The sohu source seems quite certain that this is a Proton/Europestar car. One possibility that I can think of is this could be a Chinese market only car that Proton, Lotus and Europestar are working on together.

UPDATE: Thanks to all readers that pointed this out – this is a restyled Proton GEN2 for Europestar. More updates later – Source

A Brazilian automotive website has pointed to a set of photos on leading Chinese auto website auto.sohu.com that claim to feature Proton’s new Perdana-replacement sedan. The sedan is taped up but the design of the headlamp, grille, tail lamps and etc can clearly be seen. The taped up badge on the front kinda looks like Proton’s. It’s definitely not a Roewe badge as their badge is a little square-jawed at the bottom.

Remember a piece of news this blog carried back in January and then April 2009? It was mentioned that Proton was considering a new Perdana replacement based on the Rover 75 platform, amongst others. Proton have been toying with a few ideas for a Perdana replacement actually. A Mitsubishi 380 with Proton badges is a common sight in the Centre of Excellence car park and photos of that have been circulating around the internet for very long now. There was also talk of using an old Passat platform during the Volkswagen courtship days.

It’s very much just speculation for now but the Proton-Rover connection has been around for many many years, even before SAIC came into the picture by buying up the British company. Rover had originally wanted to license the Proton GEN2 to produce a new Rover 45 and in return the 75 would be used by Proton to make a new Perdana. The Rover 45 was always a ‘rebadge’ car for Rover, even before it was called the 45 (it was originally called the 400 series). The 1999 car was based on a Honda Civic and the ones before it were based on Hondas.

As for the engine under the hood of a new Rover-dana, the platform could come with a new redesigned KV6 engine, if Proton does not decide to put its own Campro Turbo engine inside. You may not know it but the KV6 is familiar to many Malaysians already, it is actually the engine used in the 2.5 liter quad cam Naza Ria. It was also used in V6 first generation Freelanders. SAIC has updated the KV6 and now calls it the Roewe KV6. It now makes 188 horses, up from the original 175 horses figure. Roewe also sells the car with a turbocharged 1.8 liter K-Series inline-4.

Source | Translation

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Porsche insiders have revealed that a convertible version of the Panamera is coming up, and it will have its two rear doors dropped to increase chassis rigidity, making up for the lack of a roof. Porsche also wants to minimize the weight of the extra chassis reinforcements needed, which would swell up if it also had to make up for the fact that it had four doors.

Official statements from the company have been vague so far although they definitely point in a positive direction. “We have a broad range of 14 derivatives of the 911 that are very successful. So it stands to reason we should diversify the lineup for the Panamera as well,” said Porsche development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer. According to the insiders, the premium of having a convertible roof should add about 11,000 Euros to the roofed version’s price.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Here’s some details from Autocar UK on BMW’s next generation bread and butter – the replacement for the E90 BMW 3-Series set to be launched for the 2011 model year. No doubt some of this may be just conjecture on Autocar’s part, but here’s the list anyway:

• The 4-cylinder engine will finally be replaced by a turbocharged unit, but Autocar is suggesting 3-cylinder engines will be used. The idea of an inline-3 in a 3-series is a little bleh though, what’s wrong with just downsizing to a small 4-cylinder and then turbo-ing it? But there’s no doubt that mechanically the inline-3 engine will likely be competent.
• Greater care for aerodynamics, such as the use of narrow and upright intakes in the front bumper to channel the air through the bumper and out of a slot in the wheel well that pushes and smoothens the airflow across the face of the wheel.
• The chassis will have provisions for an integrated motor assist kind of system for the rear axle. Space also needs to be designed for batteries and control units related to hybrid systems.
• The 8-speed auto will find its way into the whole BMW range, with the 7-speed twin clutch reserved for sports models only. Though there has been improvements of leaps and bounds to computer-clutched transmissions, a real auto will always be smoother than a twin clutch.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

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.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

With the industry being the way it is now, there have been plenty of talks about this or that brands being sold here and there, and of mergers, alliances, and share swaps.

The latest are rumours that Daimler, who have also been said to possibly do a stake swap with BMW, is in deep talks since the end of May 2009 to take up a stake in Porsche. This was according to a German business magazine called “manager magazin“.

Despite achieving things like owning a large amount of Volkswagen Group shares, Porsche is currently in debt (likely thanks to the Volkswagen stake buys) and has asked for German state aid while in talks to sell a stake to Qatar via the Qatar Investment Authority. Its debt tripled to 9 billion Euros after it raised its Volkswagen stake to 50.8% earli this year.

A Daimler AG spokesperson dismissed the report as speculation, while spokespersons from Porsche and Volkswagen said they were not aware if there were such talks.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

What better time for rumours of a revival of the Ford Capri to surface than the year of the 40th anniversary of the Ford Capri coupe. The Capri was born in 1969 and production ended in 1986, with a total of 3 generations built and sold.

Click for enlarge image

Ford can take an idea or two from the Volkswagen stables. After all, they made a new Scirocco from the Golf platform, so Ford could easily produce a new Capri from the global Focus platform if they wanted to.

They seem to be already heading that “more models than before from one platform” way by spawning the S-MAX and the Kuga, both new models that are variations of the Focus platform.

Click for enlarge image

In fact Ford just issued a long release with many product shots and a history of the Capri a few weeks ago, as if hinting to us that a new Capri concept will be shown this year. Of course the company’s last modern interpretation of the Capri was the Ford Visos Concept back in 2003, of which pictures you can find after the jump.

The shots in this article is an artist’s rendering by Theophilus Chin in line with Ford’s new “Kinetic Design” styling.

VIDEO: Ford Visos Concept Promo

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

The only front engine Porsches sold right now are the Cayenne and the new Panamera, which are SUV and 4-door models respectively.

Looking at how other luxury marques are having success selling front engine sports coupe models such as Aston Martins and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fionaro, Porsche is rumoured to be bringing back the 928.

Front engine cars like this offer the possibility of a larger boot space to enhance the vehicle’s tourer functions – the 599 has 320 liters while the Aston Martin V12 Vantage has 300 liters. In comparison, the 911 Turbo only has 105 liters of luggage space.

A modern day 928 would essentially be a two-door short wheelbase coupe version of the Porsche Panamera. It could be called the Panamera Coupe or get a new name.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

According to the latest scoop from Autocar, there will be no new CLK63 AMG, or rather the E-Class Coupe AMG since the CLK has been replaced by the E-Class Coupe. You see, the CLK has always been somewhat an odd product, as it looks like an E-Class coupe (shown above) but was based on C-Class underpinings, until the latest version of course where not only it is based on the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz decided to rename it to an E-Class coupe to better reflect its new positioning.

“We had a good look where it would fit into the line-up and eventually came to the conclusion it would be too close to the CLS63 AMG, both in positioning and price,” said a Mercedes-Benz source. That is quite true actually, as the E-Class Coupe and CLS are both “coupe” versions of the E-Class, just that the CLS has its own unique styling and 4-doors. But still, it doesn’t really make sense.

At that sort of price levels, exclusivity and profit margins, who are they to deny a potential customer from his very own proper 2-door (instead of CLS 4-door) D-segment AMG car if he wanted it? I bet it will happen sooner or later. And isn’t the E-Class AMG so much closer to the upcoming new CLS AMG, hint hint: 4 doors?!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

The fact that there is now an SUV in the BMW M line-up opens a door to a whole lot of new possibilities, including the potential of a high performance M diesel SUV or a high performance diesel version of the X5/X6 that’s as powerful as M cars but without the badge, if they want to keep that last remaining bits of exclusivity.

After all, even though the Cayenne Diesel has specs that are abit of a bore, the most powerful Audi Q7 is the Audi Q7 V12 TDI.

The latest rumours to hit the web is the development of a tri-turbo diesel for this high performance diesel BMW X5 which could produce 354 horsepower and nearly 800Nm of torque. BMW’s star diesel powerplant right now is the all-aluminium N57B30 which makes 245 PS and 540Nm of torque.

Its most powerful diesel is a V8 from the E65/E66 745d, making 329 hp and 750Nm of torque. The tri-turbo diesel could slot above the 730d as an upmarket diesel model in the new F01/F02 7-Series. But all of these figures are still short of the Q7 V12’s 500 PS and collosal 1000Nm.

Tri-turbo engines are not new, though I’m not sure if any made it to production there are companies who have showcased concept engines. One of the more recent examples that also so happens to be a diesel is the concept Mercedes-Benz SLK320 CDI Tri-Turbo which had a V6 diesel engine with 2 small turbos that connected to 1 large turbo. It made 286hp and 628Nm of torque. It never went into production because engineers said it was too expensive.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Rumor has it that Italian sports car maker has decided to discontinue its plans to produce the Estoque, which is 4-door super sedan project, and we not sure if its a permanent shut down or a temporary one. Just like many other axed projects, the speculated shut down of the production Estoque project is linked to the uncertain world economy, leaving the sports car maker to concentrate on both the Gallardo and Murcielago models.

Apparently, Lamborghini also revealed that it will continue to use its e-gear automated manual transmission, instead of switching to a dual clutch setup, and that its customers prefer the “gutsy” e-gear transmission over a “smoother” dual clutch transmission. We will update you as soon as we get a confirmation from the auto maker itself. Meanwhile please click here to learn more about the Lamborghini Estoque.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Words are being exchanged in the motoring fraternity that Japanese-based auto maker, Toyota is planning to produce a hybrid coupe, which will share the same powertrain as the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle. The hybrid is said to carry over certain design cues from the Toyota FT-HS Concept which was previewed at Detroit 2007.

According to Auto Express, Toyota will dub the hybrid coupe as the MR2, and that the environmentally friendly compact coupe will feature a rear wheel drive setup with a paddle shift transmission. The British-based magazine also revealed that Toyota’s executive vice president Masatami Takimoto mentioned that the auto maker understands that people in the U.K and Europe are very fond of the MR2, and the company is developing small hybrid sports car.

The coupe is expected to also offer excellent handling characteristics with improved aerodynamic efficiency and if it goes into production, we can expect a price point that would hover over the GBP 20,000 figure. It is also speculated that the hybrid coupe would be able to hit the 100 km/h mark in 7 seconds, while returning an impressive 60 miles to the gallon. Stay tuned as we will bring you the latest updates!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Words are being exchanged that BMW’s in-house performance tuner, M GmbH, will most probably let the 4.0 liter V8 from the current M3 lose, to make way for a turbocharged 6 cylinder engine to power next M3, although the cylinder arrangement of the new engine is unknown, meaning it can either be arranged to form an inline 6 or a V6. An inline 6 may prove to be lighter, but V6 is more space friendly.

The next powerplant would be completely new, and not just an updated version of the current 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine found in the 335i and 135i. An executive from BMW also commented that new engine may not even produce as much horsepower as the current 4.0 liter V8, but the key is to achieve high a power to weight ratio, with lightweight design implemented into the construction of the engine and the body structure.

The usage of a V6 configuration is currently being debated internally as according to BMW M president Ludwig Willisch, a V configuration would allow a more compact installation compared to an inline-6. It looks like BMW is beginning to abandon all that it used to be famous for in favor for things that make more sense.

First went the pure normally aspirated line-up, then soon even the M models will go turbo, beginning with the X5 M and X6 M. If the new M3 ends up having a V6, you can expect the V6 to trickle down the product line replacing the I6 engines. What next, a switch to front wheel drive? Probably not until another competitor does so, but it would be a sad day for RWD purists!

The next high performance 1 Series, on the other hand, will most probably feature a twin-turbocharged 4 cylinder motor. This high performance 1-Series that will not feature the M designation will be positioned as a baby M3, and will offer what the classic E30 M3 offered during its time, which is a cracking motor in a small body.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Rumor has it that a member of Audi’s board of management for technical development has revealed that the auto maker is considering to produce a new Audi RS3. Most importantly, the new RS3 is expected to be powered by the same 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine which is under the hood of the recently launched Audi TT RS.

If the new RS3 features the same weight as the TT RS, the turbocharged powerplant with 340HP and 450Nm of torque will be able to propel the RS3 to the 100 km/h mark in 4.6 seconds, and all the way to a top speed of 288 km/h.

However, the next Audi A3 is scheduled to debut in 2011, so the RS3 will most probably follow suit at least a year or two later. We will bring you the latest updates. Stay tuned!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Words are being exchanged that Italian-based Fiat and German-based BMW are working together to develop new platforms for small sized vehicles. With this, people in the industry are indicating that BMW is planing to revive the Isetta name, while Fiat would add another super mini along side its famous 500, the new Topolino, and that both these “upcoming” cars will share the same underpinnings.

Apparently, both cars will feature rear-mounted small displacement engines, 4 seats and light weight construction with the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and possibly even plastic bodywork. Both cars are also expected to carry premium price tags. There is also word that both auto makers might add electric versions.

If there is truth under the speculation, expect to see a concept version by BMW under the MINI brand in Frankfurt later this year. Sources also revealed that production versions of these city cars can be expected by 2011. Lets just keep things as speculation for now, and play the waiting game.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

According to German-based Automobilwoche, Audi has revealed that the next generation Audi A8 luxury sedan is set to arrive sometime in 2010. More than just the approximate launch schedule, we also know that Audi’s flagship model is also expected to feature two diesel and two petrol powerplants.

To help Audi keep up in the “fuel efficiency” bandwagon, the auto maker will also add an engine start-stop system while the super-fast S8 model is expected to carry a 5.0 liter V10 FSI that is good for 620HP.

Another improvement that we might see in the new Audi A8 is the utilization of the Audi’s second generation Alluminium Space Frame (ASF 2) which features an aluminum passenger cell with steel and foam built in to reinforce certain vulnerable areas. Expect a preview of the Audi A8 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show which is set to kick start in September this year.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Chris Bangle’s successor as BMW design chief has released a design sketch of the BMW Z10 ED, which is a sports car that would be positioned to take on the Audi R8. Since the sketch was made by Adrian van Hooydonk, it is safe to expect an official word regarding this new project sometime this year.

The BMW Z10 ED will feature a very aggressive front end with large air intakes, a low roof line, dynamic sweptback headlights and a bold character line that offers a contrast to the coupe’s curvaceous body style. Since it is expected to carry the Efficient Dynamics (ED) designation, the BMW Z10 will feature technologies that will help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions output.

These technologies include direct injection, brake regeneration as well as an engine stop/start system, all coupled with a body/frame design that features generous use of carbon fiber and aluminium. You can expect the BMW Z10 to offer potential fuel consumption figures that can rival a mid-range 5 Series.

The BMW Z10 ED is also expected to feature an improved version of BMW’s 3.0 liter powerplant that should output a healthy 400HP and that would be mounted up front. The BMW Z10 is expected go to into production by 2012 and will carry a price tag that would hover over the region of 80,000 Euros.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Japanese-based Motor Magazine has released a speculative rendering that depicts a 2-seater convertible with a set of roll-over bars that is based on the iQ and that features Daihatsu Copen-like looks. Apparently, according to the magazine, Toyota is planning to unveil a new roadster version of its Toyota iQ super mini in a concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show which is set to kick start on October 23rd till November 8th this year.

Power plant options which are expected to be used include the same ones found in the iQ, which was recently awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. These include a 1.0 liter and a 1.33 liter petrol powered units as well as a 1.4 liter diesel. Nothing is confirmed so far, but hopefully we can get more information regarding this mini roadster before the motor show.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

The BMW GT 6, or F14 as its code name, is basically a project to build a 4-door coupe, to rival Stuttgart’s Mercedes Benz CLS and the Porsche Panamera. This GT 6 would be based on the BMW 6 Series and is expected to be smaller than the CS Concept and to feature a rear-door opening like the Mazda RX8, with no B-pillar.

Another upcoming project is the BMW 3 Series Supersports which would be positioned as another “driver’s car” that will attract purists or enthusiasts, like the rumored BMW 1 Series Supersports which was supposed to revive the M1 sports car. Lastly, as previously reported, there would be a BMW Z2 baby roadster, which is expected to hit the market in 2011. This BMW Z2 would be based on the BMW Z4’s platform, and a concept version dubbed as the BMW Z Vision Concept is expected to be previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Rumors are circulating that both Mercedes Benz and BMW are planning to develop mini roadsters to taken on other similar-sized roadsters such as the Mazda MX 5 / Miata. Mercedes’ hot little convertible is said to be based on the platform from the 2011/2012 Mercedes A Class and B Class, and is expected to a feature front wheel drive setup, instead of a typical rear wheel drive arrangement.

According to Auto, Motor und Sport, the mini roadster from Stuttgart which could hit the market sometime in 2012 is also expected to feature design cues based on the Mercedes SLA project, which is an 8 year-old concept. Power plant wise, there may be at least four engine options to choose from, with a diesel unit being one of them. The roadster should also carry a fabric convertible top, instead of a more fashionable foldable hard top to save space.

Over at Munich, the BMW Z2 mini roadster is said to be based on the current BMW Z4 platform, and may hit the market a little earlier in 2011. The Z2 should retain the rear wheel drive setup and feature a 150hp 4 cylinder engine, while there may also be a range topping 300hp variant with twin turbochargers.

BMW will most probably also offer an electric powered model of the Z2, but there is no news if Mercedes will offer a similar emissions free version of its mini roadster. Mean while, you can expect the BMW Z Vision Concept to be previewed sometime towards end of the year which will showcase potential design cues for the baby Z4.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Sources say Lexus will most likely add a baseline V6 model to its flagship Lexus LS range, in line with recessive market trends as well as expected benefits to the company’s overall CAFE ratings. This could happen when Lexus unveils the facelift for the LS, which would be due anytime soon as it was launched in the year 2007.

A Lexus LS 350 could be powered by the 2GR-FSE 3.5 liter V6 engine incorporating Toyota D4-S twin injection technology, which combines port injection with direct injection. It produces 315 PS and 377Nm of torque, which puts it somewhere in line with the F01/F02 BMW 740i.

The LS is currently only offered in LS 460 and LS 600h variants. Both are V8s with a 4.6 liter and 5.0 liter engine respectively, the latter also equipped with a high-output electric motor and a NiMH battery pack. In Malaysia in particular where only the LS 460 and LS 460L are sold, the LS is burdened with high road tax costs, and a LS 350 could help boost LS market share with the private buyer “entry level” owners.

Don’t expect anything lower than this at the moment though, as the LS doesn’t have the kind of volumes in 3rd world countries to warrant something like the 730i (yet to be released with the F01/F02 but is said to be a work in progress) or the S300.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Apparently Proton is revisiting an old “friend”. Proton was in talks with Rover to supply it with the Proton GEN2 to be rebadged as a Rover to replace the Rover 45, which was at that time a car based on a derivative of the Honda Civic EG (Honda Domani).

We first heard of this in the year 2000, but things only picked up in 2004. In return, Rover would supply Proton with the Rover 75’s platform, which would have been used to produce a Perdana Replacement Model. Towards the end of 2004, it looks like things turned sour and the collaboration was canceled without any fruitful outcome. All they said was the partnership was “not viable”, and that was the end of it.

Now it appears that Proton is once again in talks with Rover, only this time the people doing the talking are their new owners SAIC. According to a source in Proton, things are still at the discussion stage. The deal once again is for the Rover 75 platform (now the Roewe 750) to be used by Proton as a new Perdana replacement car, and in return Proton will allow SAIC to use one of their platforms to badge produce a Roewe.

This could be the GEN2 (which is also sold in China as the Europestar RCR) or even the Proton MPV, as despite there being so many shots of what everyone assumed to be a Roewe MPV out there on the internet (with rear sliding doors), but apparently this has turned out to actually be the Luxgen MPV.

The 2.5 liter KV6 engine from the Rover will also likely be bundled together with the platform. While this is considered by many to be an old engine, SAIC has made some changes to the new rechristened 188 horsepower Roewe KV6 with the help of Ricardo and updated it to Euro 4 standards. A variant of the KV6 is found in the Naza Ria.

So, a Rover Perdana and a Mitsubishi Waja it is? Can’t wait for something concrete.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Thanks to Lotus, we now know Toyota’s 3.5 liter V6 can be forced inducted to a nice 350hp and 400Nm of torque without any modifications, as a source in Lotus discovered during the development of an upcoming “Evora SC” and revealed to Autocar UK. The Lotus Evora SC will make at least that amount of power, and will drop 0 to 100km/h acceleration time to below 5 seconds. The Lotus Evora is expected to do in in approximately 5.5 seconds. The Evora SC’s supercharger will be fitted between the V6 engine’s two cylinder banks, so it won’t intrude into rear visibility like the supercharged Elise does. If the Evora goes for ÂŁ45,000, the supercharged Evora is expected to retail for between 55,000 and ÂŁ60,000.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Toyota is apparently working on an electric vehicle that uses solar panels installed on the vehicle to recharge itself, according to Japanese business daily The Nikkei. It is of course just one way other than brake energy regeneration to recharge the car’s batteries. The car will also support plug-in charging, which could also be solar-sourced via solar panels installed on a home’s roof.

This piece of news seems to coincide with the fact that it’s battery partner Panasonic will be acquiring Sanyo, which is supposed to be a leader in solar energy technology. However, The Nikkei did not cite any sources when producing the report.

First talk of a Toyota powered by solar panels surfaced in July last year, also from The Nikkei. That report was followed by another one by Reuters which claimed the solar panels would be sourced from Kyocera, and would only produce enough power to run a car’s air conditioning, which kinda makes sense – a car’s air conditioning unit is probably run at full blast during a hot day, with plenty of sunlight!

The Reuters report also carried a quote which said it would be very difficult for solar energy to power anything more than that in real time, so it is more of a symbolic gesture, one that will be eating into the cost of the car, so it will truly be only for the rich and green-conscious for the time being,

There are actually solar cars around, heard of the World Solar Challenge? Participants race across the Australian continent in solar cars that weigh only about less than 200kg, have good aerodynamics, are quite large because of the many solar panels that need to be installed on the car, and can typically go up to a top speed of between 130km/h to 140km/h. Also, a company called Solar Electric Vehicles based in the US provides a service that retrofits the Toyota Prius and other Toyota hybrids with solar panels that can provide up to 1200 watt hours a day of energy.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Rear-wheel drive versions of BMW’s SUVs like the BMW X1 will most likely carry the sDrive name instead of the current xDrive suffix. BMW has registered the trademark sDrive along with displacement indicators such as sDrive35, sDrive30, sDrive20 and sDrive18. Even the upcoming new generation BMW Z4 could carry this suffix since BMW seems to be using it for all its non-3 digit name models. Click the terms in this story to have a look at the trademark registrations at the US trademark office. The trademarks have been registered in the UK as well but at time of publishing the trademark search server seems to be down.

Look after the jump for shots of the BMW Concept X1.

PHOTO GALLERY: BMW Concept X1
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Two potential new candidates for the Proton board were named – Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Omar and Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, although the report did not say whether any of these two would become the new managing director if Syed Zainal left.

Tan Sri Abdul Rahman has many years of experience in the national automotive industry, having held the position of DRB-HICOM executive director from February 2006 until December 2007 and chairman of EON from February 2006 to July 2008. He was also the managing director of Perodua from May 1997 to April 2004, and a director of Proton and EON from 1991 to 1996 and 1989 to 1996 respectively.

As for Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, he is said to be possibly the new head of Proton’s international operations, but wasn’t this recently filled in by ex-Audi man Claudius Meynert? Or is this a different kind of international operations?

Why is Syed Zainal leaving and will Proton be able to continue its slow but steady recovery plan without him? Did he get a better offer from somewhere where he is allowed to perform more effectively without having to struggle with vendors? I can bet you that he must have had a hard time at Proton, at one point even resorting to a quality control campaign that urged the public to contact him directly to report any issues. I am quite sad to hear this possibility that he may not be around to launch the new Proton MPV.

When Syed Zainal was appointed as managing director, Datuk Kamarulzaman Darus was appointed as director of manufacturing. Kamarulzaman has already left Proton to become Naza’s director of manufacturing.

Both Tan Sri Abdul Rahman and Syed Zainal has one thing in common – they both used to hold top positions in Perodua, with Syed Zainal previously holding the executive director post at Perodua. Will Tan Sri Abdul Rahman be the new man at the helm of Proton?

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Japan’s Mag-X carried a story earlier this year claiming Toyota is working on a production version of the Toyota 1/X Concept (shown above) based on the next generation Toyota Yaris chassis (which will be a development of the Toyota iQ’s chassis), set to hit the production lines towards the end of 2011. It will probably be displayed to the public at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, which is the next motorshow after the 2009 show, as the show is only held every two years.

Toyota is apparently targeting a fuel economy of 44km per liter according to the Japanese 10-15 mode measurements. It will be one of Toyota’s smallest hybrids to keep true to its lightweight roots in the 1/X concept, and will measure slightly less than 4 meters long. It will also be one of Toyota’s cheapest hybrids, so to keep costs down NiMH batteries are likely to be used rather than lithium ion batteries.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

The smart fortwo spawned the smart roadster, which was designed to give people the experience of old compact and light British roadsters such as the Triumph Spitfire and the MG MGB. The Japanese are at it again, taking an existing concept and innovating it for their own product.

Compact city car – check. Name that signifies intelligence (smart… iQ?) – check. You can probably already expect that the next step is for the Toyota iQ (shown above) to be followed by a compact roadster that’s designed to be both economical and fun at the same time, as long as you can fit in it of course! And after that came the smart forfour equivalent, this will come in the form of the next generation Toyota Yaris based on the iQ’s platform components.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport claims that the iQ-based roadster is in fact in the works and a concept version will be unveiled at next year’s 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009. An indicated name is the Toyota Spider Concept.

But its not like Toyota doesn’t already have such a product, its just not sold under the Toyota brand. It’s called the Daihatsu Copen.

Source

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Autocar UK reports that performance versions of the Mk6 Volkswagen Golf will go beyond the GT, GTi and the R32-replacing higher-powered version of the Golf GTi.

According to the report, the Mk6 range will also gain a turbodiesel-powered GTD as well as possibly a top of the line high performance Golf that in conventional R nomenclature would be called the “R40″. This would be powered by a turbocharged inline-5 engine that will also be slotted into cars like the Audi TT-RS, producing 350 horsepower with decent fuel economy and emissions to boot. This seems a little hard to swallow at the moment, does Volkswagen want to take the Golf that far?

The much more realistic Golf GTD will be powered by a new twin-turbo version of the company’s 2.0 liter inline-4 TDI turbodiesel, a concept that BMW (204hp 2.0L twin turbodiesel) and Mercedes-Benz (204hp 2.2L twin turbodiesel) have also done.

The GTi will produce about 210 horsepower while the R32-replacing GTi “plus” will have a Haldex all-wheel drive and produce nearly 270 horsepower, equalling the new Audi S3 in performance and even the number of cogs, as the 7-speed S-Tronic DSG is expected to roll out in this range of Volkswagens.

Related Posts:
Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk6 – Initial Photos

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

Now that we’ve seen what the base Mark 6 Golf will look like, I’m sure alot of people are waiting in anticipation for signs of the next generation iconic Golf GTI. According to Autocar, sources inside Volkswagen have revealed that the Mark 6 Golf GTI will get the new 211 PS Valvelift EA888 engine found in the Audi A4 and A5.

The EA888 engine with a timing chain is already found in some of the new Mark 5 GTIs, but lacks the Valvelift variable valve lift system. 211 PS may not seem a big deal of an increase as compared to the Mk5’s 200 PS, but torque has increased substantially from 280Nm to 350Nm of torque in the new Valvelift engine.

Styling wise, the new GTI will appear sportier and more low-slung thanks to the existing qualities of the model it is based on. Bumpers on the front and rear will be unique to the GTI, and its headlamps will receive some form of daytime LED running lights. Standard alloys will be 18 inch with the option for 19 inchers, an inch up from the Mark 5 GTI.

The source also reveals that the Mark 6 will lose the R32 but gain a more powerful tuned up version of the GTI with 4MOTION to replace it. The EA888 in the “R” GTI will be tuned to produce 272 PS and above, similiar to the European spec Audi TTS. This is supposedly because the VR6 engine in the R32 will no longer be feasible with upcoming EU emissions legislations.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.

German car magazine AutoBild reported this month that Porsche was planning to make a new compact hot hatch based on the next generation Volkswagen Golf Mk6 platform. The magazine claims that this new Porsche Golf will make it to the production lines in 2012, with concept versions likely to be shown in a year or two before that. Shown above is Theophilus Chin’s artist impression of the new Golf-based Porsche.

I can see why Porsche is doing this though – the same reason why you’ll see more and more premium manufacturers introducing smaller yet premium models into their line-up. The answer is the USA’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which requires car manufacturers to have certain fuel economy standards according to the footprint of the vehicle, which is measured by track multiplied by wheelbase.

Porsches which have large engines but very small wheelbases are hit badly by CAFE standards, but because CAFE is calculated by considering the average fuel economy of all cars the manufacturer is producing, adding a small compact car to its line-up with great fuel economy due to the smaller engine needed is a smart way to comply.

The new Golf-based Porsche will go against the likes of the BMW 135i, the Volkswagen Golf R32, and the Audi S3. It could be powered by the same engine as the R32, or the 3.6 liter direct injection V6 from the baseline Cayenne.

You will find one more rear-view rendering after the jump.


Click to enlarge

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 07:23:32 +0800.