Advertisement

Matte military green MINI Cooper S by Nowack Motors

May 11, 2010 at 2:32 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News

To all you tennis fans out there, no, Novak Djokovic isn’t running a side business. I’ve never heard of them before, but Nowack Motors is a German based tuner that preys on BMWs and MINIs, and their latest plaything is the 175 bhp MINI Cooper S. I personally think that the matte military green finish with those Porsche style decals along the wheelbase look very good on the MINI.

Three packages are available. The N210 offers 210 bhp via a reprogrammed ECU and free flow air filter, while the N230 offers 230 bhp through all of the above plus a stainless steel sport exhaust system. Nowack’s N260 adds on sport camshafts, a downpipe, new cylinder heads and an optimised intercooling system. Power is, you’ve guessed it, 260 bhp. Cars tuned at Nowack’s Kamp-Lintfort HQ will be dyno tested before the customer’s eyes.

There are also various suspension upgrades available, from sport spring kits to complete coilover suspensions. Other recommended upgrades include 8.5J x18″ light alloys with 225/40 rubber and sport differentials. More images after the jump.
[Read more...]

19 Comments      

Mercedes-Benz introduces new V8 and V6 engines

May 11, 2010 at 2:15 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz has released a new generation of V-engines, and revisions start from the basic construction with the use of lightweight aluminium crankcases, pistons and cylinder heads while the crankshaft, connecting rods and valves are now of special forged steel.

Other improvements to the V8 and V6 include multi-spark ignition and a third generation direct fuel injection system with spray-guided combustion and piezo-electric injectors that increase fuel efficiency. This creates a homogeneous combustion in the V8 and stratified combustion in the V6 for a leaner burn. Add in start stop technology, shift point adjustment, specific friction reducing measures and overall fuel consumption is reduced by more than 20%.

The new V8 (non AMG, to power ’500′ badged Mercs) comes with two turbochargers for 700 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm. Although the 4,663 cc unit sees a 15% decrease in engine displacement, it produces 12% more power than before – 435 bhp versus 388 bhp – and that headline grabbing 700 Nm is 32% more than the previous 530 Nm. Stuttgart says that the power available at low revs is similar to that of a naturally aspirated 7.0-litre engine.

Fuel consumption has seen a drop too. The CL500 previously did 12.3 litres per 100 km; with the new engine the big coupe manages 9.3 litres for every 100km, which is significant. CO2 figures are down to 224 g/km from 288 g/km.

The most notable change to the naturally aspirated V6 is the shifting of the V angle between the cylinder banks from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. Mercedes has future proofed this unit by designing it to accommodate future turbocharging applications with the help of a modular design concept. This in turn allows the balancer shaft to counter primary vibrations for better smoothness.

While the 3.5-litre size is unchanged, the V6 gets a new intake and exhaust gas system with a variable-resonance intake manifold and optimised airflow. These combine for increased power (from 272 bhp to 306 bhp) and torque (from 350 Nm to 370 Nm). With it, the S350 achieves 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 177 g/km of CO2, a big improvement from the engine it replaces.

Look after the jump for more images of the engine.
[Read more...]

22 Comments      


Geely IG set to match Tata Nano as world’s cheapest car?

May 10, 2010 at 4:10 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, China, International News, Rumours

This was going to happen sooner or later – it’s a clash of the giants and we’re talking about China versus India! Word on the street is that Geely is set to target Tata Nano customers with the new Geely IG you see above.

Set to be released sometime in 2012, the Intelligent Geely (IG) will feature a 998cc 70 horsepower engine. This power is fed through the front two wheels and planted to the road via a CVT gearbox. The IG is likely to stay relatively simple compared to the concept car that you see above which is covered in photovoltaic solar cells to help recharge its batteries.

The word is that you would have to pay for about US$2,700 for the standard IG and it will be made available in China and Russia. This will leave the Nano to flourish on its own in its native market, at least for now. The Nano goes for between US$2,700 to US$3,800.

An eco-friendly electric IG has been said to be in the works as well, with a range of 149 kilometers on just pure electric after a single charge.

31 Comments      

Optional “picnic set” for the MINI Countryman

May 10, 2010 at 11:58 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News

The new MINI Countryman is targeted to those who love the outdoors, as its name suggests, and this cute picnic set called the MINI Countryman Getaway Package should be a desirable option. I can really see myself using this when passing by a spectacular view, or when needing some fresh air and a coffee break.

The set, which includes two folding wooden chairs with canvas surfaces (in Racing Check or Union Jack) can be stowed away in the Countryman’s dual-layer load compartment floor, which is separated from the regular storage space by a lid. Pockets can be attached to the sides of the seats using press studs, while a carry bag makes them easy to transport. The seats can also be converted into tables with the help of a wooden board!

Another feature of the Getaway Package is the MINI Five-In-One Cover – a poncho, sleeping bag, awning, picnic blanket and bed cover in one. The loops and ties on the four corners help to make the most of the cover’s various functions, and the bag for the cover doubles up as a handy cushion.

Other “outdoor” Countryman accessories include stylised Wellington boots, the MINI Parka, and t-shirts for him and her. More merchandise to make more money, but we all love to wear our brand on our sleeves, don’t we? Images after the jump.
[Read more...]

12 Comments      

First Aston Martin Rapide rolls out from Austrian factory

May 10, 2010 at 11:05 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Aston Martin, Cars, International News

The first of the Rapides have rolled out from Magna Steyr’s factory in Austria for delivery to customers. The four-door sports car is set to reach buyers and Aston Martin’s 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks.

The Rapide is the first Aston Martin not to be made in England, although Aston promises that the Rapide achieves the “same exacting standards” as its other models from Gaydon. From the preparation of Rapide’s bonded aluminum body frame to the six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied (Aston claims best in class paint finish), it’s all done at Aston’s dedicated area within Magna Steyr’s facilities. The contract manufacturer also takes on other tough projects, like making the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s body (Gullwing doors) and the Peugeot RCZ (complicated double bubble roof/rear glass).

The four-seat Rapide is powered by a hand-built 5.9-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp and 600 Nm. It’s paired to a six-speed “Touchtronic 2″ automatic transmission with steering column-mounted magnesium paddles. There’s also plenty of luxury in the package, but then this costs £139,950 in the UK, a lot higher than what Porsche charges for the Panamera Turbo (£95,298).

The Rapide will race in the upcoming Nürburgring 24-hour race in “near standard” form, driven by a team of Aston engineers lead by CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez. Click here to see how the race car looks like.

6 Comments      

Limited Mille Miglia edition BMW Z4 sDrive35is – only 99!

May 7, 2010 at 2:12 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

To commemorate the 70th anniversary BMW’s historic victory in the famed Mille Miglia race with the 328 MM Touring Coupe, Munich has announced a limited edition of the E89 Z4 sDrive35is. How limited? Very, because only 99 units will be made.

Each of these will come in a Polaris Metallic matte finish, blacked out kidney grille, M aerodynamic kit and 19-inch wheels finished in Dark Chrome. Of course, Mille Miglia badges will be paraded both on the skin and inside the cabin, which gets leather/Alcantara seats plus red stitching all over.

No changes under the skin, which means a 335 bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six sits under that long hood, mated up to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 500 Nm in a small roadster? Yes, you’re looking at it here. See our previous post for more info and pictures of the range topping Z4. Images of the Mille Miglia after the jump.
[Read more...]

11 Comments      

Volvo introduces new five-pot diesel, upgrades T6 engine

May 6, 2010 at 4:32 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Volvo

Volvo has a new 2.0-litre five cylinder diesel powerplant for model year 2011. The 2.0D unit is new for the XC60 and XC70 and replaces the longstanding four-cylinder 134 bhp unit in the C30, S40, V50, C70, V70 and S80. In essence, the new diesel is based on the familiar 2.4-litre D5, but with reduced displacement from a shorter stroke for better fuel consumption. There are also piezo-electric fuel injectors for more efficient combustion. Available in various states of tune, the 2.0D can be had with a six-speed auto or manual.

As part of Volvo’s new engine nomenclature, all new engines will be badged based on power output. For example, the 148 bhp/350 Nm 2.0D in the C30, S40, V50 and C70 is named D3 while an uprated 175 bhp/400 Nm version of the same engine is labeled D4. In bigger cars like the S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 the 2.0D makes 161 bhp/400 Nm and is badged D3. The same format applies to the petrols, but with T instead of D.

Speaking of petrols, The T6 six-cylinder engine now offers 19 bhp and 40 Nm extra to make 304 bhp/440 Nm thanks to “reduction in internal friction”. Emissions have also been reduced.

12 Comments      

Configure “your own” Rolls-Royce Ghost via iPhone

May 6, 2010 at 2:52 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Rolls Royce

While Rolls-Royce ownership is way beyond our means (for us at this blog, at least), there’s nothing wrong with daydreaming. The good folks at Goodwood know this for a fact and have made it easier for us to indulge the billionaire within with this – the Rolls-Royce Ghost app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Now available on the App Store, this free app allows enthusiasts and ahem, potential customers to configure their very own Ghost, the latest and smallest model from Rolls-Royce. With it, one can choose from thousands of design combinations available to real Ghost customers at RR dealerships.

Available exterior options include twelve standard paint finishes, three different wheel styles, visible exhausts as well as a Silver Satin bonnet, the latter an option exclusive to the Ghost. The cabin can be specified in eight different leather colours and five veneer designs, including contemporary woods such as Dark Wenge and Malabar. Once you’re done, keep your Ghost in a virtual garage.

Besides that, the app also provides specs, a gallery of Ghost images and films as well as a function to search for the nearest Rolls-Royce dealer. For us, that would be Quill Motorcars at Jalan Semangat, Petaling Jaya, which is down the road from where I’m typing this now. Prices start from RM2.6 million for the real thing, by the way.

Click here for a live gallery of the Ghost and the Phantom Drophead Coupe from a media preview held in January.

3 Comments      

Hummer H3 recalled in the US, flying hood louvre alert!

May 6, 2010 at 12:05 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, General Motors, International News

General Motors is recalling 162,000 Hummer H3 SUVs (model year 2006 to 2010) in the US to rectify loose clips on the vehicle’s hood vent louvres. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the integral clip-tabs on the louvres may fracture, causing them to rattle against the hood and become loose. If this goes unnoticed, additional clips could fracture and the louvres could fly off the H3.

Remember what happened to Felipe Massa at last year’s Hungarian GP? Now imagine a long and sharp louvre flying off a Hummer, scary isn’t it?

Dealers will apply an adhesive to the said louvres to secure it, free of charge. US owners of the H3 are advised to contact their dealers for details. There are some H3s running around in Malaysia, and I noticed that Chevrolet dealer Cergazam had a few of these hulks for sale (not sure if they still do, the Hummer brand is history now). From now on, I’ll make a mental note to stay clear of any Hummers on our roads!

26 Comments      

Cool Audi A1 ideas at Wörthersee Tour 2010 – go Bayern!

May 6, 2010 at 11:33 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

Audi is really going all out to make its baby A1 the coolest thing in town. We’ve already seen part 1 of “The Next Big Thing” mini series starring Justin Timberlake, and here’s some ideas Audi is proposing for the A1 – there’s a police car, airport taxi and a Bayern Munich car. The latter has in-form player Arjen Robben’s name all over it. Wait, didn’t Bayern just kick out Audi sponsored Man United of the Champions League, with a fine volley from Robben? Audi is a sponsor of the Munich club, too!

The “Hot Rod” model boasts a matte-finish and low ride height with air suspension. Complementing this look are steel wheels with white-wall tyres. My favourite is the car with the No.1 racing livery, as seen in Geneva. It comes with a “competition kit” with the “legends interior plus” package. The Amalfi White paint finish and the original colors of the Urquattro (Begonia Red, Stone Gray and Gray Brown) are used both inside and outside. Unlike the rest of the concepts, this one is available as a factory option when sales start in Europe.

Audi has done some work in the cabin as well. Themed parts include upper seat backs, the base of the centre console, door grips, instrument faces, floor carpets and rings on the air-con vents. These seven A1s are meant to show the customisation possibilities with add-on parts, special paint finishes and adhesive films. Audi calls them “motto vehicles”.

The cars will be paraded at the Wörthersee Tour 2010 in Austria (May 12 – 15) alongside the new R8 GT, which makes its public debut there. Check out the gallery after the jump!
[Read more...]

25 Comments