Paul Tan's Automotive News » Laughs

Bangkok Motor Show: Sawadee-ka from the lovely ladies!

Danny Tan — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 06:48:30 +0000

SAWADEE KRUB! For some, this is the Bangkok Motor Show post you’ve been waiting for. Never mind the handsome all-new Ford Ranger, the full live gallery of the Honda Brio, the Chevrolet Colorado show truck and the other car stories, the ladies is what BKK is all about.

We apologise for taking some time – there were a lot of pics to process!

The leggy beauties you see above is from the Mitsubishi stand, Honda had some cuties, and Volvo had a range of colourfully dressed girls walking the runway.

Mercedes had the most elaborate show at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani with a troupe of dancers supporting the “Swan Queen”, which you’ll see being lifted to the air in our gallery. Malaysia’s Proton was present as well, although their current crop of models aren’t as eye catching as those seen at last year’s Thai Motor Expo.

Go ahead and enjoy yourself, but be mindful of your boss passing behind! Although there’s no official poll, feel free to “vote” for your favourite girl! I don’t mind doing the hard work of hand delivering our “reader’s choice award” trophy to the champion

Mega gallery after the jump!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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This Chevy’s feeling blue, an Orlando built for the kid in you

Anthony Lim — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:05:26 +0000

This one feels soft. Probably a bit mushy in terms of handling too. Moves very sluggishly at that. Think of the fun you could have describing this one, which is a scale version of a Chevrolet Orlando, completely made out of blue Play-Doh.

The vehicle, if you can even call it that, hit the streets in London to much attention, as part of the publicity activity related to its UK debut.

In a statement, Chevrolet said the Play-Doh Orlando was created to appeal “to the inner child in every parent.” Eight modelmakers took two weeks to complete the handcrafted sculpture.

Yeah, you can just imagine the Lego car telling this one, “You softie. You’re just putty in their hands.”

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Mercedes CLS 63 AMG is the fashion police patrol car

Danny Tan — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:43:40 +0000

Click to enlarge

Mercedes-Benz is a big supporter of the fashion scene, not just here in Malaysia but in America as well. And in conjunction with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (10-17 Feb) in the States, the fashion police will be out in full force to enforce law and order, and they will be patrolling in the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG in police livery.

But less stylish New Yorkers need not worry, as the “Fashion Force” won’t be out nabbing style offenders, but to spot stylish people and reward them with a ride to their destination. Their picture will be taken as record and some will receive invitations to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway shows as well as the main event.

Click to enlarge

“The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force car is a statement about New York being one of the greatest fashion capitals of the world and the confident approach to individualistic style that people strive to explore throughout this amazing city,” said stylist Brad Goreski.

“Mercedes-Benz has a natural affinity with the world of fashion with cars that appeal to those with a strong sense of style,” said Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience for MB USA. “The 2012 CLS 63 AMG four-door coupe is the perfect vehicle for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force initiative with its fascinating design and significant curb appeal.”

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Carlashes to make the woman in your life green with envy!

Danny Tan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:19:47 +0000

The lady may not be very happy with your obsession with “the other woman” in your life – the car – but here’s something that could potentially make her turn green with envy. Carlashes are fake eyelashes for the eyes of your car (the headlamps of course) that’s sure to beat her natural lashes in volume and length!

Carlashes is easy to install and is attached to either the underside of the bonnet on the top border of the headlamp. There’s a “flexible style” carlash for oval or round lights. The $24.99 product sticks to the car via strong 3M double sided trim tape.

“I may be old and rusty, but I still want to look pretty!”

For full effect, Utah based Turbo Style Products recommend that you put on eyeliner as well! The jewel like $19.99 Crystal Eyeliner adds some bling and sits on the top edge of the eyelashes.

Although a car’s front design is often seen as its face, and many men refer to their ride as female (some give theirs sexy names too), we don’t see too many blokes rushing out to get this enhancement for their car, which should spare the lady (the real one!) some stress.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Ben Collins – The Stig’s identity finally revealed?

Jacob Alexander — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:52:16 +0000

More speculations to the rumour about The Stig’s identity! UK tabloid The Mail on Sunday recently reported that the Stig is none other than 35 year old racing driver and stuntman Ben Collins.

According to the publication, the clues to his identity emerged when his company accounts, Collins Autosport, recorded a cornerstone year in 2003. This was a month after the white Stig made his first TV appearance. It went on to say that it was due to “driving services provided for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme”, and it offered “good long-term prospects for continuing income.” Other clues include a builder allegedly seeing the white outfit in the Collin’s house.

A BBC spokesman logically went on to debunk the papers leads stating “It’s no surprise that Ben Collins’s company accounts show that he was driving for Top Gear as he has appeared on the programme as himself, for exam-example in the Mitsubishi Evo challenge. Ben supplies his services as a driver himself and his company also supplies other drivers. There is nothing to be read into these company documents.”

This comes after the Daily Mail reported that Stig was in a legal battle with the BBC over plans to reveal his identity in his autobiography, which until now has only been known by a handful of BBC execs and the hosts Clarkson, Hammond and May. In June, F1 ace Michael Schumacher revealed himself as the Stig in one of the episodes, which was a hoax for entertainment purposes.

When asked for a comment on the matter over the weekend, the only answer the newspaper got was “I can’t speak to you. I’m going into a tunnel.” He previously refused to answer questions on the subject. The only way we will ever know is when a new Stig appears after the demise of the White Stig, like they did with the Black Stig.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Freak Civic: Honda dreams to be two separate Toyotas!

Danny Tan — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 03:29:44 +0000

Making a car look like something else is something. Making it look like TWO other cars is truly rare. This Thai Honda Civic spotted at a PTT petrol station mimics the Lexus IS at the rear but takes on a Toyota Crown Athlete persona from the front. This freak is actually quite convincing, and there aren’t many hints of the car’s roots if you don’t see it in profile, where the Civic’s curved roof betrays it.

The owner is obviously a big fan of VIP-style tuning, with Junction Produce badges (in gold, no less!) adorning his Lexus rear, big shiny wheels and slammed suspension. Perhaps the sight of this “challenge” might inspire some to cut and paste some freaks in our own backyard!

More pics after the jump.
Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Ferdinand GT3 RS – a zero emissions “tuned Porsche”

Jacob Alexander — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:26:01 +0000

You’ve probably seen pictures of the chromed out Audi R8 being plastered all over the internet. That is nothing compared to this beautiful masterpiece. Named after the legendary Porsche founder, the Ferdinand GT3 RS has nothing to do with the VW owned sportscar makers apart from the fact that it looks like a 911.

Make sure you watch the video filled with action shots of the car taking corners on a track with such precision on what I can only describe as bicycle wheels? The exterior is supposedly “painted” gold and features front spoilers that improve internal air circulation in the car.

All this weighs in at just under 99.6 kilograms and only because it doesn’t have an engine. Watch the video above to see a truly zero emissions Porsche-inspired vehicle, or head on after the jump to see more photos of this funny “vehicle”.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Latest model from Naza: Rosomak 8X8 armoured vehicle!

Danny Tan — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:26:33 +0000

Not sure about you, but this came as a surprise to me. While we know that the Naza Group does more than just sell cars (they’re involved in property, hotels and F&B for instance) I would never have imagined a tank!

According to the company’s latest press release, Naza Bumar, a subsidiary of Naza Defence, unveiled this Rosomak 8X8 Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV) at the ongoing Defence Services Asia 2010 exhibition at Putra World Trade Centre.

The Rosomak (Wolverine in Polish) is made by Bumar of Poland and is currently used by the former Eastern Bloc nation for its Land Forces in Afghanistan, Chad and Iraq, besides armies from Croatia, Finland, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa and the UAE.

The main feature of the Rosomak is its modular design, which allows the incorporation of different turrets, weapons, sensors and communications systems on the same platform. The 8×8 AMV weighs between 18 and 26 tonnes depending on armour, weapons and ammunition on board. The Rosomak is said to have very good mine protection and can withstand TNT explosions of up to 10 kgs, besides ballistic protection against 30 mm armour piercing APFSDS rounds.

Don’t expect hot hatch handling, although the Rosomak is said to have “agile mobility, combining speed, agility, and crew comfort in all kinds of terrain and adverse climatic conditions” from its hydraulic all-independent suspension. How much does it cost? Call the Ministry of Defence’s hotline number!

UPDATE: The Rosomak is powered by a Scania 12-litre diesel engine with 480 bhp and 1970 Nm of torque. It is paired to a 7-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which sends drive to all eight wheels. It can even survive in water thanks to two shrouded propellers at the rear of the hull. Max swimming speed is 10 km/h.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Volkswagen limited edition ketchup – only 1,000 bottles!

Danny Tan — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:26:48 +0000

Click to enlarge image

It’s too late for an April’s Fool joke, so let’s try to take this seriously shall we. VW has launched Volkswagen Classic Ketchup, of which just 1,000 bottles will be available, at Techno Classica 2010 in Essen. It costs 3.00 Euros at the show, and those who visit Wolfsburg can also buy these as souvenirs.

Volkswagen Spiced Ketchup was born back in the 1970s (a collaboration with Kraft) as the ideal complement to VW’s curry sausage. It is said to have a thicker “viscosity” than standard ketchup and a unique flavour, the recipe for which is, like that of the curry sausage itself, as closely guarded a secret as any classified automotive R&D project.

In 1997, Volkswagen began officially bottling and selling the Spiced Ketchup. In that year, 20,000 bottles were sold. Since then the sauce has gone from strength to strength (in numbers, not spiciness): in 2009, over 425,000 bottles were sold and in the first 10 weeks of 2010, 100,000 bottles have already been sold. The difference between Volkswagen Spiced Ketchup and Volkswagen Classic Ketchup? VW asks us to imagine the culinary equivalent of the first and sixth generation Golf GTI!

Alongside ketchup, Volkswagen is also putting on show some of its classics, among them significant cars like the K70, Iltis all-wheel drive, Golf Country Crossover and the Tarek off-roader.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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BMW Baby Racer II Motorsport – good to start them young!

Danny Tan — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:51:51 +0000

Hairpin bends behind the kitchen, cobblestones in front of dad’s pit lane, traffic-calmed noise protection zones in the living room – now you can start them young with the BMW Baby Racer II Motorsport, tailor made for budding drivers from one and a half to three years old.

This blue-white-red roadster comes with a host of features that would sound good in a Z4! First up is the sports steering wheel with tight turning circle for easy U-turns. The sporty-looking but soft seat absorbs vibrations from rough terrain. Those low profile rubber ensure good grip and a silent ride, and come with stylish multi-spoke wheels. BMW says that the standard tyres handles well on delicate parquet, and will leave no marks!

Tested by TÜV, the BMW Baby Racer II Motorsport definately looks the part with an aerodynamic front spoiler, speedometer and rev counter, making your little one look like a player in the making. For added effect, the famous blue and white propeller logos (on both ends, of course) stands out with a metallic effect.

The Baby Racer II and other less flashy models are available at www.bmw-shop.com.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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BMW M Bike: Don’t worry, I’m still rear-wheel drive!

Danny Tan — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:36:33 +0000

We’ve posted about smaller BMWs going front-wheel drive, but here’s a small BMW that keeps it true – it’s by the M division, lightweight and rear driven! This limited edition BMW M Bike features disc brakes, a cool matt anthracite frame, leather saddle and stylish rims and handles. There are M badges too, of course.

BMW says that with the M Bike you’ll “attract a lot of attention – at least for a few seconds” as “the high total gear ratio transmission delivers astonishing speed” – they’re talking about the light and robust Shimano SLX gear system there. No turbos here, speed depends on your legpower, but at least you’ll be seated well on the fi’zi:k saddle (with red inlay) designed for comfort and superior grip. Other notable components include the Manitou Match suspension fork with 80 mm spring deflection. The M Bike weighs 12.9 kg.

It is available in June online at www.bmw-shop.com, which also sells a full M Collection for you to look like a riding advertisement. Profits go to making real M cars. Larger image after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Plush new Citroën seats for the Gunners!

Danny Tan — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:46:52 +0000

At times, it’s good to lighten up a little, take our mind off government policies, impending fuel price hikes and overpriced cars, that’s why we’re sharing this with you. Citroën has been the “official car” for Arsenal Football Club since 2008, and the French car company recently placed new luxury pitch-side seats at the North London club’s Emirates Stadium.

I always wondered why footballers would want to watch their teammates in tight Recaros, but these red Citroën seats with the Arsenal crest actually look really plush – I wouldn’t mind them in my living room (by now you must have guessed which team I support). Designed by Loughborough UK based Auto-kit International, the 40 seats are wrapped with top-quality leather. Gunners boss Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted with the new Citroën dugout seats, which are a real improvement and very much in keeping with the overall stadium design.”

Seen here are Thomas Vermaelen, Manuel Almunia, Craig Eastmond and Eduardo. Perhaps they should spend less time on PSPs and train harder for this Sunday’s must-win match against Chelsea! A closer look at the new chairs after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Proton employees show off “creative concepts” at its 2010 Family Day celebration

Danny Tan — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:07:05 +0000

It was an early start for a Saturday morning, but I dragged myself out of bed to Proton’s Shah Alam factory to join in the national carmaker’s annual Family Day event; yesterday’s 2010 edition also kick off Proton’s silver jubilee 25th anniversary celebrations. They erected a seriously huge tent (more like an airplane hangar!) to house 18,000 staff and their families who packed the venue. The guest of honour was none other than the man who’s vision created Proton: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed accompanied by wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.

No, there weren’t any sneak preview of the Persona facelift or new Waja that I had hoped to catch, but the event was anything but boring, thanks to the participants of Proton’s Invention and Innovation competition, an in-house inter-department contest where staff came up with “concept cars” using units that were destined for scrapping. It was very entertaining to say the least; there was a supercar, a shoe car, a caravan, a wooden sportscar, a Donald Duck inspired gullwing Saga and a space ship!

Check the gallery after the jump, but before firing the poison arrows, please do not take them too seriously – this is just a fun contest open to all Proton staff, not a prototype design shootout for the next production model. Enjoy!

Third prize winner: Mid-engined Saga

Second prize winner: Sport shoe inspired convertible

Winner: Super carrier business concept

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Gemballa’s Stormtrooper inspired Ferrari Enzo

Danny Tan — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:05:42 +0000

German tuner Gemballa, which is famous for its work on Porsches, has dabbled into the world of molesting Ferraris – and they aimed for the best. This Enzo you see here is called the Gemballa MIG-U1 (sounds more like a Russian fighter jet) which should be a privately-commissioned one-off model favoured by the mega rich when a standard supercar (even if it’s the Enzo) is not exclusive enough.

Details of the MIG-U1 flows out from the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, a conglomerate that runs several automotive companies, among other businesses from their HQ in Dubai. They claim the Enzo has a brand new exhaust system, freshly sculptured rear bumper and wing, new side sills, and fierce front bumper. As with Gemballa’s Porsches, the MIG-U1 comes with a roof-mounted air intake. Interior mods include quilted upholstery, dual-tone floor mats, and a LCD screen.

If I was a Stormtrooper, I’d gather my mates to petition Darth Vader to make this the official company car! More pics after the jump.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Airline war on the F1 grid – AirAsia passengers might get Richard Branson as stewardess!

Danny Tan — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:18:48 +0000

Yes you read right! Sir Richard Branson of Virgin fame could be serving AirAsia passengers in a stewardess uniform – but only if Lotus F1 beats Virgin Racing in the battle of the newcomers. Lotus F1 chief Tony Fernandes will have to do the same on a Virgin Atlantic flight if the Malaysian backed team loses in the duel!

“He has an airline, we have an airline and if we beat him he can come and work on our airline as a Virgin stewardess. We will make sure that the stewardess outfit is perfect. I suspect that he might ask us to reciprocate. I’ll have to check how fetching his stewardess outfits are but I’d be game to do it while totally confident of winning,” said the Briton.

AirAsia boss Fernandes replied: “Bring it on, the sexier the better. Our passengers will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm. But, knowing Richard, the real challenge will be to prevent him from asking our guests ‘coffee, tea or me?’ That would be scary,” he said.

These two “warring” friends subscribe to the power of publicity, so this challenge comes as no surprise. As much as I want Lotus F1 to do well, Tony Fernandes in a tight skirt would be quite a sight! What do you think?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Santa retires his reindeers this Christmas with the Vauxhall slEigh-REV – ho ho ho!

Danny Tan — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:17:54 +0000

Stressed at work? Here’s some news to cheer you up. According to GM’s UK outpost Vauxhall, Santa Claus has been in contact with them to request “swift and ultra-clean transport” for his annual blast around the world to deliver presents on December 24.

The jolly fat man said: “The ’08 Model Year reindeers have taken a rest this Christmas. In their old age they’re becoming more flatulent and their increasing methane emissions just can’t be good for the environment – never mind the fact I have to sit behind them.

“I’m as pleased as punch with my new slEigh-REV supplied to me by those kind people in Luton (Vauxhall’s HQ). They tell me it uses specially adapted E-REV (extended range electric vehicle) technology from their upcoming Ampera electric car, which means I won’t have to worry about re-charging as I do my chimney drops around the world on Christmas Eve.”

The slEigh-REV is propelled by an electric motor, and if juice is running low, Santa can count on a gasoline engine – just like the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera which goes on sale in early 2012. The Ampera is the European version of the Chevrolet Volt, which differs from hybrids by having electric to power its wheels at all times and all speeds – its 75 bhp 1.4-litre engine only works as a generator to supply the car electricity should the batteries go weak. The plug-in Volt’s battery-only EV range is 64 km and the total extended range is “over 480 km”.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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If Darth Vader had a sports car…

Paul Tan — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:23:22 +0000

Of course he’d need his Storm Trooper backup too.

You know, to do all the dirty work if he gets a flat tyre.

Source (larger image)

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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New BMW Isetta prototype spotted on test?!

Paul Tan — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:07:44 +0000

A prototype of BMW’s upcoming new BMW Isetta city car has been spotted on test in our very own backyard in Petaling Jaya! This white BMW Isetta was traveling without much camouflage at all and was escorted by a white E60 BMW 5-Series.

Haha, I’m just kidding. I should’ve saved this for April Fool’s Day 2009 but I just couldn’t resist it. As you probably know it’s a Perodua Myvi (Toyota Passo or Daihatsu Boon to international readers) fitted with the popular “E60 M-Sport” conversion.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Captiva tows a tow truck

Paul Tan — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:30:43 +0000

This video shows a Chinese woman (supposedly in Shanghai) arguing with a tow truck driver, who appears to want to tow her Chevrolet Captiva away for illegally parking or some kind of offense or another. She got fed up of arguing and just drove her Captiva away, still attached to the tow truck! Probably a testament to the torque a Captiva has, especially the turbodiesel version. This is probably a viral advertisement of some sort, but still quite a smart one. Watch the video after the jump.

Video: Chevrolet Captiva tows tow truck away

Source Via

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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SNL satire sketch on Detroit 3 bail-out

Paul Tan — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:04:56 +0000

American sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live did a satire skit on the Detroit 3 and their request for a federal bail-out which involved the heads of all three American auto companies on a panel – Rick Wagoner, Robert Nardelli and Allan Mulally.

I found it quite hilarious and I am sure those who are opposed to the Detroit 3 getting a federal bailout or simply anyone that enjoys a good laugh will enjoy this. At least the satirical fictional CEOs did not fly in their private jets to the satirical fictional hearing!

Anyway here’s a note: the video jokes about the U.S. congress asking for a 200 mpg car by 2015, but the number is actually 36 mpg, which is about 6.5 litres per 100km.

Watch the video after the jump.

Related Video:
VIDEO: What would happen if GM collapses?

VIDEO: SNL – Detroit 3 Bail-out

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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ProStreet Romania: Borat meets Fast and Furious

Paul Tan — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:13:23 +0000

This is funny stuff: Borat meets the Fast and the Furious. More of parody videos made to poke fun than anything else, the main stars of ProStreet Romania are two drivers and their cars – a Dacia 1310 and a Lada 1.3 GTX Turbo. I am not even sure if there is such a thing as a Lada 1.3 GTX Turbo. The three videos mainly poke fun at European ricer culture, especially with “third world” cars. Good lunchtime entertainment if you’re interested. The first one is quite large so you may want to pause it and wait for it to load, then play later. Videos after jump.

Video: ProStreet Romania – Dacia 1310 versus Lada 1.3 GTX Turbo

Video: ProStreet Romania – How to wash your car

Video: ProStreet Romania – Dacia doing a donut!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Proton Balik Kampung Community Service Message

Paul Tan — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:08:51 +0000

This is a community service message ad from Proton (or at least it appears to be) for the upcoming Hari Raya balik kampung season.

Humour always works. Of course, let’s all not just laugh at the video, we have to actually take the advice given too, otherwise it’ll all be in vain! Thanks to Daniel Gomez for sending me the video.

Video: Proton Balik Kampung Ad

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Car Geek Humour #0001

Paul Tan — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:59:02 +0000

I was talking to my friend Jeremy about the new twin clutch BMW M DCT that will make it’s debut in the new BMW M3.

Jeremy:
So, now I’m wondering about this gearbox, how much does it weigh, particularly. It’s specifically labelled “M”. Does this mean there’ll be a plain ‘DCT’ for regular BMWs?

Paul:
Maybe.

Jeremy:
And I know DSG is heavy… so… how much heavier is this compared to the manual?

Paul:
The DSG is like 3 times heavier man.

Jeremy:
Yeah, that’s why I say I’ll buy manual if I buy a GTI or whatever, in any case DSG probably gets boring after a bit, initially damn syiok, but then…

Paul:
Dude, KL traffic is horrible

Jeremy:
Fair enough. Anyway, the M guys don’t compromise much on weight.

Paul:
To the extent of using midget-sized brakes.

Jeremy:
So… how light is this ‘box? And is this the end of SMG?

Paul:
Of course.

Jeremy:
And BMW’s use of the torque converter?

Paul:
1 clutch? Pfft. Next Lexus will come out with a 3 clutch gearbox.

Jeremy:
Hahahahaha!

Paul:
Then Mercedes Benz will come out with a 4 clutch, then Lexus responds with 5…

Jeremy:
I was thinking… one day will we have a gearbox with the same number of clutches as ratios muahaha!

Paul:
Instead of individual throttle bodies, we’ll have individual gear clutches

Jeremy:
Instant shiftdown from any gear to any gear. Yeah. That would be darn heavy.

Paul:
The gearbox would have to be towed behind the car like a caravan.

Jeremy:
For 50-50 weight distribution.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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The Alfadana disease spreads!

Paul Tan — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 22:19:25 +0000

Oh my, it seems that Proton has infected it’s old partner Mitsubishi with the Alfadana disease. Mitsubishi’s latest Lancer bears quite a significant similarity to the sexy Alfa Romeo 159 doesn’t it? What do you think?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Kia Concept i Self-Build: iKIA for cars?

Paul Tan — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 05:41:37 +0000

Them Koreans sure have a sense of humour. Kia’s April fool’s prank was the Kia Concept i kit car, or i’KIA, an obvious parody of Swedish furniture company Ikea, which built it’s brand on the whole concept of affordable DIY furnishing.

The Kia Concept i Self-Build, if it actually existed, would allow buyers to choose their own engine, transmission, trim specs, and even body, whether sedan, hatch, stationwagon or even pick-up. Based on choices, the consumer would be supplied modules, and the consumer would assemble the car himself at home.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Woman drives Mercedes Benz SL500 into river

Paul Tan — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:52:37 +0000

A woman in her late 20s driving a Mercedes Benz SL500 costing Â£96,000 drove her car into a ford and ended up getting washed downstream the river until a stable-owner heard her and risked her own live to save her.

Apparently, the SL500′s satellite navigation system told her to take a road that was actually meant for farmers in their big 4X4 vehicles. The road had a big sign that said “unsuitable for motor vehicles”. She trusted the sat-nav guidance and went down the road. And ended up in a ford. Because although it was swollen after a few days of heavy rain, she still tried to cross it in her 302hp, V8-powered, rear wheel drive sports car. And the car ended up getting washed away.

Alice Clark heard the lady’s screams of help and waded through the waters with the help of a log and hanging on to some barb wire, risking getting washed away herself. She pulled the SL500′s owner out just in the nick of time. Seconds after she got out, the car sank. The car’s electronics short circuited causing the windows to open, letting more water in until the car was completely submerged.

The SL500′s owner was sent to a motorway service station where a Bentley that was chauffeur-driven picked her up. The Mercedes Benz SL500 remained in the river for a week until a tow truck pulled it out. It was a complete write-off. This my friends, is proof that money can’t buy braincells.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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BMW E30 + E46 + E60 = ?!

Paul Tan — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:40:37 +0000

This little Frankenstein of a BMW started off as a normal 4-door BMW E30 3-Series Sedan. Apparently the owner has decided to keep up with the times, somehow he managed to show-horn something that looks like a Z3 mixed with an E46 front end onto the front of the car. He also decided to bring the car a class above, so an E60 lookalike rear is slapped on. What do you think?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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BMW and Jaguar Scaredy Cat Advertisement

Paul Tan — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 11:29:16 +0000

Another bit of fun with advertising, this is one of BMW’s ads in Spain. Putting a play on the phrase “scaredy cat”, it shows the trademark Jaguar hood ornament running away in fear from a BMW in a face-off.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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Funny Car Accidents

Paul Tan — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 07:22:34 +0000

Enjoy this funny recorded footage of accidents that happen with this weird pole thing that comes out from the ground and closes lanes. Anyone know the usage of these poles though? Video after the jump.

Video: Funny Car Accidents

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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2006 Paris Motor Show Gallery: Shoemobile

Paul Tan — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 20:00:18 +0000

This little oddball spotted at the 2006 Paris Motor Show is the Tang Hua Xiao Ya, looking quite sesat in the middle of all the other displays. It’s booth doesn’t even have any banners of any form, only a little oriental-style umbrella next to it, and a small dalmation toy in the car.

The little Tang Hua Xiao Ya is actually an electric car made in China, and features a 7 hour charge time, a 45 km/h top speed in normal mode which can be boosted to 64km/h in performance mode. It’s cheap though, at around US$5,000.

This must be what the old woman who lives in a shoe drives – a yellow shoe-mobile. One more photo after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:07:39 +0000.

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