PETRONAS launch new Auto Transmission Fluid- ATF XP4 Tutela

PETRONAS today launched the PETRONAS Tutela Transmission ATF-XP4 (PETRONAS Tutela), a technologically advanced premium automatic transmission fluid (ATF) formulated for vehicles with SP-IV specification especially for six speed transmission and other vehicles that require low viscosity ATF. It is specifically developed in collaboration with one of PDB’s long-standing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners, Malaysia’s leading automotive distributor Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

The new transmission fluid, which is an innovative offering of PETRONAS’ Fluid Technology Solutions™ (FTS™), is designed and developed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency and excellent gear shift performance. Formulated with premium quality synthetic base fluids and high performance additives technology, the PETRONAS Tutela also provides superior results in anti-shudder performance and enhanced friction durability, oxidation stability and effectively stays in grades, low temperature fluidity and protection against wear, corrosion, sludge or other harmful deposits.

Independent third party laboratory tests have confirmed that the PETRONAS Tutela has enhanced friction durability as compared to other fluids, which translates to excellent gear shift performance. In addition, an on-site testing with Naza Kia Malaysia in an actual driving condition within Malaysia has received positive feedback in terms of the overall performance and gear shift.

Speaking at the launch, Mohd Shobri Abu Bakar, General Manager of Lubricants Business Division said, “As the leading retailer and marketer of downstream petroleum products, PDB is committed to deliver only the best in the industry for our partners.”

“Through our relationship with OEM partners, we are constantly a step ahead of the automotive trend – understand what the industry requires and deliver on this need. With this understanding, PDB has actively worked with our partners by introducing products that meet the demands of our partners and customers,” he added.

Mohd Shobri explained, “Our Fluid Technology Solutions™, which encapsulates the involvement of PETRONAS’ technical experts at the laboratory, right through the F1™ race track and well on to the road, allows us to design, develop and deliver high performing fluids to meet stringent quality demands.”

“With PETRONAS’ FTS™ capability, PDB has successfully developed a fluid of world-class quality that delivers excellence in gear shift performance and enhances fuel efficiency,” he added.

PDB is the first oil company in Malaysia to introduce this type of transmission fluid solution. The PETRONAS Tutela that comes in a pack of 1 Litre and 18 Litres, is now available at all Naza Kia outlets.

 

Kia sets to facelift the Sorento range (scoop)

Kia is set to update its Sorento model with a host of aesthetic enhancement in-line with the contemporary Kia look. The spyshot of the totally un-camouflaged sample reveals the revised outlook. Among the most prominent one is the front fascia design. While the headlight silhouette is retained, the internals have been totally revised with the inclusion of an "eyebrow" along the upper edge, a thinner but sharper upper grille surrounding that lends a look of a bigger opening and  a totally new bumper design.

While there is no shots of the rear end, we can expect a customary rear light graphic revision too. However, don't expect a very elaborate design direction like the Kia Optima K5 or the forthcoming Forte, as Sorento is pitched as the conservative SUV, so the design language should mirrors those subdued cues on the current Forte.

How's the new Kia Forte taking shape?

The next generation Kia Forte K3 is coming soon. Always dubbed as the 2013 Forte, this means that the introduction won't be that far as the MY nomenclature switched year in June. Looking at the spyshots of the new Forte, we can be assured that it will adopt the new Kia design language, which combines the sleek rakish Hyundai silhouette with harder-edged detailing. 

The new Forte is expected to retain the current length of 4,530mm (similar to the new Elantra), and since it shares the Elantra platfrom, wheelbase is expected to grow to 2,700mm too. From the spyshot above, it is clear that the new Forte shares the same cab-forward stance at the new Elantra, depicted by the placement of A-pillar root.

The current generation of Forte is powered by a choice of 1.6L Gamma (124PS/156Nm) or 2.0L Theta II (156PS/194Nm), both mated to 6 speed automatic transmission. For the new model however, expect some overlap with the Hyundai Elantra powertrain, including the 1.8L version punching out 150PS and 178Nm of power and torque respectively.

Some of the important styling cues of the new Forte has been spied, including the shape of the headlamp, rear end fascia and some interior bits. These clearly show that the new Forte has moved away from the staid formal look (which MMN deemed is much better resolved than Proton Preve, which tries too hard to be Forte competitor) to a more svelte-looking creatures. The headlamp is more swept back, and features an intricate inner edge leading to the upper radiator grille. The said grille bears some resemblance with the K5 and K9 model in its width. The rear end is adorned with wrap-around tail light, jointed together by a chrome strip.

More photos after the jump.