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.

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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.

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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