Lotus Exige Scura: 35 unit limited edition with matte black paint goes 0-100km/h in 4.1s

October 19, 2009 at 9:34 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Lotus

Lotus Scura

A new limited edition Lotus Exige has just been announced – the new Lotus Exige Scura. Scura means ‘dark’ in Italian and the pillar of the whole ‘indulge your dark side’ theme used as the launch theme is a soft-feel matte black paint finish with contrasting high-gloss Phantom Black triple stripes that run the length of the car. A carbon fibre front splitter, oil cooler intakes, side airscoops and a rear spoiler complete the looks.

scura-interior

The ‘Scura’ theme continues on the inside, with vast use of carbon fiber to both complement the exterior theme as well as reduce weight. The seats and center console are also made from carbon fiber and finished in high-gloss clear lacquer. The handbrake and gearknob have a special anodized treatment which leaves the metal with an anthracite colour finish.

scura-side

The engine makes 260 PS at 8,000rpm from its supercharged intercooled 1.8 litre Toyota VVTL-i engine and thanks to its light weight of 925kg it takes the car from 0 to 100km/h in a blazing 4.1 seconds. The engine is sourced from the Exige Cup 260 and makes use of the Cup’s lightweight flywheel and lightweight supercharger piping. The dampers are Ohlins 2-way dampers mated to Eibach variable height springs. The wheels are matte black lgihtweight forged wheels wrapped with Yokohama A048 LTS tyres. The car also has variable slip traction control.

scura-front

Only 35 units of the new Lotus Exige Scura are available. It is offered in Europe, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. It will also be made available in Japan but the car will be called the Lotus Exige Stealth instead. It will be sold in the UK for £45,000 with an additional £950 to be charged for OTR costs such as delivery, PDI, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months Road Fund Licence and a full tank of fuel.

Look after the jump for a full photo gallery of the Scura.
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New Toyota Mark X: official details and photos

October 19, 2009 at 7:53 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled the redesigned Mark X luxury sedan. The rear wheel drive Mark X is motivated by a new 314 horsepower 2GR-FSE 3.5 litre V6 powerplant that joins the 200 horsepower 4GR-FSE 2.5 litre V6. For the latter, buyers can also opt for an all wheel drive option. Both engines are offered with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 13.0km/l (10-15 test cycle) for the 2.5 litre V6 (two wheel drive) and 10.2km/l for the 3.5 litre V6.

The new Mark X is 1,435 mm high and both the width and track figures have been increased by 20 mm to help give the car a lower centre of gravity. It is treated to a three-lamp linear layout for the headlights while the rear also features a three-lamp layout with lights built into the trunk lid.

Inside, there is a leather-covered steering wheel, improved seat comfort, driver’s seat with motorized lumbar support function that shifts the seatback forward or back to improve back comfort during driving, a multi-information display, fully automatic independent temperature controls for the driver and passenger sides as well as a Plasmacluster Ions technology that helps combat bacteria.

Furthermore there is a HDD navigation system, Intelligent Parking Assist system and a terrestrial digital TV tuner and gear-shifting functions that are built into the navigation system (for range topping models). According to Toyota, the gear-shifting functions support the driver “in merging and exiting and at intersections.” Also as standard is an Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient operation and an Eco Zone Indicator that shows throttle use.

The auto maker also revealed that the shoulder portion of the door trim for the front and rear seats has been pushed outward by 25 mm (total for left and right) while the distance between the front seats has been increased by 20 mm. The Mark X also has Sport, Snow and Eco driving modes, Variable Gear Ratio Steering system (with electric power steering) which controls the angle of the front wheels according to vehicle speed, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management and an Adaptive Variable Suspension for models kitted with the sports package.

The Japanese auto maker also improved the safety features of the Mark X. All models come with seven airbags including SRS side airbags, SRS curtain shield airbags and a driver’s seat knee airbag, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), TRC (Traction Control) and Active Headrests up front to reduce stress on the neck in a rear-end collision.

The sedan is also offered with a Pre-Crash Brake Assist system, a Pre-Crash Brake system and Pre-Crash Seatbelts, Intelligent AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System), Radar Cruise Control system equipped with a brake-control function and a Hill-start Assist Control function.

The Sports type Mark X (250G S package, 250G S package Relax Selection, 350S) features tinting for the headlights and combination taillights, spoilers on front and rear bumpers and trunk lid, black-themed interior and steering-mounted paddle shifters.

The Premium type Mark X on the other hand comes with special plating on the front grille, rocker moldings and its own front bumper design, steering wheel and shift knob ornamentation with wood-grain finish, heated front seats, Power Easy Access System (slides driver’s seat back and tilts steering wheel upward and forward) as well as velour-moquette seat covers that are treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity – for those of you who tend to get static electricity. In Japan, pricing for the Mark X starts from 2,380,000 yen (just under RM89,000) and tops out at 3,800,000 yen (about RM142,000).

Look for more images after the jump.
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Honda Civic now available in Tafetta White

October 19, 2009 at 2:59 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Local News

Honda Civic Tafetta White

The Honda Civic is now available in Tafetta White, making it the third model in the Honda Malaysia line-up to offer the new colour. Both the 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre models will get the new colour. Tafetta White Civics are expected to be quite high in demand, accounting for 30% of projected 600 units sales per month.

“After conducting research and analyzing customer feedback, coupled with the positive response from the introduction of the colour for Honda Accord and Honda CR-V, we decided to incorporate the Taffeta White in the Honda Civic 1.8L and 2.0L as well,” said Honda Malaysia’s new CEO Toru Takahashi.

Mr Takahashi also revealed that the two CBU Civic models – the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Civic Type R – have surpassed over 200 units each in Malaysia. The Type R is currently sold out for the moment and it’s not known when the next batch will come in. The last unit was sold by Honda Global Amity in Seri Kembangan.

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Naza Cars and Bikes Carnival this weekend

October 19, 2009 at 2:51 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Bikes, Cars, Ducati, Harley-Davidson

Naza Cars and Bikes Carnival

Naza will be holding its Naza Cars and Bikes Carnival this weekend from the 23rd to 25th of October 2009 10am to 7pm at the Naza Automall by the Federal Highway in PJ. The event is open to public and there will be some good deals on Naza Automall cars during the carnival, other than the usual carnival fare of food and drinks.

ducati-streetfighter

Part of the deals include 100% financing for Naza Bikes, special financing package for Ducati and Japanese CBU bikes, and a 90% financing package for Harley-Davidson bikes at attractive interest rates, with immediate approval for financing.

The carnival is held in conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP 2009 and Harley Davidson of Kuala Lumpur’s first anniversary celebrations. In conjunction with the MotoGP, a convoy of between 500 and 600 bikes of Ducati, Harley-Davidson and Naza bikes will be riding from the Naza Automall SIC on Sunday for the race. The convoy is open to all motorcycles, not just the mentioned brands. The convoy is expected to leave at 9.30am.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Other than the good deals on cars and bikes, there will be a number of interesting exhibits there that you might be interested in – the new Ducati Streetfighter, the new Porsche Panamera, and the new C207 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

The E-Class Coupe replaces the CLK in the Mercedes-Benz range so if you want to get a glimpse of the new coupe even before Mercedes-Benz Malaysia officially launches even the sedan body – this is your chance. Basically since Naza deals with all kinds of cars and brands, you can even consider this a “PJ Motorshow”. A charity activity has also been lined-up, with part of the proceeds going to several charities and children’s homes.
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Toyota FT-86: a goldmine for aftermarket parts

October 19, 2009 at 2:48 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Advics Brakes

The business of selling cars is not so much of just selling cars but also by selling the parts required to maintain or enhance them. The aftermarket business is a lucrative one and more and more car manufacturers are starting to cash in. As more people start to keep their cars longer, the money lost in new car sales will be made up in the aftermarket parts sales. But aftermarket performance parts can only go so far with a product range that’s mostly focused on cars that are designed to go A to B while consuming the least amount of fuel as possible. There’s just not much excitement in it.

Which is what I think the production car based on the Toyota FT-86 Concept is designed to do – make some money off you once when you buy the car, and then continue to make money while you pimp up your car with various performance and aesthetics parts, which Toyota probably hopes you’ll buy from them or one of their associate companies. A normally aspirated 2.0 litre engine – boxer or not – will only go so far when it comes to the amount of power it can put out while remaining refined. There will surely be many that will be looking for turbocharger or supercharger kits for the engine.

In addition, when the FT-86 Concept was first announced, they specifically said it had Advics brakes. It was just announced earlier this month that Toyota-owned Advics was acquiring two brake units from Aisin to expand its brake businesses. I have a feeling Advics may be looking to build upon its brand name as one provider of high-performance brakes like Brembo.

Related Posts:
Toyota FT-86 Concept – AE86 spiritual successor finally previewed!
VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 Concept in Gran Turismo
Toyota FT-86 to feature D-4S Boxer Engine

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6 videos on the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG!

October 19, 2009 at 2:17 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Mercedes Benz, Videos

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

I have for your viewing pleasure a total of six videos on the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The new AMG-only sportscar is powered by a 6.2 litre V8 putting out 571 PS at 6,800rpm and 792Nm of torque at 4,750rpm. The engine is similiar to the bread and butter normally aspirated 6.2 litre V8 AMG engine designated M156, but in the SLS AMG it is called the M159 and has a few changes including a new intake system, revised valves and cams, and a dry sump instead of a wet sump. It’s a modern take on the 300SL Gullwing, but still retains its old school looks in a nice blend of retro-futurism.

Watch the videos after the jump.
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Toyota and Daihatsu developing new ‘emerging market’ compact car

October 19, 2009 at 1:41 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Daihatsu, International News, Toyota

Toyota LogoNikkei reports that Toyota and Daihatsu are working on a new small car that can be sold for less than US$11,000 (RM37,268) in emerging economies like India and Brazil. I’m really not sure what the big fuss is considering we have the baseline Perodua Viva BX sold here for RM25,300, but perhaps this new car will be something bigger yet cheaper. The cheapest Perodua Myvi here is the 1.0 litre SR at RM38,924.10.

This new car will be designed for developing country export markets. Right now, Toyota’s Daihatsu-sourced compact cars have been mostly export versions of its Japanese market cars with more Westernised names. For example, the Japanese market Daihatsu Coo is called the Materia in some other markets.

Toyota’s new president Akio Toyoda’s vision is for Toyota to start tailor-making products for individual regions rather than just offering the same vehicle line-up across the world market. This goes the other direction compared to the World Car projects that other automakers are embarking on. GM’s American Cobalt and Korean Optra are basically in the same segment and have been replaced by a single model – the Cruze.

But if Toyota can tailor-make different products for cheap, they may do better in terms of sales. I have a feeling making small cars for developing countries and selling them at the same price as their existing Japan market small cars have more to do with boosting profit margins rather than anything else, as customers in those regions do not really expect the kind of refinement that JDM customers do.

Source

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Volkswagen Up! delayed by internal squabbles

October 19, 2009 at 12:52 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen E-Up!
Volkswagen E-Up! Concept – an EV based on the Up! NSF platform

A small storm is brewing within the Volkswagen group, not something we can see on the outside, but enough that a very important car has its launch delayed by a few months. Volkswagen group production head Joachem Heizmann told German publication Automobilwoche that the Volkswagen Up will only start production after March 2011, which is later than his boss Martin Winterkorn had hoped.

The reason? Time-consuming petty jealousies between various departments and brands. Right now, Volkswagen group brands that are confirmed to be selling a version of Volkswagen Up! are the Volkswagen brand and the more value-oriented Skoda brand. These two brands are represented in Malaysia respectively by the principal themselves (VW Malaysia), and a unit of the Berjaya Group (Skoda – Quasar Carriage).

While the Up! is expected to satisfy the market of consumers that are looking for smaller and more fuel efficient transportation, bear in mind that when such cars come to Malaysia, unless things change with the policies and taxation system here it may not necessarily gel with the whole affordable transportation anymore.

Countries that are designated as “developing countries” such as ours are usually offered special models low-cost models – just look at what is sold in South America and Eastern Europe and you will get an idea.

Source

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Lotus F1: 6 drivers shortlisted, Fairuz Fauzy named

October 19, 2009 at 11:53 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

According to a recent report by Malaysian news agency Bernama, Lotus F1 has shortlisted six drivers where two will be officially announced sometime next month. Team principal Tony Fernandes further revealed that Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy is one of them.

“What I can say is, Fairuz Fauzy is on the list. We will announce the line-up in November. I hope the Malaysian driver will be selected as either the second driver or third driver for the team,” Fernandes said.

Jarno Trulli who is racing for Toyota is also rumored to be selected, although when asked about the Italian, the man behind AirAsia remained tight-lipped. There is a high possibility that the Malaysian-owned team will select a fresh face like Fauzy and a more experienced Formula 1 driver. Looks like we have got wait for the official announcement!

Source

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Brawn’s Jenson Button crowned as 2009 Formula 1 World Champion!

October 19, 2009 at 11:33 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Brit Jenson Button from Brawn GP picked up his first Driver’s Championship earlier today in Brazil. 29-year old Button arrived at Interlagos with a comfortable lead but if he failed to score a single point in the two remaining races (Brazil and Abu Dhabi) the crown could go to his team mate Rubens Barrichello or Sebastian Vettel from Red Bull.

With his fifth place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Brit sealed the championship. Even if the Button fails to finish the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi he will still walk away as the 2009 Champion. During yesterday’s qualifying Button only managed 14th place. His team mate who was also contending for the title grabbed pole position. Vettel on the other hand started the race right behind Button following Vitantonio Liuzzi’s 5-place grid penalty.

As the race progressed the three championship rivals managed to have a clean race despite what happened around them. On the first lap itself two major incidents took place. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren) spun his car at Turn 2 and nearly collected Giancarlo Fisichella (Ferrari). A couple of corners later Jarno Trulli (Toyota) put a wheel on the grass and spun into Adrian Sutil (Force India). The latter also took Fernando Alonso (Renault) out of the race. Both Trulli and and Sutil were seen arguing after the incident.

Kovalainen made a pit stop for repairs and a re-fuel. Unfortunately the Finn drove off with the fuel rig intact. Fuel was then sprayed on Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari which came in for a new front wing. A dramatic fireball developed at the back of the Ferrari. Raikkonen nearly ended his race and was complaining about burning eyes (sensation felt after getting in contact with petrol) even after the race.

After 71 laps, Mark Webber from Red Bull emerged victorious. BMW’s Robert Kubica and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton joined the podium as well. Vettel managed fourth place while Button settled with fifth. Rubens Barrichello who started from pole only managed to finish in eight place following a puncture that forced the Brazilian to pit with just a couple of laps remaining.

Along with the Driver’s Championship, Button’s British-based Brawn GP team that took over operations from Honda at the beginning of year also secured the Constructor’s Championship. The Formula 1 circus now heads to the United Arab Emirates for the season finale on November 1st.

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