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Latest batch of BMW X1 teasers from Facebook

July 1, 2009 at 8:59 am By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars

BMW X1

Here’s another batch of teaser images for the production BMW X1 SUV that BMW has uploaded to the BMW X1 Facebook page. This set shows us the rear taillamps in a classic BMW L-shaped design, a shot of the interior featuring the steering wheel, paddle shift, meter panel and engine start button, the rear exhaust tailpipe, and finally a shot of the hood from the top. Looks good so far, but notice that the steering wheel of the X1 looks more like the old type of BMW steering found in the E60/E90 generation of cars, instead of the F01′s new style with thumb scrollers.

Check out the other 3 images after the jump.

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BMW Concept X1 unveiled, with video!
[Read more...]

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New Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni: 250 units with rear wheel drive!

July 1, 2009 at 8:32 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni
Click for enlarged image

Here are the full details of the rear wheel drive Gallardo we saw earlier this week. The new rear wheel drive version of the Gallardo will be limited to 250 units only, and has been christened the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. Now you probably get what LP 550-2 means – 550 PS and 2 driven wheels, but what about the VB?

Valentino Balboni is actually a test driver who has helped shape many legends such as the Lamborghini Miura from the 60s to the current Gallardo and Murcielago. He was hired personally by Lamborghini’s founder in 1967 but he is retired now after 40 years with Lamborghini. Feedback from Balboni guides Lamborghini engineers to finetune their car to become a car with qualities that Balboni refers to as “the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend”.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

The LP550-2 is not a mere regular Gallardo with the all-wheel drive system removed. The car now weighs 1,380kg dry and goes from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, thanks to its 550 PS 5.2 litre V10. Various settings like springs, dampers, stabilisers, aerodynamics and even the tyres had to be modified for rear wheel drive. The 45% LSD rear axle was also redeveloped, and the e-gear automated manual transmission has also been recalibrated. The ESP’s CORSA (race) program now permits greater drift angles, something that you really must have with rear wheel drive!

Look after the jump for the previously showcased 4 photos.
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VIDEO: Jaguar XJ Driving Dynamics Teaser

July 1, 2009 at 8:05 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Jaguar, Videos

Jaguar XJ Driving Dynamics

Here is a fifth video in a series of Jaguar XJ teaser videos. It’s not very long now until the new flagship XJ is unveiled on the 9th of July – that’s next week actually! Some of Jaguar engineers talk about the XJ’s driving dynamics in this video. We all know less weight means better handling, and the XJ’s aluminium chassis contributes to that. But dynamics goes into a scope that extends to more than handling.

Watch the video after the jump.

Related Posts:
Jaguar XJ Teaser Video #1: launch set for 9th July
Jaguar XJ Teaser Video #2: Ian Callum on the design
Jaguar XJ Teaser Video #3: Sound System
Jaguar XJ Teaser Video #4: Aluminium chassis
[Read more...]

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New Photos: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO

July 1, 2009 at 7:55 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO

Mercedes-Benz has just released a couple of more photos of their Concept BlueZERO, which many say is most likely a preview of what the next generation B-Class will look like.

But like the name indicates, the BlueZERO is not just a showcase of future production models. The 4220 x 1890 x 1590mm vehicle uses a sandwich floor construction, much like the current A-Class and B-Class, but it’s been modified a little to accomodate electric drive. There are three versions of the Concept BlueZERO but with one commonality, all are front wheel drive with an electric motor at the front axle.

With the BlueZERO E-CELL, two lithium ion battery packs (liquid cooled 35kWh capacity battery) are placed in the sandwich floor behind the electric motor. The other two variants are the BlueZERO F-CELL which is fuel-cell-powered with a battery and hydrogen tank in the sandwich floor.

Finally there is the E-CELL PLUS which is a range extender electric car, with some form of combustion engine used to recharge the batteries, like the Chevy Volt. Right now the proposed combustion engine is an inline-3 turbocharged petrol engine from the smart fortwo, producing 50kW.

Anyway check out the full gallery after the jump.
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Peugeot 207 facelift to hit stores in August

June 30, 2009 at 12:45 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Peugeot

Peugeot 207

Peugeot has unveiled facelifted looks for the entire 207 range – this extends from the hatchback to the wagon and finally the 207 CC, the only 207 on sale here in Malaysia so far. On the outside, the 207 facelift gets a redesigned front which Peugeot says has been made look softer. There are also more chrome detailing. Alot of the black strips around the car are now body-coloured. The hatchback and CC models get new LED tail lamps.

On the inside its more of trim and detailing changes, and a new instrument panel design that’s said to be more modern and visually appealing, and a new gear change indicator for manual transmissions, but unfortunately the initial batch of press images that they’ve released doesn’t include pix of the updated interior. A new in-car entertainment system called Peugeot Connect USB with Bluetooth, remote controlled window operation, and a one-touch direction indicator are also some of the new features introduced.

Look after the jump for the first batch of 5 images of the various 207 bodystyles. This gallery will be updated later with new photos as they are released.
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First pix of new Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

June 30, 2009 at 11:20 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Lamborghini

These are supposed to be the first photos of a new rear wheel drive version of the Gallardo, aptly called the LP550-2. And just like the name suggests, the 550 indicates the engine has been tuned to make 10 horses less than the 5.2 litre V10 motor in the LP560-4. More details will come later but the initial word is that it will be about 10% cheaper and be lighter by 30kg thanks to the absence of all-wheel drive hardware.

Look after the jump for 4 shots.
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Aston Martin “downsizes” with the Cygnet concept

June 29, 2009 at 4:25 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Aston Martin, Cars, Concept Cars

Aston Martin Cygnet

Perhaps all those Myvis going around town sporting a faux E60 5-Series look had the right idea all along. The car above is not a joke – it’s the Aston Martin Cygnet, which is basically a Toyota iQ with Aston Martin design cues.

“Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ. Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept – akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht – will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

I think the whole idea is that for Aston Martin drivers to buy a Cygnet and use it for short commutes, perhaps keeping the Aston Martin for longer trips that call for a GT car, or weekend drives to the golf course, that sort of thing. Well, that’s the official story they’re feeding us anyway. An alternative would be that Aston Martin is trying to reduce its overall average CO2 emissions ratings in order to comply with CO2 laws for its fleet of cars on sale. A low emissions iQ would be able to reduce the overall higher score of its more powerful sports cars. Maybe we’ll all get used to it later but for now I think Aston Martin design cues on a Toyota iQ looks ridiculous.

“The offering of a ‘Cygnet’ with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level,” Dr Ulrich Bez added.

47 Comments      

The Volvo XC60 is now here in Malaysia!

June 29, 2009 at 8:05 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Volvo

Volvo XC60

The new Volvo XC60 is here, available in two variants but both with a 3.0 litre turbocharged six-cylinder T6 engine producing an exciting 285 horsepower and 400Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, mated to a 6-speed Geartronic auto. The two variants are called the XC60 T6 LE and the XC60 T6 SE, and they retail for RM360k and RM330k respectively, OTR without insurance. It’s a rather handsome and dynamic looking car actually, a far departure from the Volvos of the past. Think of it as a smaller XC90 on steroids, buffed up and more toned.

Volvo XC60

The more expensive LE version is the one with all the goodies. For an additional 30k, you get a panoramic sunroof, a 12 speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Auto Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and Drive Alert Control. Collision Warning with Autobrake actually alerts the driver if the distance to the car in front of you suddenly decreases. If the driver does not react in time, the system brakes at up to 50% maximum braking power automatically.

The cheaper SE version gets an 8 speaker sound system. Both sound systems feature a 6-CD changer with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and iPod connectors. The interior leather can be had in either soft beige/espresso brown, or offblack. The trim inlays can be had in either a sporty brushed aluminium trim, or for something more classic, you have classic wood or Nordic light oak.

Volvo XC60

Here’s the rest of the equipment that comes with both LE and SE versions: dual stage driver and front airbags, dual chamber front SIPS (side impact protection system) airbags, Inflatable Curtain airbags, all-wheel drive, whiplash protection system, a 40:20:40 splitting rear seat, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ready alert brake, fading brake support, dynamic stability and traction control, roll stability control, rollover protection system, hill descent control, blindspot information system, rain sensor wipers, active bending lights, headlamp washers, ISOFIX points for the rear seats, speed sensitive power steering with 3 manual settings, electric seats for the front with memory for the driver, auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated compass, powered tailgate, B-pillar ventilation vents, and a Personal Car Communicator for keyless entry and drive.

Optional over the prices above are various styling accessories which consist of larger 19 inch wheels, front bumper bars in matte aluminium, running boards, side scuff plates, and a rear bumper skid plate.
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Scissored Scirocco kit by JE Design

June 29, 2009 at 12:35 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Volkswagen

Scirocco

The Volkswagen Scirocco will be eye-catching enough on Malaysian shores when it gets here, but if that’s not enough for you, you can fit this bodykit from JE Design which also features scissor doors! It won’t come cheap though – the doors itself go for €1,559 (RM7,750) while the bodykit goes for €919. A 30mm lowering kit goes for €219, a sport exhaust system (€899) and to finish it off you can fit a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in silver (€2,810) or graphite (€2,930). In the engine department, the 2.0 TDI engine’s 140hp and 320Nm gets boosted up to 180hp and 400Nm.
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Volkswagen to take up 10% stake in Suzuki?

June 28, 2009 at 10:27 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Rumours, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Suzuki Alto

A German magazine reported last week that Volkswagen is looking to take up a 10% stake in Japanese carmaker Suzuki. Taking up stake and collaborating with the Japanese company in various areas such as network and product collaboration will allow Volkswagen to enter the Indian market with more success than they currently are having. Suzuki currently dominates the Indian market through the local JV, Maruti Suzuki.

The small little cars that Suzuki and Daihatsu are so good at building at seems to be a secret art that no one else can master. Most of the time the cars come out too cramped as there is not very efficient use of space, or they end up being too costly to manufacturer and price at the appropriate price tag that it needs to have.

Suzuki could benefit from Volkswagen’s technologies such as various fuel-saving tech such as FSI, TSI, TDI diesel and even hybrid tech, and Volkswagen could definitely use Suzuki’s access in India, and perhaps its K-car platforms in case it wants to do something smaller than the NSF (the Up! concepts – future Lupo).

Either way, investors seem to think positively of such a deal, as Suzuki shares went up by nearly 7.7% before settling down up 5.5% at 2,195 Japanese Yen.

21 Comments