Upgraded Pajero Sport GS launched

Source from: Star Motoring
Credits To: Anthony Lim


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has given the Pajero Sport GS an upgrade, and the seven-seater 4WD SUV gets a number of new standard features in the revision.

New items include auto climate control, cruise control, a rear spoiler and a roof rail. Additionally, the GS gets a new 2-DIN LCD wide touchscreen entertainment system with built-in reverse camera, the latter a boon for easier and safer parking.

No change to the mechanicals, which continues with the 2.5l DOHC 16-valve common rail direct injection turbocharged block offering 134bhp at 3,500rpm and 314Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, mated to an INVECS-II four-speed automatic transmission.

The Pajero Sport GS comes with a choice of four colours, these being Eisen Gray Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Platinum Beige Metallic and White Pearl. The vehicle is priced at RM161,531 (on the road, without insurance), and comes with a two-year or 40,000km free maintenance program.

Sisma Auto launches Mark 4 Jaguar XJ

Source from: Star Motoring
Credits To: Anthony Lim

Sisma Auto last night unveiled the new Jaguar XJ luxury saloon at the Jaguar Lifestyle Gallery in Pavilion during an exclusive media preview.

The X351, the company's four-door flagship, enters the local market in two long wheelbase forms. At point of launch, there's the 5.0L V8 Premium Luxury, which retails for just under RM1mil, and this will be followed by the 5.0L V8 supercharged XJ Supersport.

Both also feature the AJ-V8 block, here in Gen III form, with the pot in the normally aspirated XJ putting out 380bhp at 6,500rpm, with 515Nm of torque at 3,500pm, mated to a six-speed auto transmission. As for the supercharged unit, this one offers 503bhp at 6,000-6,500rpm and 625Nm of torque from 2,500-5,500rpm.

The design features a radical, complete break from the traditional XJ styling as featured on the Mark 3 X350, which essentially evolved and grew from the Mark I. This is a flowing, curvy creature that has more in common with the XF than with its predecessor.

Otherwise, it's all pretty much what you'd expect a Jaguar to be. Key features include an innovative new panoramic roof designed to accentuate the natural space within, as well as a beautifully detailed cabin that is highly customisable. Customers have a choice of fourteen interior colour themes and eleven beautifully crafted veneers to personalise their car.

As found also on the 2010 Range Rover, the XJ features a 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments Panel complementing an innovative, dual-view technology 8-inch touchscreen that allows the passenger to watch movies while the driver accesses the vehicle’s functions or satellite navigation.

Plenty to sing about too, what with a premium 1200 watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system on call, and advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive-based audio and navigation systems, with comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

Elsewhere, there's air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering, among other tech gear, as well as LED tail lamps and Xenon headlamps with front LED signature lights.

More from Pebble Beach

Before making it into the show, Dad and I started to wonder what exactly was inside the gates, considering that the parking lot and grounds before the main entrance hosted a great variety of classics and the Hottest concepts and performance and luxury cars available. Including: Bugatti and Bentley (this year's sponsors), Telsa, Porsche, Lexus, Infinity, Spyker, McLaren, Rolls Royce, and a few from specialty design teams I've never seen before such as Tramontana and Iconic. It was beautiful!

Might I add that my dad looks pretty spiffy next to that Bugatti Veyron!

Nissan recalls 51,100 hatchbacks

Source from: Star Motoring
Credits To: Anthony Lim

Nissan is recalling 51,110 of its Cube hatchbacks in the United States and Canada because of possible problems with fuel spilling during rear end collisions.

In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nissan said on Mon tests conducted by NHTSA safety regulators found more fuel spilled than federal standards allow. The spillage occurred during rear end crash tests at 80kmh where the vehicle also spun onto its side.

Nissan said its own earlier tests did not show any fuel leakage, but it will issue a voluntary recall. It notified dealers last week and will contact owners on Aug 30. Dealers will attach a special protector to prevent leaks. There have been no injuries or incidents reported by drivers, according to Nissan.

The recall covers model year 2009 and 2010 Cubes made between Jan 30, 2009 and July 30. It includes 45,700 in the United States and 5,400 in Canada. Cubes sold in Europe and Japan are not included because they use different parts.

A sporty four-door aimed at urban drivers, the boxy Cube was introduced in Asia before being sold in the US last year. US buyers have snapped up 15,530 through June this year, a 300% increase over the same period a year earlier.

Toyota reported a similar problem last month from NHTSA tests of a Lexus hybrid. The automaker also did not find problems in its own tests, but issued a recall anyway.
- AP

Honda plans electric vehicle, plug-in in 2012

Source By: Star Motoring
Credits To: Anthony Lim

 Honda will start selling an electric vehicle as well as a plug-in hybrid in 2012 in the US and Japan, joining the race to manufacture green cars in which rivals have already taken slight leads.

The plans were disclosed by Honda president Takanobu Ito at the Japanese automaker's facility in the Tokyo suburb of Wako yesterday.

"Honda has no future unless we achieve significant reduction in CO2 emissions," he told reporters. "The next 10 years will be a true test for Honda's survival."

Coming up with good cars quickly and at affordable prices is now crucial to score success in changing times, he said. He added that the world's needs were shifting to small and green vehicles.

Right now, the flag bearer for the movement - the Insight.

Ito declined to give details of the vehicles, including the batteries - the key component - they would use, but said green technology was becoming increasingly important in the auto industry.

The company makes the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, but has not given concrete plans for a plug-in or EV previously.

Under its new strategy, Honda will resume preparations for its Yorii plant in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo to begin production in 2013 and focus on green models. Honda dropped a previous plan to build a new plant in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, it said.

Ito denied Honda was ever disinterested in electric vehicles, as was the impression among some analysts and media reports.

Japanese rival Nissan has already begun taking orders for its Leaf electric car, which is set to arrive in Japan and the US later this year. Toyota is also planning an electric vehicle model for 2012. Mitsubishi Motors began selling its mass-produced electric vehicle, the iMiEV, earlier this year.

The hybrid version of the Fit is set to go on sale later this year.

The Japanese aren't the only ones planning EVs, with American, Chinese and other global makers also developing electric vehicles.

Toyota announced earlier this month it is working with US electric vehicle upstart Tesla Motors to develop an electric version of Toyota's RAV4 small crossover vehicle, with plans to begin selling it in the US in 2012.

Ito also said Honda will beef up its lineup of gasoline-electric hybrid models, while declining to give details. Within the next year, Honda will introduce several hybrid models, mainly small models, including the Fit hybrid set to go on sale later this year in Japan, he said.

Honda has decided to focus on emerging markets such as India, China, Indonesia and Africa to boost growth while not being as aggressive as in the past on expanding Japan production, which will focus on advanced technology, said Ito.

Emerging markets still hold potential for tremendous growth while the Japanese market has been stagnant for years and cannot hope to recover unless North American demand recuperates, Honda officials said.
- AP

Nissan Skyline BNR32 August 1993 Onwards

Basic Information

Power Delivery System: 4WD ( 4 Wheel Drive )
Model Code: KBNR32RXFS7
Gearbox: 5-speed Manual Gearbox

Measurement
Length x Width x Height: 4545 x 1755 x 1340mm
Cabin Length x Width x Height: 1805 x 1400 x 1090 mm
Wheelbase: 2615mm
Tread (Front): 1480mm
Tread (Rear): 1480mm
Ground Clearance: 135mm
Curb Weight: 1480kg
Passengers: 4 persons
Doors: 2 Doors

Engine
Type Water Cooled In-Line 6 DOHC 24 Valves Intercooled Twin Turbocharged

Engine Model: RB26DETT Turbocharger: Turbochargers with Intercooler
Displacement: 2568cc
Compression Ratio: 8.5
Bore: 86.0mm
Stroke: 73.7mm
Fuel Injection System: Nissan EGI(ECCS) Electric Fuel Injection System
Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium Petrol
Fuel Tank Capacity: 72L

Performance
Max Power: 280ps/6800rpm
Max Torque: 36.0kg-m/4400rpm
Fuel Consumption (Japanese 10/15 Mode): 8.2km/L
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.3m

Powertrain / Steering System
Steering System Rack and Pinion with Power Assist
Tyres (Front): 225/50R16 92V
Tyres (Rear): 225/50R16 92V
Brake System (Front): Ventilated Disc
Brake System (Rear): Ventilated Disc
Suspensions (Front): Independent Strut Multi Link
Suspensions (Rear): Independent Strut Multi Link

Nissan Skyline BNR32 August 1989 Onwards

Basic Information 

Power Delivery System: 4WD
Model Code: KBNR32RXFS
Gearbox: 5-speed Manual Gearbox

Measurement
Length x Width x Height: 4545 x 1755 x 1340mm
Cabin Length x Width x Height: 1805 x 1400 x 1090 mm
Wheelbase: 2615mm
Tread (Front): 1480mm
Tread (Rear): 1480mm
Ground Clearance: 135mm
Curb Weight: 1430kg
Passengers: 4 persons
Doors: 2 Doors

Engine

Type Water Cooled In-Line 6 DOHC 24 Valves Intercooled Twin Turbocharged

Engine Model: RB26DETT
Turbocharger: Turbochargers with Intercooler
Displacement: 2568cc
Compression Ratio: 8.5
Bore: 86.0mm
Stroke: 73.7mm
Fuel Injection System: Nissan EGI(ECCS) Electric Fuel Injection System
Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium Petrol
Fuel Tank Capacity: 72L

Performance
Max Power: 280ps/6800rpm
Max Torque: 36.0kg-m/4400rpm
Fuel Consumption (Japanese 10/15 Mode): 7.0km/L
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.3m

Powertrain / Steering System
Steering System Rack and Pinion with Power Assist
Tyres (Front): 225/50R16 92V
Tyres (Rear): 225/50R16 92V
Brake System (Front): Ventilated Disc
Brake System (Rear): Ventilated Disc
Suspensions (Front): Independent Strut Multi Link
Suspensions (Rear): Independent Strut Multi Link

Toyota and Tesla to build electric RAV4 in 2012

Source from: Star Motoring
Credits To: Anthony Lim

Toyota and electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors will work together to develop an electric version of Toyota's RAV4 small crossover vehicle, with plans to begin selling it in the US in 2012, the companies announced Fri.

Tesla already is working on the electric power system for the RAV4. The electric car maker has built one prototype for testing and plans to deliver a fleet of them for Toyota to evaluate sometime this year. - AP

Honda Malaysia Introduces Civic 1.8S-L

Source from: Anthony Lim
Credits To: Star Motoring

Honda Malaysia has introduced a new variant of the Honda Civic sedan called the Civic 1.8S-L.

The Civic 1.8S-L adds a number of value added luxury features, namely cruise control, audio remote control on the steering wheel, door mirror with side turn indicators, metallic meter side panel and chrome outer handles. Oh, and the seats on this one wears leather.

The variant is available in the current Civic colour line-up of Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Sparkle Gray Pearl and Urban Titanium.

Priced at RM119,980 (on-the-road, with insurance), Honda Malaysia is looking at the 1.8S-L to account for 30% of the 750 units of the Civic it is targeting to sell per month.

2009 Toyota Matrix Car Images

2009 Toyota Matrix Side View

Proton launches improved Exora

Source from: Anthony Lim
Credits To: Star Motoring

 Proton today introduced its improved Exora MPV, which of course contains a series of enhancements designed to further cement the vehicle's status as a practical, stylish and affordable full-fledged, seven-seater people carrier.

No changes to the mechanicals and running gear, with the 1.6l Campro CPS block continuing as is with 125bhp and 150Nm in the MPV, which is available in Base, Medium and High-line variants in both manual and automatic transmission form.

All three variants feature a brand new interior colour theme, steering wheel finishing and door inner handle finish. The High-line variant benefits from the most number of refinements - these include a new centre panel and panel shift lever finishing, chrome garnish for the fog lamps, door visors, as well as a boot organiser.

Both the High and Medium-line variants also come factory-fitted with new design 15-inch alloy wheels and all-round body kit.

The Exora is available in five colour choices, these being Genetic Silver, Solid White, Tranquility Black, Blue Haze and Plum Red (for the Medium and High-line).

It is priced at RM58,998 (B-Line MT), RM65,998 (M-Line MT), RM70,998 (M-Line AT) and RM76,998 (H-Line AT), all on-the-road (Peninsular Malaysia and metallic-based), and comes with a five-year or 175,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

Proton also took the opportunity to launch its Drive for Celebration campaign in conjunction with its 25th Anniversary. The campaign, which runs from July 15 to Sept 30, features an exciting online contest where contestants stand a chance of winning a grand prize of an exclusive 25th Anniversary Edition Proton Persona.

There is also an SMS contest where contestants can win service vouchers worth RM1,000 by simply booking a brand new Proton car.  As part of the campaign, Proton owners can also take advantage of great Balik Kampung deals, where owners will be entitled to 50% off labour charges when replacing selected parts for their cars.  To boot, the company will also be holding a Proton 4 You Day this coming July 17-18 weekend at all of its Sales Networks in Peninsular Malaysia.

Price of the Petrol is Up!!

Source from: Anthony Lim
Credits To: Star Motoring

So, effective today, the subsidisation of petrol - as well as that of sugar - has been reduced, the first step in a gradual implementation of a broad rationalisation effort, as the Government says.

Pricing at the pump for RON 95 petrol is up by 5sen to RM1.85 per litre, as is the case for diesel, up 5sen to RM1.75 per litre. As for LPG, this has gone up 10sen to RM1.85 per kg.

RON 97 will no longer be subsidised, and will be subjected not to a free float, but rather a managed float, where the price will be determined by the automatic pricing mechanism, according to details contained in the full press statement issued by the Prime Minister's office.

A check at a Shell station in the early hours of July 16 revealed the price of RON 97 at the pump to have also gone up by 5sen, to RM2.10 a litre. Meanwhile, Shell's V-Power Racing (not V-Power 97), an unregulated fuel in the overall scheme of things, is now priced at RM2.48 per litre.

It'll be interesting to see the workings and dynamics of this managed float system for RON 97 as things unfold, and how much the pricing will be allowed to float freely between upper (ceiling) and lower (floor) borders  - which is presumably the current pump price for the latter - before intervention comes into play, if it does as such a system allows.

Out and About with the Michiganders

Michiganders?

Those of you that have been following my blog, or know me personally, know that I'm not very good at sitting still- especially in a unexplored city. Since this is my first experience in Detroit when there wasn't snow on the ground...I took advantage.

On Sunday, Johanna and I visited the midtown area of Detroit and enjoyed an afternoon walk along the St. Clair River, which runs between the US and Canada. We treated ourselves to cold treats as we watched families play in the water displays and restored carousel.

On Monday, I only had one interview in the morning. After that, I headed to Dearborn, where I visited The Henry Ford. Well, this was actual a surprise. I was going to check out the Benson Ford Research Center, but I didn't realize where it was until I entered the grand gates of the Ford campus.

The Research Center was located between the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

I had done the Museum on a past visit, but never had the opportunity to visit the Village (since the temperatures were in the low teens). I couldn't pass up this chance on such a beautiful day. Greenfield Village is a recreation of historic homes and businesses by the Ford Family. This is a great way for a family (or lonely graduate student) to spend the day while learning about America's historical past.

On Wednesday, I joined friends from NUSIP (last summer's study program in Japan), who attend the University of Michigan. We ate at a vintage diner on Woodward before heading to Hitsville, USA- the birthplace of Motown. This tour at the Motown Historical Museum hit home for my nostalgic heart. That evening, we grabbed Jo from work then enjoyed a night of Japanese style kareoke in Ann Arbor (which is possibly one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen...with or without the snow).

With the cancellation of Friday's interview, I took a drive down Woodward trying to catch a preliminary glimpse at the classic participants in this year's Woodward Dream Cruise.

What is the Woodward Dream Cruise?

The world's largest one-day automotive event, which runs from 9am-9pm along Woodward Avenue, through nine host communities from Ferndale to Pontiac. The Dream Cruise took place today, which is unfortunate considering that I was traveling for 15 hours of the day trying to reach California. Luckily, the overly-anxious were all ready out and about woodward, showing off their toys throughout the week. Once I add photos to my Flikr album, you'll see snap shots taken from the car.

That evening, we finished my trip with an amazing Jason Mraz concert and a rootbeer float.

Peugeot and Naza to build C-segment sedan together

Source from: Anthony Lim
Credits To: Star Motoring

Peugeot and Naza have signed an agreement which will see both parties building a sedan model together, as part of the French carmaker's plans towards expanding its presence in the region as well as cementing its partnership with the Malaysian company.

The sedan will be a C-segment offering, with assembly due to begin in the second half of 2011 at the Naza plant in Gurun. Sales will begin in early 2012, and the projected volume for the model is 70,000 units.

This follows on the current plan for the local assembly of the B-segment 207 sedan, which is slated to be launched in the last quarter of 2010.

2010 Camry LE Images

2010 Camry LE Car Show

2010 Camry LE Car Interior

2010 Camry LE Rear View

US government to push EV battery development

Source from: Anthony Lim
Credits to: Star Motoring

The White House plans to promote its work to develop electric cars in the US this week, dispatching administration officials across the nation to discuss advanced batteries and new vehicles powered by electricity.

President Barack Obama will travel to Holland, Michigan, on Thursday for the groundbreaking of a Compact Power factory, which received US$151mil from a federal stimulus program to open the US$303mil plant. The factory is expected to manufacture lithium ion cells and employ about 450 people by 2013.

Pushing clean energy, Obama has vowed to bring a million plug-in hybrid vehicles to US highways by 2015 and his administration has set aside billions of stimulus dollars to bolster US battery manufacturers. The funding is aimed at creating a battery industry in the US that can compete with Asian manufacturers and help the US reduce its dependence on imported oil.

Soon, there will be rivals to Japanese EV battery manufacturers.

The administration will hold several events this week to emphasise new high-tech jobs spurred by electric vehicles, said a White House official. The official was not authorised to speak publicly before an official announcement. Other events are planned this week in Vermont, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The Obama administration has provided US$2.4bil in federal grants to develop next-generation electric vehicles and batteries. The government has estimated the stimulus funds could spur the production of 500,000 advanced batteries a year by late 2014.

A report to be released on Thurs by the Energy Department will estimate that stimulus funding could bring down battery costs from US$33,000 for a battery with a 100-mile range to US$16,000 by the end of 2013 and to US$10,000 by the end of 2015. More than 20,000 electric vehicle charging stations will be available by 2012, compared with less than 500 before the stimulus program began, the report will say. - AP

2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax

2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Car Picture

2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Dasboard

2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Engine

The Experience Honda 3S Campaign Returns !!

Source from: Star Motoring
Credits to: Anthony Lim

Honda Malaysia has begun a three-month long customer reward campaign for 2010, aimed at rewarding existing Honda owners and potential customers, be it for routine maintenance, test-drive or sales and after-sales services.

The Experience Honda 3S Campaign began at the start of July and runs until Sept 30. During the campaign period, buyers of the Accord 2.0 VTi and 2.4 VTi-L will be offered one of the two package options - free extended service and maintenance (for the first 30,000km or 18 months, whichever comes first), or a free Garmin GPS navigation system.

On top of that, existing customers will also enjoy 25% savings on spare parts. Those who spend more than RM300 and above in a single bill at the service centre will be given service vouchers.

Meanwhile, those into car accessories will be glad to hear that the purchase of the optional Connex SVR (Stolen Vehicle Recovery System), which is compatible with the City, Civic, CR-V and Accord, gets you a waiver on the first year subscription fee, which is worth RM360.

To boot, throughout the three-month campaign, exclusive Honda merchandise will be given away to those who test drive or service their vehicles at any authorised Honda dealers.

Continental Launches ContiComfortContact CC5 Tyre

Source from: Star Motoring
Credits To: Anthony Lim

Continental Sime Tyre yesterday introduced its latest passenger car tyre, the ContiComfortContact CC5, into the Malaysian market. The new offering replaces the ContiComfortContact CC1.

Engineered in Germany, and made at the CST plant in Alor Star, the tyre, which will be available in 31 sizes from 13-inch to 16-inch in Asean markets and in four and five-block patterns, is the first ever tyre Continental has engineered specifically to cater for Asian motorists.

Apparently, here in Asia, consumers, while looking for performance, tend to value ride comfort and low noise levels as well, arguably ahead of performance. According to Conti, features expected by customers of a tyre made by a premium brand for the compact segment places comfort ride at the top of the key preference heap at 45%, followed by economy at 25%.

So, the result is the CCC5, which of course offers a substantially quieter, more comfortable ride than its predecessor, the CCC1. Other improvements over the latter include shorter braking distance and improved handling performance.

Technical elements that help the CCC achieve low noise levels include a ‘noise breaker’ utilised from Continental’s Silent Tread Pattern Groove Technology, which helps break air-waves in the longitudinal grooves, thus reducing noise, but without a compromise in performance.

Elsewhere, the CCC5 incorporates V-shaped sipe inner ribs on the tread blocks to enable smoother rolling aspects throughout the tyre's circumferential, thus having an optimum driving comfort, and the tyre also features advanced silica compound technology, which helps minimize rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency.

At launch, 12 sizes are available, with the rest of the model range slated for gradual introduction into the market as the year progresses. Sizes start from 175/70 R13 right up to 235/60 R16.

The ContiComfortContact CC5 range is made up of:

70 series

175/70 R13 82 H
185/70 R14 88H

65 series

175/65 R14 82 H
175/65 R15 84 H
185/65 R14 86 H
185/65 R15 88 H
195/65 R15 91 V
195/65 R15 91 H
205/65 R15 94 V
205/65 R16 95 H
215/65 R15 96 H

60 series

185/60 R14 82 H
185/60 R15 84 H
195/60 R15 88 V
205/60 R15 91 V
205/60 R16 92 H FR
215/60 R15 98 H
215/60 R16 95 V FR
225/60 R15 96 H
225/60 R16 98 V FR
235/60 R16 100 V FR

55 series

165/55 R14 72 H FR
185/55 R15 82 V FR
185/55 R16 83 V FR
195/55 R15 85 V FR
205/55 R15 88 V FR
205/55 R16 91 V FR
215/55 R16 93 V FR
225/55 R16 95 V FR

50 series

195/50 R15 82 V FR
205/50 R15 86 V FR

Ultra Racing Babes @ Superautomix (02/03/04 July 2010) Part 2

Source by: Ultra Racing (UR)
Credits To: Jun loong