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

VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C Development Process

Paul Tan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:14:36 +0000

The McLaren MP4-12C is not in the showrooms yet but McLaren Automotive is already embarking on getting as many buyers as possible interested in the car. They’ve produced a video called “Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C” which tracks the MP4-12C’s development process.

The video introduces to the viewer the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) and the MP4-12C test programme (presented by McLaren Automotive Technical Director Dick Glover), footage of extreme test conditions (presented by Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin), more footage of the development process by various senior engineers, and footage of the 12C development cars on road and track in England and Germany, and extreme hot weather testing in Bahrain.

Dick Glover managed the development process involving 50 Testing and Development engineers and a total of 8 development cars. The result – a car priced at between £125,000 and £175,000 powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine making over 600 horses and 587Nm of torque. It’s exterior looks may not look that exciting but the specs definitely sounds very appealing!

Watch the video after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Lexus LF-A has one really cool meter panel!

Paul Tan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:13 +0000

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the Lexus LF-A. The exterior may look a little soft and boring but I’m in love with the cool instrument panel. The rev meter can actually physically move around according to the display’s needs! You’ll see what I mean in the video after the jump. Trust the Japanese to come up with something as techno-funky as this – totally gimmicky but damn cool.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

New BMW 5-Series set for November 23rd debut

Paul Tan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:29:43 +0000

It’s finally going to be here – the new F10 BMW 5-Series Sedan! BMW has released a teaser video of the new F10 and they say the F10’s debut is ‘about to take place’. A November 23rd (at 8pm CET timezone) unveiling date and time has been set, pretty timely for buyers looking at a mid-size luxury sedan in Malaysia as the W212 E-Class is about to be launched in Malaysia. So if you look at the F10 and decide you like what you see maybe you want to wait until it’s launched in Malaysia to compare the two.

The teaser video uses the kinetic sculpture (metal balls hanging from fine threads) at the BMW Museum to show us the silhouette of the car. Most people are expecting a scaled down version of the F10 5-Series with sportier rectangular kidney grilles rather than the large ones on the F01/F02 7-Series or even the 5-Series Gran Turismo.

Personally this is one of the more exciting car launches for me, as an old 5-Series owner I’m very interested to see how my E39’s ‘grandchild’ will look like, as personally I didn’t like the E60’s design very much though it drove like a dream. And of course after the F10 unveiling is over and done with we can look forward to the next generation F10 M5.

Look after the jump for a video of the kinetic sculpture teaser. You can also view some past posts on the F10 5-Series GT.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: BMW M Power says goodbye to F1

Paul Tan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:29:21 +0000

This video is BMW’s ‘last kopek’ at leveraging its F1 involvement, as the BMW Sauber F1 Team is no more. The team has now been purchased by Qadbak Investments, a buyout that has actually caused some of the other F1 teams to have reservations because of apparent dodginess of the new owners. Anyway enjoy the video after the jump, as you probably won’t much BMW F1 videos after this one.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Porsche adds Spyder variant to Boxster range

Paul Tan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:59:00 +0000

The Boxster Spyder is Porsche’s lightest car, at just 1,275kg. That’s probably just around 75kg heavier than my BMW E30 3-Series.

It is a tribute to the Spyder nameplate that’s been used on various cars in Porsche history such as the 550 Spyder and the RS Spyder. It will be the third variant in the Boxster range, joining the existing Boxster and Boxster S models.

The Porsche Boxster Spyder has two bulges on the single piece rear lid, something that the regular Boxster does not have. The bulges make it look rather Carrera GT-ish. It’s got the same engine as the Boxster S, a 3.4 liter boxer yet is lighter than the Boxster.

Power is up 10 horses from the Boxster S engine at 320hp, and when mated to the PDK double clutch transmission and equipped with the Sports Chrono Package, 0 to 100km/h takes 4.8 seconds.

What I’m curious about though is what makes the Boxster Spyder lighter than the Boxster and the Boxster S. They probably removed the folding mechanism for the soft top roof, which means it’s manual now. Porsche’s press kit does not mention what else is gone.

Look after the jump for a hi-res photo gallery and a video.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: Satria Neo S2000 and Alister McRae

Paul Tan — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:38:38 +0000

If you’ve been following the updates on the MEM Proton Team that currently runs a Proton Satria Neo Super 2000, you’d probably know by now that Alister McRae is currently piloting the car for both the IRC and the APRC. McRae is off to China for the APRC this morning to prepare for the race coming this weekend (14 to 15 November). There’s some new promo footage of the Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 that I managed to source from the guys at Proton R3 and in the video Alister McRae puts in a few words on what he thinks of the car. Watch the video after the jump, enjoy!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Some new BMW M3 GTS promo footage shot where it belongs… on the race track!

Paul Tan — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:51:05 +0000

I don’t care much for the techno music in the second video, but the burning rubber and the dramatic effect in the first video is probably one of the better ways to sell a person a car such as the BMW M3 GTS. From the press release its implied that you can only have it with a 7-speed M DCT so that may turn off some people who absolutely must have a stick shift, but the thought of an extra 0.4 liters in that monster of an engine makes me drool. Watch the videos after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

New BMW M3 GTS with larger 4.4L V8

Paul Tan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:55:55 +0000

After launching a twin pair of turbocharge M SUVs with automatic transmissions, BMW M has gone back to its roots with a new car called the BMW M3 GTS, which it says has pure M genes. The specs list certain looks pretty drool-worthy, the kind that gets you excited even thinking about it.

See, the M3 is a fast car. It’s a really, really fast car, especially once the high-revving V8 gets up to its prime revolutions, you get kicked back into your seat quite violently and the engine screams along to extract a peak of 414hp from its 4.0 liters of capacity. But that’s not enough for the GTS – BMW has upped the displacement from 4.0 liters to 4.4 liters, so the engine makes 450 horses now, mated to a 7-speed M DCT twin clutch transmission with remapped transmission logic.

BMW has dropped some weight here and there from various parts of the car, including the use of lighter seats, a titanium rear silencer, removal of the air conditioning system (like the E46 M3 CSL), etc. BMW has also added rollover protection mounts at the B-column, a fire extinguisher, and a battery master emergency shut-off switch which shows the car’s true race intentions, as if the large rear wing wasn’t enough.

The large wing is functional, as is the adjustable front splitter. While the car is moving, the pressure which builds up in front of the vehicle above the panel of the front splitter which is parallel to the ground is much greater than in the free stream of air below it. This creates downforce.

No doubt many were disappointed when BMW announced they were not going to make a new CSL but they certainly made up for it with this new GTS. The price of the M3 GTS is expected to be 115,000 Euros in Germany, including 19% VAT. The cars will be built to order and the first will roll out in May 2010. It will initially only be available in Germany but other countries will be possible from summer 2010 onwards.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

BMW TV now available at the App Store

Paul Tan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:24:41 +0000

BMW has released a new BMW TV app for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. It’s available free at the iPhone store. Basically you can view BMW TV videos from the app, but it’s not like you couldn’t do that already via the iPhone/iPod Touch’s YouTube app and the BMW YouTube Channel. Watch a video about the app after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

3 promo footages of the W212 E-Class Wagon

Paul Tan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:15:32 +0000

We probably won’t see Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offering the E-Class Wagon here in Malaysia but for wagon lovers you’ll probably enjoy these videos.

VIDEO: W212 E-Class Wagon – Night Drive

VIDEO: W212 E-Class Wagon – (e)State of the Art

VIDEO: W212 E-Class Wagon – Sushi

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: 400 meter slot car track in a W212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

Paul Tan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:43:10 +0000

Mercedes-Benz decided to showcase its new E-Class Estate’s interior capacity by building a 400 meter long slot car track inside it. A publicity stunt no doubt but still makes an interesting watch. Look for the video after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Awesome promo footage of the BMW M3 Coupe

Harvinder Sidhu — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:25:48 +0000

A production company by name of Bandito Garage has released a new 2 minute 20 second-long promotional footage of the BMW M3 Coupe titled “Living in the Lights”. The video was shot in Los Angeles and is centered around the M3 Coupe giving a gorgeous lady the ride of her life.

The production crew shot about 15 different angles and used high-tech equipment like state of the art camera cars and gyro stabilized Pursuit Cranes.

Continue reading to watch the awesome video.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: MINI Driver vs non-MINI Driver

Paul Tan — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:40:56 +0000

The MINI brand’s advertising quite often never features an actual MINI at all, as with this latest promotional clip featuring the difference of what MINI claims as ‘MINI drivers’ and ‘non-MINI drivers’. “MINI drivers can be recognized by the mixture of lust for life, individuality and spontaneity. No matter what, they do not take themselves and their life too serious. We simply call it the MINI attitude” – the exact words BMW used to describe MINI drivers. Do you agree with that?

Whether you do or not, enjoy the clip after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Lexus LFA: live motorshow shots and 2 videos

Paul Tan — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:56:58 +0000

Here’s a few shots of the Lexus LFA supercar live from the Tokyo Motorshow 2009 this morning, which was pretty much the most exciting exhibit at the Toyota and Lexus displays as the rest of the cars had already been unveiled in press release and product image form before the motorshow. Only a certain ‘2 seater supercar’ had been withheld until the motorshow press day itself.

The LFA really sounded great in real life thanks to its high-revving V10 with individual throttle bodies. Can’t say the same about its looks though. The individual design elements don’t really seem to gel together that well.

Anyway, words can only say so much. After the jump you’ll find a few things – live shots of the LFA, two product shots of the LFA, and a video of the Lexus LFA unveiling at the motorshow this morning.

VIDEO: Lexus LFA unveiling at Tokyo Motorshow 2009

VIDEO: Lexus LFA – Promo Footage 1

VIDEO: Lexus LFA – Promo Footage 2

VIDEO: Toyota Showcase Opening at Tokyo Motorshow 2009

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

6 videos on the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG!

Paul Tan — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:17:48 +0000

I have for your viewing pleasure a total of six videos on the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The new AMG-only sportscar is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 putting out 571 PS at 6,800rpm and 792Nm of torque at 4,750rpm. The engine is similiar to the bread and butter normally aspirated 6.2 liter V8 AMG engine designated M156, but in the SLS AMG it is called the M159 and has a few changes including a new intake system, revised valves and cams, and a dry sump instead of a wet sump. It’s a modern take on the 300SL Gullwing, but still retains its old school looks in a nice blend of retro-futurism.

Watch the videos after the jump.

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Chassis Tech

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spreads its wings

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at the Mercedes-Benz Museum

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at the Frankfurt Motorshow 2009

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Gran Turismo 5

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – The Facts

GALLERY: The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

New Megane Renault Sport: details and photos

Paul Tan — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:18:15 +0000

The latest generation Megane has been given the Renault Sport touch. Under the hood is a 250 horsepower twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0 liter inline-4 motor that puts out 340Nm of torque at 3,000rpm, with 80% of that available from as low as 1,900rpm. That puts it well over the power figures that the Mk6 Golf GTI manages to make.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and provides for a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of about 6.1 seconds. The 2.0 liter turbo engine is claimed to be 25% new compared to the Megane F1 Team R26 engine. It has new intake ports, reinforced pistons and conrods, new air-air and water-oil intercoolers, sodium-cooled valves, and new piston ring carriers.

The Megane RS is one of the few C-segment hot hatches that actually gives the buyer the option of two chassis configurations – the Sport chassis which is more of an everyday hot hatch kinda thing, and the Cup chassis which is more track-focused, perhaps like the Civic Type R. The Cup option even has an optional mechanical LSD provided by GKN Driveline, which is seen as something that’s getting abit rare lately with cheaper performance cars. The pure LSD is slowly being replaced by e-LSDs.

There’s also a cool tool called the Renault Sport Monitor, which is basically an on-board telemetry system. It provides various readings (controllable via the steering wheel) such as turbo boost pressure, oil temp, brake status, real-time engine performance data, a G-meter, a stopwatch with memory functions and various counter features such as 0 to 100km/h acceleration times and 400m times.

Look after the jump for a full gallery and video of the car.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate

Paul Tan — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:07:47 +0000

Like wagons? Good. Like Mercedes-Benz wagons? Even better. And to top it all off, there’s some very nice European countryside greenery for those who have yet to make it for an Eurotrip. Here’s a nice promo footage clip of the estate-bodied W212 E-Class AMG in action. UPDATE: Added footage of regular wagon. Watch the clips after the jump.

VIDEO: W212 E63 AMG Estate

VIDEO: W212 E-Class Estate

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Rally Indonesia: power steering problems for McRae’s Proton Satria Neo S2000

Paul Tan — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:50:34 +0000

Alister McRae’s debut in the Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 rally car at the Rally Indonesia last weekend did not end too well despite setting some very competitive times at first. He had to retire from the race prematurely thanks to some issues with the car’s power steering system, which is to be expected considering the car is still under development by UK’s Mellors Elliot Motorsport.

Source: YouTube

APRC.tv (watch the video above) seems convinced that the car will pose a real threat to the Subarus used by the current Motor Image team domination and personally I certainly hope so. Watch the video for some nice footage of the car’s performance in Indonesia. The next stop will be China on the 14th to 15th of November 2009.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 in “Gran Turismo”-vision

Paul Tan — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:16:55 +0000

Want to see the new Toyota FT-86 Concept in action? Well, you can’t see a real one on the roads in action just yet, but thanks to Gran Turismo we have this video that features the FT-86 in motion. The video also lets us have a glimpse into the car’s engine bay. There’s not that much to be seen really but we do get to see a virtual rendering of the engine, called the ~~C-45 Boxer~~ D-4S Boxer.

There’s also something else about the FT-86 that I’ve just noticed that I did not notice before when I was rushing to publish the story. Look closely at the hi-res photo of the interior where you can see abit of the dash (I’ve cropped the relevant bit in the photo above). There’s a small image of the Fuji Speedway!

Is it just decoration, or can the FT-86’s dash display show you where you are on the track so you can anticipate corners just like in a videogame? After all, Fuji definitely means something special to Toyota, it even named its performance Lexus range after the circuit – F in IS-F and F-Sport refers to Fuji.

Watch the video after the jump.

Related Posts:
Toyota FT-86 – AE86 spiritual successor finally previewed! (with image gallery)

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: Aston Martin Rapide Promo Footage

Paul Tan — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:32:45 +0000

Here’s a new promotional video for the Aston Martin Rapide that runs just a little longer than 3 minutes. Really not the best promo video released ever, but there are some nice shots and it helps that an Aston Martin is always a beautiful thing to look at. It starts off at the Mira Automotive Test Facility in Warwickshire, England and moves on to the notorious Nurburgring test track in Germany before heading to Stelvio Pass in Italy. Watch the video after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Michelin Primacy LC – pretty decent comfort tyres!

Paul Tan — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:45:07 +0000

The new Michelin Primacy LC is the successor to the Michelin Energy MXV8 and was just introduced in Malaysia in April this year.

Michelin claims a reduced rolling resistance of 13% compared to the MXV8, as a result of testing conducted on a Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC using 2.4 bar tyre pressure on all four tyres. Michelin also recorded reduced dB levels for road and tread noise compared to the MXV8. The new tread pattern also gives 21% more rubber contact on the road surface compared to the MXV8.

Michelin’s product positioning has placed the new tyre under the Primacy line to move it up towards the Performance category instead of Entry-level category. There will be three “brands” in Malaysia for passenger cars – the Pilot, the Primacy and the Energy.

The Primacy LC is available in various sizes – 31 in total, ranging from 15 to 19 inch and 40 to 65 series, with 195 to 245 section widths. There is Rim Protector for all sizes 55 series and below. It is made from a full silica compound and comes in V, W and Y speed indexes.

Click for enlarged image with available tyre sizes

I tried out a 205/55R16 tyres on my Perdana V6, replacing the set of Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE001 tyres that were previously had fitted. I had previously found the RE001 a little too loud and while it is a high performance tyre that gave excellent grip in the dry and decent enough in the wet (no crazy stuff in the wet for the Perdana), and a great feel devoid of much tyre flex during cornering, it didn’t really suit the kind of ride and feel that I wanted with the Perdana. The noise levels were too high for my liking and to put it plainly, the tyre felt too ‘hardcore’ for a stock standard Perdana. It’s more of a performance tyre and I really should have gone for a “touring” or comfort kind of tyre instead.

The tyres are rather smooth and exceptionally quiet on roads where JKR have been holding up their end of the bargain, but it somehow gets very affected when the roads are a little bad, though I would still say they perform quite well in absorbing most of the little bumps and imperfections on the roads. Driving right through a puddle of water on the highway (at non-excessive speeds of course) also proved to be no problem for the tyres. I’ve not taken the tyres to the limit yet but so far the car continued feeling as stable as a Perdana can be when negotiating the usual medium-speed bends and curves especially on highway entry and exit ramps. I really doubt the grip is going to be outstanding but the tyre’s characteristics suit the kind of drive I am looking for.

I think it’s a decent candidate for those looking to replace “baseline” tyres and are looking for something quiet and comfort-oriented. Are any of you using Primary LC tyres, or any of its similiar competitors? Share your experiences to help other fellow motorists make a decision their next tyre purchase.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: New Bentley Mulsanne Short Film

Paul Tan — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:41:46 +0000

Bentley has produced a short film over just over 3 minutes in conjunction of the Bentley Mulsanne’s launch. The contents are quite obviously aimed at letting us know how much handwork and attention goes into producing one, but in reality, I’m really not feeling it because of the unappealing way it looks, especially at the front with its overcomplicated yet oddly simple round lights.

Oh by the way, did you notice how low the redline is on the Mulsanne’s engine? It’s very typical of a diesel but this baby’s running a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol! I’m pretty sure the 6.75 liter motor can rev higher than that, but with 512 PS and 1,020Nm of torque it probably really doesn’t need to.

Watch the short film after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Volkswagen Golf R and Scirocco R on a track

Paul Tan — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Can’t decide between a Scirocco R or a Mk6 Golf R? This promo video featuring both the cars won’t help you make that decision – both look equally good painted in the same blue colour scheme having a bit of fun on a race track.

Personally in terms of design I’m kinda leaning towards the Mk6 Golf R instead. How about you? That’s besides the fact of course that the Golf R actually has an all-wheel drive system while the Scirocco R still have to put everything through the front wheels.

With every generation there’s supposed to be improvements all-round but I think one definite part where the Mk5 R32 has an edge over the new Mk6 R is the fact that the R32 probably sounds so much better – there is just so far that a 4 pot can go. Wonder why they didn’t lump the 5-cylinder from the TT-RS into this baby instead.

Check out the video after the jump.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Scirocco R

GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: Official Lamborghini Reventón Roadster film

Paul Tan — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:20:47 +0000

Lamborghini produced this short film for the unveiling of the limited edition Reventon Roadster at the Frankfurt show in 2009. How limited is limited you ask? Only twenty, and cars that can be purchased by owners will be less than that. According to the film, you’re more likely to be hit by a meteorite than get a chance to own one of these babies.

Each Lamborghini Reventon Roadster will be sold for 1.1 million euros (and this is without taxes, even in Europe). It’s available exclusively in a shade of matte grey called Reventon Grey. Deliveries will begin October 2009.

The weight penalty for not having a roof and requiring additional chassis reinforcements is minimal – only 25kg heavier. This is because the original chassis was already very stiff. 0 to 100km/h takes just 3.4 seconds thanks to its 6.5 liter high compression V12 making 670 PS and 660Nm of torque.

I’ve got two different versions of the video after the jump. They’re essentially the same but one is regular resolution while the other is in 720hp HD for those with better internet connections. Enjoy!

VIDEO: Official Lamborghini Reventón Roadster film (640×360)

VIDEO: Official Lamborghini Reventón Roadster film (1280×720)

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

VIDEO: More sights and sounds of the 458 Italia

Paul Tan — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:14:50 +0000

I can definitely ignore how bad the new 458 Italia looks after this video… plenty of engines screaming and tyres screeching. Two Ferrari 458 Italias battle it out on a track. It should help any potential owners decide between yellow and red… heh. Check the video out after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

All 3 teaser videos for MINI’s Frankfurt exhibits

Paul Tan — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:00:26 +0000

Okay, after watching the three teaser videos of MINI’s Frankfurt exhibits I think what they’re trying to say is that there’ll be two takes on the same car at Frankfurt. We’ve already seen the MINI Coupe Concept in full but word is that there will also be a drop top version called the MINI Roadster Concept there, which frankly I don’t see how will be very different from a MINI Cabriolet with the JCW upgrade pack other than the fact that there will be no rear seats. But maybe BMW has some surprises in store – for now watch all three teaser videos after the jump.

VIDEO: MINI – Two Untamed – Mirror

VIDEO: MINI – Two Untamed – Same

VIDEO: MINI – Two Untamed – Shine

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

MINI Frankfurt Exhibits – Teaser Video #1

Paul Tan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:43:54 +0000

BMW’s MINI division released the video above just a few hours ago and its supposed to be a teaser for the brand’s 2009 Frankfurt show exhibits.

From what we know so far, two cars are going to be exhibited, with one being the MINI Coupe Concept. The other is said to be a MINI SUV that’s much closer to production (or perhaps even a production car) compared to the MINI Crossover Concept from last year.

Anyway, more teaser videos will be coming up, building up momentum towards the actual Frankfurt show. I’ll post other teasers up as they are released.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Volvo C30 hatchback receives facelift

Paul Tan — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:00:22 +0000

The C30 hatchback has been updated to feature Volvo’s new front-end look, as per the convertible C70 recently. Most of the changes are aesthetic and also include new colour choices for the exterior and interior – total configurations thanks to the various options results in 2,561,328 possible combinations.

Other than the looks, the other most significant change to me is the new ’sports chassis’ option which basically means stiffer bushes, a 10% lower steering ratio, and suspension parts (these include new monotube stiffer dampers, stiffer springs and stiffer roll stabilizers) that are stiffer by 30%.

The star engines of the range are the T5 and D5 models. The petrol T5 puts out 230 horses and 320Nm of torque from its 2.5 liter inline-5 while the D5’s 2.4 liter turbodiesel makes 180hp and 400Nm of torque, yet consumes only 6.2 liters per 100km.

Look after the jump for photos and videos of the C30.

VIDEO: Volvo C30 – Part 1 of 4

VIDEO: Volvo C30 – Part 2 of 4

VIDEO: Volvo C30 – Part 3 of 4

VIDEO: Volvo C30 – Part 4 of 4

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

Schumacher on the new Ferrari 458 Italia

Paul Tan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:11:53 +0000

No, this isn’t a video about Schumi trashing the new Ferrari through the bends but more of Schumacher waxing lyrical (er, sort of) about the new Ferrari 458 Italia in this third video in a series which features Ferrari and related (Pininfarina?) executives giving their scripted opinions about the new car. Nothing being said is particularly interesting but watch it just for the sights and sounds of the 458 Italia on the track.

Other Ferrari 458 Italia Videos:
VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia Styling Elements
New video on the new Ferrari 458 Italia

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.

4 teaser videos for Audi’s new electric R8?

Paul Tan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:11:45 +0000

Is Frankfurt 2009 the motorshow of the alternative energy sports car? We already have BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics concept with its diesel-electric all-wheel drive system and Mercedes-Benz’s electric SLS AMG, but now Audi looks like they’re set to bring in an electric version of the R8 to the tables, rumoured to be called the Audi R8 ePerformance Concept. I think after watching the total of four teaser video that Audi’s just released (find it after the jump), you’ll find that this is most likely true.

VIDEO: Audi Electricity Untamed – Lawn Mover

VIDEO: Audi Electricity Untamed – Go Kart

VIDEO: Audi Electricity Untamed – Arc

VIDEO: Audi Electricity Untamed – Thunder

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 21 Nov 09 07:36:04 +0800.