Paul Tan's Automotive News» Laughs at Paul Tan’s Automotive News

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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 liters 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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

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, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Cars an extension of our egos?

Paul Tan — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:50:34 +0000

Take a look at the boot of the pre-facelift E66 (the models with long wheelbase are E66 instead of E65) BMW 7-series above. Supposedly a BMW 770Li. And there’s a W12 badge on a left, ala Volkswagen style. Of course, everyone knows there’s no such thing as a BMW 770Li, and a check of the number plate with the UK’s RAC Motoring Services reveal that the car is actually a BMW 735Li. Why the need to pretend your car is a 770Li instead of what it really is?

Previously, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd’s managing director Steven Foster recollected his experience with a customer in China way back in 1993. He was selling Mercedes Benz cars in China, and a customer had approached him with intentions to buy a Mercedes Benz S600. The customer also enquired if there was any S800 models available, to which Foster replied there was no such model.

The customer then asked if Foster could custom make a S800 badge for his S600, to which Foster obliged, since the S600 is the three pointed star’s top of the line model after all. Customers with such deep pockets must go home feeling satisfied. So the customer did go home feeling satisfied, driving his new S800-badged S-class.

We also see things like Nismo badges on Proton Sagas, and Type R stickers on D15A engine CVT-equipped Honda Civics. There are also more and more BMW 318is carrying M badges on their boot lids, and I’ve even seen an E30 with the M badge stuck on upside down – a BMW W3?! Why do some people feel the need to do this?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Subaru takes a jab at Volkswagen’s Fast

Paul Tan — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 11:12:28 +0000

It’s time to be amused by the little fun car manufacturers overseas have poking and prodding each other thanks to their bitchy (in a good way) creative agencies.

Do you remember that little grey monster thingy that Volkswagen is using to promote it’s Volkswagen Golf GTI? Volkswagen calls it a Fast, and it’s supposed to be that desire inside of you for speed, acceleration, G forces, the sound of a roaring engine and all that.

I’m pretty sure a Fast would not be very happy with the silent Tesla Roadster. Anyway, this is what Subaru thinks about Volkswagen’s Fast. You can click on the image for a larger version. Enjoy!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

BMW and Audi ad tussle

Paul Tan — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 20:40:41 +0000

It all started when BMW decided to congratulate Audi when their Audi A3 won the South African Car of the Year 2006 back in May this year. As you can see from the ad image above, very cheeky. This makes Ford’s “thanks to our competitors for making us the best” advertisements here in Malaysia alot more tame. Audi decides to respond, have a look at their reply advertisement after the jump. Can anyone say “pwned?”

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

I was trying to dry my car

Paul Tan — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 16:09:12 +0000

Here’s something new for you to tell our friendly policemen when you get pulled over.

A Dutchman caught speeding in Amsterdam said he was speeding only because he wanted to dry his car after he had washed it. He was driving at 108kph, almost 50kph over the speed limit in his township.

Source: Reuters

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Honda Element Crab Commercial

Paul Tan — Wed, 31 May 2006 01:58:56 +0000

This is Honda’s commercial for the Honda Element. Kind of weird and random, it features the Honda Element talking to a crab with an obsessive hobby.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Joke of the day millenium

Paul Tan — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 21:38:23 +0000

The Government had never supported us and did not give us a chance. It must assist us now and I hope that it will be done.

The above line was quoted by PEKEMA president Datuk Abdul Hamid Ibrahim. PEKEMA (Malay Automobile Importers and Distributors of Malaysia). The cartell of car importers who have Open APs. Note that APs are illegal by World Trade Organisation rules. I am filing this post under the “Laughs” category.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Man sues himself for hitting his own car

Paul Tan — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 15:14:30 +0000

This is just some weird news. Happened in California today. Curtis Gokey’s car was hit by a Lodi city dump truck. And he’s suing the city hall for damages to his car. The only thing is, he is a city hall employee and he was the one driving the dump truck. After failing to sue himself to get the city council to pay, his wife Rhonda Gokey sued instead. The amount being claimed is USD$4,800.

The USA is certainly getting weirder each day. And I thought suing McDonalds for serving hot coffee was ridiculous enough.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Un-pimp Your Ride

Paul Tan — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 06:15:44 +0000

These are hilarious. A statement against riced-up “ah beng” pimped rides, and promoting the new Volkswagen Golf GTI in the USA at the same time. Thanks to cbljkkj for the pointer.

I’m trying out hosting the Flash videos myself instead of using Google Video or Youtube this time, so hopefully you can play these videos without any lag. Please leave some feedback on the streaming speed if possible. Videos are after the jump. There are 3 videos. Enjoy!

Related Posts:
Volkswagen Golf GTI Test Drive Report

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Soaring Oil Prices Jokes

Paul Tan — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 15:36:50 +0000

Here are some petrol price-related jokes. Should help give you a laugh and lighten your hearts while you pay for your petrol bills with heavy hearts.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Renault V10 engine sings

Paul Tan — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 17:02:09 +0000

This is something really amusing. As most of you should know, Renault’s F1 team won the 2005 Formula 1 championship. To celebrate their victory, Renault put one of their RS25 V10 Formula 1 engines on the dyno machine and programmed the engine management to make the engine sing!

Different RPMs produce different engine tones. Listen to the RS25 V10 engine’s rendition of Queen’s We Are The Champions.

Download: renault_v10_song.mp3

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Something to do while waiting for the bus

Paul Tan — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 20:00:53 +0000

Everyone knows Malaysia’s public transportation system leaves something to desire. Here’s something to do while you wait for the bus

PS2 button bubblewrap!

I heard this is McCann-Erickson’s doing in Malaysia.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

ProtonEdar.com

Paul Tan — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 03:00:56 +0000

This is something amusing. Key in www.protonedar.com in your web browser URL bar. Look where it takes you.

I looked up the domain name to check out who is the one responsible for this and it appears to be some Anthony Lee person from China.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

An Amusing Usage for the Proton Savvy?

Paul Tan — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 16:54:24 +0000

This is a weird way to prove the strength of the Proton Savvy chassis. I don’t know whether to call it an honour or an insult. Quite amusing Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just a joke.

MONSTER TRUCK RACING ASSOCIATION USA PURCHASES PROTON SAVVY

Friday, June 10th 2005

In what seemed as automative ground breaking news, the USHRA Monster Trucks annouced today that it will purchase the latest Proton automobile launched just 2 days ago. In an interview, the spokesman for the USHRA Monster Trucks , Frederick Walker confirmed that the association has ordered 50 units of the newly launched Proton Savvy today.

He personally delivered the order to Chief Executive Officer of Proton, Tengku Mahaleel Ariff later this evening at Proton Headquarters, Tanjung Malim. The cars will replace existing scraped cars in all of the associations arenas and race events.

“We are very excited about this new car. The price is right, and the reusability of the car is high. The soft surface of the Savvy will ensure our Monster Trucks ™ will not suffer heavy tyre damage or unwanted punctures during racing. It’s body is the toughest of its class. It will be reused many times in races and I’m sure Malaysians will be proud to have American made Monster Trucks stomping all over it on prime TV.” Mr Frederick Walker when asked to comment about the purchase.

Malaysians can expect the Proton Savvy to debut in Monster Truck races very soon and they can catch them live on “Pall Mall Action Gear : Monster Trucks” aired over TV2 every Thursday 8.00 PM.

I did not write this so don’t have to give me credit

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.

Honda Diesel Engine Advertisement

Paul Tan — Sat, 21 May 2005 17:36:24 +0000

Hate can be a positive emotion sometimes. Not necessarily a dark side emotion. Which is what “Hate something, change something” by Garrison Keillor is trying to say.

The song is being used by Honda for their new i-CTDi diesel engine. Yes, this is Honda’s first ever diesel engine. Honda developed it to be used in their Honda Accord model for the European market. Since then, it’s also been used in other Honda models such as a diesel version of the Honda CR-V.

The advertisement tells the story of how Honda’s first diesel engine was created. Honda’s chief engine designer Kenichi Nagahiro hated diesel engines because of how noisy, smelly and dirty they were. What do you expect from someone who created the venerable VTEC engine. Such a technological masterpiece of an engine that was.

When asked to design Hondas first diesel he flatly refused – unless he was allowed to start completely from scratch. The result is one of the cleanest, most refined diesel engines on the market today, the 2.2 i-CTDi.

Honda used to offer diesel version of it’s Civics and other vehicles but this was through partnerships with Isuzu using Isuzu diesel engines.

The 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine produces 138bhp at 4000rpm and an impressive 250lb ft of torque from as little as 2000rpm. It features four valves per cylinder, common rail injection, a turbocharger and it has an all-aluminium block.

Video: Honda i-CTDi Advertisement

The advertisement is pretty cute. It’s done in 3D cartoon style. You get a swarm of flying diesel engines portraying the characteristics of old diesel engines – alot of black smoke, noisy, high vibrations, etc. Even the rabbits have ear muffs because the engines are noisy. One by one, the engines are destroyed by the rabbits, ate by fishes, and the sun even burns one of them.

Ugly old style diesel flies around…

Gets eaten by fish…

Whacked by hammer-wielding penguins…

Rabbit Legolas-wannabes fire arrows at them…

New Honda i-CTDi comes out and the world is a nice place to be in again…

Here’s the lyrics

Here’s a song for anyone
who’s ever hated…
in the key of Grrr…

Can hate be good? Can hate be great?
Can hate be good? Can hate be great?
Can hate be something we don’t hate?

We’d like to know… why it is so.
That certain diesels must be slow
and thwack and thrum… and pong
and hum and clatter-clat

Hate something. Change something.
Hate something, change something,
make something better-r-r-r

Ohh isn’t it just bliss… when a diesel goes like this?

Hate something. Change something.
Hate something, change something,
make something better-r-r-r…

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 11:06:49 +0800.