BMW ActiveHybrid 5

BMW has launched its next installment of ActiveHybrid model with the F10 5-series, dubbed BMW ActiveHybrid 5. In this application, the car combined the TwinPower 3.0l in-line 6 engine from 535i model is combined with electric motor driven by lithium-ion battery stored in luggage area. The drive is channel to the customary rear wheel via 8 speed automatic transmission.

The powertrain generates a combined power output of 340bhp and 450Nm of torque and allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60 km/h. The electric motor power is 55bhp and has 210Nm or torque from standstill.. Century sprint is completed in breathtaking 5.9 seconds. Fuel consumption rate is around 6.4 - 7.0 litres every 100km, similar to well-mannered drive in Perodua Alza 1.5!

The car has an intelligent energy management to harness maximum efficiency from the hybrid drivetrain. The lithium ion battery is recharged when the car is coasting and braking, when the electric motor form the roles of generator feeding the high voltage battery. On the opposing driving envelope, under heavy acceleration, the electric motor can deliver ultra dynamic burst of power giving the car an edge in its performance.

In the ECO PRO mode, the car gasoline powertrain can be decoupled completely and switched off while coasting at 160 km/h. This gives the car a comfortable cruising when the kinetic energy has build up previously.  Hybrid stop-start function is included too to prevent wasteful idling at traffic light and junction.

Myvi top the sales chart - again in August 2011

Myvi has stamped its superiority in Malaysia's market once again this month with 7,881 unit registered in August 2011, narrowly beating Proton Saga which 7,214 units were sold. However, Myvi August sales is 566 units less than July figure, leading up to the suspicion that the July sales figure might merely an accelerated back log delivery, instead of pure sales. However, this needs to be monitored over the next few month for confirmation.

As a brand, Perodua sold 18,174 unit compared to 16,185 of Proton in August 2011. Perodua however led a bigger margin last month by 4,109 unit compared to 1,989 unit this month. In terms of overall 2011 sales, Perodua has sold 114,016 cars, 342 units more than its nemesis Proton. Toyota, Honda and Nissan complete the top five. On overall national sales figure, August sales of 56,555 units of vehicles is 17% more than July sales figure.

For more complete data of August car sales, head to Motortrader:

By Brand: http://www.motortrader.com.my/Cars/NewsHeader/News-in-2011/Market-Reports/August-2011-Market-Report-(Brands).aspx

By Model:http://www.motortrader.com.my/Cars/NewsHeader/News-in-2011/Market-Reports/August-2011-Market-Report-(Models).aspx

Nissan Latio facelift - range rationalized and priced from RM89,900

ETCM has launched the facelifted Latio model, with the range simplified from current a few model range down to just two variants. Previously, Latio range consists of sedan with both 1.6l and 1.8l engine with the former available with either automatic or manual transmission. The bigger capacity engine meanwhile was paired exclusively to automatic transmission. The hatchback Latio Sport is however is available exclusively with 1.6l engine only and paired to 4 speed automatic gearbox. Now the range has been simplified to Sedan 1.6l and Hatchback Latio Sport 1.8l. Both version comes only with autobox.

The facelifted sedan gets a nose job with new front bumper and grille assembly while its a status quo at the back. The hatchback meanwhile gets more through makeover with the afore-mentioned nose job, plus new rear combi and rear bumper.

Honda Odyssey RB3/RB4 Facelift

The svelte looking Honda Odyssey is due to be facelift soon, with the launching coming up on 6 October 2011. Below is the teaser of the facelifted car.

More details at http://www.honda.co.jp/ODYSSEY/new/close-up/

Toyota Wish "Monotone" 1.8S

Toyota Japan has launched a special edition of Toyota Wish 1.8S. The never-yet-arrived model in Malaysia gets a host of cosmetic enhancement to bring up the aesthetic exclusiveness of this family MPV.  The MPV comes only either black or white, and each color gets its own exclusive interior trimmings.

The "Monotone" special edition comes with smoked headlamps, dark chromed front grille and rear license plate garnish, darker shade on alloy wheels and door outside handle with chrome strips. The Monotone interior is characterized by special fabric and trimmings on the console. The interior trims are different between white and black Wish Monotone. 

Mechanically, the car is unchanged. With the ever-increasing popularity of recond Toyota Wish in our market, perhaps in a year or two, some of this special edition model will found its way to Malaysia. 

Below is the "Black" Monotone special garnish and trim:

 Smoked-plated front grille

Mahindra XUV500 launched

Remember the Mahindra Scorpio, the one you sometimes can see pounding along our streets? The orthodox-looking SUV is actually a recent car, totally opposed by its aesthetics. The drivetrain even include an automatic gearbox with 6 forward ratios. Now the sucessor model has arrived. And it is bang in 2011 kind of look.

Its manufacturer draws the inspiration from Cheetah, an athletic creature with ever-ready to pounce body curve. The front grille and headlight (complete with DRL) is inspired by cheetah jaw. That perhaps explained the whisker like bar in the black-out panel below the headlamps.

The side profile is characterized by strong beltlines running parallel with the glass lines, before curving with circular lines, where the its originating circle's centre points lies similar to wheel arches. Again, cheetah inspiration is used liberally, with pouncing stance quoted to be the comparison.

The door handle is really unconventional. The cheetah paw-inspired door outside handle pivots around its front edge and you pull it like the bar-type door handle, albeit with different holding points. It is very noticeably funky though. This is very far cry from the forever-old Scorpio.

Build your own McLaren F1 car - from RM9.90

Back in my student time in Bristol, I always dropped by this one modeler shop every other weekend. It is situated in Fairfax Street if I'm not mistaken, in the quiet path somewhere off the Nelson Street. I bought the scale model of Formula 1 cars and some Ferrari cars at that time. During other non-purchased visit, I usually spent time looking the new arrival and the RC car kit and day dreaming about building my own RC car.

Fast forward many,many years, when I'm already back in Malaysia, I found out the price of scale F1 car or any die-cast car for the matter, is exorbitant in Malaysia, thanks to our wrong currency value.

Now, the scale F1 is available in Malaysia, with slight twist, from DeAgostini. Rather than buying a complete car (usually 1:16), now you can build your own at twice the scale. Starting price is RM9.90 only for front wing assembly, and the subsequent part will be released every week until the car is completed. Final price? I don't know, but at least you are forking out the moolah every week rather than lump sump. Admittedly, the price of subsequent part is more expensive the RM9.90.

The car of choice? Its MP4-23 McLaren, the car that Lewis Hamilton drove to his world championship in the year 2008. This is the year when the F1 car is at their peak aerodynamics optimization, with winglets, fins, vanes, ears, horns, ducts, curved, slits, and every imaginable flow-cheater appendages were applied throughout the car bodywork. McLaren is one the most fantastic looking car of the lot that year, and by winning the championship from Felipe Massa did prove too that beautiful cars go fast. 

For more information about the package, head to buildmclaren.com.my and see for yourself. There are subscription too, and with that, some goodies are thrown in FOC. I've bought my kit just now, and I can't hardly wait to start assembling the front wing. Now DeAgostini, can you release the pack all in one go so that the hardcore fanatics doesn't have to wait? Details about Part 2 and 3 of the pack after the jump.

Vettel triumphed the Singtel Singapore GP 2011

Sebastian Vettel won an unchallenge race in the Singapore GP an hour ago. He started off well from pole and lead every single lap leading to the 61st lap still on the lead by 1.737 seconds from Jenson Button. Vettel team mate, Mark Webber completed the top three finishers.

The German was virtually unchallenged as he made perfect gateway from the lights off, followed by Button and Alonso. Hamilton was boxed behind Webber after choosing the inside lane towards Turn 1. Even during Lap 30 safety car interruption, Vettel was unchallenged during the restart as there were few backmarkers between him and the second placement Jenson Button. 

With the finishing order as it was, Sebastian Vettel can't be crowned as the World Champion just yet, as he still need a solitary more points before the championship become mathematically over for other drivers. Full results are as below:

1.	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull	1:59:06.757
2.	Jenson Button	McLaren	+1.737
3.	Mark Webber	Red Bull	+29.279
4.	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	+55.449
5.	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren	+1:07.766
6.	Paul di Resta	Force India	+1:51.067
7.	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes	+1 Lap
8.	Adrian Sutil	Force India	+1 Lap
9.	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	+1 Lap
10.	Sergio Perez	Sauber	+1 Lap
11.	Pastor Maldonado	Williams	+1 Lap
12.	Sebastien Buemi	Toro Rosso	+1 Lap
13.	Rubens Barrichello	Williams	+1 Lap
14.	Kamui Kobayashi	Sauber	+2 Laps
15.	Bruno Senna	Lotus Renault	+2 Laps
16.	Heikki Kovalainen	Team Lotus	+2 Laps
17.	Vitaly Petrov	Lotus Renault	+2 Laps
18.	Jerome d` Ambrosio	Virgin	+2 Laps
19.	Daniel Ricciardo	HRT	+4 Laps
20.	Vitantonio Liuzzi	HRT	+4 Laps
21.	Jaime Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	+5 Laps
DNF
22.	Jarno Trulli	Team Lotus	+14 Laps
23.	Michael Schumacher	Mercedes	+33 Laps
24.	Timo Glock	Virgin	+52 Laps

For full elaboration on happenings, procession and incidents, follow the update on Gpupdate.net.

For full technical updates on car leading to Singapore GP, refer to Formula1.com

Door edge protector - parking dings no more

Have you ever slammed your car door on the next concrete pillar? Better still, ever hit your friend's car door with your car door in office car park? Worry no more as Ford has invented a "Door Edge Protector", and it will make it to production with the new Ford Focus.

We are used to ugly solution like vertical rubber insert and stick-on moulding to prevent our car door from getting its mark due to minor accident like this. Ford solution, however, is more innovative. The black flap you can see here is hidden on door inner panel, where it sits on the outer region from the door latch and weatherstrip. The flap will move into position once the door is opened (even if you open the door by mere 150mm) and can retract in mere 60 milliseconds under door slam movement. No details were given on how it works, but I suspect it is actuated mechanically with some linkage connected to the door hinge or door check, as the door latch is motionless once the catcher has been unlocked during door opening operation. Those unfamiliar with the terms here, door hinge is, well, a hinge like you house door, door check is the little bar at the leading edge of the door (inner side, and usually sits in the middle of the door between upper and lower hinge) and its function is to hold the door from closing back once you open it. It has some stepped build into it that you can feel upon opening the door. Try this on you car, but don't if your car is national car that come with 2 doors that was launched in 2006. That car was known to have weak door check!

Honda CR-V Concept revealed

Solitary photo of Honda CR-V Concept Study was released back in July. After numerous spyshots, leaked photos and leaked patent files, Honda has revealed the full detail of its 2012 CR-V Concept Study, albeit only for the exterior only. Watch the video below for more.

Check out the rest of the photos after the jump.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VGT now in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Malaysia has launched the Pajero Sport with a more powerful powertrain. The enhanced powertrain sports a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) bolted on the 2.5l DI-D commonrail diesel engine, producing 178 PS@4000 rpm and 350Nm@1800-3500rpm of power and torque respectively. The 7-seater now directed its power to all four wheel  via a 5 speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shift. Compared with previous GL and GLS version, the VGT gets an additional 42PS and 36Nm of power and torque and gained an additional gear ratio.

The Pajero Sport VGT costs RM167,375.80 plus insurance. To put it into comparison, the non-VGT GS 4WD is only RM5,000 cheaper. Summarized specs and photos are after the jump

Leaked patent photos of 2012 Honda CR-V

A days after the European Honda CR-V was caught testing with camouflaged, the studio styling surface has passed through official patent filing, according to Carscoop. The patent photos shows the detail styling clearly with hiding no more. As expected, the Concept CR-V unveiled last July previewed the mass-production CR-V saved for the massive alloys and fancy body cladding.

The new styling marks a clear departure from current car awkward front styling, which couldn't be saved even by the midlife facelift. The new SUV sports a cleaner front end, with more cohesive and solid looking. The glasshouse is sharper towards the rear, and featured a chromed belt-line moulding. The rear end now is free from hexagonal motif protrusion of current car. 

The car is scheduled to debut in US before the year end, and will arrived in Europe in fall 2012. World debut is planned to at Los Angeles Motorshow. 

Proton Persona R (P3-21A) at Petronas Section 27, Shah Alam

Funtasticko websites has published a sole photo of Proton P3-21A caught by its reader, Helmi at Petronas Section 27, Shah Alam. Only sole photo. Pity there's no interior shot until today. If you got one and willing to share, my email address is malaysiamotoringnews[@]gmail.com. From the latest information that I get from reliable industry bird, the P3-21A will commence its on-line production trial (P1-stage) soon at Proton Tanjung Malim, if it hasn't already started. Meanwhile, the attention of Proton design engineer now being shifted towards GSC project, their Global Small Car. The Lotus engineers on the other hand, were said to be working on P3-22A, a variation of Persona R. Stay tuned for more update!

Honda CR-V 2012 spied testing in Europe

Honda new CR-V has been been caught testing in Europe. While all the spyshots prior to this were shot in the USA, the new Honda SUV might be undergoing its final stage of testing in the Europe. The styling underneath the wrap however is not item of surprise anymore,as it has uncovered before by spyshots from China. The interior design has been spied too, explained here. The only questions now are the engine choice. The US market is almost confirmed to get a K24 engine and a new 2.5l engine (codename K25 with 201bhp). Photos below are courtesy of Carscoop.

Honda Civic Sedan debuted at Chengdu Auto Show 2011

It is debut again and again for Honda Civic, across many continents and a few permutation of model and variants. Maybe that's how Japanese car maker approach their product marketing, meticulously tuned and customized to specific market preference. What you see here is Honda Civic sedan, previously seen as bland USDM and slightly better looking GCC/UAE version. The China version is slightly different again, and this could point closer clue to how our Malaysian model will looks like, as the taste of these two countries are almost similar.

Two variants were launched at Chengdu for China market, the VTi and Type-S. These two variants are differentiated by engine size. The VTi is powered by 1.8l of R18A variety, with 142hp. The Type-S is powered by new 2.0l that produced 157bhp.

The VTi comes with the option of manual or automatic 5 speed gearbox, while the Type-S is only available in automatic gearbox. The car is promised to have an  improved fuel efficiency, the official quotes are 6.8l/100km for 1.8l engine and 7.4l/100km for the 2.0l lump. Importantly, the choice of engine mirror those available in Malaysia right now, so this could point to our choice of engine too.

The Type-S is marketed as sporty model and it comes with different rims, bumper treatment. The VTi is more conventional with different grille. More details after the jump.

Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE/Extreme - design review and test report

For many people, especially the outgoing Perodua Myvi owner, the new Myvi 2011 represent a cosmetic update solely. While it is newer looking, has more pleasing interior, quieter inside and drives better, it is very hard to justify to upgrade to the new model from the outgoing one. For one, while the Japanese cousin has moved on to dual-VVT and CVT gearbox, the new Myvi soldiers on with old K3-VE engine paired with archaic 4 speed automatic transmission or 5 speed manual. Secondly, it is slightly smaller, evidence in tinier boot. Thirdly, the new styling is an acquired taste. Lastly, the whole world has heard that there's going to be a 1.5l variant, that even with archaic auto transmission 'box can potentially give the new Myvi a gutsier drive. The wait is now over!

How does it drive?

The extra 12bhp and 19Nm of power and torque advantage over the 1.3l brother make its presence clear. The   Myvi Extreme feels more powerful off the line, with more than enough power delivery. I have the chance to test the car over a straight road, punctuated by corner and speed bump and slight uphill road. The ride feels firmer than the old Myvi, but this is the same as the smaller capacity 1.3l model. At low to mid engine revolution speed, the engine sound and feels smooth. However, at higher rev, the noise is quite audible. There's no such opportunity to stretch the car top speed, but the salesman said the car has seen 185 km/h during testing. This is clear advantage over 1.3l automatic version, which struggle to get pass 160 km/h.

The model tested in automatic version. Other than better acceleration and higher top speed, the Myvi SE/Extreme is as per your 1.3l model. The handling is same, with no sport-oriented setup. The drive is great with the finesse steering feel (helped by bulge to rest your thumb on perforated leather wrap) that has optimum spoke thickness ( no different from 1.3). Noise intrusion is OK at mid-speed. Ride is slightly firm over bump. Despite this, body roll is still felt upon cornering. Handling is as per old Myvi too, which is OK to be pushed hard into steady state sharp bend, but any encounter with mid-corner bump or necessity to change direction in high-load mid corner will get it easily out of shape with inconsistent body movement. Brakes is however felt better than Perodua Alza.

Speaking on Alza, it is amazing how much engineering progress Perodua has made in the last two years. The steering design for example, is world better than Alza, and the steering feel has some finesse feel to it, compared to rude feel of power assisted steering of the old. Gear lever shift smoothly into designated slot, none of creaky, squeaky and  stiffness of Alza gear lever movement.

Exterior Styling

Over the 1.3 version, the Myvi 1.5 SE was given a new front bumper design, which include the new upper grille too. Main radiator intake has been enlarged, with two fake side intake on each side, each housing the fog lamp at the centre. The upper grille is finish in contrasting grey with textured square pattern. The lower section of the bumper is slightly lipped, giving an impression of integrated skirting.

The rear end also sports new bumper. True to SE styled, it gained a fake air duct at outer edge on both side, complete with higher-mounted rear reflector. The exhaust tip is now exposed, pointed rearwards instead of down-pointed of 1.3 model. Enlarged spoiler is featured too, and the make-over is completed by SE 1.5 badging on tailgate panel.

The 1.5 Extreme model, as the name implies, gets more extreme exterior garnishing. Over the standard SE front bumper, slightly different side intake (with less bars) , additional contrasting lips and edge skirting have been added. On Majestic Yellow model, contrasting intakes, grille and lip really make it a menacing look. 

Peugeot 308 Sedan debuted in Chengdu

While the car journalist around the globe still catching breath on the massive amount of important new car launched at Frankfurt Auto Show, Peugeot has debuted the 308 Sedan at Chengdu Auto Show. For us in Malaysia, the show nearer to home could signify a better relevance in terms of model showcased over here rather than over there. 

For years, Peugeot small sedan is comical at best. Essentially a booted hatchback, those car were poorly proportioned, and as a results, looks like a hatch, with boot grafted as afterthought. In Malaysia, we were served with Peugeot 207 sedan, essentially an old Pug 206 from year 1998 when the hatch originally launched, with boot grafted on, and underwent into cosmetic surgery to implant a Peugeot 207 face and hey presto, you have a Pug 207 Sedan, proudly launched in our shore in 2010. It even has the rear door from the hatchback model, spoiling the sedan body line entirely.

Peugeot has launched a 308 sedan in Chengdu, and this represents a shift in Asian-market thinking as far as sedan is concerned. It looks coherently integrated at the back, while the front end has been given a facelift inspired by new Peugeot 508.

The latest car side profile is way better than Peugeot previous attempt in creating a sedan from a hatchback. The boot is better integrated with the rest of the body, and the rear door is no longer awkward looking. In short, it looks like a proper sedan.

Proton latest venture - back with Mitsubishi?

Both Proton Holdings and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) made an announcement yesterday about their latest venture. Dato Seri Mohd Nadzmi, Proton's chairman announced that the discussion with its old partner is at the final stage, where the detailing on investment on such JV are being determined, all to be tabled out within two months. The exciting new ventures was announced yesterday after Annual General Meeting, which also flashed some photos of their latest upcoming model, Exora facelift and Persona R (P3-21A). Meanwhile, MMC issued the same statement in Tokyo.

Datuk Seri Syed Zainal later elaborated that the collaboration will cover wide range of areas which will help both companies achieve economies of scale and hence reducing the cost of development. Key areas outlined were:

• Powertrain family range - Proton to manufacture MMC engine both utilization of both companies. This will reduce the new engine development time frame by 18-24 month, not too mentioned about cost saving too. The engine could be manufactured in Proton's TGM plant where Proton is ready to invest in high-capital equipment such as casting facilities
• Collaborate on production facilities - Proton to become OEM assembler to MMC car for its international market, as well as Malaysia. Mitsubishi ASX is tipped to be one of the model of interest.
• Product and platform collaboration - This is said to be between Mitsubishi Global Small and Proton Global Small Car project. Other than that sharing of parts bin and non-core model sharing is also outlined
• Provision of MMC future technology - this cover the electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid and hybrid drivetrain

The event also saw the unveiling for imminent product launching for Proton. Datuk Seri Syed Zainal also mentioned that the Proton Exora facelift is due to make its debut in two months time, where the long-waited Campro turbocharged will make an appearance. A glimpse of Persona R (P3-21A) was seen too.

Perodua officially launched Myvi SE/Myvi Extreme

* Updated - Test Drive Report at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-seextreme-design-review.html

After months of spyshots flying around, and almost a week of allegedly leaked brochure, Perodua has officially launched the Myvi 1.5 model, dubbed Myvi SE and Myvi Extreme. There's no new details that we don't yet know, thanks to a lot of reliable sources regarding the specs and pricing.

The SE version starts at RM50,900 for Solid Color Manual. Going for an auto will cost you RM 53,900. Opt for metallic paint for both model will cost you an additional RM500. The Multimedia System with Navigation is available for Myvi SE Automatic, for an additional RM2,100. 

The Extreme variant starts at RM58,200 for Solid, manual version and goes up to RM61,200 for automatic version with solid paint. As the SE model, going for metallic cost additional RM500. 

Any chance for the manual SE to be a youngster's car of choice, like the Proton Satria in the mid-90's?The manual SE has a century-sprint of less than 10 secs, making it the fastest Perodua ever. The Black Myvi SE, with a dark coloured 16" wheel hooked to lowered suspension set could be a menacing head turner!

Like what you see here? Head to your nearest showroom or buy-perodua.com to book the Lagi Power, Lagi Best Myvi 1.5. Anyway, all the details can be found from my previous posting below:

http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-se-and-extreme-rm50900.html

More details are still to come. So stay tune.

Latest automotive engineering job opening

Fancy working in automotive engineering? There's no better place in the entire Malaysia to do that other than in Proton, where the complete R&D facilities (design, analysis, prototype, homologation and testing) are waiting for enthusiastic individual to join the force in catapulting Malaysia automotive engineering capability towards world standard. Jobstreet listed some recent posting by them which could spark the interest of young, innovative and motivated individual to get involved. Below are the position available as of today.

1. Design Engineer - Powertrain the sole remaining place in Malaysia to do powertrain, except at LEM, the only other place with this job scope (with people of F1 and racing experience no less than that) has been shutdown last April. They need people with 5 years of working experience ( with one complete project, really odd as they are the only one doing it here in Malaysia) and some CAD/CAE experience. Check out Jobstreet or email recruit@proton.com
2. Engineer- Research Energy and Mechanical - 2 years experience and knowledge in alternative energy source. Check out Jobstreet or email recruit@proton.com
3. Senior Executive - Engineering Planning 7 years of experience in engineering development and manufacturing industry and capable of harnessing the team strength. Head to Jobstreet or email recruit@proton.com
4. Engineer - Vehicle Cost Reduction if you ask me, I'll tell you this is a very interesting job as it involved a lot of innovation and you need to go through complete vehicle certification to get the cost-optimised part through mass production.

Proton deployed fleet testing of its EV and REEV to government

Proton today deployed a range of its electric and hybrid car for running trials by various government agencies. 8 units of test vehicles were handed over today at the ceremony in Putrajaya. Proton chairman, Dato' Nadzmi Salleh handed the car to our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The 6 car handed today include 3 units of EV Saga and 5 units of REEV Exora. The Saga, as the name implies is a full-fledge electric vehicles. The charging stations is provided by Proton at ministries office involved in the program as well as providing the home charger system for the personnel assigned to evaluate the car. The Exora MPV meanwhile is the Range Extender Electric Vehicle, which has at least some capability to recharge the depleted battery power on the go.

The Exora REEV will be evaluated by PM office, MITI, KeTTHA, MOT and MOF. The EV Saga meanwhile will be used by MITI, KeTTHA and MOT. Looking forward for their beneficial, constructive, representative and reliable feedback towards assisting Proton in progressing towards mass production stage of these cars.