Mercedes Benz Attacks The Giant Volkswagen!!!

A new Mercedes Benz TV commercial has been release and the star of the show is none other than the Mercedes Benz E-Class. Featuring in this commercial a look like of Ferdinand Piech, playing as the grim reaper. As you may know, Mr Piech is a legendary figure in German automotive scene and currently he is the Chairman of Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG.

Actually the commercial depicts Mr Piech look alike as a grim reaper ready to take the soul of the Mercedes Benz driver, he even say's "Sorry" before getting ready to do his thing. Luckily the technology behind the latest Mercedes saves the driver and the driver replied back with a "Sorry".

As you may know, Volkswagen has rather a big ambition to become the World's largest car maker by 2018 and they have set to beat the Mercedes. Seems like Mercedes has response to Volkswagen reign of empire with this commercial. It would be great to see what's the answer from Volkswagen.

source: Mercedes-Benz.tv

Audi A1 "the next big thing" movie 4 of 6

Here is the fourth installment of the 6 part miniseries “The Next Big Thing” featuring the Audi A1, sexy back Justin Timberlake and the Dominican sexy queen Dania Ramirez. So far the story line still a bit blur and the action is now much more intense as compared to the previous episode. Well enjoy the video.

Audi A8 Promo Video!!

The video shown above is the Promo Video of the Audi A8 with it powerful W12 engine. Well the video does shows the luxary offered by Audi A8, but to me the design is way too boring compared to the other Audi's line up. Even with those luxary offered by Audi, to me seems like the money is rather well spend on a BMW, Mercedes or even the new Jaguar XJ. It's just my humble opinion. What's yours?

World's Largerst Auto Mall!!

Autopia Animation final from GADarchitecture on Vimeo.

This is truly a heaven on earth for car lovers. 200 car galleries displaying 2526 different kind of vehicles in a massive area of 708,661-square-foot. The place is would be the world largest automall and the name is Autopia Europia in Turkey. Autopia Europia features a full race track on top of its auto mall for the prospective buyers to test the care before you drive one home. This massive building house 24 banks, 56 bars and restaurants, and car park with a capacity of 900 cars, cafes that makes a truly relaxing way before you flash your cheque book and write down those zero’s on it. This magnificent building is designed by Turkish global architectural development (GAD) in collaboration with Dara Kirmizitoprak. As this building is so big, one needs to use Segways to navigate the massive structure.

Head after the jump for the pics of this monstrous building

source

Audi A1 "the next big thing" movie 3 of 6

Here is the third episode of the 6 part miniseries “The Next Big Thing” featuring the Audi A1, sexy back Justin Timberlake and the Dominican sexy queen Dania Ramirez. So far the story line still blur and the action is not as breath taking as compared to the "The  Hire" from the BMW mini series. Well enjoy the video.

Crazy Driving In Dubai!!!

Wow looks like Dubai has another road rage mannest much more worse than what we have in Malaysia. For readers outside Malaysia, road rage that I'm talking about here in Malaysia, is "Mat Rempit" which is done by the youngster riding a motorcycle at break neck speed racing rushing through the cars without fear. Well what we have at Dubai is much more intimidating. Well I must admit they have the skill doing it, but what they have done is not proper, with tonnes of money in their hand, why don't you just show your skill at the race track rather than intimidating other road user and the most important safety of other users.

Watch The Up Close Scene Of The Monaco F1 Qualifying

A view of Qualifying at Monaco from AC MCoupe on Vimeo.

We already know who’s in front in the qualifying results of the Monaco GP. What we saw on the tele is what normally we would see before. Let me show you this video as shown above, how fast F1 cars do travel on the street of Monaco. Most of the scenes in this video are at the Swimming Pool Complex. Enjoy the video and think hard how this super human manage to control the car at the break neck speed.

source

Audi A1 "the next big thing" movie 2 of 6

Here is the second episode of the 6 part miniseries “The Next Big Thing” featuring the Audi A1, sexy back Justin Timberlake and the Dominican sexy queen Dania Ramirez. If you wonder who is Dania Ramirez, if you watch the series “Heroes”, she is the one who plays the character of Maya, where she has the powers to kill anyone accept for his brothers by releasing her anger and turn her eyes all black. Well enough of the Heroes synopsis watch what’s Audi installed for us in this series 2. Yee haa

Motortrend Gives You The Mother Of All Japanese Supercars Epic Battles!!

The epic battle of who is the greatest of all Japanese supercars. Is it the Lexus LFA or the “Godzilla” Nissan GTR? Lexus has spent 10 years of research and development for the LFA and the Nissan has spent 5 years scratching their head to have a very successful successor to the R34 GTR. The end result is quite a surprise. Watch the video above and find out the answer. It’s truly an amazing feat.

2011 Chevrolet Cruzu Will Feature A Drop Down Cartridge Oil Filters

Wow a novel idea from Chevrolet, the Chevy will introduce and Eco Friendly Cartridge oil filter on its 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. I’m sure this technology will find it ways to our local Cruze once a facelift job is on the card for Naza. So what’s all about this Eco Friendly Cartridge? You may notice from the pictures above that the oil filter is on top of the engine block and not way down below as usual. The result is a peasy easy way of changing the oil filter on your own.

No more mess or fuss of jacking up the car, go down to the engine and get the wrench to open up the oil filter. This new cartridge filters are basically an internal paper element from the traditional filters and one just need to drop the filter into a housing that is integrated into the cylinder block.

It is a very novel idea. Hopefully our boys Proton can came up with such design into their new engine design, thus really saving the people by changing the oil filters by themselves. Head after the jump for the full press release from GM.

source: GM

Chevy Cruze Will Be Launch On June 10 2010!!

Wow as I said, next month will be a full load of launching event here in Malaysia. We will have the official launch of Hyundai Tucson even though the demo units are already available at some dealers in Malaysia. Besides the Hyundai, Naza will bring in at full force by introducing 2 new models under its distributorship which is the Peugeot 3008 SUV and the Chevrolet Cruze. Too bad I will be missing all this launching here in Malaysia as I will be on a business trip to Japan. For what purpose? I will explain to you later on the next post.

So Chevy lover in Malaysia, the long waiting is over. The Chevrolet Cruze will be launch here soon. The exact date of the launch will be on June 10 2010. A demo unit car will be available to some dealers of Chevrolet in Malaysia by end of this month, so head down to the showroom if you can’t wait till the official unveiling.

As you all know, the Chevrolet Cruze is of the GM’s global sedan and it has received rave reviews all over the worlds. This is one of the models that bring GM back to black. There are rumours that Naza will bring in the 1.8 Litre engine of this C segment sedan and the target price would be around RM100K to RM105K. That would give the Toyota Altis 1.6 Litre a run of its money. I can’t wait for this car to be launch here in Malaysia. For our friend down south, I’m sure they have used to see this car on the road especially on the weekends as our neighbour in Singapore already have this car on their road of more than a year.

Special Tour Package To Visit BMW Plant

To all lovers of BMW, here is your chance to have the “Ultimate BMW Experience”. But first you need to get your air ticket to the States before you can head down to the BMW US plant at Spartanburg, South Carolina.

This tour package is by reservation only and it includes a guided walk through the plant, a visit to Zentrum museum and a 2 hour test drive in a BMW at its Performance Centre driving school near the production plant. This new tour package will enable the fans of BMW to a special visit on the plant floor such as the door line and the paint shop where the old standard tour package does not allowed.

What’s more than fuelling your appetite with good food after fuelling your appetite to your soul. BMW will provide a ‘unique culinary events to experience a decent lunch which is included to the tour package. The whole package will cost you $99.00 inclusive of the said meals.

So are you excited?, please break your piggy bank saving and get the air tickets and the tour package. Speaking of touring a car manufacturing plant. I have something great install for all you guys/girls the reader of Auto Insider Malaysia. I won’t explain much. Let’s wait for my special post soon.

The Hidden Secret To An F1 Cars!!

We know that F1 is a very expensive sport and parts of its expensive cost would be the cost of its cars. Shown on the pics above are some of the interesting facts that we masses probably don’t know the actual cost incurred in an F1 car.

This cost was based on the Ferrari 2009 models and the most expensive item in F1 cars would be the lightweight material (carbon fiber) that they use in order to achieve the lightweight magic and also KM long cables of harness use to connect to 100 sensors and actuators.

Another interesting fact is the cost of the steering wheel which would cost $38,117 where it can control up to 120 different functions from its 23 dials and button. We have seen on the previous post about how complex the F1 steering. If you have not seen the video, please head down to this link. Enjoy the pics above :)

Nasim To Launch The Peugeot 3008 SUV In Early June!!

Nasim Sdn. Bhd the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia is planning to launch the multiple award winning Peugeot 3008 SUV early next month. Even though the booking for this model is now open, according to Nasim they have managed to secure a considerable amount of booking for this particular model. For your information, the 3008 has won numerous awards in Europe including the prestigious What Car? magazine Car of the Year 2010 award. The most interesting part is Malaysia will be the first country in ASEAN region to launch the 3008 besides the European market.

Nasim is very excited about the prospect of the 3008 and they are on an upbeat mood based on the encouraging sales of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia this year. This year, Nasim has revised upwards its sales forecast for 2010 by nearly 30% to 3,800 units from 2,930 units sold last year. In order to achieve this target, Nasim has announced that beside the new 3008 SUV, they will launced 2 more new models and 2 facelift variants.

  Peugeot 5008 MPV                               Peugeot 207 Sedan

The new launch vehicle lined up for Nasim this year will be the 5008 MPV and a B-segment sedan codename T33 which is essentially a 206 sedan. The T33 sedan will be locally assemble in Gurun, Kedah for both domestic and regional markets.

As for the facelifted models, Nasim will face lifted the award winning 308 VTi soon that features new alloy wheels, automatic foldable door-mirrors, roof spoilers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a multifunction display, a new front grille as well as a fully automatic air conditioning. This face lifted 308VTi is also now open for booking if you fancy this French lion.

With the forecast increase of sales, Nasim is not going to sit around with its existing network of 3S, in line with the sales increase; Nasim will launch 2 new branches in Ipoh and Puchong soon apart from the recently launched 3S center in Ampang. As for the current owners of Peugeot, good news for them as Nasim recently reduces its spare parts pricing by 20% in order for the masses in Malaysia can afford to buy the lion brand. Besides that, Nasim has a well stocked inventory worth RM 5.7million to ensure the parts are available when needed by its customers.

Limited Edition Mercedes-Benz 500K Price At A Staggering RM24 Million!!

Yet another limited edition car for the readers of Auto Insider Malaysia; now this model above is the Mercedes-Benz 500K (type W29) which is built between 1934 and 1936. The designated of “K” in its name is denotes to compressor (supercharger) only fitted to the sports car which this model succeeded the Mercedes-Benz 380 which was produced a year earlier.

This model is fitted with independent suspension setup with a double wishbone front axle, double joint swing axle at the rear and a separate wheel location, coil springs and damping which at that particular of time a world first. When you floor the pedal to the metal, the Roots supercharger will works it charms for the 5 litres straight eight engine to produce 160bhp thus making the car capable of reaching 160km/h.

There are 3 different chassis and 8 bodies available for customers during the production days, where there are 2 longer “B” and “C” four seat cabriolet version sat on a wheel base of 3,290mm which is also derived other sedan and touring car models. The models shown in this blog post is the short “A” chassis, with a 2,980mm wheelbase which essentially a two seater 1936 Special Roadster which offered the highest performance.

All models featured an advanced equipment level at that particular of time with a safety glass, a 12 volt electrical system, electric windscreen wipers, door locks, indicators and also hydraulic brakes. There were only 29 Special Roadsters during the 2 year production with the only one here available in Malaysia.

CLK DTM Here In Malaysia, Want To Own One, Please Continue Reading!!

This picture above is the CLK DTM AMG sports car which looks similar to the full race car of the German DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing series that found ways to one of the showroom here in Malaysia. It is reported that there is only 5 units available here in Malaysia and one of them has been caught to my attention at showroom here in Klang Valley. 100 coupes and 80 convertibles were release for sale in Europe, using AMG’s supercharged 5.4Liter V8 producing a healthy 582bhp and a massive 800Nm.

The front and rear track of the car has been widened by 2.9 and 4.2 inches respectively, and the Pilot Sport tires and suspension modifications has allowed the car to pull of up to 1.35g of lateral acceleration. It has been recorded that the car manage to have a century sprint in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 320km/h. As you can see from the pictures, the car has use an extensive array of carbon fibre bits in order to bring down the weight thus giving you the maximum sensation while driving it.

Speaking of sensation, this car also have a paddle shift to be use extensively to bring out the beast out from this car. When it was introduced in Germany, the car cost 236,060 euro after taxes. But do you want to know how much the car cost in Malaysia. Then you have to read till the end of this story as I will unveilved the price and details of how you can have this car in your garage if you do have a very deep pocket.

Limited Edition Opel Corsa, Dedicated For German's Soccer Team!!

The football fever is now on, not only here in Malaysia as Astro is pushing like mad the Astro Byond for the Stadium Astro but the fever also has infected the car industry.

Opel, the Europe division of GM arm, has release a limited edition version of its Corsa Supermini dedicated to the German national soccer team. Dubbed as “Football Championship Edition”, this car will feature traditional colours of Germany’s soccer team combining a white paint job with the stripes running from hood to the rear quarter window.

As for the side mirror, it will also be completely covered it by the German’s traditional colours. It complete its special edition, the wheels are now wrapped in 17 inch alloy wheels finish in black.

On the exterior, it will also features a dark tinted headlights and tail lights and for the interior, it will features sports seats, aluminum sports pedals, leather steering wheel, white framed fan nozzles and a center console finish in piano black.

Comfort creatures for this car includes of air conditioning, stereo CD radio with steering wheel controls, central locking system with radio remote control and also an electric front windows. The car will be retailed from €15,160 for 87HP 1.4-liter Ecotec model.

source:

Limited Edition Ferrari, Scuderia Ferrari One by Cabestan!!

After its break up with Panerai, Ferrari is looking for a new watch maker partner and their new found love would be with Jean-Francios Ruchonnet on behalf of Cabestan, Recent news has confirmed that the deal has been signed and Ferrari will soon have its watches made by the boutique luxury watch brand. The designer for the watch is Ruchonnet and shown above are his prototype.

This watch will be called the Scuderia Ferrari One by Cabestan and it is based on a design combination of the new Cabestan Nostromo and the existing Cabestan Winch Vertical Tourbillon and for this particular watch, it has been influenced by the modern Ferrari design and technology. The middle part of the watch which looks like a bridge is made of carbon fiber and the straps were made by the same leather used for the seats and steering wheel of Ferrari cars.

Rumors are saying the watch will be retailed at 300,000 euros and only 60 units will be produce with the watch movement to have an extremely accurate for a mechanical watch at about plus or minus one second per day. On how to watch the time using this watch, well the time is told on rotating vertically aligned barrels. Now that is what I call cool. According to Cabestan, the watch will only be available to Ferrari clients as what we have seen for any special model such as the Enzo, as it can only be bought by selective Ferrari client.

ETCM Continues With Low Interest Rates For Sylphy And Grand Livina

Despite an impending interest rate hike to all car sold in Malaysia by the financial institution, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd (ETCM) will continue to maintain a special low interest Hire Purchase package for car buyers of Nissan Sylphy and Nissan Grand Livina (private registration only, valid for Peninsular and East Malaysia) until 31st May 2010. Details of these special interest hire purchase are:

o 1 to 2 years – 1.98% per annum

o 3 to 4 years – 2.58% per annum

o 5 years – 2.78% per annum

o 6 years – 2.88% per annum

o 7 years – 2.98% per annum

o 8 years – 3.01% per annum

Proton's New Project, Codename Iguana!!

This article was publish in the CBT (Car, Bikes and Truck) of NSTP regarding a possible new car coming out from Proton stables which is an SUV. The info stated that Proton R&D will propose the SUV to its board of directors for their consideration as it is expected the SUV is catered for the foreign market.

The SUV was reported to base on Exora platform with the front of Exora and the rear is a rip off design from the new Lexus RX. Shown on the pictures was a photoshop impression from CBT. It is reported that the codename of the project is Iguana and it is obvious that Proton has to do a lot of work in order to have a nice design from coming out from the marriage of Exora and the Lexus RX.

Well to me I really don’t understand the people inside of Proton. I know there is a secrecy act that needs to be sign by each employee of Proton, and if this info is true, I have no words about it especially if the car is still under design proposal and validation. Secret is secret and it should not be leaked out as competition in this automotive sector is very stiff, any leak info would mean an advantage to other competitors.

source

Special Presentation From Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes Benz CLK-GTR!!

I know this car is one of my friend’s dream cars. Mercedes has released an official video showing the Mercedes Benz CLK-GTR. This video is a minute long and it is part of Mercedes automaker’s Drive Magazine. You can see the official video from Mercedes-Benz.tv. I will post another set of video when it is release on the internet.

As for the CLK-GTR, there were only 25 units produced and 5 of them were roadsters. Each car is powered by a 6.9 Litre 12 cylinder engine that has a massive power output of 612bhp and a massive torque of 731Nm. This massive car is a FIA GTI championship car that is capable of reaching a top speed of 320km/h. This model was produced from 2005 to 2006 and it was one of the very rare cars to be auctioned off.

There 2 known car that has been auction off which is the coupe version that was sold for £522,500 and a convertible version selling for £616,000. I’ve got a feeling that this car might be one of the most expensive in the next few decades like we have seen for the Buggati Type 57SC Atlantic.

The All New BMW 5 Series Is Here In Malaysia!!

(pictures credit to paultan.org)

The all new BMW 5 series codename F10 was launched today to replace the E60 that was launched way back in 2003. We have read an article that the final E60 that was produced SKD (Semi Knocked Down) has been rolled out few weeks ago from the Inokom factory in Kulim paving the way for this new version. BMW introduce two variant of the new 5 series with the 523i for RM 398,800 and the 535i price at RM598, 800. Both car prices does not include the insurance premium but it is inclusive the BMW Service Inclusive+Repair.

The 5 series will be available to the public of Malaysia beginning of 15 May 2010 with more variants to come when the CKD operation commence back at the Kulim factory. According to Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe, MD of BMW Group Malaysia “we are confident that the legacy of the 5 Series will be one that continues to grow from strength to strength in Malaysia”

The 523i is powered by a 2.5 liter straight six (N52B25) which is a carried over engine from the E60 model which is equipped with Valvetronic & Double VANOS that produces 204hp @ 6,300rpm and 250Nm @ 2,750 but this engine has been tune with an increase of 14bhp and 20Nm of torque compared to the one in the E60 model. Century sprint for the 523i was recorded at 8.5 seconds and it can propel all the way to 234km/h top speed. Both variant of the new 5 series comes with an 8 speed automatic transmission which is called “sports automatic” where there is a steering paddles and M gearshift logic but the steering paddles is only limited to the 535i models. Even though the car has a big “CC” it only consume 8l/100 km with the help of the 8 speed auto box and also the Brake Energy Regeneration (BER) and the Electromechanical steering which is part of the BMW Efficient Dynamics.

Head after the jump for the rest of the stories and also live pictures from the launch

Ferrari Removes The Controversial "Barcode" Campaigns!!

Copyright: Ferrari

Last week we have read an article slamming the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro F1 team featuring a subliminal advertising for its tobacco sponsor Philip Morris. The Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo also slammed the claims saying it was ridiculous.

A peek at the team’s garage on Thursday for the upcoming Spain GP, it was discovered that the barcode was gone and it was replace by a white rectangle with a red scuderia background. However, the team’s outfit including Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa still bears the barcodes.

The Ferrari teams said, the decision to remove the signage from the F10 engine cover was jointly decide with Philip Morris International. The decision made was to put down all the speculation concerning the so called subliminal advertising which was never intended to be a reference to a tobacco brand.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show Is On Track!!

After a bleak automotive market in the year 2009, the organizer of KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) has pull the plug on last year show, now the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) has announced the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010 is pretty much on the track which is scheduled on 3-12 December 2010 at the Putra World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur.

The organizer targeted to bring some 330,000 visitors with 200 exhibitors set to occupy the 30,000 meters of available floor space.

"We are truly excited as preparations for the show are moving forward. With strong signals that the global economy is making a positive turn about, this is clearly reflected in the interest shown by car brands in increasing the space size of their exhibition area and the influx of car makers wanting to participate this December," said Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA and Chairman of KLIMS’10 Organizing Committee.

"We believe that KLIMS'10 will be a great platform for automakers to showcase their exciting new models as we aim to put on a fantastic show for all motoring fans, and we are confident that more exhibitors joining in, to showcase their product designs and technological ingenuity," added Datuk Aishah.

Carmakers who have confirm their participation for KL International Motor Show 2010 includes Chery, Daihatsu, Nissan, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Honda, Isuzu, Peugeot, UD Trucks, Toyota, Westar Maxus, Toyota and our local boys, Proton and Perodua.

Proton is expected to attract the crowd with its showcases of cars and there are special presentations that will be performing by Proton as what I have been told. I won’t spill the beans out, but I can assure you it will be worth while waiting.

The official theme for KLIMS 2010 is "WE CARE", with CARE being the acronym for Commitment, Advancement, Reliability and Environment as KLIMS'10 will add momentum to the Green Campaign by encouraging the automotive industry to showcase environment friendly vehicles and promoting the appeal of these vehicles to the public.

Chevrolet Cruze To Be Launch Here Soon!!

The Chevrolet Cruze is finally here after nearly a year of waiting. This car was supposed to be launched in July last year had to be postponed due to change of official distributor from DRB-Hicom to the recently Naza Group of companies. A sharp-eyed reader has managed captured these pictures which show a few of the Cruze probably performing some local homologation testing here in Malaysia. Rumours have been circling around saying the car will be launched here this month or next month and the targeted price would be below RM 110,000.00. Looks like it’s going to be a busy month for the motor industry this month if the car to be launched this month as Hyundai would probably launch its Hyundai Tucson this time around.

source

The World's Most Expensive Car To Date

Let me present you the world’s most expensive car. It’s not a Ferrari nor a Lamborghini, but a classic Buggati. Only 4 units of Buggati Type 57SC Atlantic were built and only 2 or 3 of these cars are still around to see the light of the day. One of the cars is owned by Ralph Lauren and the other belongs to the late Dr Peter Williamson. This car was auctioned by the auction house Gooding & Company for a record sum estimated of $30~40 million. The auction house didn’t disclose the exact amount or the buyer’s identity at this moment.

Hit after the jump to read the rest of the press release

Source: Gooding & Company

A One of The Kind Audi R8!!

Lego has whip out an astonishing piece of art and engineering by producing an Audi R8 Lego with six speed and reverse gear box, a working brakes, throttle, clutch and headlights and even the door, hood and engine cover opens like a real car. The Audi R8 Lego is not just an art but its functioning parts put it ahead of every working Lego creation. This piece of creation was created by Tyler Reid and he manage to create features that are so detailed from the interior down to door pulls and door speakers, making it the most detailed and complex car any artist has ever built.

Hit after the jump to see the rest of the pics

An Awesome 9 Minutes Video of Unbelievable Engineering Feat. The Ferrari F10 Steering Wheel!!

Here’s a 9 minutes video featuring the Ferrari F10 Formula One steering wheels for those Ferrari fans out there including me. This awesome video explains all the function of the button and it’s response to the car. Wow a truly great video even for me a Ferrari fanatic does not know all the function of the button and its truly amazed you can change almost everything from the front flaps to the fuel mixture setting to the drink button just by pressing a button on the steering wheel. Unbelievable engineering feat. A must watch video for the F1 and Ferrari fanatics.

Now Its Audi's Turn To Show The Miniseries "The Next Big Thing". Move On BMW!!!

An awesome looking short miniseries produce by Audi which is called 'The Next Big Thing' is now online. I truly can feel it’s going to be a short miniseries to be remembered as what BMW has produce previously which is the ‘The Hire’. I still remember when I studied in the UK, my roommates showed me the BMW miniseries and I was truly blown away with the cinematic scenes and also the plot of the story.

Now ‘The Next Big Thing’ is a 6 part mini series featuring ‘sexy back’ Justin Timberlake, Dania Ramirez and the all new Audi A1. The miniseries was directed by Swedish filmmaker Henrik Sundgren and it will be released every Tuesday for the next 5 weeks. Stay tune to this blog as I will upload the videos for your viewing.

So BMW, your move now. Care to challenge?

Volkswagen App My Ride Competition Is Now Online

Previously i have posted an article about the competition held by Volkswagen AG. Basically the competition is now live and software developers can now download the SDK (Software Development Kit). Before you can download the kit, you need to agree with the terms and condition of the entry. Follow after the jump to read on the full details of the terms and condition of this competition.

Basically Volkswagen is the first car company to adapt the ‘open innovation’ idea to its ongoing product development. The competition will run from 3rd of May till 30th of June 2010 where developers need to design the next generation infotainment system based on a touch screen technology integrated to the car centre console. To enter you must be 18 year or over but if you are the staff of Volkswagen, I’m sorry, you are now eligible. Applications entered must be produced in Adobe Flash or Adobe Flex with a minimum size of 380 * 380 pixels, and may only be entered by individuals.

The applications as entered must not have been offered for commercial use anywhere else. Entrants must decide for themselves whether they would wish their application to be published if no patent, utility model or registered design has been applied for or issued. VOLKSWAGEN is not responsible for maintaining confidentiality, nor can VOLKSWAGEN be held liable for the consequences of disclosing applications Prizes in kind will not be paid out in cash. Cash prizes are paid out in euros. VOLKSWAGEN may exchange or substitute prizes at its discretion. If any prize cannot be awarded due to reasons beyond VOLKSWAGEN's control, a substitute prize of the same value will be awarded.

So software developers out there, head down to the URL, and whip out your most innovative ideas and who knows your hard neutron brain work might be used as one of the coolest car in town in the future. I better sign up for this competition. Cross my fingers

source: Volkswagen AG

Suzuki Concept Kizashi Turbo To Blown You Away!!!

Suzuki has just revealed the 2010 Kizashi Turbo Concept on April 30th with conjunction with the Speed Channel Test Drive program. The concept design was conceived by Suzuki tuner Road Race Motorsport based on the pre production Kizashi GTS. The tuner has added its own built 16G turbocharger, high flow intercooler, an extreme spray injector, a blow off valve and a velocity air intake.

This soup up Kizashi produce a whopping 290bhp compared to the base engine of 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine which produce only 185bhp. That’s an enormous 105bhp increase. The increase of hp should be in line with the handling of the cars. The handling has been improved with a set of 19 inch wheels wrapped in Dunlop performance tyres accompanied by the Road Race Motorsports own set of sports springs to the Kizashi independent suspension holding up the uni body frame. For an added down force, this was helped by a rear spoiler from Delta Tech Engineering.

I can’t wait the arrival of Suzuki Kizashi here in Malaysia. There are rumours that the Suzuki Malaysia Automobile will bring in the Kizashi in the 3rd quarter this year. Hopefully the rumours are true as this handsomely looking mid size sedan will definitely pose some serious threat to Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for customers who are looking for a mid size sedan without the uncle look and feel. Some hint to the readers of Auto Insider Malaysia, the engine with the bolt on turbo does look nearly like the one that will be installed on the Proton Campro Turbo engine. I only say looks nearly but not exactly the same. I will shut my mouth now before I spill more beans.

Enjoy the rest of the pics after the jump

Proton Sales Is A Hit In Thailand!!

Our Proton and Mazda had made a headline in Thailand by having good sales thanks to the fresh new products launch that quickly gained favor amongst Thai motorist. The Proton Exora was a big hit in Thailand even surpassing the sales of the recently launched Honda Freed here in Malaysia.

The Mazda sales in Thailand were spear headed by the sales of Mazda 2 with the hatchback version getting the most sales compared to the sedan version. For the first quarter of 2010, Proton sales grew by a whopping 205.4% compared to the year before while Mazda recorded an impressive 521.7% sales increase as compared to last year’s performance.

Based on the market data for the first quarter, Proton has manage to secure the 5th spot for the top 10 car sales with a total sales of 1,930 units sold and in the overall vehicles sales category, Proton has managed to be on the 10th spot overall. Not bad for a car brand which has just been in the scene of Thailand motor industry to achieved such a commendable feat where the market was driven by the Toyota brand previously.

I still remember when I visited Bangkok last year, there were seas of Toyota cars in the Thai capital, but eventually, you will see 3 to 4 Proton cars roaming in the Thai capital. I have the honor to spoke with the GM of Proton Thailand distributor, Phranakorn Auto Sales, Mr Apitchart; he is impress of the vehicle produce by Proton especially the Proton Exora.

He truly amazed with the quality of the Exora that he perceived the quality is on par with the Japanese rival. I even do a random interview asking the man on the street in the Thai capital and most of the people of Thailand especially the youth really likes the Proton cars especially the design; as according to them the design portrays sportiness as compared to the other car brand in the Thai market.

If only the price is competitive in Thailand, it would be a hit among the youth of Thai. Some information for us to ponder here for the Malaysian consumer.

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Sorry For My Absence!!

Hello to all readers of Auto Insider Malaysia. I’m sorry for my absence in past few days. I was down with flu and I think it’s a common disease in this hot, humid weather here in Malaysia especially this time around of wind changing direction. I can’t remember the wind direction specifically, even though I scored an “A” in Geography in my school days  . Looks like I’m too old to remember what I have been thought in my school days. Once again I’m sorry for my absence. I’m back and I will continue to spice up your days with my inside scoop of the auto industry.. seeya.. Happy reading and have a good day.