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VIDEO: Part 3 and 4 of Proton’s ‘Transporter’ adventure

The five-part video series chronicling Proton’s The Transporter adventure in Singapore continues, with part three and four just out. As is already known, Hanis Salleh, who emerged as the winner in The Transporter contest which ended in August, walked away with a 4-day/3-night all expense-paid trip to watch the 2011 Singapore GP at the Marina Bay street circuit, travelling to the republic with no less than Yasmin Hani, Diana Danielle and Jojo Struys!

The first video centred around the prelude to the trip, while the second showcased the quartet’s experience at the event with exclusive paddock passes. In the third episode, watch Diana Danielle battle it out with Jojo Struys on the “Batak machine” that F1 drivers train on to test their reflexes and reaction times, at the Proton Motorsports showcase in Clarke Quay.

As for part four, the Proton Transporter doesn’t know what he’s in for when the three ladies hit Arab Street. Expect the last installment, which presumably wraps things up, to be out soon enough. Shame it all had to end, eh, Hanis? :)

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VIDEO: Part 2 of Proton Transporter’s Singapore adventure

Proton has just released a Part 2 video of a five-part online series which puts The Transporter’s journey to Singapore on centre stage. As you would know, Proton’s ‘Transporter’ is Hanis Salleh who emerged as the winner in The Transporter contest which ended on 24th August.

Hanis walked home with a 4-day/3-night all expense-paid trip to watch the 2011 Singapore GP at the Marina Bay street circuit. Not only that, he got to travel to the night race with Yasmin Hani, Diana Danielle and Jojo Struys! Now how about that?

The first video centred around the prelude to the trip while the second video we have here shows us their experience at the event with exclusive paddock passes. The third installment will be released soon, meanwhile enjoy this ;)

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VIDEO: Proton’s ‘Transporter’ and his precious cargo!

Yours truly was in Singapore last month to watch the only night race in the F1 calendar. It was a great weekend of not only track action, but carnival fun, since the Singapore GP is more like one big party with a race running around it. Sunday’s headlining act Linkin Park was brilliant, showing great energy despite getting on in years – I enjoyed it as much as their Merdeka Stadium gig years ago. Unfortunately, I missed Shakira’s swiveling hips.

I thought that was fun, until I saw this video. It’s Part 1 of a five-part series chronicling The Transporter’s journey to Singapore. He’s no Jason Statham, but even the stone faced cool driver would have to envy Hanis Salleh’s ‘precious cargo’. It doesn’t get any better than this I think – Yasmin Hani, Diana Danielle and Jojo Struys. Damn! :)

By the way, Hanis is the winner of Proton’s The Transporter online contest, which was open to all who purchased a new Proton or serviced their Protons at an official centre. Besides the company of the three beauties, he also enjoyed an all expenses paid trip as well as money can’t buy F1 moments.

Enjoy the video, and hide those green faces!

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VIDEO: Honda City facelift launched in Thailand

We carried some leaked brochure scans of the Honda City facelift last week. The brochure, from Thailand, gave us pretty good looks at the changes made, both in and out. Now, the City has been officially launched in the Land of Smiles, and this TVC (featuring very good looking talent) confirms what we’ve seen.

As a recap, up front, there are slight changes to the grille design (bigger gaps in the side sections), which remains instantly recognisable as a City. The whole bumper is new, changing from the current U shape to an X shape. The seven double-spoke design wheels seen on this Thai SV spec are also new.

At the back, the City’s unique tail lamps come in a new design featuring two clear stripes, and there’s a new lower bumper incorporating a diffuser style insert painted in black, with reflectors on each side. Inside, everything looks the same, except for the dials, which are now accented in blue instead of orange. There’s also an ECO indicator that lights up when you’re being light footed.

Available in three trim levels – S, V and SV – the facelifted City is priced between 559,000 baht to 704,000 baht in Thailand.

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Audi A6 3.0L TFSI quattro launched in Malaysia – RM515k!

The new Audi A6 is finally here in Malaysia, with the sole unit offered right now being the top of the range Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro. Priced at RM515,000, it significantly undercuts the similiarly engined 535i by a huge margin and adds the extra traction of the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system.

This sexy beast’s 3.0 litre TFSI V6 engine puts out 300 hp between 5,250-6,500 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 2,900 rpm to 4,500 rpm. This is the same motor found in the flagship Audi A8L 3.0 TFSI. You might wonder why peak torque kicks in a little higher than normal compared to other TFSI engines – this is likely because Audi has elected to use a supercharger on this V6 engine instead of a turbo. The V6 engine also includes variable inlet camshaft timing and petrol direct injection.

From the crank, power travels to a 7-speed S-tronic twin clutch transmission, and finally to the quattro all-wheel drive system which sends power to all four wheels via a crown gear centre diffferential. The A6′s quattro also has torque vectoring.

A total of twelve colours are availalbe – Ibis White, Brilliant Black, Aviator Blue, Dakota Gray, Ice Silver, Havana Black, Moonlight Blue, Oolong Gray, Quartz Gray, Glacier White, Phantom Black and Garnet Red. The latter two colours are pearl effect colours which command an additional price premium of RM5,000.

Other than the pearl effect paint, the top of the range Malaysian spec 3.0 TFSI can still be specced up if your budget allows it – you can add LED headlamps for RM13,000, a Bang & Olufsen sound system for RM28,000, or a heads up display for RM6,000. For a sportier appeareance, RM30,000 gets you an S-line exterior package which adds sportier front and rear bumpers with a contrasting grey finish for the front lip and rear diffuser.

If you were wondering where the more affordable models are – Audi says they will be bringing the 2.0 TFSI to complement this model soon, so we’ll bring you more news on that when it is available. The normally aspirated 2.8 litre V6 will not be available for now. Look after the jump for a huge photo gallery of the new Audi A6.
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Frankfurt: 562 hp Lamborghini Gallardo STS breaks cover

Lamborghini has unveiled the Gallardo STS which is also known as Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. The new variant is said to be the most extreme Gallardo as it is based on the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo race car which is part of a one-make series.

Lamborghini also stressed that the STS uses the same race engine, which is a 562 hp V10 with 540 Nm of torque, with no modifications what so ever and it is mated to a robotized e-gear 6-speed transmission. With its 1340 kg weight, the STS offers a power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kg/hp. 0 – 100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds and top speed is 320 km/h.

It also uses the same rear spoiler that offers high downforce. The other thing which is similar is the removable engine hood with a quick-release system. The all wheel drive configuration has been maintained as well. The suspension system is also directly derived from motor racing which makes the STS the closest thing there is to road race car in the Gallardo line-up.

Other features include ESP, beefier brakes with an option of carbon-ceramic discs and so on. A tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher, a satellite navigation with Bluetooth, an anti-theft system and a lifting system that raises the front axle are part of the options list.

Continue reading view an image gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.
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Perodua Myvi SE 1.5 and Extreme launched – manual and auto, from RM50,900 to RM61,700 – we’ve driven it already!

After rounds and rounds of spyshots, this time, it’s the real thing. Moments ago, Perodua officially launched the much anticipated Myvi SE 1.5 which is a new Myvi with a 1.5-litre engine, the biggest capacity lump that has ever been put into the popular hatchback.

And if the new Myvi launched in June is called “Lagi Best” (34,000 people agree and have booked the car) the Myvi SE’s tagline is “Lagi Power, Lagi Best”, referring to the bigger 1.5L engine powering the car.

There’s also the Myvi Extreme 1.5, a name which we broke last week. The Extreme is essentially the same car as the SE, but with a more extreme bodykit and some added kit. It can be immediately recognised by the grey lower lip missing on the SE.

At the back, the Extreme gets a unique bumper, a more elaborate spoiler and chrome door handles. The new seven-spoke rim design and grille insert are shared by both.


Click to enlarge price list

Both the SE and Extreme are available with a four-speed auto gearbox or a five-speed manual. Prices range from RM50,900 for the SE manual to RM61,700 for the Extreme auto, figures that are lower than some have speculated. To recap, the Myvi 1.3 range starts from RM43,900 and tops out at RM57,400 for the 1.3 Elegance auto.


Myvi Extreme (white) easily identified via grey bumper lip, fog lamp housing has less bars

Let’s start with the heart of the matter. The SE and Extreme are powered by a 1.5-litre twin-cam engine with DVVT. This is the 3SZ-VE engine used in the Alza, and not the 1NZ-FE from the Toyota Vios. The chain driven (timing chain, not belt) engine puts out 102 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque from 4,400 rpm, a 12 hp/19 Nm jump from the Myvi 1.3.

While this is lower than the Vios’ 108 hp/141 Nm, the Myvi 1.5 (at 970 to 995 kg) is lighter than that sedan, and Perodua’s power-to-weight ratio charts sees the SE beat the “Model SS” (Suzuki Swift), “Model V” (Vios) and “Model P” (Persona).


Rear bumper design is unique for each variant, Extreme gets a more elaborate spoiler

Lagi power eh? The Myvi 1.5′s acceleration is not to be scoffed at – the SE manual does the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 9.98 seconds, which is very swift. To compare, a BMW 320i Sport does the same sprint in 9.8 secs, so don’t play play! The Myvi SE auto is timed at 12.49 seconds. So 2.0L sedan owners, don’t be too surprised if that pesky yellow thing runs neck-to-neck with you in the traffic light GP!

As for fuel consumption, Perodua claims 15.9 km/l for the manual and 12.9 km/l for the auto. These figures are slightly down from the 1.3L, but are still better than competing national cars, says P2.


All black interior and steering buttons are standard, Extreme gets leather seats and tinting

Inside, the Myvi 1.5 gets an all black dashboard and interior, unlike the dual-tone scheme on the standard car. The steering wheel is now wrapped in leather, and there are audio controls on the left spoke, a first in Myvi history. The front seats are also unique – Perodua calls them “semi bucket seats”.

Start the car and you’ll also realise that the Camry style instruments – orange illumination in 1.3 Standard, turquoise in the Premium/Elegance – is now in red, with white for the needles and trip computer. The dial design is also slightly different and there are chrome rings thrown in. The plastic surround for the meter panel is now in sliver.


Myvi 1.5 instruments are in red and white, design is different, chrome ring added

The Myvi SE comes with the “flush type” audio system as seen in the Myvi 1.3 Premium. This one has Bluetooth, USB and the a sliver carbon fibre look, but the backlight is now red to match the instruments.

The full colour DVD touch screen system with navigation found in the Myvi 1.3 Elegance is an option for the SE automatic and standard on the Myvi Extreme.

The other additional kit that are exclusive to the Myvi Extreme include leather seat covers (with Extreme badge on the front seat backs), Extreme carpet mats (driver’s mat comes with locks to keep it in place), and window tint. These are in addition to the exterior differences mentioned and shown above.

We’ve driven the Myvi SE 1.5 already. Read our first impressions and view the hi res gallery after the jump. You can pore over 50 images of every nook and cranny, and there’s a presentation video, too.
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Frankfurt: Porsche’s seventh-generation 911 debuts

Porsche’s latest 911 was revealed last month, but has just made its public premiere at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. As you can expect, Porsche is still retaining the overall silhouette, which I feel is the right thing to do in this case. However certain things have changed, including the details up front and at the rear and I must admit, I really like what the company has done with it.

The interior has been updated and has hints of the Panamera, which also isn’t a bad thing. The 911 Carrera, which is the base model, uses a 350 hp 3.4 litre boxer engine with 380 Nm of torque which allows the coupe to hit 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and deliver a top speed of 288 km/h. The acceleration can be reduced to 4.2 seconds if the optional Sport Chrono Package is selected.

If that’s not enough for you, then the Carrera S should be your cup of tea with 400 hp and 440 Nm of torque from its 3.8 litre engine. Naught to 100 km/h takes 4.1 seconds and top speed is rated at 302 km/h. Using Launch Control will bring the sprint time down to 3.9 seconds. The 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission is offered with the 911.

To learn more about the new Porsche 911, please click here. You can also check out a live image gallery after the jump.
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Frankfurt: Audi presents the refreshed 444 hp / 430 Nm RS5

Audi has unveiled the facelifted RS5 coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This update was pretty much expected since the A5 line-up has gone under the knife recently. Design cues have been carried over from the A5 although the RS5 is given a more aggressive look.

It is also 0.91 inches longer and 0.24 inches wider than the A5 coupe but it is 0.24 inches lower. The exterior also sports a retractable rear spoiler which will automatically extend at 120 km/h.

The interior is covered with a combination of black leather and Alcantara while Fine Nappa leather in a choice of black or lunar silver is also available as an option. There are also options for bucket seats with folding backrests or climate-controlled comfort seats with a ventilation function. In the list is also a new thick rim leather multifunction sport steering wheel with a flattened bottom. The ignition key and the shift lever knob have also been revised along with steering column stalks. There is also a lap timer and an oil thermometer in the driver information colour display system.

Other optional features include adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, adaptive light, MMI navigation plus, the Bluetooth online car phone and the Bang & Olufsen sound system. Now on to the more interesting bits. The RS5 comes with a suspension system that is mostly made out of alluminium and it has a new speed-dependent power steering which is an electromechanical system with a direct steering ratio for a more precise road feel. Stopping power is provided by ventilated wave brake discs with the front measuring 365 mm in diameter. The reshaped steel friction rings in the brakes system offers savings in weight worth 3 kg.

There is also an ESP system which can be completely switched off. The RS5 also has the Audi drive select driving dynamics system which allows the driver to select between three modes including Comfort, Auto and Dynamic. A fourth mode is available, if the car is equipped with the Audi MMI navigation system and this mode called Individual is customizable by the driver. Audi drive select can also modulate the sound of the exhaust system, double-clutching when downshifting in dynamic mode.

There is also the optional carbon fiber-ceramic discs for the front. The sport suspension plus with DRC dynamic ride control which is optional offers dynamic damping along with a 3-stage system. The facelifted RS5 maintains the 4.2 FSI V8 with 444 hp and 430 Nm between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Naught to 100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h but it can be increased to 280 km/h upon request by the buyer.

All that power is sent to all wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and via Audi’s Quattro all wheel drive system. The crown-gear centre differential can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. Up to 70% can be sent the front or as much as 85% to the rear.

Continue reading to view a high-res image gallery and to watch a static shot footage. You can also hear the roar of the 4.2 FSI :)
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VIDEO: Unveiling footage of the Seat IBL Concept

The Seat IBL Concept vehicle made its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday and we have managed to get you the unveiling video of the concept. This Spanish concept is being positioned as a sports sedan and it is a plug-in hybrid. You can read more about the IBL Concept right here.

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