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Nick Heidfeld writes encouraging open letter to Kubica

April 14, 2011 at 2:46 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports, Renault

When Lotus Renault GP needed to find a replacement for the injured Robert Kubica, Nick Heidfeld was the the most solid option. The German with the nickname ‘Quick Nick’ didn’t take too long to show that he’s still sharp despite being without a regular race seat since the end of 2009 when BMW pulled out of F1.

At last Sunday’s Malaysian GP, Heidfeld managed to hold on to third place with Mark Webber hot on his heels, giving Lotus Renault their second podium finish in as many races (Petrov was third in Australia). After the event, Heidfeld has written an open letter to his former BMW Sauber teammate, who is undergoing rehabilitation now. Here’s the letter as it appeared on Heidfeld’s official website.

Dear Robert,

Have you seen that? I printed your logo on the front of my helmet, and the Polish flag on the side. I wanted you to see that and to let you know that I’m thinking of you. I wanted to show your fans that you are a part of Formula 1 and of this team. This 3rd place is also yours! During the race I had often been thinking of you. Crossing the finish line, happiness totally flooded my head. I know what you are thinking right now: “Lotus-Renault has built such a wonderful car this year. I want to get back as soon as possible and drive it!” You can do it, I wish you all the best for your rehabilitation. Get well soon!

Yours

Nick

Kubica is reported to be recovering well, and has surprised doctors by putting weight on his foot and clasping an object in his hand. Let’s hope for a continued speedy recovery for Robert!

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Renault Samsung SM7 Concept – 2nd-gen on the cards

April 4, 2011 at 6:24 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan, Renault


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The unveiling of the Renault Samsung SM7 Concept at the Seoul Motor Show means only one thing – the replacement for the first-generation SM7, which was introduced in 2004 in the Korean market, is due.


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The upcoming replacement is set to be introduced in the latter half of 2011. The original sat on a Nissan Teana/Maxima FF-L platform, and the second-generation offering will be no different, underpinned by a D platform meant for the Teana/Maxima.


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No specifications have yet been announced for the vehicle, which features a design concept called “Man in Tuxedo,” but engine options won’t run far from that offered for the Nissans wearing the same legs, undoubtedly – the current SM7, built in Busan, comes in 3.5 V6 and 2.3 Neo VQ versions.

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TC Euro Cars introduces dedicated Renault Sport engineers, owners to get personalised service

March 31, 2011 at 2:19 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Renault

TC Euro Cars, the importer and distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, will have delivered about 50 units of the Megane RS 250 Cup (read our review here) by the end of April. By the end of this year, it’s estimated that 130 Renault Sport vehicles will be roaming our streets. Doesn’t sound like much, but for niche performance cars with manual transmissions, that’s an encouraging sum.

Not only do these lucky enthusiasts get to enjoy one of the best hot hatches on sale today, they now also get personalised service from dedicated Renault Sport engineers, introduced by TCEC at their PJ service hub this morning. How personalised? Well, lets say that RS owners have their cell numbers and can call them at any hour of the day!

According to TCEC, the RS engineers (Mr Zulhelmi and Mr Luqman) will serve as the single point of contact for all Renault Sport vehicle maintenance and repair related matters. Every RS vehicle that leaves the workshop needs to receive a “Quality Control Certificate” by the RS engineers, failing which the car will need to be rechecked.

The duo are also tasked with overseeing all maintenance and repair work carried out on Renault Sport models, ensuring that all the components are operating within manufacturers’ spec. Optional parts, future models, community events – these are the guys to ask.

RS engineers have at their disposal a fully-equipped Renault Technical Assistance vehicle (Kangoo with RS livery) for off-site repairs. They also have direct access to the Renault Technical Center in Korea, with support from Renault Sport in Dieppe, France.

The main Renault workshop in Malaysia is a dedicated 15-bay facility in Section 13, PJ. There are 11 other outlets across the country with the capability to service Renault cars. These outlets are Nissan centres equipped with the necessary CLIP diagnostics and tools to service Renaults.

It was also revealed that the Tan Chong parts centre near Batu Caves holds RM3 million worth of Renault parts, and parts ordered this morning will arrive the following day within the country, as it rides on Nissan’s well established network.

Read more on the RS engineers after the jump.
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Renaultsport to be a standalone brand with unique models

March 18, 2011 at 8:55 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Renault

Renault’s performance division that churns out highly-rated hot versions of the Clio and Megane, Renaultsport, is set to be a standalone brand, with its own unique models. However, this new strategy doesn’t mean that RS will stop tweaking Renault’s hatchbacks – we can expect more cars like the Megane 250 Cup in the future.

“Renaultsport is key to Renault’s strategy. It already has excellent loyalty and is perceived by some owners as a brand in its own right, and we can develop that further,” Renault product manager Beatrice Foucher told Autocar UK.

“We will continue working on derivative versions of the Megane, for example, because that’s a terrific car and excellent for us. But we also need specific models only for Renaultsport. We have started working on that; we’re thinking of small volumes, where there are good business models.”

The mag’s well-placed sources say that this new strategy will be spearheaded by a convertible version of the beautiful DeZir concept from Paris 2010. That car, the first to show off Renault’s future face, is an EV with lithium ion batteries and Kevlar body panels. Does this mean that Renaultsport’s future is electric, or will the mooted model revert to a conventional powerplant?

We’ve had a few gems from Dieppe-based Renaultsport here in Malaysia – the Clio RS, Megane R26 and the Megane 250 Cup – and hope that there’s more to come from the expert tuners. We hear that the new Clio RS is on the way, stay tuned!

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Lotus Renault GP: Aiming for the top step of the podium

March 8, 2011 at 4:36 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports, Renault

Lotus Renault GP team principal Eric Boullier is in town, together with Lotus brand ambassador and ex- F1 driver Jean Alesi and Gino Rosato, Director of Corporate Operations at Group Lotus. GL organised a brief press conference at Pavilion KL this afternoon, and the lunch function was joined by LRGP’s reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy.

There wasn’t much time as they were rushing to attend the next function (launch of the F1 Malaysian GP, also at Pavilion) and there was a big media group, but we did get a few words out of the tired visitors.


Jean Alesi (left) jokingly offers his services to Eric Boullier’s Lotus Renault GP

Frenchman Boullier, who in the past managed A1 Team France, reiterated that Lotus Renault’s target this year is to be challenging for a podium spot. “We aim to win some races and be a regular on the podium,” he proclaimed. Eric’s predictions for the season opening race in Australia? “I can see Red Bull and Ferrari in front, then I hope we’ll be leading the troops,” he said with a smile.

Boullier, who did not want to comment on the Lotus name row with Team Lotus, was consistent. We previously carried this quote from him: “We want to win with this car. To win you need to be a regular podium finisher – and then you will win – and that is our target”. He also said that while we can’t look too much into the test sessions that the teams went through so far, this week’s test in Barcelona would be close to the car’s real performance.

Jean Alesi, who could pass off as a younger Sylvester Stallone, explained his role in Lotus to us. The ex-Ferrari and Benetton driver said that he’s happy to be part of something new.

“It’s a great opportunity. Lotus Cars is an iconic brand and everything is starting from scratch,” referring to the brand turnaround led by Dany Bahar. “I’m extremely happy – it’s the beginning and you’re part of it,” he went on.

Alesi’s role is to help develop the Exos Type 125 “F1 for customers” car. Gino Rosato explained that the Frenchman was chosen as “he’s one of the most passionate driver’s in the business”. Alesi isn’t involved in the F1 team, but “if Lotus needs me I’ll be available,” he said with a naughty smile to Boullier.

Some press members asked the panel if Fairuz Fauzy will get a chance to drive for the team, and here’s what Boullier had to say: “Fairuz is realistic. He’s with us to learn from a big team. We believe he can race one day”.

The Malaysian added that this new position is an upgrade for him. “It’s a move forward for me. I will learn a lot from a more experienced and stronger team. My target is to do well in GP2 this year,” he said.

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Renault R-Space: Putting sexy and romance into an MPV

March 2, 2011 at 5:49 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Renault

First we saw the sexy DeZir coupe, then the Captur crossover, now we’re looking at R-Space, which sees Renault’s fresh design language applied on a compact MPV. Led by former Mazda Nagare man Laurens van den Acker, the design team sought to combine sensuality with a monospace architecture. The result is flowing and organic, unusual for a people carrier.

Measuring 4.25 metres in length, the R-Space is more compact than a Scenic. The front end adapts the new visual identity as seen on the DeZir/Captur that’s centred on the large Renault lozenge. Inspired by the human body, the honey-gold body panels are shaped as sculptured volumes – as a result, eyes are drawn to reflections and the play of the light rather than the lines themselves.

This is an R rated MPV. “With R-Space, it was the pent-up energy in tensed muscles that inspired me. I wanted to make people feel the urge to caress the body, to make it sensuous – despite the fact that this is an MPV aimed at families,” reveals Fabrice Pouille, exterior designer.

The coach doors open wide like the Opel Meriva, except that this concept doesn’t have B pillars. The forms of the dash and seats are similar to the DeZir concept’s. The driver enjoys a cockpit-like environment, while the interlinking shape of the front seat backrests are an idea of a couple in love. The latter leaves one in no doubt that this is a French car!

The rear section revolves around children. It’s a play space formed from a simple and universal shape – the cube. 27 miniature motors power an array of height-adjustable hexahedrons, allowing four settings to be programmed, from an all-flat surface, to a booster seat, a table or a random configuration (only when the vehicle is parked) for children’s games.

You’ve got to admire their creativity. Gallery after the jump.
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Renault Megane RS 250 Cup wins “Best Sports and Convertible” and Judges Choice award

February 24, 2011 at 1:20 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Renault

Now, it may just be three months into the game locally, but there’s no denying that the Renault Megane RS 250 Cup has made some serious inroads with the performance car crowd and built up an erstwhile cult following.

Now, it’s winning awards too. The 250 hp and 340 Nm hot hatch has picked up its first local gong, taking the “Best Sports and Convertible” award at the recent CIMB Autoworld COTY awards.

It’s not just the enthusiasts who lick their chops at the sight – and thought – of this one. The judges thought so too, bestowing the Judges Choice Award on the French tyke ahead of 30 other machines.

And it’s easy to see why everyone’s head over heels over this capable canary, really; the 2.0 litre turbo mill on this one gets the RS 250 Cup into the century from standstill in just 6.1 seconds and offers the car a 245 kph top speed.

That’s not the only draw, of course. With a Cup chassis that features a 10 mm lowered ride, uprated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as a veritable list of flash and whizz items on the kit list (Recaro seats, four-piston Brembo brakes, a mechanical LSD, RS Performance Hub and a short shift six-speed manual transmission, among a host of things), the RM230,000 pocket rocket is certainly not short of flash, as well as dash.

With the only setback being that there isn’t enough cars to go around to satiate the hungry hordes, you can expect the Megane RS 250 Cup to pick up more glittering prizes as it goes along.

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Renault Captur to go into production as a crossover Clio

February 22, 2011 at 12:22 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Renault

Renault will be putting the Renault Captur concept into production – it will join the Renault family as part of the next generation Clio range, making it somewhat like a “CrossClio”. The next generation Clio will debut in 2012, and other than the Captur-derived crossover body, it will also come in wagon, 3-door and 5-door variants.
[Read more...]

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Nick Heidfeld: ‘I don’t think I could have done any better’

February 14, 2011 at 12:35 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports, Renault

Already the favourite to replace the injured Robert Kubica at Lotus Renault GP, Nick Heidfeld strengthened his case by topping the time sheets on Day 3 of testing at Jerez, Spain. It was an impressive showing by the veteran German driver considering that it was his first taste of the R31 and his first time back in an F1 car since November last year. He is justifiably happy with the outcome.

“I’m pleased with the job I did, very pleased. I don’t think I could have done any better, and I didn’t do any mistakes,” said Heidfeld, who was Kubica’s teammate at BMW Sauber.

“We already started today to try and improve the car, find directions, where the problems are, where the strengths are. I’m obviously trying to do the best job today so I can drive in the future, but I’m also just using it as a normal test and trying to develop the car,” he told hacks at the track.

“The car is already very different to how it was this morning, suiting my driving style a lot more. It is still not ideal – I hope there is more to come from the feeling I have – but it’s a good base,” added Quick Nick.

“Today we had the chance to give Nick time in the car and we carried out a big evaluation. Our first feelings are very positive: he worked well with the team, gave good feedback and improved the car during the day. We managed to cover 86 laps and the times are encouraging, which is also thanks to Robert and Vitaly’s early feedback and the hard work of everybody in the team,” praised team boss Eric Boullier.

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Robert Kubica is out of ICU, two operations set for today

February 11, 2011 at 1:57 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports, Renault

Robert Kubica, who is seriously injured from a rally accident, has been released from intensive care and will be moved to a trauma unit in Santa Corona Hospital as he continues to recover. Although the Pole cheated death when the armco speared the cabin of his Skoda, injuries include a partially severed right hand and injuries to his right leg and arm.

Kubica underwent surgery on Sunday after arriving at the Italian hospital and there are more scheduled for today and early next week. “His general condition is good, so much so we can programme two operations on Friday. Next week we expect to perform the last operation on the patient,” Dr Giorgio Barabino told the BBC.

“He started to feed himself today, and everything is moving. Now is the time for sticking all the bones together and educating the muscles, but we don’t know how long that will take. All I know for now is that for the next three months for sure he won’t be back. After that, it could be four, five six. He needs at least three months to recover physically, and then we see,” team boss Eric Boullier said.

On Kubica’s replacement, it’s all down to how Nick Heidfeld performs at Jerez this weekend. “Nick is here to be evaluated. Once we have finished our assessment of him, if we are happy with Nick, then we keep Nick. If we are not, we go to Barcelona and we test some other drivers,” Boullier added.

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