los Angeles auto show.

The Convertible’s hard-top sibling was also there on display as a “concept car” that’s as close to production as a concept can get.

Two engine variants were unveiled at launch – a BMW 650i and a 640i, running an 8-cylinder engine and a 6-cylinder engine respectively, both turbocharged and direct injected. Nothing new in this department – 407hp and 600Nm for the V8 which goes from 0 to 100km/h in 5 seconds, and 320hp and 450Nm for the single-turbo inline-6 which takes the car up to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. Both are mated to 8-speed Sports automatic transmissions. The 6-potter also has an additional auto start-stop function.

The steering is an EPS system which seems to be making its way into all the new BMWs now. Drive Dynamic Control allows NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ suspension settings, and if you specify the Adaptive Drive option you also get an extra COMFORT setting.

Wheelbase is now 2,855mm, and the car itself has a length of 4,894mm, a width of 1,894mm and a height of 1,365mm. The vehicle is a 2+2 seater – four people in a nice cruise in the cold air up to a highland resort is entirely possible but the front two will be the most comfortable of course. Like the 5-Series, the new 6-Series is able to use rear wheel steering of up to 2.5 degrees to improve cornering as well as low speed maneuvers by improving turning radius.

With a car of this body type you’d naturally not expect much storage space. The luggage compartment stores 300 litres with the roof down, and this goes up to 350 litres with the roof back up. BMW claims two 46 inch golf bags and a business case can fit in the 300 litres.

The roof can go down in 19 seconds, and come up in 24 seconds, and because its a soft top it can be operated at speeds of up to 40km/h. The roof can also be remotely opened at distances of 1.5 meters away if you specify the Comfort Access option.

You can actually opt to keep the rear window up while the roof is down to minimize air turbulence to the rear passenger area. You can also equip the car with an optional wind deflector to further increase comfort with the top down.

The iDrive screen is 7 inches standard and upgradable to 10.2 inches with a galvanized chrome surround. BMW says the way the screen is mounted is unique to the 6-Series, which supposedly gives it a flatscreen look, which is funny considering all iDrive screens are flat.

With the new 6-Series, BMW is also introducing the latest version of its heads-up display system, which features 3D graphics and a full spectrum of colours. Curiously the press pack did not have any photos of this in action so perhaps we’ll have to try to catch it in real life!

Look after the jump for pix and the full release.
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Hyundai Santa Fe facelift specs revealed, launch at KLIMS

November 18, 2010 at 6:03 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans, Local News

Hyundai-Sime Darby has released specs of the facelifted Santa Fe SUV, which will be officially launched at the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010. As previously revealed on this site, the refreshed seven-seat SUV will not only come with fresh looks, but new drivetrains as well. Hyundai’s new six-speed automatic gearbox will feature here, as will the Theta II 2.4L petrol and the R-series 2.2L CRDi diesel.

Let’s start with the petrol. The old 2.7L V6 will be replaced by the Theta II 2.4L engine as found in the Tucson and Sonata. This Dual CVVT four-cylinder engine with variable intake system (VIS) makes 174 PS and 228 Nm, which is not too much of a deficit on the V6 (188 PS/248 Nm at 4,000 rpm) considering it has two less cylinders and is 300 cc smaller. You save on road tax as well.

On the diesel front, the 2.2 R diesel engine is a big improvement over the current 2.2, which is already a decent performer. This commonrail engine with electronic variable geometry turbocharger (e-VGT) puts out a mighty 197 PS and 442 Nm (at 1,800-2,500 rpm) which is a substantial 47 PS and 107 Nm more than the current car. These figures are miles ahead of diesel powered seven-seat SUV rivals in Malaysia, as well as the 174 PS/403 Nm of the “Mother Trucker” Nissan Navara 2.5, the most powerful pick-up in town.

The equipment list is more comprehensive than before. Keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, electric driver’s seat, GPS system, reverse camera, Nappa leather seats and a sunroof are included. Other interior changes include the addition of carbon-fibre paneling (hope it’s not too tacky), relocation of switches, chrome treatment and an organ type accelerator pedal. ESP is also standard on this 4WD (with lock button) SUV.

Prices will be announced at the launch, but our sources say that there won’t be much change in the diesel’s price despite the improvements, making it a very attractive proposition, while the petrol should be priced below RM160K.

Currently, the 2.2 CRDi is priced at RM165,358.50 while the 2.7 V6 costs RM163,827.60 (OTR excluding insurance). It is locally assembled at Inokom’s Kulim plant, so will the facelifted car.

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Ford Focus goes on a three car tuning spree at LA show

November 18, 2010 at 2:06 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Ford, International News

Focus tuned

Nothing like a show in LA to get them tuning kits out, and that’s what Ford has done, with no less than three spruce up custom jobs for its Mk III Focus to portray what life would be for the everyday passenger hatch if you were to allow it to let its hair down.

The first iteration is from Ford Vehicle Personalisation, which shows just what can be done when you add Ford Custom Accessories into the mix. The car, which is finished in white tri-coat paint with hints of Caribbean Blue, features a new white body kit with an expressive concept graphic on the side panels.

Ford Vehicle Personalization Focus
Click to enlarge

The Caribbean Blue accents continue throughout the vehicle, and you’ll find the shade in the headlights, mirrors, wheels and foglight bezels – one thing’s for sure, never be blue again, even if your car is. Liquid silver paint was also applied to the roof spoiler, mirrors, headlights and foglights, showing off extra attention to detail.

As for the interior, this one has a black and white theme featuring all-leather seats with accent stitching. The steering wheel also showcases white and black leather, and the centre console uses soft-touch white paint, and etched scuff plates and aqua accent lighting round out the interior treatment.

FSWerks Focus
Click to enlarge

The second tuner car is from FSWerks, and mods include 19-inch DPE R16 wheels matched with Continental ExtremeContact DW tyres and a 3dCarbon roof wing, as well as an FSWerks stainless steel performance exhaust, cold air intake and engine cover.

The FSWerks Focus also gets an H&R Springs coilover kit and a ride height that’s 76mm lower than standard Foci.

3dCarbon Focus
Click to enlarge

Finally, there’s the 3dCarbon Focus, and sinister-looking is the name of the game with this one. The exterior features a 3M VentureShield Paint Protection Matte Finish Film, and smoked-out windows with 3M window film complete the darkened topic. Except for the glossy black bonnet, the rest of the black body panels have a film foil wrap offering a satin-like appearance.

The car comes with 20-inch Series KM650-KMC wheels, also finished in gloss black and highlighted by a red pinstripe. It also sports a 3dCarbon roof wing and H&R sports springs as well as a FSWerks cat-back exhaust system.

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Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet finally revealed!

November 18, 2010 at 1:54 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

Nissan’s appetite and boldness to dig out new niches is respectable. The Qashqai/Dualis offered an “SUV alternative” to Golf class hatchbacks, the wild Juke is an SUV styled supermini competitor and this – the Murano CrossCabriolet – is a big topless SUV. Nissan says its crossover convertible blends all of the things people love in a crossover with the open air enjoyment of a convertible, and vice versa.

“Everyone loves the convertible experience, no one loves the convertible reality – compromised trunk space, a cramped back seat or none at all, and a lack of flexibility for everyday life. The Murano CrossCabriolet is the reinvention of versatility, encouraging people to rethink what a convertible can be,” Al Castignetti, VP and GM of Nissan North America.

The Murano’s transformation from SUV to CC is more than just lopping off the roof. There are two doors less, so along with creating new longer front doors and eliminating the B-pillars, the structure has been reinforced from the A-pillar rearwards. The hydraulically operated fabric top (with power latch/unlatch) also includes a rear glass skylight. With the top down, boot capacity is 215 litres, enough to fit two sets of golf clubs. Roof up capacity is 348 litres.

Aerodynamics are only slightly compromised – 0.39 Cd vs 0.37 Cd. Nissan says that the tall windshield and A-pillar design plus the high beltline and high rear seat shoulders all combine to minimise air turbulence with the top down. Dual pop-up roll bars are also included.

The drivetrain is identical to the hardtop Murano, which means a 265 hp 3.5L V6 paired to a second-gen Xtronic CVT ‘box with Adaptive Shift Control. There will only be one single full spec offered which includes kit like dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch multi-info colour display, Fine Vision gauges and and Remote Keyless Entry. Two roof/cabin colour options are available – Camel leather and black top or the Brown top with Cashmere leather.

Gallery after the jump.
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Honda’s new plug-in hybrid platform due in 2012

November 18, 2010 at 12:48 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Honda Plug-in Hybrid Platform 1

At the LA show, Honda has also lifted the wraps off a new plug-in hybrid platform incorporating the company’s next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology in a mid-size sedan platform, which is set for a 2012 market debut.

The two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximise driving efficiency: all-electric, petrol-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid Platform 2

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6 kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. In all-electric mode, a range of approximately 16 to 24 km is achievable in city driving, with a top speed of 100 kph. The battery takes 2 to 2.5 hours via 120V, and from one to 1.5 hours using a 240V outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform featuring a 2.0 litre i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor. For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

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Porsche Cayman R – 55 kg lighter, 10 horses more than S

November 18, 2010 at 12:15 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Porsche

Porsche’s reveal at the LA show is the new Cayman R, which is lighter and more powerful than the Cayman S by 55 kg and 10 hp respectively. The R was “designed for spectacular road behaviour” with a specially adapted sports chassis, providing “an even more precise driving experience than the Cayman S”, which is the already the best driving Porsche to some.

The 3.4-litre flat six gains 10 horses to make 330 hp (torque remains at 370 Nm). With a six-speed manual, 0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.0 seconds flat, while the seven-speed PDK twin-clutch ‘box is faster by 0.1 sec. The optional Sport Chrono package takes the time further down to 4.7 seconds. Top speed is 282 km/h for the manual or 280 km/h with PDK. The car without the clutch pedal is rather frugal with 9.3 l/100 km combined consumption.

For comparison, the Cayman S does the century sprint in 5.2 (manual) and 5.1 seconds (PDK) while top speed is 277 km/h for the stick shift and 275 km/h for the PDK model.

The main aim of the Cayman R was to improve performance, driving dynamics and agility through weight reduction. At just 1,295 kg, the R’s improved power-to-weight ratio stands at 3.9 kg per horsepower (4kg/hp for PDK). Savings were achieved through the use of lightweight components and doing without convenience equipment (air con, stereo). The Cayman flagship also comes with the lightest 19″ wheels Porsche has. The complete rim set weighs less than 40 kg.

The Cayman R sits 20 mm lower than the S and comes with an LSD as standard. The fuel tank is also smaller (by 10 litres) at 54 litres. To spot a Cayman R, look for the fixed rear spoiler, black-framed headlights, black wing mirrors and the ‘Porsche’ decals on the side (in contrasting black or silver, depending on the body colour). The ‘Peridot’ colour of this car is exclusive to the R.

It will go on sale from February 2011. Gallery after the jump.
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Honda Fit EV Concept – production due in 2012

November 18, 2010 at 12:13 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Honda Fit EV Concept 1

Honda has debuted its Fit EV Concept at the LA Auto Show. This one hints strongly at the direction and styling that will be taken by the production Fit EV, which will be introduced in the the US and Japan in 2012.

The Fit EV Concept displayed in LA features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior shade and five-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels with blue inserts. Other exterior cues include unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper and clear LED tail lamps. Inside, the seats are finished in an eco-friendly grey bio-fabric.

Honda Fit EV Concept 2

The production model will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial high-density electric motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle. The car will have a top speed of 145 kph and offer a 160 km range per charge. Battery recharging takes less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120V outlet and less than six hours with 240V.

On call is a three-mode electric drive system, adapted from the Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport – Econ mode, as its tag suggests, offers the most driving range, 17% better than Normal mode and up to 25% more than in Sport mode. The last is claimed to offer performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0 litre petrol engine.

Honda Fit EV Concept 3

In addition to the three-mode E-Drive system, the Fit EV will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximising battery range – among these, a special meter display that advises the driver when to shut off the air conditioning and other accessories to conserve battery power.

The car will also feature a standard connectivity system that allows the driver to stay connected to the vehicle, be it through a smartphone or personal computer, or the vehicle’s interactive remote, which provides connectivity to the vehicle without the need for an internet connection or mobile phone signal.

Honda Fit EV Concept 4

Through the connectivity system, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, to reduce the drain on the battery at start-up.

The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimise utility rates and provides 24-hour roadside assistance, along with a public charging station locator. The company has also developed a prototype charging stand – all one has to do to begin charging one’s EV is swipe a card in front of the screen and the charger then connects to the vehicle.

Gallery after the jump.
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Volvo Air Motion concept – the smallest vehicle in LA show

November 18, 2010 at 11:26 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Volvo

volvo air 1

Yes, it’s probably the smallest vehicle to be seen at the LA International Auto Show, the Volvo Air Motion zero-emission concept is, but it certainly isn’t child’s play or a super ultra compact.

The car that can be seen sitting in the concourse joining the two main halls of the show is actually a 1/4 scale model representation of the concept, which was developed by a team from Volvo’s Monitoring and Concept Center in California to take part in the show’s Design Challenge Competition.

volvo air 3

In keeping to the competition’s theme this year of envisioning an efficient, light-weight, four passenger vehicle that’s stylish, drives well and is comfortable and safe, while not exceeding 1,000 lbs, the team at Volvo came up with this ultra light clam shell design, which is powered by compressed air.

Weighing in at 902 lbs, the bodywork is made of carbon fibre and the VAM features a significant reduction of components used to build a traditional car, with a wheel that integrates the brake disc, hub, rim and transmission into a single offering being one of the novelties.

volvo air 2

Compressed air motors replace a heavy internal combustion engine – these cool down under load rather than heat up, thus removing the need for bulky cooling systems. To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites, with air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air, harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the vehicle’s compression.

Gallery after the jump.
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Subaru Impreza Design Concept shows new design theme

November 18, 2010 at 11:15 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Subaru

Subaru has unveiled this Impreza Design Concept in LA, which previews the carmaker’s new “Confidence in Motion” design and brand strategy. The brand seems to change ideas with every generation of cars, so it’s anyone’s guess not just when this new look will debut, but how long it’ll last.

Said to include “possible future Subaru design elements” the Impreza Design Concept (IDC) is yet another “four-door coupe” style concept with room for four. The designers blended two ideas – “dynamic flow and confident stance” – to showcase Subaru’s engineering core values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality.

From the front, IDC wears Subaru’s hexagonal grille with spread wings flanked by “hawk eye” headlights. Below them are fin-shaped fog lamps. Remember this look, as it previews the brand’s future look. At the rear, the hexagonal theme repeats with the number plate garnish, where all the lines flow out from. The rear lights, which have a unique layering effect for an impression of depth, are connected to the character line along the car’s flanks.

The IDC looks muscular, and a lot the credit goes to those prominent wheel arches (current Legacy also has them). It was Subaru’s intention to use simple and clean lines and surfaces rather than complicated forms. Other details include wedge-shaped side rear-view cameras and carbon fins on the wheel spokes that aid brake cooling.

Gallery after the jump.
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